A Noble Groom

Annalisa Werner finds herself struggling to save her farm after her husband is killed, but to do so she needs help. Heavily steeped in old customs, Annalisa's father sends word back to family in Germany that Annalisa needs a new husband, and although she would prefer a marriage based on love, she resigns herself to an arranged marriage if it means her farm will be saved. Meanwhile, Carl Richards, a nobleman who is wrongly accused of murder, escapes prison and flees to America to find refuge and a chance at a new life. He is given work on Annalisa's farm until her new groom can arrive and take over. Carl's presence, however, changes Annalisa's life in more ways than one. She has never met a man who treats her as his equal showering her with kindness, tenderness, and respect. In time, she wonders if true love could be found with Carl, and if so, ponders what to do about her new groom once he arrives.

A Noble Groom contains the making of a fairy-tale romance by presenting two characters from very different backgrounds who would never have encountered one another under different circumstances. The hardships of farm life draw Annalisa and Carl together transforming their working relationship, to a deep friendship, to a fiery romance. I especially enjoyed Hedlund's rich character development throughout the story. Both Carl and Annalisa emerge as different, much stronger people by the end of the novel. I was very fond of this novel! Very good read!

This review contains my own thoughts and opinions. I have not been compensated by the publisher or author in any way.

This is one of those books that kept me reading late into the night well past my bedtime. I just had to find out how Annalisa and Carls story would turn out. Just when I thought poor Annalisa couldnt go through anymore, something else happened. This story had great characters, much to say about true love, and had me rooting for a happy ending right up to the end.

I really enjoyed reading this book. The story flowed easily. It kept me wanting to read more. I love a sweet, clean romance with believable characters. I wasn't crazy about the Michigan setting but I do love American history and this author always weaves rich historical facts throughout her stories. Jody Hedlund certainly has a gift for writing.

This is the first book I have read by Jody Hedlund and I am a new fan!

The Noble Groom was a book I couldn't put down. It tells the story of German immigrants in Michigan during the 1880's. Annalise, a young girl married to a man ( if you can call him a man) that was not close to a fairytale prince. She worked as hard as she could to make him happy and provide for her and her little girl. Yet, he seemed to destroy all she worked for. Her husband's death leaves her in desperate need, how could she work the farm alone? She would certainly loose everything without a husband.

Carl Richards arrives from the Old Country looking to help her on the farm. What a mess he made the first day, but his gentle and kind ways with her daughter impressed her. What other choice did she have? He was all the help she had until her new husband-to-be arrived from the old country. Could she provide for herself, her little girl, food for Carl and this baby growing inside her?

The story twists and turns and honestly I didn't know what each page would hold, a man hurting her and trying to steal her land. He was ruthless and would stop at nothing to get what he wanted. He was stronger and without a man to protect her, how could she stop him? Death, a murder, a new baby, disease, horrible fire and more happen...the weaving of God's protection and care for you, no matter who you are made me

Smile.

This was a great read. It is a bit heavy on the romance for me..but the story was great. I fell in love with the main characters and even the puppy. Have to admit, I wish Carl was real...very easy to love his sweetness, kindness and they way he cared for the girls. I look forward to reading another

Book by Jody.

This is the second book I've read by Jody Hedlund and I'm fast becoming a big fan. She researches the time period she writes about very throughly and I'm learning a lot about real history by reading her fictional accounts. This book is written about the 1880s and focuses on the German immigration into the northern area of Michigan. There was an epidemic of typhoid fever during this time and she had several of her book characters develop this disease. Annalisa's life mirrors those of the real life people from that time period. After her husband dies, she struggles to run her farm and earn enough money to make the deadline for payment on her property or she could lose it. Her father dictates who she will marry to help save the farm but Annalisa, not typical of the women of that time, stands up,to her father. Carl is sent from Germany to help and a friendship is formed. There are secrets to be learned, struggles to be had and a shocking surprise close to the end that throws a kink into what we had thought all along.....