Undaunted Hope Review

 About the Book

Tessa Taylor arrives in 1870s Upper Peninsula, Michigan, planning to serve as a new teacher to the town. Much to her dismay, however, she immediately learns that there was a mistake, that the town had requested a male teacher. Percival Updegraff, superintendent and chief mine clerk, says she can stay through winter since they won't be able to locate a new teacher before then, and Tessa can't help but say she is in his debt. Little does she know that Percival will indeed keep track of all that she owes him.

Determined to become indispensable, Tessa throws herself into teaching, and soon the children of the widowed lighthouse keeper have decided she's the right match for their grieving father. Their uncle and assistant light keeper, Alex Bjorklund, has his own feelings for Tessa. As the two brothers begin competing for her hand, Tessa increasingly feels that someone is tracking her every move, and she may not be able to escape the trap that has been laid for her. (Goodreads)

My Thoughts

 I am a huge fan of Jody Hedlund and have been anxiously awaiting for this book to come out! I love the cover, it's one of my favorites. But there were a few things that just didn't click with me and I didn't enjoy this book as much as I thought I would. First of all it is very similar to When Calls the Heart. Tessa is a new teacher in a new town and the main livelihood is mining. There is also a mean guy who thinks he runs the place (which he sort of does) but with all those things I felt like I was reading or watching When Calls the Heart. The only difference is that Alex works for the lighthouse which is a good I just felt like I had read this story before. Now if you haven't seen or heard of When Calls the Heart then you won't notice and will enjoy this book, as it is well written. The only other thing that started to annoy me was the dialogue. I know a lot of readers like it but it was far too sarcastic and flirty ALL the time. I understand friendly banter between characters but it seemed like they never had a serious conversation and the back and forth silly remarks just were a bit too cheesy for me.  

That being said, I know so many people will enjoy this book and I am still a fan of Jody Hedlund as she really is a talented writer. 

"I received this book from Bethany House for free in exchange for an honest review."