If you’re just joining us, the hunt begins at www.LisaBergren.com, with Stop #1. If you complete the loop of 26 stops and write down the clue on each author’s site, you can enter to win all 25 books as well as Amazon gift cards, an iPad and more!
Without further ado, it’s my pleasure to introduce you to my guest for the Scavenger Hunt, Jody Hedlund! I’ve only known Jody by name and by her books (which are fantastical, by the way!), but recently I was able to meet her in person. She was kind to a shy author like me and made me feel welcome. So when I discovered I would be hosting her on my blog, I was excited!
Jody Hedlund is the best-selling author of over twenty historicals for both adults and teens and is the winner of numerous awards including the Christy, Carol, and Christian Book Award. When she’s not penning another of her page-turning stories, she loves to spend her time reading, especially when it also involves consuming coffee and chocolate.
Here’s the summary of her latest book:
Sophie Neumann and her two young charges join a group of orphans heading west by train, hoping to find safety and a happy life. When the train stops in Illinois for the first placement of orphans, Sophie faces the most difficult choice of her life. Reinhold Weiss has finally purchased his own small farm. With mounting debts, a harvest to bring in, and past scars that haunt him, he’s in no position to give his heart away . . . but can he say no when his long-lost friend shows up on a nearby train pleading for his help?
You can purchase her book at your local bookstore or online:
And here’s her EXCLUSIVE content that you’ll only find in this hunt!
By Jody Hedlund
I’ve recently entered a new stage of life where my home is beginning to empty. Three of my five kids are away at college. And the two left are very independent.
Not only does my new stage entail more uninterrupted writing time, but I’ve also found myself having more free time too.
Free time?! *Gasp* What is that?!
To be honest, I haven’t had free time in so long that I don’t know how to relax very well anymore. Rather than enjoy the down time, sometimes I drum up more work for myself.
Even though I listen to audio books and wind down with a book in bed, I’ve always dreamed about having more reading time. And yet, those few evenings when I’ve allowed myself the pleasure of sitting down with a book, I admit, I always feel slightly guilty. Often, instead of losing myself in a book, I make myself do other “more productive” things like bake or take a walk or finally clear out the dying flowers in the pots on the front porch.
The truth is, it’s all too easy to let reading take a back burner, isn’t it?
But the other truth I’ve learned over the years is that there will ALWAYS, ALWAYS, ALWAYS be something demanding our attention. Our modern culture is a harsh task master with never-ending to-do lists. Our society subtly sends us the message that the busier we are the better off we’ll be.
So we get ourselves and our kids involved in everything until we’re running ourselves ragged. We’re on the go most of the time, and our down-time turns into staring at the TV screen because we’re too tired to do anything else.
We need to add white space back in to our lives that have become over-crowded. Can we even say that if we don’t add in white space—quiet, meditative, sedentary time to our daily schedules—we run the risk of increasing physical and mental health breakdown?
My challenge to myself and to you, is to buy one of the books on this scavenger hunt or check one out from the library. Then make time in the day (or evening) to read it—without feeling guilty.
And if you’re already an avid reader, then make a point of sending a friend or relative to this scavenger hunt. Tell them about your favorite authors. And encourage them to read more.
What about you? Do YOU ever feel guilty for reading? Why or why not? Do you agree that many of us need to clear more white space into our lives, including time for pleasure reading?
***
Thanks for stopping by on the hunt! Before you go, make sure you WRITE DOWN THIS CLUE:
Secret Word: scavenger
Do you have it written down? Great! Your next stop is #15, Jody Hedlund’s site: https://jodyhedlund.blogspot.com/
If you get lost, a complete list of the loop with links can be found on Lisa Bergren’s website.
And don’t forget to enter for a chance to win a signed copy of Mark of the Raven! (US only)
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Thanks for stopping by!
Morgan L. Busse 
Ooo, your book sounds very interesting! 🙂 I love love reading!
Thank you!
Life can be very stressful, so to include some time in your life is beneficial. Quiet time helps the mind, the body, and the soul. The world needs to take a break (people go crazy when the internet is out for 30min).
I agree 😃
I do feel guilty sometimes for reading. I keep thinking of all the things I need to be doing!
I definitely feel guilty about taking the time out to read, especially when there’s always so much work that needs done around the house. I think it should be more of a priority and people should be encouraged to take the break and chill out with a good book a lot more often.
This looks like a fun read! And I am pretty sure my hubby would love a chance to read it as well!
Thank you!
New author for me, love it.
Very rarely do I feel guilty for reading; it’s too often a lifeline for this introvert who needs downtime away from people and all the thoughts and anxieties that try to crowd my head. The more white space the better! The more pleasure reading the better!
I always make time to read
I’m a reading addict. The couch. The bed. At stop lights. I can’t feel guilty about it because I love it so much. My challenge is to make sure that I don’t get so lost that I forget the world around me.
At times I do feel guilty about reading, but only when I am supposed to be doing household chores. Reading relaxes me more and I hope to allow myself more time in my daily schedule for now on.
I do feel guilty sometimes for reading novels because I feel like I should be reading something educational. However, it helps so much that you as authors do excellent research and choose interesting cultural aspects to incorporate into your stories, so I can learn something while also enjoying a relaxing, fun read.
I read about 7 books a week and am always encouraging others to read. I share my books and buy books for my grandboys at every turn. Reading has saved my life many a time!
I often feel guilty for reading. Sometimes I ignore my kids because I’m dying to see what happens next in a book 😦
Never feel guilty for reading. Can’t wait to read this one!
Sometimes I do feel guilty for reading because of the things I’m not getting done while I’m lost in another world, but it is an aspect of maintaining my sanity in busy times! Thanks for the giveaway and participating in the hunt!
You’re welcome 😁
My reading tends to be feast or famine – I tend to alternate reading spurts with binging shows on Netflix LOL
Me too!
You’re a new author to me and your books sound interesting. I am a voracious reader, reading whenever I can. I once planned out a whole day to just read a book before the next one came out (it was a very long book).
Thank you!
I love to read books. The older I get it seems harder to see text and concentrate.
This is in my TBR list on my kindle.
Yeah! ❤️
I love your books!
😍❤️
I’ve never read Christian fantasy before so I’m so excited to read yours and try a new genre!
Yeah!!!
You are a new author to me. Your book looks interesting.
Thank you!
I am a lifelong reader & always make time to read!
I love to read & always make time to read!
Love meeting new authors and discovering new books! Thank you for this wonderful chance!
You’re welcome!
The only time I feel guilty reading is when I stay up way past my bedtime and sacrifice sleep to finish a great book.
I love to read. And I can always squeeze some time in.
I used to feel guilty for reading (pre-social media)
But now feel smug when I can make myself unconnect from the internet and get lost in a book. No guilt any longer!
Thank you for the chance love meeting new authors and reading new books
I love this hunt, cause it’s totally introduced me to your book and I NEED it now in my life!
Yes! 😁
I never feel guilty for reading. It has enriched my life immensely!
I love to read and I don’t feel guilty one bit! I think because I’m fairly good at balancing my reading w/ the “have-tos” of my life (altho being retired now there really aren’t many “have-tos”!) Thank you for the opportunity to win a copy of your book. I look forward to reading it.
My pleasure😃
I don’t ever feel guilty for reading because I have reading time set aside during times when there’s nothing else I should be doing (every night before bed, or sitting in a waiting room). It works really well and I’ve read every day since I was little. 🙂
My problem is I want to do everything, but don’t know how to juggle it all: a part-time job, cleaning house, writing, reading, cooking. I have one in college and one at home. Even though I’m only running one son around town, I don’t get as much done as I’d like or think I should.
Yep, I have 4 kids, so I get it!
I never know what to say in comments without feeling cheesy, but I truly am excited about this. So glad to be doing this hunt!
I know what you mean 😅
I read, read, read. Love learning, and got gathered in the first time I read Heidi as a young child. I still visualize that descriptive story. Kathleen ~ Lane Hill House
I’d love to read your book. I enjoy fantastical but also like to make sure that it remains in the Christian realm. So many authors like to take it to weird and demonic things, and I don’t do that.
Totally Christian 😃
I do feel guilty from reading sometimes, especially when I realize it’s taking time from some important things, like family!
I read a lot but think I may have missed this one.
😃
When I was raising kids I would feel guilty about getting caught up in a good book. Now! We are empty nesters and I feel it’s my reward to read as much as I like!
Sometimes I feel guilty for reading when I’m behind with work and/or household chores…but that doesn’t stop me!
I do sometimes feel guilty about reading because if I’m captivated by the book I don’t want to put it down at the expense of dinner or family time. Other times I don’t feel guilty, it’s my escape from reality!
I’ve often thought that I would be completely lost if I couldn’t lose myself in a good book. For me, it’s a necessary thing. My biggest problem, though, is realizing there are things I SHOULD do instead of reading – like clean my house, do my laundry, etc.
Can’t wait for this release! So glad to see Bethany House putting out a new fantasy series, too. And I agree with Jody. I grew up being yelled at for “laying around reading,” as my dad called it. He would make up chores for me to do if he found me reading a book, even if I had finished mine already. But, oddly, watching TV was approved and encouraged.
So sad 😞 Reading is great for the mind!
I do feel guilty for reading sometimes because I get so caught up in it and forget everything else
I do feel guilty reading sometimes. I know I should be more productive with my time, but I love to read 🙂
I no longer feel guilty about taking the time to read a book. I spend so much time on everything and everyone else that I decided that I needed just a little me time.
Never feel guilty for curling up with a good book, just wish I had more time.
I think your book sounds interesting. It’s now on my list to read.
Thank you!
I do not feel guilty anymore. It is my ME time where I refresh and recharge.
I take time to read every night and many afternoons (while waiting on kids). That is one of my joys in life.
I need to read to keep my sanity. Would love to try your book 🙂
Thanks!
I love reading & don’t feel guilty about doing so. I have much more time to read now than when I was raising my children, but I’ve always tried to make time to read!
I used to feel guilty when my girls were young and I just wanted them to nap so I could read! Now that they’re all YA, we sit and read together and I don’t have to feel guilty anymore.
no
I run in fifty different directions all day long and then straight into feeding and tending to the farm animals until well after dark. Finally, at the literal end of the day, I sit down and lose myself in a good book. Stay up too late reading? Probably. Plan to stop doing that? No. 🙂 Your book looks interesting. It’s out of my normal genre but I can step out of my box.
Thank you!
I do feel guilty sometimes, because I feel like I could be neglecting my responsibilities or missing out on some life experiences. However, it has been a long time since I have been able to read for fun for more than ten minutes, so I think it would be ok for me to take some time to read when I have more free time.
I used to feel guilty for reading when my children were younger. Now that I’m older and retired, I don’t feel guilty at all. Reading is one of my greatest pleasures, and I spend a lot of time doing it.
Guilty for reading a book??? Absolutely not.
Now, having a few thousand e-books and having authors constantly asking, “Have you read my book yet?” … that can stress me out sometimes… but then I turn around and find more e-books to get anyway. That’s me .. hopeless reading fanatic who doesn’t read that many books in a year…
Even I gasped when I realized how many “new-to-me” authors I’ve found as well as “trusty” authors and read at least one book by in the past year already – and connected on FB!
Yeah! 😁
I think the only time I feel guilty for reading is when I have deprived myself of sleep. When I get into a book, I tend to read it till night has passed and I see the sun rising again, haha.
I think that taking some time out for yourself is a good thing to do. We have to care for ourselves just as much as we need to care for others. If reading a book is relaxing to you, then you should take the time to do it, without feeling guilty about it.
I have a lot of downtime, and I have a hard time putting my book down and cleaning like I’m supposed to do! That’s my issue, lol!
Just dropping by. The book looks great! :]
Thanks 😃
Is it sad to say that I don’t feel guilty about reading. I love reading with a passion, it relaxes and heals me.
Nope! I never feel guilty for reading, but I do get annoyed by the comments I get about how much I read.
I don’t feel guilty for reading!!!
Morgan, I’m a huge fan! I’ve read all of your books so far and have enjoyed every one of them. I can’t wait to read this new one. I read around 15-20 books a month, so I may have to wait until the price comes down though! LOL! Kim
Yeah!!!
I really enjoy reading. Sometimes I feel guilty if I am doing it as a way of procrastinating but most times I get caught up in the book and forget about what else needs getting done.
For me reading is like breathing! 😉
Love the fact that escaping into a book is a valued piece of time for me.
Thank you for the chance to win! I love discovering new authors! 😀
You’re welcome 😊
I rarely feel guilty for reading – it is my “me” time.
I do feel guilty for reading sometimes, but I’m working on that because reading has always been such an integral part of my life and who I am. It also just has so many positive benefits in my life!
I always have a book or a fully-loaded kindle in my bag at all times, (often both!), and pull it out whenever I have a few uninterrupted minutes: my lunch break, waiting to get my oil changed, waiting at a doctor’s office, waiting where ever. We do a lot of waiting in this hurry-it-up, busy day and age.
And of course, I usually go to bed early so I can spend more time reading before I fall asleep at night.
also, I had NO IDEA that Christian fantasy novels even existed. I am so excited to give them a read!
I read before bed as well 😊
Yes i do at times when I should be up cleaning my house /cooking
I am excited to see both Christian fiction and steampunk by one author.
Yeah!!! 😁
It’s easy to put a guilt trip on ourselves for taking time for ourselves! But learning more and more that it’s ok (and necessary!)
I am looking forward to reading a Christian Fantasy novel!
😁
I consider reading an exercise in mental health, so I refuse to feel guilty!
Oooh, I do feel guilty sometimes for reading! Need to learn that it’s ok to take time for myself and a good book.
I am a bookaholic. Christian only, of course!
The only time I feel guilty for reading is when I put off something else, something I need to get done, in order to read. Otherwise, I am grateful that I have time and plenty of books to read! 🙂
I love to read and did a lot more of it when I was younger. Now it seems so many other things, along with trying to stay writing, take up that time. I cherish a few minutes before bed to dive into a book but my list of “to read” is long. I just have to keep at it.
This book sounds really good. I hope to read it soon!
Thank you!
i Just retired 2 weeks ago and I look forward to more reading. I have been so busy so far havent had the time.
I enjoyed Jody Hedlund’s note/article/guest post!
It’s a good one 😉
I have felt guilty about reading since I had kiddos. Having 4 doesn’t leave me much time for reading. But I look forward to reading being one of the things I do for my therapy and self care. I love reading and am looking forward to getting back to it. Thanks for the reminder and more books to read!
I’m in the same boat. Momma to 4 kiddoes 😉
I’ve always made time to read, but there are times when I’ve felt guilty. It helps if my reading is a reward after finishing certain tasks or projects. I actually put reading on my list of things to do!
Yes, I do often feel guilty for taking the time to read. I used to spend hours reading. Why, now that I am older, does it make me feel guilty? We have lost some of ourselves in the modern world.
Sometimes, but not very often. We definitely need the white time.
Your books sound intriguing. I can’t wait to read them.
Thanks!
I’m so excited about this! I can’t wait to read your book it sounds so intriguing!
I can honestly say that I read too much! Take a look at my and my reading log to see what I mean. My husband is more into your type of books than I am, but I can enjoy a fantasy book on occassion.
I do sometimes feel guilty for reading because I always have something else I should be doing. On the other hand reading is how I unwind, so it is vital to my mental health!
Wow, this scavenger hunt is introducing me to so many great new authors! Looking forward to reading yours!
Reading is the best relaxation. I never feel guilty for reading because usually I learn something new.
The book sounds interesting, but must admit I haven’t read much fantasy genre, but I love to read. Usually suspense books.
I ALWAYS felt guilty for reading when I was in nursing school. Nowadays my problem is I feel guilty because I don’t spend enough time reading. I have so many great books I haven’t read and yet I spend so much time on the internet or doing other unimportant things.
I feel guilty when there’s things to be done around the house, or if I’m reading a book at a family gathering. Sometimes though, vacation is one of the only times you can read. When you’re stuck in the same, tiny room with a million bodies squished in to it like a can or sardines, you need to get out and read a book. I’ll feel guilty about it later, but it really helps with my anxiety being around so many people in such small quarters.
I’ve used the time I spend nursing my littles to do lots of reading, but my youngest is getting older and I’m finding less time for it now! I need to buckle down and make myself read more – I feel happier when I do.
I love to read – I would get grounded from it as a kid! 🙂
I’m not sure if my last post went through. I don’t see it, so I apologize if this is a double.
I used to read a lot, as a kid (I would get grounded from reading!) and when nursing my littles. The youngest is slowly weaning, though, so I find myself reading less. It’s time to make myself do it more!
Your books look very intriguing! Some of the covers are so intense, I love them! 👐
Thanks for participating in the scavenger hunt and giving me another author to add to my goodreads want to read list 🙂
There have been times where I have felt guilty about reading, especially when there is housework that needs to be done. Other times I don’t feel guilty one bit when there is housework that needs to be done, LOL! Just depends on how I’m feeling at the time. I want to read more but I always find other things to waste time on. I have planned time in my day to read but it always seems like something interrupts that, so I just try to carry a book with me wherever I go and read it as I have time. However, I am VERY guilty of staying up waaaaay past my bedtime just to find time to read.
I read roughly 250 or more books a year. I never feel guilty. People wonder how I find the time. Learn to read and walk, do it everyday.
Your book sounds amazing! Thanks for having this giveaway!! 😀
I love to read and I read as often as I can for relaxation. I like to read before bed.
How Exciting !!! I see women dressed as warriors and it reminds me to be strong and press on. Reading is great ! I write, but I have influenced for Christian Fiction Authors now for 7 years ! always always have my kindle with me or kindle app on my phone!
I loved Jane and the Dragon, when the kids would watch it I would too !!!
Linda Marie Finn
Faithful Acres Books
faithfulacresbooks@gmail.com
There is never enough time to do all the reading I want to do. And making time out of your day to do just that is a must! 🙂
I love to read at night, after my family is all in bed. But if I read during the day, I always feel guilty, like there is so much more I should be doing.
I would die if I couldn’t read. I have lots of hobbies, but reading is the best. Libraries are awesome.
Thank you for taking part in the scavenger hunt. I am looking forward to checking out your books.
I have felt guilty for not reading, but rarely ever for reading. I think reading helps keep me centered. Often people will come up to me and ask me what I’m reading and I’m quick to return the favor.
Since retiring I feel no guilt in reading. My sons are adults, my husband plays golf, I still cook but no pressure anymore about reading.
I feel guilty sometimes because i can’t stop and end of seeing the sun rise instead of sleeping. LOL
Probably should feel guilty for reading and neglecting housework, but I don’t!
There are definitely times that I feel guilty for reading–mostly when I see someone else working while I’m not–but I love reading too much to feel guilty for long.
Your book sounds really interesting and unique! I’m definitely adding it to my reading list!
I enjoye reading. The times I have stayed up too late and did not get enough sleep has caused me to feel a little guilty but not long
What about you? Do YOU ever feel guilty for reading? Why or why not? Do you agree that many of us need to clear more white space into our lives, including time for pleasure reading?
Yes! I feel guilty, both because I don’t devote the same amount of time that I used to – to reading ang that I spend anytime reading at all. My work at home and at my job is never caught up. I definitely am in favor of more white space in our lives. I think I’d love to move to or have the US adopt the slower pace of some South American and other countries, that say what will be, will be.
Yes, I do feel guilty for reading a lot because here’s what happens: I love to read so much, and I get very engrossed in books, that once I begin a story I have a hard time putting down. I will forgo responsibilities and stay up until 1am to keep reading…it’s a bit of a problem hahaha.
I’m a single lady, no kids, so luckily my time has pretty much always been my own and I definitely spend a lot of time reading. During my eldercare days, while it had to be curtailed some it gave a wonderful respite from the stress of caring for Mom & Dad. Reading only interferes in life if I stay up too late so am a bit foggy at work!
I love to read!
Reading for me is an oasis from the busyness of life. Sometimes I feel guilty, but I know it is a healthy thing for me to do.
I’m a reader. It is a necessity for me, it has been since I learned to put two words together to form a sentence. I’m a newly minted 60 year old with a VAST book collection & I read everywhere – during commercials, on my iPhone while waiting for a table/food in restaurants, while I’m eating (if I’m by myself), when I can’t sleep, when a favorite author has a new book out … you get the drift. Reading can take me places I may never get to travel to (or never get to go to again), allows me to go on adventures of a lifetime, keeps my mind sharp as I attempt to figure out “whodunnit” before the conclusion of the book, be challenged to grow as a Christian, learn life lessons, learn some life skills that may be needed in this crazy world and have had the honor and privilege to meet some wonderful authors that I now consider friends. READING is lifechanging! If you can read, you can do almost anything!
Sometimes I do feel guilty for pleasure reading…but at the same time I think it’s good to take time for yourself.
Sometimes I do feel guilty for pleasure reading…but at the same time I think it’s good to take time for yourself.
Thanks for the contest I have never read any of your books but they sound like the books I would enjoy excited about reading one of your books 🙂
I haven’t read any of your books, but I will definitely put them on my list to read. I love getting to know about knee authors on this scavenger hunt!
I totally agree! I’ve been talking with my friends recently about desperately wanting to add more reading time into my schedule. But by the time night comes and I finally have some alone time? I’m purely exhausted and rather turn on mindless television or go to sleep. Yes, I listen to audio books while I work, and I’m certainly glad for that feature…but I miss reading! Maybe I’ll just have to go ahead, take the challenge and add some reading time into my daily schedule. ☺️
I never feel guilty for reading, it is such an amazing thing. I work in a call center and sometimes we just sit there waiting for calls so that’s the perfect reading time!
Thank you for being a part of this scavenger hunt. Your book sounds fascinating!
This book looks and sounds very interesting. I love to read and am enjoying this scavenger hunt and getting the chance to hear of authors that I hadn’t heard of before.
When my children were younger I did sometimes until I figured out I was a much better person when I have my reading time.
Thank you for the chance to win. Adding to my want to list 🙂
I completely agree with it feeling as a guilty pleasure but I am always amazed how reading helps me destress. Something about getting lost in another world or adventure gives me an opportunity to come back to mine well resteda
I’m an avid reader. Though I might sometimes feel guilty, I can no more stop reading than I can stop breathing.
Your book sounds interesting! And I don’t think you should ever feel guilty for reading… I truly believe God gave us that gift for our enjoyment! It’s the perfect thing for “me time.” 🙂
I have always loved to read! But the statement about being so tired that all you do is stare at the TV really resounded with me. I do that a lot! I should be reading instead!
I read every night before bed and I don’t feel guilty. On the rare occasion I make time to read during the day I might feel like I should be doing something else.
I value my reading time – I don’t feel guilty reading some here and there, but when I get a good book and can’t stop for 3-4 hours, I do feel a little bad! 😀
This is so much fun!!
I don’t feel guilty about reading, unless I’m reading too late…. I usually feel guilty about not reading. I like being able to mostly read a book all at once so when I can’t I tend not to read and then miss not reading.
I look forward to reading your books. The scavenger hunt lead me your way.