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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“No, she was a bride of convenience. And she planned to remain that way.” Zoe Hart is just one of many young women on a bride-ship traveling to Vancouver Island, British Columbia. “Surely in this land filled with marriage-hungry men she’d latch onto at least one ready to take a bride of convenience.” Pastor Abe Merivale finds himself no longer engaged to someone back in England and left with the care of an abandoned infant. Is newly arrived Zoe Hart the answer? As they hastily enter an arranged marriage of convenience, will it turn out to be beyond expectations? Author Jody Hedlund is such a talented storyteller with a penchant for thorough and detailed research. If you are a fan of historical fiction with a little romance thrown in for good measure, you will enjoy The Bride Ships series. Each is stand-alone. I am so looking forward to Book #4!
I received a complimentary copy from NetGalley and the publisher. A positive review is not required, and the opinions are my own.
Zoe traveled far to escape her hardships in England and to find her brother. Abe was determined to further his career. But something called marriage interfered in both of their plans. Zoe found herself A BRIDE OF CONVENIENCE.
I loved the story. You can’t help but love Zoe. She had a giving heart. Abe fought his attraction to Zoe as he was fixated on a lost love. He took too much time focusing on what he didn’t have or what he wanted to achieve. He almost lost it all.
Many people are in the same situation. We spend so much time trying to achieve a goal or envy what our neighbor has. We don’t realize how blessed we are. We sometimes realize this after it is too late.
I received this book for free to review.
A great story that I know my friends and family would enjoy.
A marriage of convenience. Answer to a prayer.
Can two hearts bound by duty, be bound by love?
I was thrilled to pick up this book when I heard that it would feature one of my favorite characters in the previous book, Pastor Abe. I loved getting to know more of his backstory and motivations in this story, as I got to see more of what a genuinely kind and caring man he is, willing to meet people on level ground, rather than above them.
Zoe is a woman who has suffered much but has such an open heart for others, especially children. I admired her commitment to the children in her care, as well as her modest sensibilities, and thoughtfulness towards her neighbors.
This book pushes further inland, building upon the previous books, and going deeper into the wilds of British Columbia. I loved how this book visits familiar places as well as featuring favorite characters from the previous books like Mrs. Moresby, Pete, Arabella, and others, as well as introducing new ones, like Will, a clever young man who calls things as he sees them.
Probably my favorite of the series so far! Zoe and Abe have amazing chemistry, I loved how they work well together caring for the people of the community. This book was well paced and difficult to put down, tensions mounted into a climactic ending that was wholly satisfying, yet left me longing for the next book in the series! Romantic, and exciting, I would definitely recommend this book for fans of Jody Hedlund, mail-order bride romance, and fans of historical Christian romance.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
The latest release in The Bride Ships series, A Bride of Convenience, is such a wonderful story! I have been enjoying this series so much and this story is probably my favorite of all. I love marriage of convenience plots and this one was so good.
I loved that there was a connection between these two from very early on in the story, even as neither one planned to marry each other. Yet, they found themselves wed and caring for a baby together. There was attraction between the two, yet plenty of reasons why both Zoe and Abe felt uncomfortable and unsure in their marriage.
I felt as if I was truly back in time while reading this novel, experiencing the town that Abe was ministering too. I could almost feel the bitter cold! I loved this story from start to finish! A Bride of Convenience can be read as a stand alone novel if you have not read the other books in the series.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
Another captivating “keeper” from master storyteller Jody Hedlund! This book has it all—intriguing history, heart-warming drama, sweet romance, inspiring faith, endearing characters, and delightfully humorous banter. The plot flows at a steady pace, and the detailed descriptions and figurative language transport you to the scene. I especially appreciate the strong faith element illustrating the value of seeking God’s will and guidance in your life. Although it is the third book in the Bride Ships series, it works well as a stand-alone. This book made me smile, and I highly recommend it.
I received a copy of this book in e-book form from the publisher via netgalley but am under no obligation to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.
I have really been enjoying The Bride Ships series by Jody Hedlund. I love the originality in these stories and the setting. Jody Hedlund is an excellent writer and you are always quickly drawn into her stories. I also love how her stories are inspired by history.
It took me a minute to warm up to Zoe, but once I did, she became my favorite character in this story. She was a perfect minister’s wife. She was very giving, selfless, and loving, especially when it came to kids. Speaking of kids, I loved Will. His personality was great and I thought he really added to the story. I have to admit that I did struggle a bit with Abe’s character. He is a minister who is very comfortable with people in all walks of life, he is also very kind, but he has a side to him that I thought didn’t seem to fit with the rest of his personality. In fact, there were a few instances during the story that made me a little uncomfortable because of the way he responded to the situation.
I felt like things tied up a bit too neatly at the end of this story, but for the most part, I was happy with the way it ended. I am really looking forward to the next story in this series.
I received a complimentary copy of this book.
Jody Hedlund did it once again! A different kind of convenient bride book. All the bride ship books have been so good and this one was right at the top of the list.
I loved Abe and Zoe! Their big tender hearts made me fall in love with them pretty much at the beginning. A strong spiritual theme combined with compassion runs throughout the story. Oh and I also loved Will. The way Zoe could love a child that was older touched my heart too. He so desperately needed that love and Will was so willing to help. So many things about this book I enjoyed. You don’t want to miss The Bride Ship Series.
I received an advanced e-copy from the publisher through NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.
I have never met a Jody Hedlund book I didn’t thoroughly enjoy and this one was no exception!
Impoverished mill worker Zoe Hart sails on a bride ship to British Columbia in order to track down her long lost twin brother. Shortly after arriving, she takes charge of an orphaned infant and soon finds herself married to Abraham, a local pastor. Their marriage of convenience soon becomes inconvenient, however, as they both begin to develop feelings that don’t fit in with their well-laid plans.
This book highlights Hedlund’s masterful ability to weave a story that transports the reader to another time and place. The rich historical details and vivid characters are eclipsed only by the beautiful love story of two people learning how to trust each other and the Lord.
The spiritual themes were not an afterthought but were also not overdone or preachy, I would not recommend this book to YA; it was clean and sweet but contained some themes more suitable for adults.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher but am voluntarily sharing my own opinion.
…my thoughts…
After 114 days the Robert Lowe arrived in Victoria Britsh Columbia on January 12, 1863. Thirty-eight brides were on board, all unemployed cotton mill workers. A sharp contrast from the Tynemouth, the first Columbia Mission Society brideship, which combined an equal number of wealthy middle-class gentlewomen and poor laborers. The miners who were anxious for the brides to arrive wouldn’t mind a bit to marry any one of the women on board.
Zoe Hart was beyond ready to land. She was glad to be shut of the oppressive life she left behind in Manchester and eager to begin her search for her long lost twin brother Zeke. Zeke left a few years before under a cloud that no longer existed. The opportunity was tremendous to have a fresh start. I liked Zoe’s character from the start.
“Heard Captain Verney saying there’s hundreds of fellas on the shore”…
“All I need is one,” Zoe Chimed in. The right one.”
“Handsome?”
“Aye a handsome fella and a good kisser.”
Her personality was entertaining and all the time caring for others. My heart went out to her several times in the book but she is one woman who is true to herself and those she meets. If she could take care of every child on their own or others in need she would have. If her husband viewed her as just a convenience, so be it. Her goodness was a breath of fresh air in her new home town of Yale and she fast became a favorite.
Abe Merivale wasn’t looking for a bride and with nearly two more years left for his position as a missionary with the Church of England, it wasn’t feasible. He would go home, marry Lizzy and one day become a bishop. It was all laid out for him. Until, he met Zoe. Zoe, who wanted to rock the boat and keep Violet, an orphaned native baby. Nothing would stand in her way, and Abe, in an absent minded misunderstanding moment, married her.
Jody Hedlund, in her wonderful style, has created a story that has a few bends in the road to this marriage. Zoe was so unexpected in her role as the wife of a clergyman. It shows that life is so unexpected and often the best laid plans are best set aside so that one can hear God’s own plans, which are often the best of what could be imagined. I recommend A Bride of Convenience for all who love historical Christian fiction. Once again, the research is impeccable and this era of settling the west is very intriguing. The brave women who traveled from England down around South America and up the Pacific truly have a place in our history.
If you would like to escape in a romantic adventure, then read A Bride of Convenience, the third book in The Bride Ships series by Jody Hedlund. Reading the other two books in the series is not necessary to enjoy A Bride of Convenience. This Christian historical romance is a wonderful story of a marriage of convenience between Zoe Hart and Pastor Abe Merivale set in 1860s British Columbia.
Not only is the interesting plot fast-paced, but also the characters are enjoyable. Despite their differences, Zoe and Abe have great chemistry and are a couple we want to succeed. Other characters are also interesting and contribute to the story, but the children are particularly charming. The Christian themes including following God’s plan for your life enhance this engaging story.
I recommend A Bride of Convenience to readers who enjoy romance or historical fiction and anxiously anticipate the next book in the series. Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for my advanced review copy. All opinions and thoughts are my own.
Jody Hedlund does it again. I loved this book so much, I read it in one day! It captured me from the very beginning. The heartbreak of Jane to meeting Abe, I just knew I would love Zoe. The story is so well planned out, I couldn’t guess what would happened next. The historical aspects of her books are researched so well. The characters are well defined and engaging. It is a Christian historical and since Abe is a minister, there are many references to religion. I enjoyed the way Abe and Zoe worked together to help those around them. This is the third book in the Bride ship series, they can be read individually. I am looking forward to book 4!
Thank you to Bethany house publishers and net galley for my copy of this book. This is my honest review of A bride of convenience.
“She’d always believed callings were for ministers and missionaries. But what if God had something special for everyone to do?”
When Zoe Hart leaves her lousy life in England on a bride ship bound for British Columbia, she doesn’t know what to expect. She truly only hopes to find a husband who will help her venture into the mountains to find her twin brother. Soon after landing, Zoe is faced with loss- but her loss brings her an introduction to missionary pastor Abe and a half-native baby girl in desperate need of a caretaker. When circumstances drive Abe and Zoe together, they agree to the convenience of marrying each other. With its tumultuous ups and downs, can their marriage survive all the obstacles that seem to be pulling them away from their own plans toward God’s new calling for their lives?
I absolutely loved this book, as I’ve loved each book so far in this series. Though linked slightly, they can certainly be read stand-alone.
I loved Zoe’s spunk and Abe’s heart, and how God brought two people together despite their plans to give them exactly what they needed and something better than they could have dreamed. A case of God working to do exceedingly and abundantly more than they could ask or imagine.
The setting is stunning. Jody shows both us the mountain splendor and the magic of the northern lights along with the historically-accurate, muddy, often brutal harshness of the frontier. I laughed, smiled, and was frustrated with our characters and then duly rewarded within the pages of this novel. I completely recommend it. Jody’s books never disappoint with a delightful blend of well-researched history, high-stakes scenarios, and sweet romance.
I want to thank Jody Hedlund and Bethany House for allowing me to be a part of promoting this book.
This might just be my new favorite book by Jody Hedlund–and with how much I’ve enjoyed all of her books, that’s saying something. I loved Zoe from the get-go; she was so sweet and always caring for others. Her absolute devotion to Violet, a half-white, half-Indian child whom a lot of people would have rejected, was just so sweet. Zoe’s mother-heart, combined with her spunk, just drew me in right away. Abe was lovable, too, although there were a couple times I wanted to smack him upside the head for not realizing how wonderful Zoe was. However, he had a good heart as well and truly wanted to help others and was trying to follow a plan he thought would allow him to do that. Seeing his journey and ultimate realization of what God was truly calling him to do was such an engaging story that it kept me interested just as much as the romance did. I just devoured this book, enjoying every minute of it. Definitely one of my favorite books of the year!
5 stars.
I read an ARC provided by the publisher via #NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
I am glad that I didn’t miss this beautiful marriage of convenience story set in 1863. As the two main characters began to seek their path and purpose in life, I was hooked. I appreciated that although both characters had good hearts they also both had flaws and struggles to overcome. The three adorable children in the story grabbed my heart and their scenes were wonderfully written. The entire story was well researched and I thought that the story line was very engaging. The theme of loving others was woven throughout the novel. With an introduction to the main character of the next book in the series, I simply can’t wait for the next bride ship to arrive! I was given a copy of this book by the publisher. All opinions are my own.
What a great read, and this is the third book in the series, and while there are a few recurring characters, this book could be read alone. There are a few references to the past reads, but you won’t be lost.
This is Pastor Abe’s chance to find love, his hearts desire is still in England, when circumstances take a turn, and Zoe Hart appears.
Zoe is a joy of a character, she shows love and compassion to most everyone, and she sure has a heart for children.
We are again reminded of the conditions in England that leads these young woman to travel to the unknown, no jobs and no food, but what will they face when they arrive in Western Canada. These are strong woman and there could be stories here for all of them.
As I finished this read, I felt as if the author had given me a personal gift, I just hated for it to end!
I received this
Another beautiful story by Jody Hedlund. Filled with love, faith and trust ‘A Bride of Convenience fulfilled all my expectations and more. I’ve always been a huge sucker for books with the marriage of convenience trope and so naturally I’ve been eagerly awaiting this book! Every book I’ve read by Jody Hedlund has quickly engaged my attention and this book was no exception! I thoroughly enjoyed every element included and loved that I could relate so well with the characters especially Zoe. Her compassion and love of children was beautiful and inspiring. Abe was such a noble strong man filled with a love of God and service. His journey to find what truly was most important was written so well. I loved the developing romance between Abe and Zoe and while it was a little slower than most of Hedlun’d other novels, the message that love can overcome many barriers and help us become our best selves was so strong and the ending very rewarding. Jody truly has a talent for making her characters real and it’s so easy to loose yourself in the story. I loved the glimpse of characters from previous books as well as a sneak peak into the next and final books’ hero. All in all this book is definitely a new favorite of mine and I highly recommend reading it!
Wow! What an inspiring story! A Bride of Convenience, Jody Hedlund’s upcoming release filled me with great hope. This is the third installment of Jody Hedlund’s Bride Ship Series. I love reading Christian historical fiction and I never miss the opportunity to read a Jody Hedlund book. In the author’s usual style, she uses all the elements to create a wonderful story. A breath-taking location, a hero and heroine who come alive as one reads about their personal struggles and victories, an engaging plot with exciting and challenging twists and turns, well-researched historical details, strong spiritual truths from Scripture, and a sweet and tender romance make A Bride of Convenience an entertaining and inspiring read.
Zoe Hart, a spunky mill worker from Manchester, England bravely embarks on a bride ship bound for British Columbia. She leaves behind a heart-wrenching past, hoping to marry a wealthy and handsome husband who will help her find her brother, Zeke, a miner in the Fraser River Valley. Abe Merivale is a capable, compassionate, well-respected, and loved missionary who ministers to the mining communities in the Fraser River Valley. He has two years remaining to serve as a missionary in the colonies. Then, Abe plans to return to England and marry his betrothed, Lizzy. Unexpectedly, Abe receives news that Lizzy plans to marry someone else. Prior to this surprising news, Abe and Zoe become acquainted and connected through an orphaned baby girl. They both wish to help find a home for the infant. Zoe desperately desires to keep the baby girl, Violet as her own child even if it means marrying a miner who could be dangerous and an outlawl. Abe doesn’t want Zoe or Violet’s life to be put in jeopardy and Zoe can’t keep Violet permanently as a single woman. With Abe’s engagement dissolved, could a marriage of convenience to Zoe solve their problems? As time will tell, their marriage may not be so convenient after all.
“Maybe all God required was a willing heart and the trust that He’d work out the rest of the details in His timing and in His way.” Jody Hedlund writes with compassion, sensitivity, tenderness, and a great deal of heart. A Bride of Convenience reminded me that our Savior is our Redeemer. Through His love overflowing from one’s life into another, He’s always working and redeeming our lives for His glory and our good. He often does this in ways very different and more remarkable than we can ask or imagine.
I’m looking very forward to reading about Zeke’s story in the fourth book of The Bride Ships series. The fourth book is entitled, Almost a Bride. It releases August 25, 2020.
I am grateful to Bethany House Publishers, and NetGalley for providing a complimentary copy of this book. Thank you for the opportunity to share my review. My thoughts and opinions are solely my own.
Jody Hedlund brings us the third book in her Bride Ships series and it’s so very good. One thing I enjoy about her writing is that she does wonderful historical research and it often spurs me on to do some research myself!
In this book, Pastor Abraham Merivale is on the island awaiting the time when he can send for his fiancé back in England to come and marry him. He misses her so much and watching the brides coming off the bride ships makes him miss her even more. In about a week, he unexpectedly finds himself married to one of those brides, not really even sure how it happened. An infant is left in their care when the widowed father of the babe dies and now he has a wife and a baby! And a fiancé in England.
Hedlund handles this situation so well, as she is wont to do in her books. Zoe doesn’t know what is expected of her and Abe doesn’t know what is expected of him. Zoe just wants to find her brother, who came to the island a few years earlier when he was angry with her. Then there is the danger of one man who seeks Zoe with the intent of destroying both her, her brother and Abe. I was captivated throughout the book as I watched everything unfold. The spiritual them is strong here and one that is relevant today for every believer. Sometimes out own plans are not what God plans. I loved every minute. Recommended.
*My thanks to Bethany House Publishers for a copy of this book via Net Galley. The opinions in this review are entirely my own.