Undaunted Hope by Jody Hedlund

★★★★★

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.

In the third Beacons of Hope novel, Tessa Taylor moves into the role of female protagonist. While not the most likeable character by the end of Hearts Made Whole, she receives her necessary chance for growth and maturity in Undaunted Hope and proves to be an all-around fabulous main character. She is sassy, strong-willed, and stubbornly choosing to secure her future in teaching and away from lighthouses. As is expected, complications abound when she arrives in her new town - especially when two men (who happen to be brothers, as well as the local lighthouse keepers) express their romantic interest - and in the midst of drama and danger, challenge her to learn from the mistakes of her past. It’s a completely heartwarming story (with another charming lighthouse setting) and will not disappoint Jody Hedlund’s fans. I loved it and highly recommend it to fans of historical romance.

Thanks to Bethany House, I received a copy of Undaunted Hope and the opportunity to provide an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review, and all the opinions I have expressed are my own.