Happy Weekend, everyone!!
It's frigid and snowing in my little slice of the world, which makes for the perfect setting to stay indoors snuggled up by the fire reading a good book.
Although most of us don't have the dreamy, Instagram worthy fireplaces--or the time in our crazy schedules for indulging in an all-day read-a-thon. But we can still give ourselves an hour or two--or three ;-)--to relax after the busy work week.
So be sure to treat yourself with some well earned downtime!
Do you have a go-to "comfort" author?
Lately I've been enjoying more "comfort reads" than anything deep and heavy, not that I don't also enjoy a good nail-biter from time to time.
And, for me, Jody Hedlund's books sing just the right note for my overworked mind. LOL.
Although, please hear my heart in this. I'm not meaning anything disrespectful to her writing style. In fact, I love how the stories flow in a softer way and I can enjoy the adventures without getting emotionally involved.
Yes, I know how contradictory that sounds. LOL! It's the exact opposite of what authors want to hear from readers--again, I mean no disrespect, Jody! But this is honestly the main reason why I go back to her stories, and why I pick up more books from her.
I work several jobs engaging with and helping people, and by the end of the week I'm often mentally and emotionally drained (although I still love what I do!). And so comfort reads are the perfect way for me to unwind and give myself a nice break.
Which makes me appreciate the diverse flavors each author brings to the world. Readers interact with books in various ways, and we need all the stories tucked away inside writer's hearts.
So if you're like me right now, searching for low pressure reads to simply enjoy the pastime of reading, then I definitely recommend checking out Beholden by Jody Hedlund.
In a land where being the fairest maiden is a curse . . .
A beautiful noblewoman with a terrible secret, and a prince subjected to slavery.
Upon the death of her wealthy father, Lady Gabriella is condemned to work in Warwick’s gem mine. As she struggles to survive the dangerous conditions, her kindness and beauty shine as brightly as the jewels the slaves excavate. While laboring, Gabriella plots how to avenge her father’s death and stop Queen Margery’s cruelty.
Prince Vilmar of Scania enslaves himself in Warwick’s gem mine as part of a royal test to prove himself the most worthy of three brothers to become the king’s successor. Amidst the hardships, he doesn’t anticipate his growing compassion for the other slaves, especially tenderhearted Gabriella.
As the annual summer ball looms nearer, Gabriella sets into motion her plan to end Queen Margery’s evil. When Vilmar learns of Gabriella’s intentions, he resolves to come to her aid and fight against Warwick’s queen. But doing so may require him to give up his chance of becoming Scania’s next king, perhaps even cost him his life.
The real Cinderella story.
The Fairest Maidens
Book 1: Beholden
Book 2: Beguiled
Book 3: Besotted
