Jody Hedlund's Unending Devotion tells the story of a young woman serving as a photographer's assistant as she meticulously searches through Michigan's lumber camps for her missing younger sister. Along the way Lily has discovered a passion for helping fallen women toward a better life, knowing that her sister is likely one of these women. The town of Harrison she finds to be a city rife with corruption, and with the reluctant aid of complacent Connell McCormick, the boss of three of the local lumber camps, she searches for Daisy and encourages a spirit of reform. However, the corrupt and powerful people who run the town have no interest in seeing her succeed at either task . . .

The plot starts out at a fast clip and it just keeps going - there is definitely no sagging in the middle before the climax. However, it does not feel like there is TOO MUCH happening either (as opposed to stories where so much happens one just quits caring); it is well paced, and every event is well developed. And oh, the romantic tension in some spots! Regarding the villain, it was shocking how much of the evil in the book is based on real people and events. This book successfully deals with a fair number of problems that easily beset Christians: complacency (going with what society accepts rather than standing up for what God wants), self-righteousness, and self-reliance (rather than reliance on the Lord).

My only issue - and a minor one, at that - is the heroine's personality. She is one of those incredibly idealistic people who is impulsive, never backs down from a fight, and always thinks she's right - which gets her into trouble. A lot. Granted, she is admirable for standing up for what she believes in and throwing herself into a worthy cause, but she does not use her head enough. I like to play it safe and maintain peace as much as possible, so while I largely agreed with what she believes, I cringed at her methods. Thus I connected significantly better with Connell, the peace-maker, than with Lily.

There's passion, suspense, drama, adventure, humor, education and social reform all held together by the amazing story of Lily Young, who tries to rescue her sister, Daisy, from prostitution in the lumber industry ruled Michigan of 1883. She stands for temperance, family and morals against environmental destruction, drunkenness and white slavery. But she stands in her own strength. It's also the story of Connell McCormick, wealthy lumber king, who learns to care about what Lily cares about when he learns to care about Lily. They both learn to stand in God's strength.

I loved that it wasn't just a shallow romance set in an historical setting. It was eye opening to see how that particular historical setting influenced things that are still issues in society today. I didn't just come away entertained - I came away informed, educated and thinking about how social reform works. Well done Jody Hedlund.

Once again, Jody Hedlund has written a story that kept me wanting to turn the page to find out what would happen next. It's a story of determination, danger, and romance.

Lily Young poses as a photographer's assistant in hopes of finding her sister, who has become lost to the world of brothels and prostitution. Facing danger at every turn, she takes it upon herself to rescue all of the young women she can who are trapped in this hideous lifestyle, at times, barely making it out unscathed. All the while, searching different locations, hoping to run into her sister. To her surprise, she finds an unlikely ally in lumber boss, Connell McCormick.

Connell McCormick is the boss of three lumber camps. Trying very hard to live up to his father's standards, he sets his sights on increasing business for McCormick Lumber. That is, until the lovely Lily Young steps into his life, distracting him from his goals. But every time he turns around, Lily is getting herself into hot water with her escapades of rescue. Connell doesn't want to make an enemy out of brothel owner, James Carr, but when Lily gets herself into trouble, his protective nature kicks in and he finds himself rescuing her more times than he can count. And at the same time, falling for the girl with the big brown eyes.

I like the fact that, not only was the story based on historical events, but that some of the characters were actual people, as acknowledged in the back of the book. I would note here that, while Jody didn't go into graphic detail concerning the subject of prostitution, it is still a sensitive subject and might be best for a mature reader to read first. It did make me stop and think, as a Christian, how would I treat someone who might potentially be in that kind of situation? Would I do my best to show them God's love, or would I turn my back and walk away? Definitely food for thought. Great job, Jody! Two thumbs up!

Hedlund's latest story reeled me in from the start. I fell hard and fast for Connell. Wow! Talk about a hero that is sigh-worthy. This hunky, hardworking, principled logger earned some serious hero points. The more I got to know him, the better I liked him. I enjoyed watching him deal with Lily as she challenges everything he stands for.

Lily is one feisty heroine. There are times her impulsiveness gets her in trouble, but I admire her determination. In an effort to save her sister, she's willing to take on anyone, even the vilest of villains. Her major problem is that she doesn't know how to accept help, which puts her very life in danger at times. Learning to lean on others and follow the Lord's leading isn't easy for Lily, but learn her lesson she does—eventually.

The historical romance fan in me loved Hedlunds's depiction of life in the lumber camps of Michigan. I was there, shivering with those out in the bitter cold, hearing the ring of axes echoing through the forest, and inhaling the fresh scent of recently felled white pine. Hedlund's handling of the "white slavery" prevalent in the lumber towns of the time was tasteful and added an authenticity to the story that tugged on my heart.

Hedlund is known for writing fast-paced, action-packed stories. Unending Devotion is certainly that. The story takes off in the first chapter, and the pace just picks up from there. Readers be warned: you could lose sleep over this one. I had the hardest time putting the book down. It's that good.

If you like gripping tales with strong characters that keep you glued to the pages, then Unending Devotion is a story for you. Note that due to the thematic elements of the story, it might not be appropriate for young teens.

Desperate situations call for desperate measures in the novel, Unending Devotion, by Jody Hedlund. The author takes the reader captive, in her return to the logging towns of Northern Michigan in the late 19th Century. Basing her work on actual circumstances and people, she gives the reader a look back, painting vividly a picture of living one might never have imagined existed.

Lily, the main character in Unending Devotion, finds herself on a quest to fulfill a promise to her deceased parents; caring for her younger sister. Circumstances have set her sister on the path of self-degradation, in the brothels, often considered a necessity for the shanty boys in logging towns. Assistant to a photographer, visiting the various towns to photograph the workers, Lily makes diligent search to find her sister. Along the way, throwing caution to the wind, it has become her personal mission to help rescue as many other girls as she possibly can.

Circumstances come to a head in the town of Harrison. It seems that Lily has underestimated the deep corruption and evil that she is up against. However, not everyone in the logging towns is corrupt. Rescued by Connell McCormick, who later becomes very much involved in keeping her safe, Lily has to learn that her hastiness often leads to trouble. The question is, will she be able to keep herself in check when she learns that her sister might be nearer than she ever imagined?

Without telling you the entire story line or the ending, I would highly recommend you find a copy of this book for yourself. It is definitely a read you will not want to set down, even past your bedtime. I enjoy historical Christian fiction and was not disappointed by this author. In fact, I really want to read more of her work!

Some of the things I appreciated about this novel were the well developed characters, the descriptions used to take you back to the logging towns, the story line, the dialogs, and the fact that the author was able to give factual information in a way that was not crossing any boundaries or being too explicit.

I truly believe that when you finish reading the book, you will have a new understand of situations that still exist in the 21st Century. Unending Devotion shows you the sacrifices men and women are willing to make, even in the face of danger, to stand against evil. It was an excellent read.