An Awakened Heart Quotes

“Her pretty mouth curled into the beginning of a smile. He’d learned that she doled out smiles sparingly, and so he gave himself permission to study her face, her dainty chin and nose and the slenderness of her lips. If he were to kiss her, he would have to do so tenderly, otherwise he might crush her. Her smile faded. “Reverend?” Miss Pendleton’s voice wavered with uncertainty. When he finally turned his attention and thoughts away from her mouth, he realized he’d made a complete fool of himself by staring at her like a schoolboy daydreaming about his first kiss. From the way she was twisting at her reticule, and the slight pink in her cheeks, he could see that he’d embarrassed her. He prayed she hadn’t been able to read his thoughts. Why in all that was righteous had he been thinking about kissing her anyway? What had overcome him?”
― Jody Hedlund, An Awakened Heart

“Christine,” he mumbled between their lips, “we must be married soon.” She couldn’t find the words to answer him. She’d never imagined anyone would ever want to marry her. And now Guy had asked her not once, but twice. And he wanted it to be soon. Surely if anything were a miracle, this was it. She smiled, and the movement caused him to pause and pull back a fraction so that their noses touched. “What?” he asked breathlessly. “You’ve finally made me a believer in miracles.” “I have?” “It’s a miracle that you want to marry me.” “I have witnessed miracles,” he said, letting his fingers linger at the nape of her neck, driving her mad with his caress. “And my desire to marry you is the furthest thing from one. Any man would want you; I’m just glad God brought you to me first.” She leaned in, wanting once more to feel the warmth and closeness of his lips. But he pulled away, his brows creased. “Christine,” he said, “you’re a treasure worth more than anything I’ve ever had or could hope to have. And I want to spend the rest of my life showing you that.” His affirmation was difficult for her to understand. “Perhaps if you tell me often enough, I’ll finally believe you,” she whispered. “Does this mean you’ll agree to marry me?” His eyes overflowed with anticipation of her reply. What reason did she possibly have to say no? Not when she loved him. Yes, she loved him. She raised her chin, hoping he’d claim another kiss. And when he did, she arched into him and met his passion with her own. At the carriage door opening, Guy broke away from her. Neither of them had noticed the vehicle rolling to a stop or the handle rattling. With the rain pattering around him, Ridley stood hunched under an umbrella, his lips twitching against a smile. Once again he’d caught them in a passionate embrace. Guy cleared his throat and shifted on the seat in an attempt to put space between them. Christine slipped her hand over Guy’s and then straightened her shoulders and faced Ridley. “I’m getting married to Reverend Bedell.” Ridley nodded. “Very soon I hope.”
― Jody Hedlund, An Awakened Heart

“Christine,” he started, “is it possible that God can do more yet between us?” Was that a note of hope in his voice? Did he still care for her after all? She couldn’t look into his eyes for fear of what she might see. Instead she focused on the way his hand wrapped so perfectly around hers. “If you say no, that you don’t want me, I promise I’ll respect your answer—” “I do want you,” she said. The words came out before she could halt them, and she was mortified at her confession. She hurried to cover up her embarrassment. “It’s just that I don’t understand why anyone would be interested in me. I’m nothing—” “You’re everything to me. I love you, Christine. I think I’ve loved you from that first day you spoke to me.”
― Jody Hedlund, An Awakened Heart

“As the sound of Christine’s footsteps faded with her retreat, he realized that next to the new ministry, the thing he wanted to do most in life was spend every day telling her how special and beautiful and precious she was. Now if only he could convince her to let him do that.”
― Jody Hedlund, An Awakened Heart

“I shouldn’t have suggested it. I’m making a nuisance of myself again—” He stopped her with a touch to her hand. He was being presumptuous again. But he had to make sure she understood, that in spite of everything that had happened, he didn’t blame her in any way. He laced his fingers through hers and drew her back. He took courage when she didn’t resist. With his other hand he tenderly lifted her chin to gaze into her eyes. “You have never, and could never, be a nuisance to me.” What had happened to her to make her think so little of herself? He caressed the smooth porcelain of her cheek. “Every second of every minute I’ve spent with you over the past weeks has brought me immense pleasure.” “I’ve brought you trouble.” He rubbed his thumb across the delicate arch of her cheekbone, relishing the silkiness of her skin. “God has used you to help me grow. And I thank Him for that. I wish we didn’t have to part ways.” “Then will you think about opening a new chapel and helping me to run the workshop?” He hesitated once more, which only caused her to break free and retreat to the door. “Wait, Christine. Could you give me a few days to pray about it?” She halted. “Perhaps I just need to have more faith that God will provide for my needs. After all, other missionaries have stepped out in faith, those with much less than me.”
― Jody Hedlund, An Awakened Heart

“Maybe his offer to marry her had taken them both by surprise, but now that he’d brought it up, he couldn’t imagine his life without her. In fact, dread tightened his chest at the thought of what life would be like after tomorrow. If only he could find a way to be with her even though this project of theirs was coming to an end. He’d considered his options. Perhaps he could assume a position with a new church. With his pastoral experience, surely he’d be given a larger congregation with a salary that would allow him to offer Christine a comfortable life. Or he could apply for a professorship at the seminary, which hopefully would be prestigious enough for a woman of Christine’s social standing.”
― Jody Hedlund, An Awakened Heart

“She’d been in and out of the workshop quite often over the past several days, and although they’d talked together during the week, she’d been more reserved and formal with him. Had he disappointed her? She’d badly wanted their effort to succeed. She had invested her time, energy, and capital into the project. She’d done her part. But he’d failed to maintain the connections they needed. If she’d been hesitant about accepting his proposal before, she certainly wouldn’t agree anymore that God had brought them together to be partners, to work side by side in the ministry. Maybe his proposal of marriage had been somewhat spontaneous, a reaction to the way her kisses had stirred him, but once it was offered he knew then he wanted to be with her. She hadn’t just tolerated his kiss the way Bettina had always done, and she wasn’t so delicate and breakable as he’d imagined. Rather she’d responded to him with true affection. He recalled how she had felt pressed against his chest, how she’d kissed him back with such passion. . . .”
― Jody Hedlund, An Awakened Heart

“If Sophie’s too young,” he said, “then you can be my girl, Elise. You’re a looker.” “None of us are going to be your girl,” she shot back. He advanced closer. “Your uncle told us he’s throwing you all out of here soon. But if you’re my girl, I’ll make sure you stay.” Elise was surprised Uncle Hermann hadn’t forced them out yet. She’d known it was only a matter of time before he did. Since Reinhold had brought her the news of Uncle’s plans, she’d been asking around the neighborhood for a new place to live. But whenever she found an available space, no one wanted so many young dependents, especially when over half weren’t wage earners. Friedric drew close enough that she caught the smell of beer on his breath. “You know you want me.” He leaned in and attempted to kiss her. She dodged him and at the same time thrust out the knife. When the sharp tip pricked him in the chest, he froze. “Don’t try to touch me or my sisters again.” She attempted to keep her hand from trembling. “If you so much as breathe on us, I won’t hesitate to cut you up.” He was silent for a moment as though trying to grasp the meaning of her words in his beer-fogged brain. Finally he stepped out of her reach and said, “You’ll regret turning me down, princess,” and his voice rumbled low with menace. “Never.” “You just wait and see. I’ll make sure that next time you’re not here when I want one of your sisters.” Elise fought back panic and forced herself to remain calm. She drew in a steadying breath. “Okay, Friedric. You’re right. You’re my best option. I’ll consider being your girl so long as you promise to get Uncle to let me and my sisters stay.” Her words must have taken Friedric by surprise because he was speechless for a minute before giving a triumphant laugh. “You have a deal. You’ll have to get rid of the two snot-nosed babies. But I won’t have any trouble convincing your uncle to let you and your sisters stay.” He fumbled for her again. She stopped him with her knife. “You said you’d be my girl,” he whined, backing away again. “Only after I have proof that Uncle won’t throw us out. If you touch me before that, I’ll hack off your fingers.” He grumbled under his breath before finally muttering, “Fine.”
― Jody Hedlund, An Awakened Heart

“I’ve been trying to think of a solution,” Reinhold said, “and I could come up with only one idea.” “What?” “Marry me.” A burst of laughter tumbled out of her. At the flash of hurt on Reinhold’s face, she cut the laughter short. “You’re serious?” “Yes, why wouldn’t I be?” he responded. “Because that would be really awkward.” “It wouldn’t have to be.” His brows came together in a scowl. “I’d make a good husband, Elise.” Seeing he was, in fact, being serious, all the humor she’d found in his suggestion fell away. She studied his profile for a moment, the rippling muscles of his jaw, the maturity that had developed in his face in recent months. He’d been the man of his house for the past year, shouldering more responsibility than most other young men his age. Not only was he faithful and hardworking, but he was tender and kind. She’d seen the sweet way he treated his younger siblings, the same way he did Nicholas and Olivia and Sophie. He’d not only make a good husband, but he’d make a good father too. But marry him? She couldn’t imagine it. “You’ll make an excellent husband,” she said cautiously. “But you’re my brother and friend. It would seem strange—” “You mean more to me than a sister.” His voice cracked over his raw confession. “Reinhold, please don’t.” She didn’t want to hear that he had feelings for her. If he admitted he liked her beyond friendship, things would become uncomfortable between them, and she couldn’t bear that. “It doesn’t matter how either of us feel,” he said quickly, changing his tone back to the brotherly one she needed. “The fact is, if we get married, then my mother can’t say no to you coming to live with us.”
― Jody Hedlund, An Awakened Heart

“His nose touched hers, and the warmth of his breath brushed her lips. “Christine,” he said, his voice filling her with longing, “may I kiss you?” A warning sounded from the far corners of her mind and told her she ought to say no, that she should retreat while she still retained her dignity. But he stroked his thumb from her chin back to her jaw again, and the caress lit a flame inside her like the strike of a match to a wick soaked in oil. She gave him her answer by moving into him and closing the distance between them. Although she’d never even embraced a man much less kissed one, she lifted herself to him and trusted he’d do the rest. She was rewarded by the sweet touch of his lips against hers. The sensation was soft and exquisite and brief. She found herself disappointed when he began to pull away. “Guy,” she whispered and pursued his lips with hers. He stilled as if he hadn’t expected her response. For an instant she regretted her boldness, wondered if she’d somehow broken a rule, and felt the heat of embarrassment creep into her cheeks. “I’m sorry—” she mumbled, pulling away. Before she could move more than a fraction, his hand slipped to the small of her back and his mouth returned to hers, cutting off her apology with another soft, feathery kiss. She didn’t know why he was being so careful with her, kissing her as though she might break. So she cupped his cheeks with her hands and pressed her lips harder. His hand against her back tensed and his fingers splayed, drawing her against his chest. He matched the pressure of her lips, tentatively at first. But when she melded against him, his kiss deepened and she could feel the power and strength of him. She relished it, craved it. And she didn’t want it to end.”
― Jody Hedlund, An Awakened Heart

“What will it take for you to believe me when I tell you I think you’re amazing?” He’d called her amazing before, and she hadn’t been able to accept it then or now. “I’m just ordinary too,” she said. “Not to me.” The sincerity in his simple statement made her breath catch. And when he bent just a little closer, she stopped breathing altogether. “I’ve never met a woman like you before.”
― Jody Hedlund, An Awakened Heart

“His thumb slid up from underneath her chin to along her jawline, then slowly down again to the tip of the chin. The touch was so gentle she shivered once more. She had the sudden urge to launch herself at him, to press against him and let him kiss her if he so wished. But he couldn’t possibly want to . . . “Please, Christine,” he whispered. “Guy,” she breathed shakily. “But you’re a pastor and deserve my respect.” “I’m just an ordinary man, Christine.” The way he said her name was like a caress. His face then dipped nearer so that he was only inches away. “An ordinary man who seems to have fallen prey to the charms of one very pretty woman.” Fallen prey? Pretty woman? She couldn’t hold back a laugh. “Reverend—” His brows came together in a scowl. “I mean, Guy. I think you may be ill.” His scowl melted away into another beautiful smile. “I think you have a hard time accepting compliments.”
― Jody Hedlund, An Awakened Heart

“little. “I know we haven’t known each other long,” he continued, “but it’s been long enough for me to realize that you’re very special and that I enjoy being with you in a way I haven’t experienced with anyone else.” How could that be true? Even if he’d enjoyed her company so far, surely he would eventually come to realize that she was no one special. “I’m a man of forty years and have already lived a full life. I don’t know how many days I have left on this earth. Therefore, I see no reason to wait to express how I feel, or to play the flirtatious games of the young, or to prolong getting to know each other in a lengthy courtship.” “If you’ll allow me, and if Ridley approves”—Guy nodded at Ridley, and by doing so she saw that he understood how Ridley was much more to her than just a coachman—“I’d like to marry you.” Had she heard him correctly? “Marry me?” The words squeaked high and off-key. He released a chuckle that rumbled with nervousness. “My proposal is rather sudden. But at my age, I know myself much better and have a great deal more wisdom now than I did when I was a young man. And I’ve become more proficient at judging the heart and character of others.” “You may be a good judge of character.” She fumbled to slow down the conversation. “But you can’t possibly know the real me in so short a time.” It had only been a month since the first Sunday she’d gathered enough courage to speak to him. “I know you’re the most incredible woman I’ve ever met.” His expression was so sincere that for a moment she could almost believe him. “I admire so many things about you—your determination, unflinching spirit, practicality, humility, and so much more.” She gave a shaky laugh. “I’m not sure if you’re describing the right person, Reverend.” “Not to mention . . .” His voice dropped an octave. “You’re beautiful.” Heat flared in her cheeks. “Now I know you’re telling tales.” “I’d like to spend the rest of my life proving to you that I mean every word.” He held her gaze, and she saw something in his eyes that pricked her with fear.”
― Jody Hedlund, An Awakened Heart

“However, as he began his prayer, she couldn’t think about anything but the warm pressure of his hands against hers. His fingers were strong but also contained a tenderness she’d grown to appreciate about him. In fact, there were many things she’d learned about him that she liked. He was humble, open to her ideas, and yet he wasn’t a pushover. He always had insightful suggestions and advice to add to her plans. He was also diligent and hardworking. He arrived at the chapel before her every day and left later. He was kind and merciful to all those he came into contact with, yet he hadn’t hesitated to confront a couple of drunken men who’d disrupted the worship service. He was tough and intimidating when he needed to be. She peeked up at him, taking a few seconds to study his features as he prayed. She liked the square solidness of his chin, the smile lines next to his eyes, and the peaceful look on his face. She found herself captivated by his mouth and the purposefulness of each word he spoke.”
― Jody Hedlund, An Awakened Heart

“You really are amazing,” he said again, not caring that his voice was low and perhaps a little too intimate. At his words, she sucked in a sharp breath that made her chest rise. She mumbled an excuse about needing to discuss something with the piano tuner. Guy stood unmoving at the pulpit and watched her walk gracefully away and speak kindly to the tuner still at the piano. Guy couldn’t stop himself from staring, even though he was flustered at the thought that he was acting like an untried youth rather than the experienced once-married man he was. “God help me,” he whispered, finally tearing his attention away from Miss Pendleton to focus once more on his sermon notes. He liked her. Much more than he should.”
― Jody Hedlund, An Awakened Heart

“You’re amazing.” He didn’t realize he’d spoken the words aloud and that he was staring at her again, until she averted her eyes, looking down at the floor while clicking her reticule open and shut several times. He was tempted to beat his forehead with his palm for speaking so forthrightly, yet her small smile and the flush in her cheeks stopped him. She was amazing. He didn’t know of any other woman who would consider sacrificing so much of her time and energy to do this. Certainly none of the other ladies of the Ladies Home Missionary Society would consider such a thing.”
― Jody Hedlund, An Awakened Heart

“From what I could see, he already wants to cooperate with you.” Her ready response stalled. She wasn’t sure if she’d heard Ridley correctly, but at the ensuing sparkle in his eyes, she shook her head and stepped inside hoping her friend couldn’t see the flush that was surely creeping into her cheeks. “He’s a widower and completely devoted to his work. That’s all.” She tugged at the fingertips of her gloves. “I suppose that’s why he decided to have you accompany him rather than assigning you to another group?” She slipped off the glove heedless of the fact that two fingers were rolled in. She dropped it onto the silver tray that graced the pedestal table, then began to pluck at the other glove. “I’m sure he meant nothing by his actions.” Ridley was silent as she finished divesting her fingers of the tight leather and carefully began to remove her hatpins and drop them in the silver tray with a clink. She could feel him watching her, waiting. Finally, after she had her hat off and couldn’t avoid him any longer, she turned and met his gaze. “You are not giving yourself enough credit,” he said gently. “You’re a delightful young woman.” “I’m old and unappealing.” “Thirty isn’t old. And you’re very pretty.” “Of course you would say so.” “I may be ancient and slightly biased,” Ridley said with a return smile, “but my eyesight is still quite proficient. And I had no trouble seeing that Reverend Bedell had a hard time keeping his attention off of you.” Christine shook her head in disbelief. “Thank you for attempting to cheer me with your nonsense. But I’ve had many years to resign myself to my singleness and have no interest in entertaining thoughts of heartache.”
― Jody Hedlund, An Awakened Heart

“Like last week, she was wearing all black. And like last week, he couldn’t keep from noticing the way the dark color highlighted her pale skin and grayish-blue eyes. She was petite and put together in every detail from her severe coif to her immaculate garments. Though she wasn’t remarkable in her appearance, there was something in her delicate porcelain face that he liked. Perhaps her determination? Or compassion? Or honesty? Truthfully, he hadn’t noticed her at all before last Sunday, but now he was chagrined to admit he’d thought about her all week. He’d told himself that his thoughts had only to do with the way God had spoken through her to answer his prayer. He’d been battling such doubts recently regarding his ministry among the immigrants, and when she’d spoken to him after the service, it was almost as if she’d been delivering a message directly from God. He loved when God worked that way. Regardless, his mind had wandered too many times from the answered prayer to the bearer of the answer. He hadn’t met a woman in years who had arrested him quite the way Miss Pendleton had. And he was quite taken aback by his strange reaction. After Bettina had passed away ten years ago, he’d had little desire to think about courting other women. At first he’d been too filled with grief and had focused all his energy on raising Thomas. When Thomas had left home to pursue his studies at Union Theological Seminary, Guy had taken the challenge given by the New York Methodist Episcopal Conference. He’d accepted their position as an itinerant pastor to start a mission and chapel among the lions’ den. He’d left his comfortable pastoral position and embraced God’s calling to raise the outcast and homeless, to be among those who had no friend or helper, and do something for them of what Christ had done for him. He’d focused all his time and attention on reaching the lost. Nothing and no one had shaken that attention. Until last week.”
― Jody Hedlund, An Awakened Heart

“Wait.” She spun much too quickly. He’d rounded the pulpit, looking as if he had every intention of chasing after her. As she waited for him to speak, her breath hitched, although she wasn’t sure why. And she wasn’t sure why her skin felt overheated. “Do you have any ideas for what I—what we—could do differently here?” he asked. The satisfaction she’d experienced before came rolling back. Reverend Bedell was a good and humble man to request her advice when she’d already imposed. “I’m afraid I’ve already spoken too much today as it is.” “Not at all. If God brought you here as an answer to my prayer, then I have a feeling He has much more for you to say.” Reverend Bedell was giving her more credit than she deserved. She wanted to tell him she wasn’t anyone special. But his expectant eyes stopped her from disappointing him. “Perhaps you should continue to pray. If God has answered your prayers once, I’m sure He’ll do so again.” “I’ll do that,” he said. She nodded and turned to leave again. “I’ll see you on Saturday then for the visiting?” The hope in his voice stopped her. “Will you be ready for more bossing around by then?” He chuckled. “Absolutely.” “Then I’ll be here.” Once more she became conscious of her bold interactions with this man and strode forward, anxious now to leave.”
― Jody Hedlund, An Awakened Heart

“Reverend Bedell?” she said. He halted and glanced at her. She expected irritation or at least weariness to cross his features and was completely unprepared for his warm smile and the genuine kindness in his eyes. “Yes? Mrs. . . . ? Forgive me. I seem to have forgotten your name.” “Please don’t concern yourself. You have so many names to remember.” His eyes had pleasant crinkles at the corners, belying his age in a way the rest of his appearance didn’t. She’d overheard the other ladies at the Society meeting whispering that he had a grown son who was in seminary and studying to be a pastor. Yet he certainly didn’t look old enough for that to be true. “I always try to learn the names of volunteers. It just takes me time, Mrs. . . .” “Miss Pendleton,” she supplied, shifting uncomfortably as he perused her black dress with its sloping shoulders, wide pagoda sleeves, and full skirt. Mother had passed away in March, and she hadn’t yet finished the six months of mourning that was socially expected at the loss of a parent. “Mrs. Pendleton,” he replied. “I’m sorry for your loss. Your husband?” “Oh, no. I’m not married. It’s Miss Pendleton.” She enunciated her title more clearly and loudly, but then realized she’d just announced her spinsterhood for all the world to hear and flushed at the mistake. “I beg your pardon,” the reverend said. “My mother recently passed,” she added and hurried to cover her embarrassment. “She was ill for many years and was finally released from her burdens.” “Again, I’m sorry for your loss.” From the compassion that filled his eyes, she had the distinct impression he was being sincere and not merely placating her. “Thank you.”
― Jody Hedlund, An Awakened Heart