Out of the Storm (Beacons of Hope): A Novella

By Jody Hedlund

Having grown up in a lighthouse, loneliness is all Isabelle Thornton has ever known--and all, she assumes, she ever will know. But when her lightkeeper father rescues a young man from the lake, her sheltered world is turned upside down.

Bestselling author Jody Hedlund's Out of the Storm is her first ever novella and introduces readers to Beacons of Hope, a new series set in the 1800s amid the romance, history, and danger surrounding the Great Lakes lighthouses of Michigan.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Baker Publishing Group
• Release date: Oct 1, 2014
• ISBN: 9781441265524

Jody Hedlund

Jody Hedlund is the bestselling author of The Doctor’s Lady and The Preacher’s Bride, which won the 2011 Inspirational Reader’s Choice Award and the 2011 Award of Excellence from the Colorado Romance Writers, and was a finalist for Best Debut Novel in the 2011 ACFW Carol Awards.

Book preview

© 2014 by Jody Hedlund

Published by Bethany House Publishers

11400 Hampshire Avenue South

Bloomington, Minnesota 55438

www.bethanyhouse.com

Bethany House Publishers is a division of

Baker Publishing Group, Grand Rapids, Michigan

www.bakerpublishinggroup.com

Ebook edition created 2014

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means—for example, electronic, photocopy, recording—without the prior written permission of the publisher. The only exception is brief quotations in printed reviews.

ISBN 978-1-4412-6552-4

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data is on file with the Library of Congress, Washington, DC.

Scripture quotations are from the King James Version of the Bible.

This is a work of historical reconstruction; the appearances of certain historical figures are therefore inevitable. All other characters, however, are products of the author’s imagination, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, is coincidental.

Cover design by Jennifer Parker

Contents

Cover

Title Page

Copyright Page

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Excerpt from Love Unexpected

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

About the Author

Books by Jody Hedlund

Back Ads

Chapter 1

PRESQUE ISLE LIGHTHOUSE, MICHIGAN

OCTOBER 1854

Everyone’s dead."

Isabelle Thornton shuddered at her father’s words.

Facedown in the cold water near her feet, a sailor bobbed up and down in the never-ending waves of Lake Huron that had pushed him to the rocky shore.

Carefully her father flipped over the body to reveal a translucent face and blue lips. The man’s unseeing eyes stared up at the dark gray clouds covering the early morning sky, a reminder of the passing storm’s fury.

Isabelle swallowed the revulsion rising in her throat.

Flotsam littered the beach around them, the remains of a steamer that had been ripped apart by the thrashing squall. Her father had warned her against coming outside. But she’d wanted to help, hoping and praying there would be survivors she could comfort.

Go back inside, Isabelle came her father’s gentle reprimand. There’s nothing here for you to do.

He hauled the waterlogged sailor out of the foamy water and into the rusty-colored sea grass. Her father’s broad shoulders slumped, and his old captain’s coat stretched at the seams. Underneath the brim of his cap, his eyes radiated sadness and frustration.

I don’t want you seeing this, he said. His British accent came out stronger whenever he was distressed. Besides, you’ll catch a chill.

Isabelle hugged her mittened hands against her heavy wool coat. It was too early for the winter gale that had swept through last night. But she’d lived on the Great Lakes long enough to know the lakes had a personality all their own. They were temperamental and refused to be tamed.

There was nothing you could have done to save the ship, Father, she said, trying to hold back the shivers that fought for release in her petite body.

He straightened to his full, imposing height and glanced to the now-darkened lantern room of the lighthouse behind them. The whitewashed conical tower wasn’t tall, but on the elevated corner of the isthmus it rose high enough to light the surrounding bay and enormous lake beyond.

Yet even though her father had kept the lantern burning tirelessly all night long—in the howling wind that threatened to blow the tower over into the storm-tossed lake below—the steamer had wrecked anyway. The bright beam hadn’t been enough to save the ship from the whipping that had beat against her like a cat-o’-nine-tails.

Her father released a sigh and bent over another lifeless body that had washed up on shore.

Isabelle frowned at the thunderous waves and wanted to rebuke them for their callousness toward her father and the ships he was devoted to protecting. The biting cold wind lashed at her and tugged at her knitted wool cap, blowing back her dark curls from a hastily tied ribbon.

A flat piece of wreckage rose up, then fell on the waves. Two men clung to it, even as a large wave crashed over them and attempted to wrestle them off.

Father, she said, pointing to the makeshift raft. Look!

Though the men couldn’t hear her over the roar of the lake, one of them raised his head and looked toward the shore.

At the sight of the survivors, her father let go of the lifeless body he was hauling and hurried across the rocks, his narrow face lighting with hope beneath the dark whiskers on his cheeks.

He plunged into the water, the waves instantly reaching above his knee-length leather boots. Soon he was up to his waist in the churning water. If any man could combat the stormy waves, her burly father could do it. And yet her breath caught as he pushed deeper into the lake.

While he strained to grasp the piece of wreckage the waves pushed nearer, it kept slipping out of his reach. A whitecap surged against him, but he lunged toward the survivors regardless. Her father was too strong, too determined, too fearless to let the lake overpower him.

She wasn’t surprised when a couple of moments later he caught hold and began pulling the survivors steadily back to shore, making it look as if it were the easiest thing in the world to haul the waterlogged wreckage loaded with two men out of the lake.

Yet he was breathing heavily when he finally stumbled onto the beach, dragging the mass of broken boards and men over the rocks to the safety of dry land. The piece of wreckage was the size of a twin bed, likely from the deck of the foundered steamer. The young man who’d lifted his head earlier now clung to the edge of it with one gloved hand, also clutching the arm of the older companion sprawled next to him.

Isabelle dropped to her knees. From the blackened singes in their clothing, she could see they’d both suffered burns. And from the time spent in the frigid water, she had no doubt they were in danger of freezing to death.

Her father lowered himself more slowly, his big-boned body already stiff from the cold. Son, you’re safe now.

The younger one stirred, but didn’t make a move to release his grip on the side of the plank or the man lying near him. His face was pale and icy, his lips and ears blue like the first dead sailor they came upon. He was soaked, and his blond hair stuck to his head. In spite of being half drowned, there was no concealing the fact that he was a very handsome man, with a strong jaw and chin, and muscular overall.

Her father yanked off one of his wet gloves and pressed his fingers against the other man’s neck. He was as rigid as a frozen sturgeon. There was no rise and fall of his chest.

Her father pulled his hand away and sat back with a shake of his head. He’s gone.

Isabelle swallowed the disappointment she felt and reached for the younger man. Let’s get this one to the house before we lose him too.

Her father nodded.

She grasped the wool of the man’s coat sleeve and tugged. But he only tightened his grip on his companion. Just hang on, Charlie, he mumbled. I won’t let go of you.

He’s delirious, she said.

Her father pulled at the man’s arm, attempting to pry his grip loose. Again he resisted, crying out, No! I promise I’ll save you!

A gust of wind blew off the lake, bringing with it a spray of icy rain. Her father couldn’t contain a shudder. She had to get the survivor and her father inside right away.

Bending over the young man, she took off her mitten and pressed her warm hand against his cold cheek. Charlie is going to be just fine, she said, praying he was in heaven now, warm and safe.

The man stirred again, this time shivering uncontrollably.

You’ll be fine too. But you need to let go so that we can carry you up to the cottage.

His eyes flew open, he gave a heaving gasp, and then he twisted his head until she found herself looking straight into the man’s striking blue eyes.

She offered him a smile. It’s all right. You’re on land now.

Are you certain? he croaked through chattering teeth.

She nodded. You’re safe, but we need to get you inside where it’s warm.

He studied her face and then smiled lazily. Are you sure I haven’t died and gone to heaven?

No. You’re still alive. Although she couldn’t be sure for how much longer if she didn’t act quickly.

You’re the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen, he said. You must be an angel. His gaze traveled around her face with an intimacy that made her squirm and glance at her father.

He was too busy to notice as he attempted to pry the survivor’s fingers off his companion.

It’s okay to let go of Charlie now, she said, hoping to keep her voice calm and soothing.

His grin cocked up higher on one side. Will you marry me?

He really was delirious.

She ducked her head to hide her embarrassment, even though she knew she should feel none. I’ll only marry you, she said, if you promise to let go of Charlie. She knew she was spouting as much nonsense as the young man, but at this point she had to do whatever it took to save him.

His eyes flickered shut, and his smile turned serene. You drive a hard bargain. His voice grew faint. But I accept . . .

Finally his hand slipped away from Charlie. His eyes closed, and his head lolled as he drifted into unconsciousness.

Her father carried the young man up the rocky beach, past the weathered lighthouse, and into the keeper’s one-story cottage.

They settled him into the bigger of the two bedrooms, the one her father used, considering Isabelle’s room was nothing more than a closet off the kitchen.

I’ll doctor his wounds, Father, she insisted when he started to wave her out of the room. You need to get out of your wet clothes and warm yourself.

He draped a bearskin over the man, heedless of the lake water dripping from his own coat. Worry creased his face. I don’t like the idea of you being alone with a complete stranger.

I’ll be fine. She tugged at the shoulders of her father’s coat. You can’t take care of me if you become ill.

At that line of reasoning, her father let her help him out of his coat. And he didn’t protest when she shoved dry garments into his arms.

Besides, the man’s weak and unconscious. He has burns and bruises and is half frozen. She shepherded her father toward the door. I’ll see to the man’s wounds while you get out of your wet clothes.

He paused in the hallway with an anxious frown. I’ll let you tend him, but only until I can take over his care.

She nodded. Her father was too conscientious not to return to the wreckage and check for more survivors. He would also have to bury the dead bodies that had washed ashore before the wolves and bears made a meal of them.

The job of caring for their guest had to fall on Isabelle’s shoulders whether her father liked it or not. And they both knew it. Nevertheless, she could understand his concern. If there was one thing certain in her uncertain life, it was her father’s love. She’d never once doubted how much he loved her. She knew he’d do anything for her.

She also knew why he treated her so carefully, why he did everything within his power to protect her. He only wanted to make her life as pleasant as possible while she still had the chance to enjoy it.

She wasted no time warming water and gathering the scant medical supplies in the medicine chest her father had kept from his days of serving as a ship captain for the British navy.

By the time she returned to her patient, her father had already changed and gone back outside, but not before admonishing her to keep his hunting rifle nearby.

She flipped back the bearskin and examined the survivor quickly. His face was even paler than before, showing the blue veins that were sluggish from being drenched in the frigid lake water. His cold, soggy garments clung to him like leeches, drawing the life from him.

She darted to the end of the bed and began unlacing his shoes—shoes that were made of the finest kid leather and polished black without a scuff. His socks were silk. And as she worked

Reviews for Out of the Storm (Beacons of Hope)

[bookwormmama14 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Out of the Storm is a wonderful novella written by Jody Hedlund. This is the prequel to her new series, Beacons of Hope, that is releasing later this year.

Isabelle Thornton is faced with a tragic future and her father only wants to protect her. But will his protecting hand cause her to miss out on a full life, filled with love and happiness? It is 1854 and Isabelle and her father, Captain Thornton, are the keepers at the Presque Isle Lighthouse in Michigan. When Henry Cole, a wealthy business man, washes up on their shore the unexpected happens. Will she choose a life of loneliness to protect Henry? Or will she allow herself to be happy?

I do not want to give away too much of this short story. But I enjoyed reading this novella. The romance was tasteful, if slightly unbelievable. I couldn't put it down till I knew what was going to happen next. I thought I knew how this was going to end, but was very surprised (and pleased) when I finished. I have already started the first book of the series Love Unexpected. Looking forward to continuing this series.

Get Out of the Storm free for NOOK.

Bethany House Publishers

[Faith Elizabeth · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

All I can say is I LOVED IT! This is a wonderful, beautiful, short, romance story!

[james ross · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

its ok

[beverlylynnt · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Author Jody Hedlund is beginning a new series of books: The Beacons of Hope. Many of the books feature a lighthouse setting in historically researched fiction. Out of the Storm is a novella that is intended to kick off the series. It is a historical fiction that takes place in the mid-nineteenth century at the beautiful Old Presque Isle Lighthouse. Former British Captain Thornton, a powerful bulldog of a man, lived as keeper of the lighthouse with his daughter Isabelle. The surrounding area was wild, deserted, and ruggedly appealing. Neither father nor daughter minded the isolation. At the opening scene of this story, there has been a shipwreck. Flash storms were not unusual on Lake Huron. In the morning, the Captain and his daughter were looking for survivors. As they pulled bodies out of the water, Isabelle discovered a man clinging to some debris. They brought him inside to nurse him back to health.While she nursed Henry, Isabelle became better acquainted with him. He was a jovial type of man, not taking much of anything very seriously. He was pampered and the life of the party, used to gaining the attention of women everywhere he went. His was a life of leisure, lacking in true purpose and drive. His father was disappointed in him and sent him on this trip hoping it would mature his son. The storm jolted him out of his complacency; he'd lost a close friend and he felt responsible. Isabelle's nature was the opposite of Henry's. She was reserved, quiet, serious and studious, yet happy and contented with her life. In spite of their differences, the two became friends.One day some men showed up at the door who claimed to represent Henry's father. They were to go down to Detroit together. But once they got into the boat, the situation changed. Isabelle saw the men tie him up and hold a knife to his throat. She asked her father to rescue Henry; he did, reluctantly. It became apparent to both men that staying at the lighthouse was putting Isabelle and her father at risk from the ruthless competitors until Henry could travel down to Detroit to file his claim of ownership. He had to make a decision to leave before winter temperatures froze the lakes and commerce was closed until the Spring thaw. Isabelle was uncertain he would return. She loved him, but she may never see him again. Yes, this is a short novella, with barely enough pages to develop a plot and build strong characters. Yet in spite of these limitations, Jody Hedlund has accomplished quite a few feats in this story. First she has captured and described the unique responsibilities of lighthouse keepers all along the shores, no matter what state or country they were located. Before the days of electronic communications, all the warning ships had about avoiding treacherous rocks near the shores were from these lights. Before the days of the Coast Guard, there were few means available to rescue survivors of shipwrecks except for random citizens living near the seas and lakes. Lighthouse keepers were often among these rescuers.Second, the author has described the incredible panoramic views available from the positions where lighthouses were often placed. These locations are often difficult to access today from the inland. Many people love lighthouses and collect items decorated like them, but not as many have visited them. Third, a historical background of the lumber industry is alluded to in this story, and will no doubt continue to be expanded upon in the series. Fourth, the author employed a simple classic love story to complete this introduction to the series. I enjoy the author's writing style demonstrated by this introductory novella. I'm looking forward to reading the Beacons of Hope series.Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary review copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

[alekee_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

When a ship is wrecked off the coast of Presque Isle, Michigan, pieces of the ship and bodies start to wash up in front of the lighthouse. A barely alive man, clinging to his friend also comes ashore, and changes the lives of the people who live there forever.Isabelle lives here with her father, the lighthouse caretaker, and spends her days do laundry, meals, and among other things drawing. Now she has the added duty of helping Henry survive, and not become drawn in by him.Henry acts like a rather spoiled individual, and has had a rather easy life, up until now. He is so different from Isabelle, and he comes from money. Is there any hope for him that he will survive to live another day, and for his soul? He is a rather reckless individual.Isabella has a rather serious problem, and knows that she can never leave where she is, nor is she able to marry. Will these two unlikely people be able to forge a relationship?I loved the description the author paints of this area, rather desolate, but with specular beauty. Weather is harsh, and once the ice freezes, they are stuck without seeing anyone for about half a year.I cannot wait to read Love Unexpected due out by this author shortly; I loved reading this short story.I received this book from the Publisher Bethany House, and was not required to give a positive review