Since her Oregon Trail romance, The Doctor’s Lady, was released in September, author Jody Hedlund has been riding across the blogosphere sipping tea (slightly sweet), swapping stories, and sharing secrets at over 52 blogs.
Today Jody is joining us to celebrate her fabulous book which also marks the end of her blog tour.
Yep, I’m the last little blog wagon over the hill.
"Do you really have to stop again?"
It gets even better.
In order to make this last stop super special we get to choose a charitable organization for Jody to donate copies of her books. Yippee!!!!
Many hands make light work, right?
But I’m getting ahead of myself.
Let’s talk about Jody’s second book, The Doctor’s Lady.
Now if you aren’t already familiar with Jody’s writing, then you are in for a treat. From The Doctor’s Lady:
Priscilla White knows she’ll never be a wife or mother and feels God’s call to the mission field in India. Dr. Eli Ernest is back from Oregon Country only long enough to raise awareness of missions to the natives before heading out West once more. But then Priscilla and Eli both receive news from the mission board: No longer will they send unmarried men and women into the field.
Left scrambling for options, the two realize the other might be the answer to their needs. Priscilla and Eli agree to a partnership, a marriage in name only that will allow them to follow God’s leading into the mission field. But as they journey west, this decision will be tested by the hardships of the trip and by the unexpected turnings of their hearts.
The Doctor’s Lady was a touching, sweet romantic read which required a tissue box and fresh mascara by the novel’s end. (And, I really don’t consider myself a crybaby. Oh – what am I saying? I cry over coffee commercials. You know the one where the soldier surprises his mother on Christmas Eve? I’m tearing up now. Let’s move along.)
I also loved that Jody based her characters on actual people and events. The Author’s Note at the end gives yummy historical background details, but we can peek into the research behind The Doctor’s Lady at several trail stops from her blog tour.
For instance, while visiting over at Marcia Richards’ wagon blog, Jody explained why the Oregon Trail was called an “unheard-of-journey for females.” And, when Jody called on Susie Finkbeiner she confided that while writing The Doctor’s Lady she considered Kevin Costner (Dances with Wolves) and Gwyneth Paltrow (Emma) as her Eli and Priscilla.
I also learned a lot about writing from her trail stops. Over at Roni Loren’s, Jody described how to create sizzle without sex. Then, while ringing the cowbell over at Jenny Hansen‘s blog, Jody gave tips on how to organize plot ideas.
Ambling over to Gina Conroy’s blog, Jody shared coping strategies for combining homeschooling with a writing career, and confided to Patricia Woodside how she wishes for a nanny after the schooling is done. (Me too!)
Whew! That’s only a few stops! (You can find a complete list of all the great blog visits at Jody’s blog.)
Obviously, some wonderful conversations had already taken place, so I wondered how to make this last blog stop fun and meaningful. As I was re-reading The Doctor’s Lady I reflected how difficult it was to get books to western missions and missionaries in the 19th century.
And that got me thinking. . .
In the 21st century, we still have remote places in our world and communities where receiving a book – especially a new book – is a luxury.
So I took a deep breath and asked Jody how she would feel about donating her book to an organization which distributes books to underserved communities.
Jody – being the lovely person she is – jumped right in and volunteered to donate BOTH of her books, The Doctor’s Lady and The Preacher’s Bride, to whichever organization YOU chose.
Plus, she offered to give a copy of The Doctor’s Lady to one lucky winner who comments below!
Isn’t that wonderful?
Now before you scroll down to enter your name and email in the comment box for your chance at the giveaway, please just take a moment to read about the five different organizations wanting book donations and then vote for your favorite choice.
It’s that simple!
Now here are our choices:
Illumination Publishers International is a non-profit organization which sends Christian literature to missionaries and Christians in third world countries.
Judith’s Reading Room is an non-profit organization which creates mobile libraries for VA hospitals, war zone areas for active military, pediatric emergency rooms, and underserved communities.
Christian Library International is a non-profit organization that brings Christian literature to men and women in prisons.
Donation Town is an online directory for local charities that accept book donations for adult literacy programs, hospice reading to patients programs, and small struggling libraries.
Christian Resources International a non-profit organization which ships donated books to missionaries and pastors around the world.
Don’t forget! Leave a comment with your name and email and you will be entered in a drawing for The Doctor’s Lady. (Drawing and voting results will be announced November 1.)
Happy trail reading!!!
Photo credit: Wikipedia Commons
Update 11/1/11:
Thanks to everyone who took the time to vote in the poll! We had a fabulous time. Here are the final results. . . and the charity with 48% of the vote was Judith’s Reading Room! They will receive a copies of The Preacher’s Bride and The Doctor’s Lady courtesy of the wonderful Jody Hedlund.
Also congratulations to Beverly! Random.org selected your number as the winner of the book giveaway, The Doctor’s Lady.
Monday, October 24th, 2011, 4:00 am | 
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October 24, 2011 at 5:56 am
What a lovely idea! I didn’t know there were so many places that accepted donated books. My sister loaned me a copy of Preacher’s Bride and it was excellent. I didn’t know Jody had a new one out. Looking forward to reading it! Thanks!!
October 24, 2011 at 11:06 am
I know I was amazed at how many folks accepted books too! You’ll love The Doctor’s Lady! Thanks for stopping in. :)
Bridgette Booth recently posted..Wagons Ho! On the Trail with Jody Hedlund
October 24, 2011 at 8:26 am
Such a lovely idea for a blog give away. Thanks!
Anne M Leone recently posted..My Life as a Plotter: Project Fun Update
October 24, 2011 at 11:07 am
Thanks Anne!
Bridgette Booth recently posted..Wagons Ho! On the Trail with Jody Hedlund
October 24, 2011 at 8:42 am
hi bridgette so glad you are doing this. i read jody hedlund’s other book and liked it a lot. hope i win this one.
p.s. like the book donation too. what a great idea
October 24, 2011 at 11:08 am
Hi Susan! Thanks for visiting! Glad you like the book idea. :)
Bridgette Booth recently posted..Wagons Ho! On the Trail with Jody Hedlund
October 24, 2011 at 9:06 am
Great idea, Bridgette!
October 24, 2011 at 11:09 am
Thanks Pam! Appreciate you stopping in. :)
Bridgette Booth recently posted..Wagons Ho! On the Trail with Jody Hedlund
October 24, 2011 at 11:32 am
That’s a wonderful idea! Hello ladies.
Catherine Johnson recently posted..PiBoldMo and Warm Fuzzies blogfest
October 24, 2011 at 11:44 am
Great post! Fab idea with the donation. I’ll have to check out Jody’s book, it sounds fascinating!
Tameri Etherton recently posted..Zombies Invaded the Blog!
October 24, 2011 at 12:34 pm
I’ve been reading a lot of Jody’s blog tour and have enjoyed it immensely. And I think the idea of donating the books so that someone who would otherwise not have the opportunity to have a book is a FANTASTIC idea! Woot woot Jody and Bridgette!
Fahhhbulous!!
Natalie recently posted..Family traditions: a love/hate relationship
October 24, 2011 at 12:44 pm
What a great idea. All of the above organizations are worthy causes and should get our attention year round. Thanks for coming up with such a great idea of a lovely ladie’s book.
Nancy J Nicholson recently posted..Anticipation, Anxiety and Preparation
October 24, 2011 at 1:04 pm
Hi Bridgette – You won’t believe this but I bought this book just this past week! I guess if I win then I can say I’ve started my Christmas shopping? ha! Haven’t started it but am glad to know it’s good. Think it’s neat that you know the author. Miss seeing you. You need to come visit!
October 24, 2011 at 1:09 pm
What a cool thing to do! She has had an amazing book tour.
Sara Grambusch recently posted..Eating: An Essential Tool For Writers
October 27, 2011 at 12:16 pm
Agreed! Jody’s book tour has been a blast to follow.
Bridgette Booth recently posted..Wagons Ho! On the Trail with Jody Hedlund
October 24, 2011 at 1:20 pm
Howdy, everyone! (Trying to get into the wagon trail spirit!) I’m offering cyber-pemmican bars to anyone who would like one (and mine are free of maggots–I promise!) :-) No, seriously, thank you everyone for stopping by. I’m grateful for all of the wonderful bloggers who hosted me on my blog tour, and I’m especially thankful today for Bridgette and her willingness to round up a wonderful busy couple of months. I’m really looking forward to see which place everyone picks for the donation!
October 24, 2011 at 1:39 pm
Jody loved The Preachers Bride and looking forward to reading The Doctors Lady sounds reallly good. God bless
October 24, 2011 at 1:41 pm
So enjoyed your Preachers Bride and looking forward to The Doctor’s Lay. Love the way you write God bless
October 24, 2011 at 1:43 pm
Bridgette, I’d love this idea! I’ve got everyone in the office voting. (Darren and Eddie said they won’t leave a comment though. They said they don’t know how to explain winning a romance book to their wives.) :-)
October 24, 2011 at 1:48 pm
Jody your books are amazing. I wish you had more. My sister-in-law gave me a copy of Preacher’s Bride and I was hooked. I love how you are blessing others with your books.
October 24, 2011 at 2:15 pm
I already told you on Twitter that I’m stealing this giveaway idea! I love this and your heart to spread inspiration and hope to hurting people!
October 25, 2011 at 7:04 am
Sharing books – and reading – is wonderful. I’m grateful these charities are making it happen. Thanks for “stealing” the idea. I hope everyone does. :)
October 24, 2011 at 2:24 pm
Have never read your books Jody but am looking forward to finding a new author. That is what makes reading fun.
Thanks Bridgette for suggesting donations. Do they take used books too?
October 26, 2011 at 7:45 am
Hi Meg! Yes, many of the organizations listed above accept gently used books as well. If you go to their websites they explain their rules. The groups that donate to prisons have very specific rules about books (paperback only, no spiral, etc.), so be sure to check those requirements!
Thanks for asking!
Bridgette Booth recently posted..Wagons Ho! On the Trail with Jody Hedlund
October 24, 2011 at 2:49 pm
Anyone who has not read Jody’s book will be in for a treat she is very good.
October 24, 2011 at 4:26 pm
ANY WHERE IS A GREAT PLACE TO DONATE YOUR BOOKS. I HAVE NEVER READ OE OF YOUR BOOKS BUT LOOK FORWARD TO READING THEM. FROM WVERYTHING I HAVE HEARD AND READ THEY ARE GREAT
October 24, 2011 at 4:41 pm
How quickly these past two months of promotion have gone by! (I guess if we were travelling by covered wagon the same two months might have seemed endless.) It’s been fun following Jody around the blogosphere and picking up new tidbits of info. I’ve read both books and am now eagerly looking forward to her 2012 release.
October 27, 2011 at 12:44 pm
Yes, I am looking forward to her 2012 release as well!
Bridgette Booth recently posted..Wagons Ho! On the Trail with Jody Hedlund
October 24, 2011 at 8:28 pm
Bridgette, I look forward to reading this book! I am due for another good read.
October 25, 2011 at 7:00 am
You’ll love it Jacki! :)
October 24, 2011 at 8:47 pm
funny post! And I put this up on my blog for people to vote on.
October 25, 2011 at 7:09 am
Wow! Thanks everyone for your fantastic support for Jody and the donations. The Doctor’s Lady and The Preacher’s Bride are beautifully written. I know you won’t be disappointed!
October 25, 2011 at 10:34 am
Looks like a great book. I’ll have to put this these on my list to read. THanks for introducing me to this author.
October 25, 2011 at 12:19 pm
You’re welcome, Nancy! I think you’ll really like Jody’s books. Thanks for stopping in. :)
October 25, 2011 at 1:02 pm
Hey again, everyone! I’m so excited to find out your consensus on the book donation! Thanks to everyone for your kind and encouraging words!
October 26, 2011 at 4:59 am
Hi Bridgette & Jody,
As a reader of Jody’s first book, I have recommended it to numerous people, including my mother and M-in-law (both loved it by the way). It is a great book, and I’m sure ‘The Doctor’s Wife’ will be excellent.
I recently received a copy of ‘The Doctor’s Wife’ so if I win please donate an additional copy to the charity poll winner. This is great stuff you guys are doing. I also highly recommend that people donate books they may have in boxes in the basement or attic to their local library. It’s an easy way to share great writing with others.
~clink~
Kerry Meacham recently posted..Sweet Tea Tuesday – Uncomfortable Comfort Food
October 26, 2011 at 7:36 am
Thanks Kerry!!!!
Bridgette Booth recently posted..Wagons Ho! On the Trail with Jody Hedlund
October 26, 2011 at 11:24 am
Like everyone else here, I am impressed by the idea of a book donation. I am looking forward to reading Jody’s book in the very near future!
Lynn recently posted..The call?
October 27, 2011 at 12:14 pm
You’ll love it!
Bridgette Booth recently posted..Wagons Ho! On the Trail with Jody Hedlund
October 27, 2011 at 11:26 am
I think donating your books after reading them is a wonderful idea. I take mine to Nursing homes and the library. God bless all
October 27, 2011 at 12:13 pm
Patti, I’m so glad you like the donation idea. Jody’s books are wonderful and will be much appreciated wherever they land. :)
Thanks for stopping in!
Bridgette
Bridgette Booth recently posted..Wagons Ho! On the Trail with Jody Hedlund
October 27, 2011 at 12:30 pm
You are right Bridgette they will be welcome where
ever they end up. I also donate other paperbacks
I have read. I love reading Amish stories not much
on mystery tho’. Has Jody ever written for Love
Inspired Inspirational Romances or Historical
Romances. I like reading them too for one
thing not one “bad” word in any of them.
God bless
October 27, 2011 at 12:41 pm
I don’t believe Jody has written for those other lines. To the best of my knowledge, The Preacher’s Bride (released in 2010) was her first book. The Doctor’s Lady (released Sept. 2011) is her second. (Both historical romances.) Her third book is due out in 2012.
I’m not familiar with the book lines that you mentioned, so I’ll have to go investigate. Thanks for the tip!
Bridgette Booth recently posted..Wagons Ho! On the Trail with Jody Hedlund
October 27, 2011 at 2:07 pm
Will be glad when I can get her newest book. I don’t get out that
often don’t drive (75 yrs young as of 17th) so go when and
if I can. God bless
October 28, 2011 at 7:23 am
That sounds like a very fascinating book.. Love to have a copy of that! Hope it is available in our book store..
Greece recently posted..Chamonix Accommodation
October 29, 2011 at 6:31 pm
Bridgette, I’ve been reading a few of Jody’s blog tour posts–they are great! I’m adding The Doctor’s Lady to my to-read list on Goodreads.com
The idea of donating books to those in need is truly fantastic. I wish it was more popular. Thank you for propagating it :-)
Angela Orlowski-Peart recently posted..White Shirt – an Iconic Look or an Everyday Staple?
October 31, 2011 at 1:22 pm
Thanks Angela! Jody has had a great blog tour. Did you read her wrap-up post about how she juggled it with working on her other projects. Nice insight into the marketing process and the work involved.
Bridgette Booth recently posted..Wagons Ho! On the Trail with Jody Hedlund
October 29, 2011 at 10:03 pm
Bridgette, I marked your tweet about this post a few days ago and am just able to carve out time to come read it. So glad I did! What a great idea in both Jody’s blog tour and the donation of books. I know about donating books to libraries, but can expand that thinking to donating my magazines as well, and to include local hospice orgs, women’s shelters, etc. So many we can share our blesings with others.
Barbara McDowell recently posted..Dancing All Over the World
October 31, 2011 at 1:20 pm
I agree!! There are so many easy, easy ways we can contribute to others. :) Glad you stopped by! :)
Bridgette Booth recently posted..Wagons Ho! On the Trail with Jody Hedlund
October 31, 2011 at 10:15 am
This is a great idea for give away.
Vallerie recently posted..Trouble Conceiving
October 31, 2011 at 1:18 pm
Thanks Valerie! Appreciate that you stopped in. :)
Bridgette Booth recently posted..Wagons Ho! On the Trail with Jody Hedlund
November 10, 2011 at 11:03 pm
Great idea ! I like it . Thanks for sharing.
Yumigee recently posted..Unclaimed funds Texas search for unclaimed funds in Texas
December 16, 2011 at 2:33 pm
What an excellent idea – I donate books to a local hospice and a thrift shop. Read and share!
Judy
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