Rebellious Heart - by Jody Hedlund (Paperback)

About the Book

Massachusetts, 1763. When Susanna Smith and Benjamin Ross act to save the life of a runaway indentured servant, they'll risk everything for love and justice in a nation on the brink of revolution.

Book Synopsis

Jody Hedlund Brings History to Life Like Few Others

In 1763 Massachusetts, Susanna Smith has grown up with everything she's ever wanted, except one thing: an education. Because she's a female, higher learning has been closed to her, but her quick mind and quicker tongue never back down from a challenge. She's determined to put her status to good use, reaching out to the poor and deprived. And she knows when she marries well, she will be able to continue her work with the less fortunate.

Ben Ross grew up a farmer's son and has nothing to his name but his Harvard education. A poor country lawyer, he doesn't see how he'll be able to fulfill his promise to make his father proud of him. When family friends introduce him to the Smith family, he's drawn to quick-witted Susanna but knows her family expects her to marry well. When Susanna's decision to help an innocent woman no matter the cost crosses with Ben's growing disillusionment with their British rulers, the two find themselves bound together in what quickly becomes a very dangerous fight for justice.

From the Back Cover

Massachusetts, 1763

A Love That Would Shape History Forever

Because she's a woman, higher learning was always closed to Susanna Smith. But her quick mind and quicker tongue never back down from a challenge. And she's determined to marry well, so she'll be able to continue her work with the less fortunate.

Growing up with little to his name, poor country lawyer Benjamin Ross dreams of impacting the world for the better. When introduced to the Smiths he's taken by Susanna's intelligence and independent spirit, but her parents refuse to see him as a suitor for their daughter.

When the life of a runaway indentured servant is threatened, Susanna is forced to choose between justice and mercy, and Ben becomes her unlikely advisor. But drawing closer to this man of principle and intellect lands her in a dangerous, secret world of rebellion and revolution against everything she once held dear.

"Hedlund's talent for creating three-dimensional, deeply human and realistically flawed characters is the welcome highlight of this tale set in pre-Revolutionary Massachusetts." --RT Book Reviews

"Hedlund offers another beauty for fans of historical romance, unfolding an unlikely relationship in the midst of political and social machinations in pre-Revolutionary War Boston. This fast-paced drama draws the reader in quickly while introducing engaging characters who wrestle with ethical and emotional challenges." - Publishers Weekly

"The romance in Rebellious Heart is sweet and charming...fast paced with tons of action." -- Fresh Fiction

"[Hedlund] vividly captures authentic historical details as she explores the radical changes looming in light of the approaching American Revolution. In a note, Hedlund explains how she used John and Abigail Adams as her role models for her characters." -- Library Journal

About the Author

Jody Hedlund is the author of Unending Devotion, The Doctor's Lady, and The Preacher's Bride, winner of the 2011 Award of Excellence, and a finalist for the 2011 Carol Award in First Novel. Currently she makes her home in Midland, Michigan, with her husband and five busy children. Learn more at www.jodyhedlund.com.