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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This is the third Bride Ship book. Each book can be read alone. This is a fascinating series to me. The concept of women leaving everything they knew to go to a new country and be married astounds me. The courage and fortitude to do such a thing, along with the level of desperation they were at is evident. This book is the story of Zoe and Abe. Abe is a local missionary pastor. Zoe is searching for her brother and a new life. The two end up married hastily when Zoe determines she will care for an abandoned, orphaned baby. Neither had planned to marry the other and challenges arise. In my opinion, I thought this was well done and an enjoyable read. I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All views stated here are my own.
I’ve always enjoyed Jody Hedlund’s books. I love the characters, the timer periods that she chooses and of course the storylines. A Bride Of Convenience follows the story of of two people. Zoe, who emigrates to British Columbia to be reunited with her brother and to make a better life for herself. And Abe, a pastor to the miners in the mountains who finds an abandoned baby. Heartbroken over the loss of his fiancé who decided to marry another man and desperate to find the baby a home Abe proposes to Zoe a marriage of convenience. Will it stay that way? Or will they fall in love? You’ll just have to read the book to find out! 🙂
A Bride of Convenience is a touching story that released just a few days ago from Bethany House and is available from most Christian Retailers. If you are looking for a romantic, heartfelt novel than look no further and go yourself up a copy of this amazing book.
This is the third book in the Bride Ship series by Jody Hedlund. I really like Jody Hedlund’s books and I really like this series. I have loved learning about the bride ships since I knew nothing about them before this series. Jody does a wonderful job of bring us into this world and making us love the characters. I loved how Paster Abe and Zoe’s marriage started out as just a convenience to help protect a child but how as they came to know each other more, they fell in love. I really loved this series and I’m looking forward to the next one.
I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, and or authors. A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.
Best in the series! I adored Zoe and her spunky, loveable personality. Abe, while quiet in nature, is instantly likeable and desirable. Zoe has a big heart and makes room for all, especially kids in need, regardless of the circumstances and the trials it creates for her while searching for her brother. Abe, while more rationale, desires to care for all in his flock and finds Zoe in need of care and protection. It is a marriage of convenience that beautifully grows in friendship, tension, and eventually, love. Hedlund is a master at creating palpable chemistry and heated, but clean, romance. Can be enjoyed as a standalone, although mention of previous characters is delightful!
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own and freely given.
This series has been a favorite so far, and it just keeps getting better!
I’ve heard of bride ships before, I even read a book with a character’s grandmother had gone on a bride ship, this series has shown some reasons that women would join a bride ship, and it has been fascinating to learn of these courageous women.
Zoe’s and Abe’s romance is not the normal historical marriage of convenience. With a darling little orphaned baby, secrets, a missing brother, and a ministry that is held by little but a string, “A Bride of Convenience” is a delightful novel that I highly recommend.
Though there is quite a bit of touchy feely content that makes this book appropriate for 16/18 up.
I voluntarily received and reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
I love reading books about the bride ships, so interesting to read about the era that these actually took place. It was a time in history such as the mail order brides…….In the 1860’s several ships left England bound for Victoria, Vancouver Island. The cargo or rather passengers were young women seeking husbands in this unknown land. Except this one passenger, Zoe Hart was looking to find her brother who had fled from the accusation of a crime committed and has followed the dream of gold to this wild land. But landing and coming ashore, things begin to happen. She has a young native baby thrust into her arms by the father after his wife dies. This certainly changes all her plans and leads her to a marriage of convenience with a young, rather orthodox minister, Pastor Abraham Merivale. He is on the island awaiting the time when he can send for his fiancé back in England to come and marry him. He meets Zoe when he preached the funeral of her closest friend who dies shortly after the ship landed. He is present when the bereaved father gave the baby to her. He said he would make sure that he found a place for the babe with native friends that he was trying to win over to Christianity. Zoe stubbornly refused to give the child up even as he tried to convince her it was best for both of them. As fate would have it, during Pastor Abe lowest time, he received a letter from his fiance saying she was marrying someone else. Somehow he finds himself agreeing to marry Zoe. I loved the the character of pastor Abe, it was a marriage of convenience and he was determined to stand by his word. This is such a good story seeing how they worked together for the Lord and finding themselves falling in love. All in all, this was a great inspirational historical romance that I’d highly recommend!……..My thanks to Bethany House Publishers for a copy of this book via Net Galley. The opinions in this review are entirely my own.
A Bride of Convenience is book number 3 in Jody Hedlund’s 4 book series, The Bride Ships. Once again, Ms. Hedlund has researched well and incorporated an interesting time in history into a wonderfully told fictionalized story. The plot, character development, and setting draw the reader right into the story! The reader can feel the cold and the wet…become a character in the book!
I highly recommend this story for lovers of historical fiction and Christian reads!
*I was given a copy of this book by the publisher; however, I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions and thoughts are my own.
A Bride of Convenience is the latest tale from Jody Hedlund. Zoe Hart found a way to escape her life of working in the mills of England. She is headed for Canada on a ship full of potential brides. Zoe is looking for a better life; however, she is also hoping for a chance to locate her brother!
Zoe meets the local pastor, Abe Merivale, shortly after her arrival. When Abe comes upon an abandoned baby of native birth needing a home, he asks Zoe to help fill the need. After Abe receives news that his fiance will not be coming to join him; before he knows it, Abe is asking Zoe to become this wife!
This book is full of activity with Abe working hard on building his church; while at the same time, he and Zoe are getting settled into their new marriage. There will be many surprises by the time you reach the end of this tale. Hang on for the ride!
I was so excited to read the 3rd book in Jody Hedlund’s Bride ship series and this book was outstanding! This is a story that I thought about when I had to set it down and continued to think about after I finished it. I enjoy thought provoking books and this one fit the bill!
Zoe Hart came on the 2nd Bride Ship from Manchester England. She had worked at a cotton mill until most the workers were let go. She decided to follow her twin brother to British Columbia. She did not have high expectations of marriage- she just wanted someone who could care for her. When she becomes entrusted with a half native baby her desire becomes simply to find someone who will care for her and the baby.
Pastor Abe, who played a small roll in the previous books, meets Zoe soon after she arrives when he helps her pray over her deceased friend and is present when she accepts responsibility for the baby. He cautions her about her planned marriage of convenience and encourages her to take her time in finding a husband. However, upon his own discovery about his longtime fiance in England and a slight misunderstanding, Pastor Abe soon weds Zoe himself.
They head to Yale BC, where Pastor Abe has been based during his ministry and embark on their new life together. I loved reconnecting with the beauty of British Columbia, the goodness of Pastor Abe and developing a respect for Zoe. As they each learn their new places, they experience growth and understanding for each other and God’s will for them.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys romantic historical fiction or just a good read!
I received a complementary copy of this book from the publisher and ebook from Netgalley. My review is my own and I received no compensation for this review.
This book is the third book in the Bride Ships Series by Jody Hedlund ! I thoroughly enjoyed this book . The chemistry between the Abe and Zoe was so palpable and the conflicts in the story were resolved in a very satisfactory way . This story will tug at heart strings and keep readers guessing with its twist and turns till the very end as well as having the readers rooting for Abe and Zoe to follow their hearts for their own happily ever after !
#A Bride of Convenience# by Jody Hedlund is an historical Christian fiction book. Jody is a bestselling author . She has received the Christy, Carol and Christian Book Awards. Her books describe the characters well and are well researched. This book is the third in the Bride Ships series. Zoe Hart , an unemployed mill worker, who traveled by ship on the Robert Lowe ship to Vancouver . She was part of the group who came on the ship to get married. The settings are Vancouver Island and Yale in 1863. There were many orphans at that time and unemployed. Zoe is a caring and self sacrificing person. The themes of the book are forgiveness, grace, self sacrificing. The story helps the reader understand what life was like during that time. Thank you to the author, netgalley, the publisher for allowing me to read and review this book. The opinions are my own. I will post my review on facebook, netgalley, goodreads, my blog, bookbub and for the church staff.
This is my first time reading a book by Jody Hedlund (I can hear the gasps of some of you even now), but it is the truth. For some reason, I have just never picked up a book by her. A Bride of Convenience is the third book in her Bride Ships series, I was not lost at all, so the book can be read at a standalone. However, I liked this one so much I ordered the first two books already and I am eagerly anticipating their arrival .
The characters
Talk about a well-rounded character. Both Abe and Zoe (along with some great side characters) show that great thought was put into their makeup. Throughout the story, we find out little bits of their pasts, their struggles, and triumphs. It was like actually getting to know someone in real life. I particularly liked Zoe’s constant faith when faced with interesting circumstances. I thought that Abe balanced her out very well and I enjoyed his innocent thought process. They had some fun chemistry.
“She’d always believed callings were for ministers or missionaries. But what if God had something special for everyone to do?” (Kindle, p.828)
The Storyline
I so enjoyed this marriage of convenience storyline. It was fun and twisted to suit the character’s personalities, which only enhanced my enjoyment of the storyline. Marriage of convenience stories may or may not be my weakness when it comes to historical fiction; I have read too many of them to count. Jody Hedlund did a great job mixing this one up and bringing in some great faith-based aspects to the overall story.
I enjoyed this book and give it 5 out of 5 stars for the attention-grabbing first chapter, the well laid out characters, and the sense of humor interwoven through the story. I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series, and I highly recommend that you pick up this one to read in the meantime.
*I volunteered to read this book in return for my honest feedback. The thoughts and opinions expressed within are my own.
There is something about marriage of convenience stories that always entices me. A Bride of Convenience by Jody Hedlund was such a unique marriage of convenience story! I really enjoy it when an author takes a familiar trope and twists it into a story that I had not expected! While I didn’t connect with the characters in this book particularly well, I did appreciate Abe’s servant minded spirit and Zoe’s generous and maternal nature. There were so many obstacles for these characters to overcome as they tried to form their new relationship. The story was sprinkled with a bit of danger and conflict keeping things a bit interesting along the way and I was happy with the conclusion of this book. I’m looking forward to seeing where the rest of this series is headed!
*I was given a copy of this book by the Publisher, however I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions and thoughts are my own.
I am really loving this Bride Ship series. It’s crazy and so interesting to me that these bride ships were a real thing. This author does a great job of making her characters human with clear strengths and flaws that I can relate to.
Zoe is such a gentle person, full of kindness and compassion. I loved how quickly and easily she shared her love with those who needed it most. It was so easy to love her character and her intentions. Abe struggled with his situation and his follow through a bit more than Zoe but his intentions were usually noble. He definitely became a better man and found sure footing in the wake of Zoe’s love and compassion for others.
I enjoyed the setting and I also enjoyed seeing characters from previous books pop up in this story. It gives the series a sense of community and I like that. If you haven’t started this series yet, now is the time! It’s so good. I’ve loved every book so far.
Content: mild violence, mild peril, kissing
– I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
While there are many marriage of convenience stories out there, this one was very different. I really enjoyed it! I loved Zoe and Abe! I also really loved Will! I absolutely loved the ending to this story too! I can’t wait for the next book!
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
Proverbs 16:9 English Standard Version 2016 (ESV)
The heart of man plans his way, but the LORD establishes his steps. Jody Hedlund’s A Bride Of Convenience demonstrates the wisdom of these words. Zoe Hart has plans to arrive on a Bride ship and hopefully find her twin brother. Abe Merivale plans to finish his 5 years as a missionary and return to his parish in England and marry his betrothed. God has other plans for these two. I loved this story and enjoyed the plot. Jody leads these two through some amusing incidents on their journey to find God’s plan. I think this is my favorite book in this series. So grab your tea and settle back for a fun read.
I was given a copy of this book by NetGalley.com with no expectations. All thoughts are my own.
I could not put this book down. I loved everything about it-the characters, the setting, the faith. I adored how plucky Zoe was and how quickly she stepped up to help those in need. I admired Pastor Abe’s tenacity to minister to his flock and obey God’s calling on his life. This is a beautifully written love story about two people coming together for convenience sake, but finding so much more than they expected. I loved the conclusion and I feel it is one of the most satisfactory endings I’ve ever had the privilege to read.
I was given this ARC in exchange for my honest review and opinion. All ideas and opinions expressed are completely my own.
I have really enjoyed Jody Hedlund’s Bride Ship Series. Each new installment is greatly anticipated and consistent-ly lives up to my expectations. But her newest book, Bride of Convenience, is by far my favorite in this set. While it is the third book, you need not read the previous two to really delve in. Some characters from the other books do appear, but this novel definitely holds its own.
Set in British Columbia during the gold mining days, Hedlund does a fantastic job of bringing to life not only the conditions and depravity of that era, but also of crafting characters that clench your heart and soul. Her hero and heroine completely captivated me, along with her supporting cast. Hedlund masterfully brought her characters to life through a story that deepened in richness and complexity with each page.
I never miss one of Hedlund’s books. Her storytelling is masterful and destined to keep you riveted.
I received this book from Netgalley. All opinions are my own.
I have really loved this series by Jody Hedlund! This might be my favorite book thus far (although I think I say that every time I read her next book!). I absolutely loved Zoe and Abe—they both have such dear, giving hearts and are absolutely perfect for each other. Their relationship has trials and struggles, which make their marriage of convenience more realistic and their growth that much sweeter. There are a few surprises that make the plot interesting. I liked a lot of the secondary characters and really disliked the villains in the story. The setting was well described and there were times when I felt like I could feel the bitter cold of the winter mountains and see the stunning northern lights. The storyline is engaging and I had a hard time putting the book down! I highly recommend this book, and honestly, anything by this talented author!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
Another great story from The Bride Ships! Zoe has come to western Canada on a bride ship hoping to find her twin brother Zeke who escaped there when he was wrongly accused of a crime in England. Zoe’s best friend Jane becomes ill on the ship and, when they dock, a young minister, Abe, comes to pray with her before she dies. Abe and Zoe marry early in the story because of a misunderstanding! They are both great protagonists but Zoe was the one I admired! She is so caring and has such a big heart. Abe learns that when we decide to do what God has called us to do, He will work things out in ways we never imagined possible. I recommend A Bride of Convenience to anyone who enjoys historical fiction. I received an advance e-book through the publisher and NetGalley. This is my honest opinion.