Beholden by Jody Hedlund

Posted by abakersp in Fantasy, Reviews / Spotlights, YA / 1 Comment

Hello my friends! I am thrilled to be talking about Jody Hedlund’s new series, The Fairest Maidens. I still cannot decide which of her genres I like better, the YA or the historical fiction. They are both so fantastic. Honestly, I don’t know how she does it, switching between genres. It blows my mind. I recently finished reading Beholden, which is book one, and I already have the next one waiting for me to read on my kindle app (it comes out October 20!!).

ABOUT THE BOOK

Beholden (The Fairest Maidens Book 1) by [Jody Hedlund]

In a land where being the fairest maiden is a curse . . .

A beautiful noblewoman with a terrible secret, and a prince subjected to slavery.

Upon the death of her wealthy father, Lady Gabriella is condemned to work in Warwick’s gem mine. As she struggles to survive the dangerous conditions, her kindness and beauty shine as brightly as the jewels the slaves excavate. While laboring, Gabriella plots how to avenge her father’s death and stop Queen Margery’s cruelty.

Prince Vilmar of Scania enslaves himself in Warwick’s gem mine as part of a royal test to prove himself the most worthy of three brothers to become the king’s successor. Amidst the hardships, he doesn’t anticipate his growing compassion for the other slaves, especially tenderhearted Gabriella.

As the annual summer ball looms nearer, Gabriella sets into motion her plan to end Queen Margery’s evil. When Vilmar learns of Gabriella’s intentions, he resolves to come to her aid and fight against Warwick’s queen. But doing so may require him to give up his chance of becoming Scania’s next king, perhaps even cost him his life.

The real Cinderella story.

The Fairest Maidens
Book 1: Beholden
Book 2: Beguiled (Oct 2020)
Book 3: Besotted (Nov 2020)

AMAZON

MY PERSPECTIVE

I was so excited to see that Jody Hedlund had a new series! Her YA books are so magical, fun, and a great escape from the world around, especially now. Hedlund easily captures your attention, makes you fall in love with the characters, and keeps you on the edge of your seat.

Lady Gabriella and Prince Vilmar are such a wonderful couple, as well as characters. Both were strong, a little stubborn at ties, but had huge hearts. Here’s the best thing about them – they both were will to put themselves at risk to benefit others around them. I loved this quality about them. Honestly, in the end, I wasn’t sure how they were both going to put themselves at risk! I don’t want to give away any spoilers, but it was FANTASTIC! Hedlund did such a fabulous job of allowing both characters to do what they needed to do.

And that ending! Yeah, it’s a good thing I already have the next book because I cannot wait to see what happens!! It already sounds like it is going to be amazing. So get out there and read Beholden right away. Trust me, you’ll be hooked! Highly recommend this new YA series from Jody Hedlund. I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jody Hedlund

Jody Hedlund is the author of over thirty historicals for both adults and teens and is the winner of numerous awards including the Christy, Carol, and Christian Book Award.

Jody lives in central Michigan with her husband, five busy children, and five spoiled cats. Although Jody prefers to experience daring and dangerous adventures through her characters rather than in real life, she’s learned that a calm existence is simply not meant to be (at least in this phase of her life!).

When she’s not penning another of her page-turning stories, she loves to spend her time reading, especially when it also involves consuming coffee and chocolate.

One response to “Beholden by Jody Hedlund

  1. Kathleen Newberry

    I too love reading Jody Hedlund books. I can’t wait to read this new one of hers.