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 … 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?
more
Seeking a better life
While I’ve heard of mail-order brides, I had never heard of bride ships prior to learning about A Reluctant Bride. (Except those that brought women to Australia to marry the convicts there.) So it was fascinating to discover that ships once brought women to Canada from England in response to the pleas of the men who lived there, outnumbering the women exponentially.
Mercy’s story highlights the deplorable conditions of the poor in London in the mid-nineteenth century. Reading about the filth, disease, and abject poverty made me cringe, especially the details of the occupation Ash, Mercy’s father, had. Eew!!
I was very interested in the historical details shared along the way, descriptions of life on board and the conditions of the various strata of passengers, learning about the improved methods of sailing to compensate for the times when the winds were not sufficient to propel the ship, and the glimpse of the Falkland Islands.
Class distinctions and feelings of inferiority permeated Mercy and Joseph’s lives. She struggled with the intense need to be nothing like her immoral mother and feelings of inadequacy, which were echoed to her even by the minister who chaperoned the brides. Joseph struggled with a heart closed off to love because of the loss he had experienced.
Overall, the story was interesting, yet it did drag a little. The backstory of one of the brides was alluded to enough so I want to know more about Miss Lawrence’s history and what happens next. I am hoping to read more about her in a future story of The Bride Ships series.
Read my review of A Reluctant Bride by Jody Hedlund at AmongTheReads.net
I was given a copy of this book. I was not required to give a favorable review nor was any money received for this review. All comments and opinions are my own.
Jody Hedlund does not disappoint! A Reluctant Bride is amazing from the beautiful cover to the last page! We cannot imagine the filth or how crowded and poor London was in 1862! When compassionate Mercy Wilkins hears her parents fighting about sending her ten year old brother out on his own because there is not enough food for everyone, she decides to leave and ends up joining a group of women going to Vancouver Island through the Columbia Mission Society. Mercy does not realize this is really a “bride ship” and the women are being sent as brides! Lord Joseph Colville has been sailing the seas as a ship’s surgeon since losing his family to cholera. He soon learns that Mercy is a useful assistant. Joseph and Mercy are both wonderful main characters. I recommend A Reluctant Bride to anyone who enjoys historical fiction. I’m sure you will learn many facts about that era. I received an advance copy of A Reluctant Bride from the author and Bethany House Publishers. This is my honest opinion.
Prior to reading this story, I’d never heard of bride ships! What a wonderful story Jody Hedlund has weaved with her telling of A Reluctant Bride, a story based on true events and well-researched.
Facing mounting hardships, Mercy Wilkins decides to join a bride ship sailing to British Columbia. Although she has zero desire to marry, she sees this as her only choice of survival. Joseph Colville also joins the same bride ship to care for its passengers during the arduous journey. Dr. Colville comes from a wealthy family and has faced ridicule for his choice of becoming a caretaker of others. Thrown together aboard the ship, both Mercy and Joseph work to help and to avoid their growing attraction to each other–an attraction they both know is not allowed. Can they overcome their obstacles or must they go their separate ways?
I highly recommend this story to lovers of history! This is a clean story that is well-researched and draws the reader from the very first page.
This is quite a story.
I’ve always admired the research that Jody Hedlund does to make sure that her books have an authentic feel to them. When you combine her research skills with her amazing ability to write a compelling story, it’s no wonder that I can hardly put any of her books down once I began to read them. I don’t think that I’ve ever read a story about the “bride ships” until I read this one. The history behind this makes for an extraordinary story, and that the book is somewhat based on a true account of a doctor on board ship falling in love with one of the brides who assisted him adds special interest to the story. (Don’t miss reading the author’s notes at the end of the book.) The author does a great job with the settings of this story. I felt as if I were in the squalor of London and on board the ship during the storm.
The heroine of this story is Mercy Wilkins. I instantly had sympathy and admiration for her. Despite her horrible living circumstances, she’s a loving and kind sister who is desperately trying to find a way to provide food for her younger siblings. In England in the year 1862, there is very little respectable work for a poor, uneducated young woman. When Mercy’s mother loses her job, her mother makes it clear that Mercy must leave the family in order to have enough for the younger children. She discovers that the Columbia Missions Society is offering a chance for young women to have a new opportunity in British Columbia, and will pay for their passage there. Mercy joins this group, unaware that it is actually a “bride ship” and that on arrival in British Columbia, she’ll be expected to find a husband.
On board the ship, Mercy begins to work with Lord Joseph Colville, the ship’s physician. Joseph is quickly drawn to Mercy’s compassion and nursing skill of the ship’s patients, as well as her beauty. Joesph is an honorable man who, much like the Biblical character of Jonah, is on board the ship running away from the ministry he believes God was calling him to do. As they work together, the two fall in love. But the social and economic differences in their lives seem almost impossible to overcome. As they face desperate circumstances on sea and land, they realize they must both make their peace with God. I loved the conclusion of this story. There are some other characters whose storylines were unfinished in this book, and I’m looking forward to reading more about them in this series.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
A Reluctant Bride is a historical gem. The different settings are so beautifully crafted you can practically smell the slums of London or hear the sea birds at sunset aboard the Tynemouth or smell the pine trees as you set foot in Vancouver. It is a vivid world, to be sure.
The story of the brides recruited by the Columbia Mission Society is intriguing and quite an adventure for the poor women from the slums as well as for me! I could hardly wait to see what awaited them on their trip around the Horn as I devoured chapter after chapter and visited each port along the way.
Mercy is truly an angel with a heart bursting at the seams to aid any and all–no matter their social class. And although she thinks herself no better than a servant, she is a brilliant example of a servant of Christ. I cheered for her as I watched her mature in her confidence once she left the oppressive life of the slums.
Joseph is a most definitely a swoon worthy hero, with wealth and a title to boot. But it is his humble ability to leave his title behind in order to serve others that will steal your heart–and Mercy’s, too. Their chemistry simmers despite the difference in their backgrounds. And the gap in the classes only intensifies their romance as they try to put aside any feelings they have for each other for the sake of society’s opinion.
If you love a book rich with historical details that don’t bog down the story (or the romance), then you will enjoy A Reluctant Bride. I know I did!
I was provided a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.
This was such an interesting story to me. First the streets of London and the poverty so well displayed on the streets. Then the depravity that must have led to for women to leave everything to start a new life in a new country as brides to men they did not know. I recommend reading the authors note at the end of the book. The love story between the pages was so sweet. It’s a must read. The history and the story itself was a 5 star read! I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions stated here are my own.
This was a thoroughly eye opening experience on a time and event in history I had no idea existed! The characters are incredibly well done, and I so enjoyed getting to know Mercy most of all. The plot was a fascinating one, and it’s rather amazing how much truth the author used in putting it together. I had such a hard time putting this book down.
The view the readers get is from those in the steerage to those of wealth…and the drastic difference between the two. I felt the embarrassment of the women as they were put through such difficult events. These kinds of reads always make me wonder what I would have done in the characters shoes. So many women put in almost unbelievable conditions, left to decide if they want to sail away and marry a man they have never met or take a chance on dying in a workhouse or on the streets.
This story is incredibly crafted to have the readers in empathy with the characters, yet wonder if they would ever give themselves over to such a scheme. It helps to open the readers eyes to the plight of some, and to be so very thankful that I myself never had to make such a decision.
With realistic characters, a compelling story, and a plot based on true events it’s an experience not to be missed!
I received this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
What an enjoyable story from beginning to end the author held me spell bound, and then I didn’t want to leave.
We get and up-close look at the poverty that was prevalent in1860’s London, England, and the difference between the classes, and see the constant death because of the conditions. Times and people so desperate for food and any comfort that they are willing to leave and travel to the unknown, or leave on a bride ship to the Canadian North West.
I am excited that there are more books in this series to come!
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Bethany House, and was not required to give a positive review.
“Our whole lives are going to be filled with challenges, and our job is to keep growing and seeking after what God has next for us.”
Jody Hedlund ranks among the top Christian fiction authors in my book, and “A Reluctant Bride” is the perfect illustration of why. Her writing impeccably integrates plot, history, characters, and setting to create a stunning journey that sweeps the reader into the story right from the first page and stays in mind long after the last. A seamless coalescing of elements breathes life into each chapter, both informing and resonating with the reader. Fans of such authors as Connilyn Cossette, Tessa Afshar, and Kate Breslin will not want to miss out on Jody Hedlund’s own repertoire, and “A Reluctant Bride” is an excellent starting point.
Based on a true story, “A Reluctant Bride” opens in London, England, in May of 1862. While she keeps the narrative clean, Hedlund does not shy away from the gritty details, which is so important not only in maintaining historical accuracy but also for the sake of appreciating the characters’ perspectives and drawing contemporary parallels. This is Dickens’ London, with its rampant disease and strife, its destitute population, and its permeating hopelessness. It is this milieu from which the aptly named Mercy Wilkins emerges, a tenderhearted young woman forced to make her way in the world apart from her family and the life that she has always known. Encountering Lord Joseph Colville, a physician running from the pain of his past, the two would seem to be polar opposites. However, circumstances draw them together and cause them both to examine their lives.
One of the best aspects of this novel is the fact that the main characters’ faith is not deeply rooted to begin with but grows and matures throughout their journey as a result of their struggles. Moreover, all of the characters are three-dimensional and authentic, with plausible motivations. Two of the secondary characters, Miss Lawrence and Mrs. Moresby, particularly intrigued me. Given the time period, concerns regarding women’s propriety and social class disparities pervade the story. How Mercy responds reflects her subservient upbringing and serves as a call to action for readers today: “Don’t get stuck thinking you don’t matter or you’re not important enough. God didn’t create some people to be better than others. He created everyone to have equal value.”
Infused with a strong faith component, “A Reluctant Bride” encompasses several prevalent themes. The romance is swoon-worthy yet clean, and it does not fall into the typical formulaic patterns of so many love stories but rather embodies a stirring complexity. The story encourages readers to challenge the status quo in a world where compassion and loving one’s neighbor goes against the grain. Helping the downtrodden and putting others before oneself reap eternal rewards and can change the world, one person at a time. As Joseph ponders, “Would not the world be a better place if a man simply lived in humility and loved his brother or sister as himself, regardless of one’s birth?” Most importantly, “A Reluctant Bride” emphasizes surrendering everything to God, a habit that requires continual practice and that brings true peace and contentment. For a thought-provoking, inspiring, soul-stirring read, look no further than Jody Hedlund’s “A Reluctant Bride.”
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author and the publisher and was not required to post a positive review. All opinions are my own.
I was not familiar with the concept of bride ships but leave it to Author Jody Hedlund to do her research and find this unique tidbit in history and then write an inspirational story. With Mercy Wilkins’ parents having too many children to feed and clothe due to the abject poverty and hopelessness in London, she finds a way to leave and joins a bride ship sailing to British Columbia, even though she has vowed to never marry or have children. On board the ship is Dr. Joseph Colville, who is wealthy and titled. When Mercy assists Dr. Colville during the long, arduous trip, they develop a friendship. Mercy and Joseph are two people from entirely different backgrounds and any kind of romance seems unlikely since she is beneath his station. Will Joseph stop running and accept God’s calling for his life? Will Mercy find happiness and security? I enjoy historical romance and thoroughly delighted in this story as it had just the right amount of romance. I look forward to the next in this series!
I was given a copy by the publisher. All opinions are my own.
“Where is a ship when you need one?”
Desperate to leave the slums of London behind, hoping to pave the way for her beloved sister to escape the cruel clutches of the work house, Mercy Wilkins boards the Tynemouth, not realizing that the sturdy sailing vessel is travelling half-way around the world to British Columbia, bearing; of all things . . brides! Getting married is the last thing on Mercy’s mind; her impression of men leads her to believe that they serve only one purpose, breeding children that no one can afford to feed.
Shortly after leaving England, while desperately attempting to care for an ill companion, Mercy comes face to face with a man she scarcely thought important enough to remember, the young doctor from London’s Shoreditch Dispensary. They had shared a very sacred moment; death.
Joseph Colville, Dr. Joseph Colville, Lord Colville . .. had never settled for tradition; his restless spirit pushing him to travel the world, his medical skills being indispensable on board many a ship. Resisting an invitation by his kind mentor, Dr. Bates, to to remain in London and partner in his efforts to treat the city’s poor, Joseph accepts a surgeon’s position aboard the Tynemouth. It’s there that he crosses paths, for the second time, with the quite lovely, but also quite indigent passenger, Mercy Wilkins.
As poverty and nobility collide, Mercy and Joseph must summon the courage to heed a wise ship captain’s advice; “do not let the barriers of class interfere with anything. Not work. Not life. And especially not love.” If it were only that easy.
I received a copy of this book from the author and publisher. The opinions stated above are entirely my own.
A Reluctant Bride, Jody Hedlund’s first installment in her new Bride Ships series, is a fascinating novel that explores the relatively unknown history of poor British women willingly boarding bride ships to seek a better life in British Columbia in the 1860s. Hedlund takes readers to the poorest slums in London and the horrific conditions those families faced, often with no way out from their situations. Readers are also introduced to the handsome and wealthy Lord Joseph Colville, Baron of Wiltshire. As the ship’s surgeon, he is responsible for helping the sick from all social stations aboard the ship. When young, beautiful Mercy Wilkins has an opportunity to leave the London slums for a better life in British Columbia, she finds herself on the bride ship and ends up assisting Dr. Colville with numerous sick patients. Mercy, poor and from the slums, and Joseph, wealthy and titled, come from two very different stations in life, but find themselves falling in love despite all odds.
Jody Hedlund creates a captivating historical romance that fans of historical fiction will thoroughly enjoy. Readers will become invested in the developing romance between Joseph and Mercy and the inspirational message that is intricately woven into the novel. Hedlund shares the powerful message that God created everyone to be equal and not to accept the labels that others in society often place upon us. God created everyone with a purpose. The secondary characters, such as Miss Lawrence and Mrs. Moresby, provide additional interest to the storyline. Mrs. Moresby (one of the women on the Female Immigration Committee) becomes a beloved character toward the end of the novel as she delivers encouragement and inspiration as Mercy contemplates her life after departing the bride ship.
A Reluctant Bride is recommended for readers of inspirational historical fiction, especially those who enjoy books by authors such as Carrie Turansky, Elizabeth Camden, and Rachel Fordham. Readers will eagerly look forward to the second book in the series. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine.
“Don’t get stuck thinking you don’t matter or you’re not important enough. I know people like us who come from lowly backgrounds, we all too often accept our place at the bottom and think that’s where we belong. But that’s just not true. God didn’t create some people to be better than others. He created everyone to have equal value.”
– Mrs. Moresby to Mercy
I always enjoy getting the opportunity to delve into a Jody Hedlund novel, and this newest story is no exception. Right from the beginning I was pulled headlong into the story and swept blissfully along on a journey that I won’t soon forget!
This story is so much more than a journey across the ocean from England to the Canadian Colonies of Vancouver. It is a journey of growth, and a journey of learning how to let go of past hurts.
Along the way there are storms, but it is more than the physical storms. Yes, there are damaging sea waves and howling winds. But more than that this story is about the emotional storms we face and a gentle reminder that no matter what walk of life we come from, God sees us as equal. No one person is better than another.
Mercy Wilkins’s struggled touched my heart. While I have never faced the same hardships she faces, I can identify with her struggle to see herself as God sees her versus how people around her do. It is so easy to accept the labels that others slap on our backs and forget to look up and into the face of our loving heavenly Father.
Joseph Colville has been running from the pain of devastation loss ever since he lost his entire family to a cholera outbreak. But when he stands to lose his very heart, will he stand and fight or will he continue to run?
I reached the end of the story feeling like I had lived it with the characters. Even the secondary characters, you either love or loathe. I loved every moment I spent reading this story. I look forward to reading more stories in this series. I can’t wait to see who we get to learn more about next. I’m hoping that Miss Lawrence is next. I highly recommend this story to anyone and everyone. Grab yourself a copy today!
(I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher. I am not required to write a positive review. My thoughts and opinions are my own.)
There are so many reasons that I love this book. The history fan in me loved learning, for the first time, about the bride ships that transported young women to become the brides of strangers. These journeys from England to Vancouver Island and British Columbia in the 1860s were often filled with dangerous storms, overwhelming hunger, devastating illness, and they always held the uncertainty of what was waiting at the end of the trip.
The romantic part of me swooned at the overwhelming attraction between Mercy Wilkins and Joseph Colville. I was touched by Mercy’s sweet nature and her nurturing abilities and no one deserved to be named Mercy more than her. Joseph Colville answered to both Dr. Colville and Lord Colville and I admired his dedication to helping everyone regardless of their social status. I also appreciated that he wasn’t a lady’s man and actually valued and respected women.
But most of all, I loved this story of a young, poverty-stricken young woman who felt that she would never escape the slums of London. As I read of the living conditions during this time, I was appalled but I also couldn’t help thinking that these same situations still exist and there are young women today who never have hopes of a better way of life. As a very young girl Mercy received kindness and support from a doctor who chose to treat the people in her London slum and it was through him that she first learned about a Higher Power. “Whenever Dr. Bates talked about God, she didn’t know how to respond. He spoke as if God truly cared about her. Yet, if God cared, she hadn’t felt it, hadn’t felt His nearness, hadn’t felt His directing her. If anything, she’d always felt as though her life hadn’t mattered.”
As Mercy endures this long journey from England she begins to experience romantic feelings for Dr. Joseph Colville. She starts to understand that she is worthy of respect and love and she realizes that she herself has also been judgemental about people. She finally understands that she “was as guilty of making assumptions about the wealthy as they were of forming their views about the poor. She’d do well to stop rushing to judge and instead see beyond the surface to the real person.”
A Reluctant Bride allows us to witness Mercy and Joseph’s ability to work through their painful pasts and to make plans for their futures. It also shows their Christian growth and reaffirms the ultimate fact that we are all equal in God’s eyes. Yes, I am a fan of both this book and of author Jody Hedlund and I highly recommend A Reluctant Bride. I look forward the next book of The Bride Ships series!
I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher and I was not required to write a positive review.
A Reluctant Bride by Jody Hedlund.
Since I heard about Jody Hedlund’s newest book, I have been eagerly waiting to read it. It definitely does not disappoint! Along with being a fun read, it also had great reminders that we can all learn from, even today.
A Reluctant Bride, follows the journey of Mercy Wilkins. A young girl living in the slums of London. Mercy was a great character; I absolutely loved her. She had my heart from the moment I met her. Despite being poor, Mercy does not stop trying to love and help others. You first meet her as she is rushing to the Shoreditch Dispensary to save a baby girl who she helps take care of. Mercy’s tender heart makes it so she must stop to help those in need. But Mercy is also human. Since she has seen so much hurt and death in the world, she struggled to trust God and how to truly understand her own value.
Lord Joseph Coville is the hero in A Reluctant Bride. He was amazing! He was kind and considerate and he didn’t let his wealth and position give him a big head. He was born into money and a name, but he wanted to be different. This desire to make a difference caused him to become a doctor. What drew me to him the most, was his weaknesses. Like Mercy, he was human. He was a man trying to deal with death and loss but not knowing what to do. He was a man who felt lost and was trying to find his way in a broken world.
You follow Mercy, as she journeys on a bride ship sailing to Vancouver Island and British Columbia. There you watch her care for the other young girls on the ship and help the ship’s doctor, Joseph care for those who are sick. As Joseph and Mercy work together and help others they start to care for each other. Beyond their growing feelings, they have to fight against their stations in the world and a man who is trying to break them up. Will their love survive the fight or will it crumble and fall?
I loved this book, it reminded me that we have value in Christ. We should not let others put us down because they think they are better than us. Instead of listening to lies, we should use our God given abilities in the best way we can in order to serve Christ and His people. This book also reminded me, that trying to deal with the weight of the world on our own will crush us. But with God’s help, by His Spirit and through His strength, we can do anything and survive anything. A Reluctant Bride isn’t afraid to remind us of the evil and horror in the world, but it also points us straight back to God and the fact that we are precious in His sight.
One of the characters in A Reluctant Bride, had a wonderful quote. Mrs. Moresby, a woman who offers Mercy counsel and help said, “Don’t get stuck, Mercy. Don’t get stuck thinking you don’t matter or you’re not important enough. I know for people like us who come from lowly backgrounds, we all too often accept our place at the bottom and think that’s where we belong. But that’s just not true. God didn’t create some people to be better than others. He created everyone to have equal value.” It reminds me of the truth that we are all fearfully & wonderfully made (Psalm 139) by a kind & merciful Creator.
Another character, Dr. Bates, who is a mentor to Joseph tells Joseph this: “What’s the small part God’s calling you to? Are you seeking His leading or are you running away from it?”
I would definitely recommend this book. It is so hard to find good Christian books, but this is definitely one of the keepers. It was so interesting, keeping me up late into the night. I can’t wait to read the next book and find out what happens to the other characters! I would recommend this book to teens 16 and up.
I received a free copy of this book courtesy of the author/publisher. I was not required to write a positive review, this is all my own opinion.
I received a free copy of this book courtesy of the author/publisher. I was not required to write a positive review, this is all my own opinion.
A Reluctant Bride was a beautiful novel and a wonderful start to a new series. The author wrote a story that truly captured the main character’s despiration. She felt that she had no choice but to join the women on this voyage and try to escape the horrid circumstances and living conditions of the slums of London.
The main characters, Dr. Joseph Colville and Mercy Wilkins, came from very different upbringings and stations in life. They were continually drawn to each other throughout the novel and both resisted the idea of a possible relationship based on what was expected of them. I really appreciated the way Joseph and Mercy began to understand the idea that their placement in certain social classes was not something that came from God, but rather that God valued all people as equals.
I loved the romance in this story, as well as the vivid detail of the long sea voyage, which was full of danger.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
Jody Hedlund has written another incredible story. I thoroughly enjoyed A Reluctant Bride because the story had momentum throughout the lives of the characters, the romance and the adventure aboard the ship. All of her characters were well written, relatable, realistic and certainly memorable. The two main characters were a good match for each other and the rhythm of their romance was touching. Along the journey, lessons were learned about seeking God’s purpose and direction for life, as well as, facing pain from the past. This moving historical fiction provided an interesting look at these bride ships and I am eagerly awaiting the rest of this series. I was given a copy of this book by the publisher. All opinions are my own.
This was another great read from Jody Hedlund and an intriguing and thought-provoking start to her new Bride Ships series. She has masterfully woven historical details, a strong faith message, and a wonderful romance into her latest novel which delves into class differences in 19th century London. I know a story is excellent when I lose sleep because I just can’t put it down and this book definitely qualifies! I am eagerly looking forward to the next book in the series. Check out this book—you will not be disappointed. Well done!
Inspired by true events during the 1800s, A Reluctant Bride takes place on the Tynemouth, a bride ship sailing from England to provide brides for the colonies’ miners. The author does an impeccable job of portraying the conditions of those on board and displays the environment of women in the slums of London who were so desperate for food, boarding, and employment they were willing to endure the treacherous journey and uncertain outcome.
I instantly sympathized with Mercy Wilkins. Her gentle heart is apparent, and she is humble and engaging. The physician onboard, Lord Joseph Colville, is unconventional, looking past social differences and expectations. Both of these characters are strong in their own ways and teach each other so much. I like how their attraction slowly builds, making it feel authentic.
This story holds an abundance of history, and the slow-building romance is swoon-worthy. With themes of finding your worth, following the path God has for you, and persevering through hardships, this is an edifying and satisfying historical read. I can’t wait to read the future books in The Bride Ships series.
Author: Jody Hedlund
Publisher: Bethany House Publishers
Series: The Bride Ships Book 1
Pages: 352
First Line: “Hang on a little longer, my lamb.”
Source: I received a complimentary copy from the publisher and was under no obligation to post a positive review.