Unemployed mill worker Zoe Hart jumps at the opportunity to emigrate to British Columbia in 1863 to find a better life and be reunited with her brother, who fled from home after being accused of a crime. Pastor to miners in the mountains, Abe Merivale discovers an abandoned baby during a routine visit to Victoria and joins efforts with Zoe, one of the newly arrived bride-ship women, to care for … for the infant. While there, he’s devastated by the news from his fiancee in England that she’s marrying another man.With mounting pressure to find the baby a home, Zoe accepts a proposal from a miner of questionable character after he promises to help her locate her brother. Intent on protecting Zoe and frustrated by his failed engagement, Abe offers his own hand as groom. After a hasty wedding, they soon realize their marriage of convenience is not so convenient after all.
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Abe Merivale is a pastor to miners in British Columbia. He has signed up for a five-year mission via the Church of England to preach in British Columbia before returning to England to take up a job preaching to a British congregation. He has a fiancé waiting for him in England to complete his mission. As he travels from camp to camp preaching, he also encounters and develops a heart for the native people. Smallpox has ravaged this population and Abe stumbles across an orphaned native baby girl.
Zoe Hart has taken a chance to reunite with her twin brother in British Columbia by traveling on a bride ship. Her brother fled England under a cloud of suspicion for murder. Zoe misses her brother terribly and longs to tell him he has been exonerated. Her ship arrives and she meets Abe and the baby girl. The baby girl and Zoe develop an instant bond. Zoe decides to keep the baby and raise it as her own, but she will only be able to keep the baby if she can find a husband. An unsavory man offers marriage to Zoe and acceptance of the child. Abe knows of this man’s questionable character, but Zoe doesn’t. Will Zoe get to keep the baby? Can she find her brother in this vast territory?
One thing that I didn’t like about the story was the physical aspect between Zoe and Abe, the lustful thoughts and looks. Most of the book they are married, but I felt the descriptions went too far, especially for a Christian book. Other than that aspect, I enjoyed the story. The descriptions of the land evoked images in my mind of a beautiful country. The time period is also interesting, and the characters and their lives with their many obstacles drew me in to the story.
Jody Hedlund is a very talented writer and I always know that I will enjoy whatever she puts out. This series is very well done with interesting characters, little known historic events, and beautiful stories of God working and using ordinary people.
Pastor Abe is a very likable man trying his best to follow the Lord and His leading In his life. He is a wonderful minister to the people but lacks the foresight to see what would be best for his life. Zoe’s past causes her to make some spur of the moment decisions that could have ended tragically. Sometimes she doesn’t think she just reacts in situations where she feels uncomfortable or out of her depth.
I loved how the story moved away from the main town, Victoria, into the little village of Yale. It was interesting to “see” other parts of British Columbia and to learn about the land and the cultures of that time period.
I did feel that the story was a little harder to connect to. Some of the twists were a tad forced to keep the element of surprise. I also know that this is not a YA book but an adult book. That being said I would not recommend this particular book for teenage readers. This wasn’t my favorite book that she’s written however, I would still recommend it.
“A Bride of Convenience” is the third book in the Bride Ships series. I think it does okay as a standalone book. There are characters mentioned from the first two books, but I don’t think you would be terribly lost if you didn’t read the other books first. (I still recommend reading books in order, though). I found the book to be well written and easy to read. The biblical faith element was well done and woven through the story. The characters desired to do God’s will. The book doesn’t include physical intimacy other than kissing, but there are mentions of “manly urges”, “inflamed desires”, and the like along with the kisses being “passionate”. The characters are married at this point, so it is not indecent for them to kiss passionately. I look forward to reading the last book in this series and other books by Jody Hedlund.
I got a free copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own and given voluntarily. No compensation was received for my review.
Jody Hedlund is a true master storyteller artfully drawing her readers into a story with her profound prose. In A Bride of Convenience, book three in The Bride Ship Series, she gave us Pastor Abe’s story. I loved that Pastor Abraham Merivale was based on an actual pastor of Vancouver Island to the miners then.
Pastor Abe, loved and confident when leading his flock, meek when facing Bishop Hills, and totally naive when it come to love and Zoe. Zoe, an outspoken, compassionate, tender hearted soul who wears her heart on her sleeve, arrives from the cotton manufacturing district of Manchester, England on the Robert Lowe. They meet at a time of sorrow, both repressing their attraction, flounder. Two souls are bound by God in marriage due to a miss understanding. Can they, Will they, Do they join their hearts?
A Bride of Convenience will grip your heartstrings from the very first chapter and not let go even after one has read the last word. This book can be read as a stand-alone, however I recommend reading the series in order as it makes each story more enjoyable.
I received a complimentary copy (or ARC) of this book from the author/publisher. I was under no obligation to write a review, and all opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
I just adore this series by Jody Hedlund. Well, if I’m being honest, I love all books by Jody Hedlund. I can’t choose a favorite actually – they are all so good! And what’s great about the series is that even though every book features a different bride/ship, you still hear about the previous characters and what they are up to, but not so much that it takes away from the current story line.
I have to say that while I love a good heroine story, and Zoe makes a fantastic heroine, it’s really Abe’s story line that I found most intriguing. He’s got this struggle between going by what the “church” is telling him to do, and doing what he feels God is telling him to do. I can’t imagine what that must be like for someone! And Hedlund handled it with such care, and honestly it just secured my feelings about knowing that God will never lead us astray. He knows what is best for us and our situations. This was such a great faith theme!! And for the record, Abe makes a swoony hero as well 😉
With the ups and downs of a “convenient” relationship, adorable new baby, and interfering neighbors, this just might be my favorite of the series! Of course, I say that about all of them! Highly recommend this series. And while this could be read as a stand alone, I urge you to read the entire series. I promise you will not regret it!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Zoe is courageous, incessantly industrious, refreshingly honest, compassionate, and full of spunk. She is the kind of heroine who is instantly endearing and leaves a lasting impression on my reader heart. Plus, genuine albeit occasionally clueless heroes like Pastor Abe are one of my many bookish addictions. I am unashamed to admit to a little happy dancing the moment stalwart yet modest Abe stepped into the story spotlight. Hedlund brilliantly rounds out a full cast of intriguing secondary characters to boot!
A Bride of Convenience touched my heart with the especially poignant theme of God’s provision and faithfulness as we seek His will and/or calling on our lives rather than relying on our own strength and plans. Attraction, companionship, and ministry are woven throughout this masterfully presented story. I highly recommend this third installment of The Bride Ships series and look forward to adding a print copy to my favorites shelf for future repeated enjoyment!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and was under no obligation to post a review. The opinions expressed are my own.
Set in British Columbia in 1863, A Bride of Convenience is an imaginative and colorful peek into a fascinating slice of history. Jody Hedlund is a master at creating vibrant, multi-layered, and realistic characters and placing them in compelling and intriguing situations. Zoe Hart is courageous and compassionate and is a perfect match for the kind and caring Pastor Abe Merivale. I loved their almost instant connection and enjoyed watching their attraction and relationship grow through their trials. With a captivating cast of characters and a gripping plot, this story kept me enthralled and turning the pages. Hedlund’s descriptions were so vivid that the story came alive, and I could easily picture the action in my mind.
Filled with adventure, intrigue, danger, suspense, and a dash of romance, this tale has a little bit of everything. Woven throughout are threads of faith, hope, trust in God, and the courage to stand for right. This is the third in The Bride Ships series featuring ladies who journeyed from England to British Columbia to hopefully find husbands and a new life. It can be read as a standalone book, but it was enjoyable to catch up with some of the characters in the previous books. 4.5 stars
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from Bethany House Publishers and NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
A Bride of Convenience by Jody Hedlund is the third book in The Bride Ships series and definitely worth reading if you love inspirational historical romance.
Jody’s books captivate you with history, inspirational living and romance. This book is the perfect continuation to her wonderful Bride Ships series.
Zoe Hart leaves England on a bride ship to start a new life in British Columbia and in doing so meets Pastor Abe Merivale. When they both come to care for an orphaned baby they decide that a marriage of convenience is the best possible way to provide a home for the baby, but soon come to realize that the marriage isn’t what they expected at all.
I’m looking forward to reading more books in this wonderful series!
I was given an ARC from the author/publisher. All conclusions are mine and mine alone.
A Bride of Convenience by Jody Hedlund is the third book in the Bride Ships series and features Pastor Abe, who we met in the last book, The Runaway Bride. I was hoping to get to know Pastor Abe better, so seeing his name in the back cover blurb made my day!
It is always interesting to see what kind of women chose to brave the journey across the ocean and start a new life in Vancouver. They come from all sorts of backgrounds, but they seem to all have one goal: find a new beginning.
Zoey is an amazing young woman. I cannot imagine living in the conditions she endured in England, although I know it was a reality for many people at the time. But she is a resilient and resourceful woman full of compassion and generosity. A true beauty in her heart. I loved her journey of finding God’s calling in her life and her courage to step onto God’s path for her when He placed it before her. Her story was a great inspiration to me.
Abe is a respectable man of God, but he is also just a man fighting his own temptations. I loved the flawed side of him, and how he was willing to listen to criticism about himself–even from a young boy. His blossoming relationship with Zoey was a joy to watch, and their playful banter was adorable. Abe may be a pastor, but he is definitely swoon-worthy–a handsome, hunky, man of God! Who could ask for more?
Any fan of Christian historical fiction will enjoy this book. The history is interesting, the setting is gorgeous and the characters are unforgettable. Be prepared to preorder the next book!
I was given a copy of this book by the publisher with no expectations of a positive review. All opinions are my own.
Zoe can’t believe she is finally in British Columbia after the rugged journey on the bride ship! She left everything behind, but she’s ok with that. She’s strong, but she has to be! Abe is on a mission and though he believes this is where God wants him to be, he struggles somedays (especially when the local bishop doubts his every move). To top it off, he has his own struggles, but he has to push those aside, has to squelch his desires, because others need his help and guidance.
This is the continuation of the bride ship series and it does not disappoint!
New locations! New people! New challenges! “Villains” in disguise! A haunting past decision for both Abe and Zoe, and adventures together, out of necessity and convenience.
I enjoy Jody Hedlund’s writings very much and this one is really well done! You won’t want to put it down, even if your eyes are getting heavy and you know you have to work tomorrow! Definitely recommending this book!
“I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.”
This is hands down my favorite of the Bride Ships series. I loved Abe, Zoe, Violet, Will and the other characters featured in the story. This book has a wealth of fantastic characters. The story line is excellent and kept me thoroughly entertained. The ending was exciting and it was a perfect fit for the story. This read is definitely going on my fave 2020 reads. I enjoyed it so much that I bought the kindle and audible versions halfway through because I was enjoying it so much. Can’t wait for the series finale-luckily it releases in a month!!
I received this book from the publisher and was not required to post a positive review. All thoughts are my own.
“Are you marrying me?”
And thus began a tale of two hearts, who might have been joined under the most unusual of circumstances, but joined they were and joined they were going to stay. Possibly. Maybe. Hopefully.
When bride-ship bride Zoe Hart accepted responsibility for a wee babe, she never imagined becoming the wife of the local pastor Abe Merivale would be necessary, much less reality; Zoe had thought to take her chances on someone else. The “someone else” didn’t take kindly to having his almost wife snatched away from him, and so following their hasty nuptials, Zoe and Abe quickly retreated farther up into the mountain mining communities of British Columbia. . . . . and began their polite, platonic life.
Determined to follow the traditions of the Anglican Church, Abe knew he was jeopardizing his chances of advancement as a rector by joining his life with a former cotton mill worker and a mixed race infant. What had he been thinking? Actually, under the circumstances Abe hadn’t been thinking clearly at all. But he had taken his vows before God and was determined to become a good husband, to the most beautiful woman he had ever seen, who was quickly becoming the most precious.
Seemingly, Zoe and Abe had a lot to learn about discerning God’s will for their lives, for “Beautiful things usually coexisted with pain and danger. The two walked hand in hand on the same path, and the contrast only made the beauty and joy all the greater.”
It’s been a long time since I have enjoyed a marriage of convenience story this much.
I had been looking forward to Abe’s story since I first met him!
He has been a steady presence in the past books so it was fun to see him a bit disconcerted. More so, to see his struggles and discernment process to be a steadfast presence in the community, someone people can look up to.
But when his life is churned up by two ladies under his care, a situation which finds him as an unexpected husband and father, all while tending his own broken heart. Might this unforeseen condition might be a blessing waiting to blossom from his Father above?
Once again, Jody Hedlund pens an impeccable book in research and endearment. You don’t want to miss out!
This story was SO much fun! A Bride of Convenience is my favorite story for several reasons. I know, we’re not supposed to have favorites, especially in a series, but hear me out!
We’ve already met Pastor Abe and he’s such a nice fella. He deserves to find a bride, but… there’s a BUT that goes along with his plan for marriage. Zoe on the other hand is in Vancouver for the sole purpose of finding a husband — and her brother.
While I liked Pastor Abe in the past, when it came to Zoe, he was really a dunderhead. I could understand he was conflicted with all that happened within a short amount of time, but wow, he sure took the cake on this one. Also, his differences with the Bishop added to his stress. Can I just say I wish Zoe would’ve cold cocked him? hahahaha Maybe slapped him would’ve been what they did in those days. The Bishop needs to journey back to England and make everyone happy… well, except for him. I’m not sure anything could thaw him out.
Zoe was a wonderfully written character. She’s a friend to everyone and towards the end of the book, in one of my favorite scenes, you see how she’s impacted the people in the town. I actually laughed out loud (page 288 and 289). While she is only 19 yrs old, it’s clear that her life of hard living in Manchester helps her to acclimate to the way of life in this new country. I’m pretty sure she and I would’ve been fast friends had our paths crossed.
Can we talk romance here? Jody blew me away with the build up of the story between Abe and Zoe. Who knew a kiss in a book between two fictional characters could get the heart racing? hahahaha The romance was so well written that it’s probably one of my favorite between 2 characters! And it was so much more than the kisses that made this romance so wonderful. The tension, the misunderstandings, and so on just really made me root for them!
On the faith element, it was so wonderful to see how Zoe complemented Pastor Abe in his ministry. But more than that, how God orchestrated what their ministry would actually look like. It started with Mrs. Moresby encouraging Zoe in where she saw God leading her, Zoe speaking plainly to Abe, and events happening that couldn’t be ignored!
*I am part of Jody Hedlund’s launch team
I’m always up for a good marriage of convenience story, and this one was excellent! Zoe has such a compassionate heart and I loved her desire and willingness to care for orphaned children. Abe has a plan and is doing his best to stick to it, even when he struggles with the bishop’s formality and demands for how he interacts with the community. Even though the beginning of their relationship is a bit rocky with doubts and hesitation, they are both sincere and genuine, and recognize the goodness in each other. It was fun to see their growing attraction and the blossoming of deeper feelings of romance. Their future is uncertain and a variety of obstacles challenge them and their little family that quickly grows as Zoe brings more chicks under her wing. I loved how their vulnerabilities contrasted with their strengths and the way God led them to each other and others who needed them.
(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)
I’ve read a handful or so of this author’s books now, and yet always end up surprised by how much I enjoy them each time Jody Hedlund releases a new book!
I really enjoyed the previous book from her Bride Ships stand-alone series, and expected no different, yet it’s such a delight to read a book you have high hopes for, and end up enjoying it even more than expected! This is one such book!
I loved getting to know these characters more, as well as meeting new ones as we learn Zoe’s story, and get to see her and Abe struggle to find the right choice when everything seems to be going wrong. When an infant is found, will Abe and Zoe be able to find it a loving home? More so, how will they manage to pick up the pieces in their own crumbling lives? This is just a taste of what these characters face, and I loved seeing them learn and grow as they lean into their faith, and as they start to trust each other in the process.
Thank you to Bethany House Publishers and NetGalley for this eARC, which gave me the opportunity to share my honest review. All opinions are completely my own.
Jodi Hedlund’s Bride Ship series is just what I like to fulfill my craving for romance while learning a bit of fascinating history. The third book in the series, A Bride of Convenience, does not disappoint. If the gorgeous cover doesn’t tempt you, Hedlund’s willingness to take on difficult topics like that who are marginalized due to their social standing. I loved Pastor Abe from book 2 and was so happy to immerse myself in his love story. I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author and I am willingly offering this review.
Loved this third installment to the brideship series. Marriage of Convenience stories are one my favourite and I was excited to see how this would play out for both Abe and Zoe.
I loved the attention to detail, the humour and watching Zoe and Abe navigate life together especially with two different personalities and the added mystery of searching for her brother.
I loved how the author fleshed out the characters, we saw their flaws, their desires, all they had to go through to finally get to happily ever after. This is definitely not one to miss and I’m waiting on the final book in the series.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are solely mine.
This is the third book in The Bride Ships series and each time, I’ve asked myself if I could board a ship, cross an ocean on a long, harrowing journey, and marry a man I had never met? Each time, after reading these stories, I have been reminded that these young women had no jobs and no promise of a husband and family, so why not take a chance?
A Bride of Convenience may be the sweetest story so far, simply because of the heroine Zoe Hart. Her caring and loving heart and her outward appearance certainly make her appealing to the bachelors eager to find brides in British Columbia but will she choose the right man? It doesn’t take long for Pastor Abraham Merivale to discover how special Zoe is and he steps in to keep her from marrying a man who is corrupt and completely unsavory. Abe, however, believes that this is Christian duty, and Zoe soon realizes that her marriage will simply make her a bride of convenience.
Author Jody Hedlund has created an entertaining story filled with history, inspiration, and sweet romance. I highly recommend A Bride of Convenience!
I received a copy of this book from the author and Bethany House. There was no obligation to write a positive review and these are my honest thoughts.
Having travelled thousands of miles from England to British Columbia, Zoe Hart isn’t expecting a completely new life. But, certainly a decent one. And, to find her twin brother Zeke. She’s already mourning the loss of her mother, niece and estrangement from her sister. To lose touch with her sibling would be too much.
And then, her best friend Jane with whom she travelled with, dies.
Cursing the hard mill life, they left behind in Manchester, she aches for the loss of her sweet friend and that pain is soothed by Pastor Abe offering condolences. When he speaks the Lords words of comfort over Jane’s still body, Zoe finds a new resolve but shuns the thoughts of noticing that Abe is a good-looking man.
All is forgotten momentarily when a miner arrives (at the hospital) with a filthy, pungent bundle explaining to Pastor Abe that he can’t be a father. Zoe immediately lays claim to the unwanted babe vowing to care for the infant despite its mother being ‘native’ and therefore unwelcome amongst the white townspeople.
Pastor Abe Merivale administers to the miners up in the mountains. He’s not the typical clergyman as he sees value in talking to the and with the people not just preaching to them. When he arrives at the hospital to say last rites, he’s recalls seeing Zoe on a visit to Victoria. He had noticed her beauty and had admonished himself over such thoughts. He had also noticed her being accosted by local man, Dexter Dawson, a man that can’t be trusted. Abe watched her walk away from his attentions and had prayed she and the other wannabe brides would choose their husbands carefully. And now, he stands in front of her as she willingly offers to care for a stranger’s child.
Zoe knows that in order to look after the orphan baby, she needs to be married. So, when Dexter is happy to marry her despite the child, she jumps at the chance. However, Abe is mortified at the thought and tries to dissuade Zoe from making a horrific mistake. And, through a misunderstood question, Abe finds himself married to Zoe.
Will they like being married to each other? It’s a marriage of convenience, certainly, but for Zoe or Abe? Will they be able to find happiness? Find love with each other? And will Dexter let go of Zoe that easily?
The third book in the series and it just gets better. An epic journey for a woman escaping the dreary mills of England and deceased family could easily be a forlorn tale, but Hedlund’s finesse of storytelling creates a heartwarming tale of how two apparently mismatched souls can come together to form a bond of friendship, family and eventually love. There are moments of drama – Dexter Dawson, Bishop Hills and local madam, Wanda – throwing what could be a run of the mill romance off course and therefore creating a rounded story of two people coming together in the spirit of love and with God’s guidance.
It’s a treacherous tale emotionally and the reader will find themselves quickly and easily involved with the characters. The author has created people who are epitomes of kindness and selflessness. Their generous hearts make them an ideal couple to the townspeople of Yale. A book that is easy to read with superb descriptions of 1800s Vancouver Island and the references to indigenous people are written respectfully and sympathetically.
Overall, a great installment in the Bride Ships series. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this story and I’m excited to read the last book of the series. Fans of Christian fiction, historical fiction, romance and Jody Hedlund will not be disappointed.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers to review. The opinions expressed are my own and I am not required to give a positive critique.