A Reluctant Bride Review

Posted by abakersp in Contemporary / 1 Comment

Next up on our new releases is Jody Hedlund’s new book A Reluctant Bride. I could read this story over and over again. I can’t wait for the release of book two. Why is there so much time in between!?

About the Book

Living in London’s poorest slum, Mercy Wilkins has little hope of a better life. When she’s offered an opportunity to join a bride ship sailing to British Columbia, she agrees. After witnessing so much painful heartache and loss in the slums, the bride ship is her only prospect to escape a bleak future, not only for herself but, she hopes, someday for her sister.

Wealthy and titled Joseph Colville leaves home and takes to the sea in order to escape the pain of losing his family. As ship’s surgeon, he’s in charge of the passengers’ welfare aboard the Tynemouth, including sixty brides-to-be. He has no immediate intention of settling down, but when Mercy becomes his assistant, the two must fight against a forbidden love. 

With hundreds of single men congregating on the shore eager to claim a bride from the Tynemouth, will Mercy and Joseph lose their chance at true love, or will they be able to overcome the obstacles that threaten to keep them apart?

Purchase at Amazon

My Perspective

The Bride Ships series is one to watch for my friends! Mercy and Joseph are so sweet, yet professional. Their attraction is so obvious, to pretty much everyone on the ship (hence the reason others tried to separate them), except to maybe themselves. Mercy is this sweet, empathetic heroine who puts others before herself each and every time. She wasn’t worried about her own health or happiness, just those around her. Mercy is an inspiration to us all. But in a time period where different social classes simply didn’t intermingle romantically, it seemed as if the odds were against them. Never fear….Hedlund is here!

The premise of this whole story was interesting to me. The Society herded unwed, young women onto this ship like cattle. It just sounds so demeaning, and a horrible way to live. I was waiting for the gentlemen in British Columbia to act like animals, and frankly they did. Many of these men were looking for someone to take care of them, among other things. I couldn’t imagine being subject to that! But Mercy. She was so naive, and yet so stuck in her ways. She didn’t need a man, she just needed a job. And while of course that changes after she spends more time with Joseph, we can certainly understand why. Joseph is respectful, swoony, and just downright charming. I was rooting for him from the get go 🙂

With a fun romance, an interesting plot line, and several inspirational quotes, this first book in the Bride Ships series is a sure win. I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Favorite Quotes

“But I’m doing the small part God’s called me to, and when I obey Him, He gives me the strength I need to accomplish the task at hand.”

“Now, imagine if everyone did that – took a small part in reaching out. Then imagine if all those small parts were added together. We’d be able to accomplish a great deal of good.”

“He spoke as if God truly cared about her.”

“But she wouldn’t have guessed this woman was hiding painful secrets, that underneath the layers of frilly and fancy garments was a broken and bruised body.”

“Mrs Moresby responded with a chuckle that shook her frame. ‘I am who I am. If you don’t like me, then too bad.'”

About the Author

Jody Hedlund

Jody Hedlund is the 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.

Jody lives in central Michigan with her husband, five busy children, and five spoiled cats. Although Jody prefers to experience daring and dangerous adventures through her characters rather than in real life, she’s learned that a calm existence is simply not meant to be (at least in this phase of her life!).

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.

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