Today, I will be featuring a book review by bestselling author, Jody Hedlund. While this blog has only about two readers, because not many people want to read about our boring lives, I thought I'd shake things up here with something different.
I received a free copy of this book in advance in exchange for a positive review, but the opinions that I am sharing are my own. In other words, no one is holding a gun to my head. (I am sure you are relieved.)
Forever Safe is the fourth book in Jody's Beacons of Hope series.
Victoria Cole is a beautiful, rich, spoiled young lady. She is engaged to be married, and we find that she has already walked away from the altar two times. While she cares for her fiance, she isn't completely sure she loves him. Though spoiled and rich, she has a good heart. She cares for people around her, as clearly seen when her bodyguard, Arch, is stabbed in the beginning of the story. We don't know who is behind the stabbing, only that someone wants to harm Victoria, more than likely due to her upcoming wedding and the status that will bring to her rich family.
When Arch is wounded, Tom Cushman becomes her bodyguard. After an attempted kidnapping, Tom hides Victoria away at Race Point Lighthouse, where his father is a keeper. Victoria's wedding to her intended, Nathaniel, is canceled, and Victoria and Tom actually become husband and wife on paper, so that they can easily convince people that they are a normal married couple, instead of a rich young lady and her bodyguard. This way, Tom reasons, he can keep Victoria safer.
Victoria undergoes drastic change as she gives up all the luxuries she is accustomed to and learns to cook, sew, and wash clothes. Tom's mother, Zelma, who has suffered considerable loss, takes Victoria under her wing, believing her to be her daughter-in-law. She teaches her how to be a homemaker, as well as, gives her plenty of marital advice.
Here is one of my favorite quotes from Zelma:
"I've come to believe one of the reasons God designed marriage was to help us grow in holiness and character. We get to practice on a daily basis being humble, kind, sacrificial, self-controlled, and so much more."
As Victoria and Tom get better acquainted, they realize they have a lot to appreciate about one another. Tom doesn't spoil Victoria, but challenges her and pushes her to be better. But, both of them are running from something- Tom from his painful past, and Victoria from her fears of the future. As the story unfolds, they both learn to let go and give their hurts and fears to God. Jody does a good job creating realistic characters, who come to realize they can only find true healing in the Lord.
However, their situation is only a temporary diversion. Real life still awaits Victoria, and her former fiance is believing he will still lead her to the altar. When the threat on Victoria's life becomes even more grave, Tom must find a way to save her, and while attempting to do so, realizes how much he has grown to love her.
While I enjoyed the story, I did want to add that in my opinion, there was a bit too much focus on the physical. The characters are legally married and they struggle with temptations, and while that is a real issue for many people, I think the less attention drawn to detail, the better. This is just my opinion, as I would probably caution teenagers reading it for that reason.
As I said, all opinions are my own, and I am very thankful to have this opportunity from Jody Hedlund! She has a wide variety of novels, and I personally enjoy her historical fiction.
