By now, I'm sure you all know all too well how much I enjoy Author Jody Hedlund's books. I know, I know, it is a bit obvious. So, I'm going to go all fan girl (is that the proper use of fan girl?!) on her latest book, A Daring Sacrifice.
Stick with me...I do have some meaningful thoughts at the end. ;)
A Daring Sacrifice is in the teen fiction genre but anyone
13+ years of age would enjoy reading this fast-paced, sweet story. It is the second book in a series involving
Knights. And, really, who doesn't want to dream about Knights?!
Juliana is a late teen who is similar to Robin Hood – steal from
the rich and give to the poor. Juliana and many peasants from the kingdom hide
in the forest for protection from a hideous Lord, who happens to be her uncle. Can you even imagine?! No friendly Christmas gatherings on that side of the family, for sure!!! At first Juliana is raiding/stealing to help people survive. But, is it the
right thing to do? Juliana begins to question her method.
In walks Lord Collin who is a true gentleman. And, I imagine him ruggedly handsome...just throwing that in for free... He is home
after his father died to take over the estate. This life is certainly different
than his role as a Knight under the training of The Noblest Knight.
Juliana and Collin are re-introduced after a certain situation
occurs. As one of Juliana's cohorts said, "He's a nobleman and the only good nobleman is a dead one." Well, now. Read how both of their worlds collide and struggle with understanding
their completely different ways of living. Will their past keep them from
working together for a greater good? They do have chemistry, those two!!
A Daring Sacrifice reminded me of the sacrifice Jesus made
for each of us on the cross as Collin made a sacrifice of his own. At one point, it seemed they wanted to out-do each other in this department. They were both willing to give up something huge for one another. Neither one deserved it, but each was willing to sacrifice for the other. Just like Jesus did for us...
The plot
line also encouraged me to contemplate how my life is so different than the
life of, say, a person in a third world country. Maybe it is because our favorite #2 daughter is flying with a team to Nepal soon. What ever it is, it made me wonder. And, think. We all know how dangerous it can be when I begin thinking deeply. I'm over here in my comfy house and full refrigerator, freezer, cupboards, and a comfy 68 degrees in here. Other areas of the world are trying to survive the next hour or the next day. I can get enraged at the injustice. I can spend money by supporting goods made (fair trade) in those countries. I can even send money to a trustworthy charity or group working in that foreign, to me, land. But, will I ever truly understand what that person's life is really like? I don't have all the answers. I just have many questions and concerns. Oh, Author Jody, thanks for making me think! ;)
As I say with Jody's books...RUN or CLICK over to your favorite book retailer to get a copy of this fabulous book. Well done, Jody!
I received this book from the publisher in exchange for my
honest opinion.
This is Holy Week. A time to really focus on the events leading up to Christ's crucifixion. 
