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?
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A Reluctant Bride is the first book in a new series, Bride Ships, by Jody Hedlund. With great attention to historical detail, Hedlund takes the reader on a journey from the poorest slums of London to hope for a better life in British Columbia. I enjoyed meeting the well-crafted and colorful characters and learning more about bride ships and the part they played in history. The settings in both London and British Columbia in the 1860s intrigued me and made vivid backdrops for the story. With just the right touches of suspense, romance, and inspiration, this book kept me riveted, while messages of hope, faith, courage, and the value of each individual added to my enjoyment of the story.
Hedlund’s distinctive historical detail, along with her memorable characters and brilliant story-telling make this a must-read for those who enjoy compelling historical fiction based on actual happenings. The author’s notes in the back of the book were an added bonus, and I was intrigued by some of the fascinating research she uncovered while writing the story. This book is headed right for my keeper shelf, and I’m anxiously awaiting the next in the series.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from the publisher/NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
A Reluctant Bride by Jody Hedlund is a love story that is based on the Bride ship that traveled from England to British Columbia in1862. As I read the book I could smell the smells, taste the food and see the sites described. The faith of both Mercy and Joseph grew on the voyage They learn to trust each other and God. I enjoyed this book so much that I will be sharing it with friends on mine.
I received a copy of the book from the publisher, but the opinions shared are completely my own and without bias.
I enjoyed this book. I found to be a fast read. I read though it in a week. The book is about Mercy Wilkins and her trip to British Columbia. Along the way she helps a doctor and befriends him, and from there you need to read the story to find out what happens.
Jody Hedlund is a phenomenal writer of historical fiction. Her latest book Reluctant Bride was an eye opener to the Bride ships that traveled from England to British Columbia 150 years ago. Hedlund’s portrayal of the hopeless and destitute conditions in the London slums, the harsh realities of traveling by ship, and the insurmountable odds faced by poor women. I was engrossed by the story-line and appreciate the depth of character that Hedland developed. I also appreciated the clear message of the importance of acknowledging the plan that God has for each and every one of use. I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and I am voluntarily offering this review.
There is so much to love about this book. Who doesn’t love the opportunity for someone who’s living in unimaginable circumstances to change their life? Mercy lives in the slums and is surrounded by hunger, filth, and need. For as long as she can remember she has taken care of her siblings, and helped the neighbors with theirs as well. Living in a place where it isn’t uncommon for children to die of hunger or sickness wears on a persons’ soul. By chance, Mercy is given an opportunity to go somewhere where life will be much easier. The downfall is, she may never see her family again. When the sister who practically raised Mercy begs for her to take the opportunity, she can hardly refuse. Once aboard the ship Mercy sees a doctor that she met before when bringing in a child in need. Joseph seemed like a kind man, and seeing him there puts her a little more at ease.
A lot can happen in a trip across an ocean. Mercy knows a little about hard work and determination and that’s just what Joseph needs when helping patients. Working together has caused more than a few heads to turn, but they both know that a love between their classes would be forbidden. Being a titled gentleman, Joseph knows there is much expected of him and the bride he chooses. Not only that, but sixty ladies including Mercy, are meant to be brides for a colony where women are in short supply. Can their forbidden love overcome so many obstacles? Or are they destined for heartbreak?
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Historical Fiction. The characters are easy to love, and I enjoyed seeing life through such different eyes. I couldn’t help but get swept up in the story and found it hard to put down. I received a copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers and was in no way forced to post a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.
It is so exciting to read Jody Hedlund’s first book from her new Bride Ships series. I loved Mercy from the start. Her bravery and courage made her a fabulous character. It was great watching her friendship with Joseph grow.
I am giving A Reluctant Bride a well deserved five plus stars. I can not wait to get my hands on the second installment, The Runaway Bride, in 2020. I highly recommend this one.
I received this book from the author, but was not required to write a review. This review is 100% my own honest opinion.
‘Are you seeking His leading or are you running away from it?
Jody Hedlund once again brings us a story straight from history with A Reluctant Bride. Mercy Wilkins goes from living in the poorest slums of London to boarding a bride ship, although she thinks she is going to British Columbia to find a job. She hopes to some day send for her sister, who is slaving at the work house.
Joseph Colville, a titled lord, but trained as a doctor, has agreed to serve as ship’s surgeon, and requests Mercy’s aid in helping him with the job. Soon they both begin to feel an attraction towards each other, but fight it because they are miles apart in their stations in life. However, obstacles are meant to be overcome. Aren’t they?
Hedlund is wonderful at historical fiction and once again proves that she has a gift for creating stories crafted from actual historical events. Mercy and Joseph’s story is mesmerizing and I recommend it very much.
*My thanks to Bethany House Publishers for a copy of this book. The opinions stated here are entirely my own.
A Reluctant Bride captured me immediately. I loved the characters and that we got to see them develop and follow the path that God had for them. Both of the characters have been hurt, but they are in different social classes. They each have to find their own way and reconnect with God. By doing so, their paths lead them to go right where they were meant to be.
Mercy is a poor young woman with a heart that is filled with kindness. Out of desperation she boards a ship that she hopes will finally give her the opportunity to work and have freedom.
Joseph is a Baron that is mourning the death of his family. He has followed his own way be becoming a medical doctor. When he sees first hand the poor and the need that they have, he has to decide if it is God’s will for him to follow the path that he is on, or to go where the need it the greatest. While trying to figure it out he boards a ship to serve as the medical doctor. He is surprised to learn it contains a group of women who are bound to become brides to minors and laborers in British Columbia.
Mercy and Joseph begin to work together as a medical team. Neither expected to fall in love. But that is not acceptable. Their classes are too far apart and one very determined man makes it his mission to keep Mercy in her place.
A Reluctant Bride is the first book in the Bride Ship series. I loved it. It is so well written that it is hard to put down. I received an ARC of this book and this is my honest feedback.
I believe that this will be one of my favorite books by Jody Hedlund ever. I loved the history behind this because I had never read about these bride ships before. I loved the characters. I enjoyed getting to know a bit about many of the minor characters as they interacted with Mercy and Joseph. I especially liked to see how Mercy was able to overcome some of her ingrained habits. It is nice to see someone grow as a person throughout a story. I received a copy of this book from the author for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.
A Reluctant Bride by Jody Hedlund is the first in the series Bride Ships. It is set in England and British Columbia in 1862.
Mercy Wilkins has a servant’s heart but she is caught in poverty.
Chapter 4: “Was death so common a visitor in these parts that people expected it, maybe even welcomed it as the only true savior from the pain? Or had they, like her, closed off their heart to the pain in order to continue on?”
She embarks on a ship to the British colonies in order to give her siblings a better chance to survive in their London slum. “She longed for the chance to finally stand on her own. This trip, this voyage, might be the only possibility she’d ever get to do that.” The only thing she wasn’t told is that she is expected to choose a husband when she arrives.
Joseph Colville is a nobleman but is fleeing his responsibility after the death of his family. He has become a doctor and is helping the destitute in the slums.
Joseph and Mercy meet on the Tynemouth where Joseph is the ship’s surgeon and Mercy sometimes assists him.
This was a very sad story for most of the book. Ms. Hedlund eloquently conveyed the utter squalor of Shoreditch slum of London and the poverty that beset the city in 1862. She vividly portrayed the deep privations of the sea voyage that took many months. Yet hope was in the story too. Mercy and Joseph learned a lot about God, themselves and eachother. They showed their humbleness even in rough times. They also progressed in their faith and trusted in God to show them His leading.
A thought provoking, epic historical book, once again proving that Jody Hedlund is a phenomenal writer who is not afraid to tackle a hard subject.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own.*
We can’t get caught upon seeing problems from our view. God’s so much bigger and has things worked out in His ways – ways we can’t begin to understand”… A Reluctant Bride.
Wow! I’m totally in love with Jody Hedlund new series!
I love Historical Romances and Jody is absolutely one of my top favorite authors!
I love that her stories are usually based on true stories, even if the characters are sometimes fictional, but they manage to reflect so well how people lived under such hard circumstances, and how all this hardship made them strong and compassionate for others. There’s always an inspiring message in her books, and this was no exception, and I love that it doesn’t feel preachy at all.
Mercy Wilkins lives in one of London’s poorest slums. She’s totally devoted to taking care of her younger siblings and helping feed and care for other needy children in her slum. But the more she does, the more she realizes it’s never enough. She has heard that God provides for all his children, but has she, as well as so many people surrounding her, been forgotten and neglected from Him? Suddenly, her mother gets fired from her work, and she overheard her mother and her husband questioning who will have to leave the house next, since they can’t feed so many mouths anymore. When she hears they are thinking of sending her young brother to live in the docks, she knows she won’t allow it so she takes a providential opportunity of joining a ship to start a new life in British Columbia, where women are scarce. She’s just not aware that she’s sent as a bride to be for one of the many men that live there…
Joseph Colville is a wealthy man, Baron of Wiltshire. But his estate and the social life attached to it is the last thing he wants after watching his whole family die to a cholera epidemic that ravaged London. So he instead devotes to study medicine and later to serve as a surgeon in long ocean voyages to India and other places. His mentor, Dr. Bates offers him partnership in his medical office for the needy people of London slums, where he sporadically helps, but he’s not ready to compromise. He wants his freedom and the excitement of exploring new worlds. So when he’s offered the chance to be the surgeon of the Tynemouth, he knows he can’t lose this opportunity of a new adventure…
But life in the ship proves more difficult than expected and both Joseph and Mercy meet again, after having met at Dr. Bates office, when Mercy brings in a very sick little girl. Dr. Bates told Joseph afterwards that Mercy really was an “Angel of Mercy” as she was always helping someone in need, in one way or another. But it’s not until meet again in the ship that he has a chance of experience himself what Dr. Bates meant. At the first sea storm, where many people fall ill and get injured, it’s Mercy the one who assists the doctor in taking care of the sick. Soon she’s an essential aid to the doctor in assisting him to care for the sick, as there are many needs that he alone can’t take care of. This forges a deep and beautiful relationship based on caring for others, that slowly grows into something more. But a romance in their circumstances is prohibited and when they get to British Columbia, there will be many men vying for her hand. Will they have a chance at love after all? Or will circumstances keep them apart from each other?
This was a beautiful story! I loved the depth of the characters. Mercy was a beautiful woman, inside and outside, always putting the welfare of others before hers, and sacrificing everything she has to make others lives more bearable. She’s innocent and transparent, even there’s misery and evil near her, and what is most beautiful about her is that she’s not aware of her beauty or the generosity of her spirit. Joseph was also a strong character, still grieving and searching for his real identity, but with a kind and compassionate heart. Mercy’s generosity humbles him and makes him question if he can make a difference in this world, just as she is doing, one person at a time.
I loved the romance in this story. It’s not a romance based on physical attraction but in the beauty of the other’s soul. What truly brings them together is the generosity and selflessness that the circumstances bring out in them, the understanding of doing something that matters and makes a difference in people’s lives, more than love at first sight. The way the relationship grows was beautiful to watch. And I really fell in love with these characters, the things they endure, and the decisions they make.
This is also a faith inspired novel and it has a beautiful message too about trusting God and how He can bring beautiful and more meaningful things from bad things and hardship than an easy and comfortable life.
I also love Jody’s expertise in historical settings. I’m not an expert, but it feels so realistic and I’m sure it’s very well researched. I felt I was reading a Charles Dickens novel, but with sweeter elements to make the misery less painful.
This is a new favorite book of mine. I love every single one of Jody’s stories but this one is right now at the top of the list.
Can’t wait to read the next installment in this series. Hopefully it will be Patience story, Mercy’s sister who remains at a workhouse in London.
I highly recommend this new start to a captivating and realistic series.
Book Review: Can love break the barriers of class, work and society’s expectations?
A Reluctant Bride
(The Bride Ships Book #1)
by Jody Hedlund
Jody Hedlund’s newest series, The Bride Ships starts with A Reluctant Bride. She takes us to the slums of 1862 London, England. Mercy Wilkins is the “angel of mercy” that cares for the young children not only in her family, but those who live in the tenements around her.
When she rushes in a sick, neighbor child to the medical clinic she meets Lord Joseph Colville, the substitute on-call doctor.
Tragedy strikes and her mother loses her job. Mercy desperate to not burden her family, agrees to go to British Columbia with the Columbia Mission Society to find work in a new land.
On the ship she runs into Lord Colville again who is now the ships surgeon. Mercy becomes caretaker to the younger women of the Columbia Mission Society, that inform her she is expected to be a “bride-to-be” when they arrive at their destination.
Realizing that Mercy was an asset as a nurse, Joseph requests her assistance from her chaperones. During the trip across the seas, a love blossoms that neither wants to admit is happening. Mercy never intended to be a bride. Joseph wasn’t ready to settle down. Of course, his title stands in the way and her commitment to the Society keeps her from acting on her feelings with him.
So many things threaten to keep them apart when it is obvious they belong together. One of my favorite quotes from the boom is from the ships captain, “My advice,” said the captain, his voice turning gentle, “do not let the barriers of class interfere with anything. Not work. Not life. And certainly not love.”
Another quote, “Who determined their stations? Why did the world need such stations anyway? 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?” Is so poignant that it applies to today as well as the past.
Jody Hedlund again not only entertains, but gives inspiration of how love can conquer so many things if only our hearts allow. I look forward to many more books in this series if they are as wonderful as A Reluctant Bride. Be sure not to miss this one!
Please visit her website at https://jodyhedlund.com
FTC Disclaimer: I was given an ARC of this title by Bethany House publishing and NetGalley for review purposes only; no other compensation was awarded.
Jody Hedlund writes another wonderful book! A Reluctant Bride is the first book in her new series (Bride Ships) featuring Mercy Wilkins from the London slums who has no hope for a better life. So she signs up to go to British Colombia to begin a new life, not knowing she will be expected to marry. Joseph Colville is the ships surgeon, a wealthy, titled man who is running from a painful past. Continually thrown together to help the passengers through a harrowing journey they have a deep attraction to one-another. Trusting in God to make a way for them both they resist temptation. An exciting story based on true events, Jody writes with wonderful details and great characters. I can’t wait for the next book in this new series.
I received this book from Jody Hedlund/Bethany House Publishers and all opinions are my own.
Jody Hedlund is one of my favorite authors of Historical Fiction. She does a fantastic job of researching the setting and subject matter. Her words convey vivid scenes that create pictures in my mind. I could feel Mercy’s despair and desperation to find her own way in the world, but fear joining her life or heart to anyone else. I fell in love with Mercy’s kindness and found myself cheering her on. Joseph Colville has a title and wealth, but not happiness. He is serving as a ships surgeon while he hides from the life God has planned for him. This was an awesome book and I look forward to the next in this series.
So grab some ginger tea to settle your stomach from the ups and downs of life aboard a ship and settle in for a great read.
i was given a copy of this book by NetGalley.com with no expectations. All thoughts are my own.
The start of a new Jody Hedlund series is always an exciting thing. She has more than earned her spot as one of my must-read authors with her stellar characters and in-depth research that shines through in her stories. The idea of bride ships is something I think I was aware of but had never really given much thought to. Through Mercy and the women she befriends on the voyage I was really able to feel the desperation that would drive a woman to leave her family and homeland behind for such an unknown destination.
The journey from England to British Columbia felt very claustrophobic and Mr. Scott’s presence always seemed to loom around the corners as I was turning pages. I was getting some serious Mr. Collins vibes from this character and his obsession with class and patronage. His awkwardly long bows had me looking around uncomfortably right along with Joseph and Mercy!
Mercy’s situation in life is about as bleak as it could be and yet she is always willing to give a little more of herself to those in need, even to her own detriment. She is a ray of light whenever she’s on the page and it is so easy to see why others are drawn to her.
The living conditions in the slums of London were absolutely shocking to read about! Buildings being propped up and filth in the streets? I could almost feel the diseases crawling and was so happy to escape.
I am looking forward to reading the next in the series to see how life develops on Vancouver Island after the brides arrive and begin to settle into life on the frontier. I highly recommend this to fans of historical fiction and romance.
I received a copy of this book from the author and Bethany House Publishers. All opinions are my own.
Jody Hedlund has officially penned the latest must-read in historical fiction! This is not a book that is merely read, but experienced. The author is able to draw you so deeply into the heart of the characters that it’s as if you are standing right amongst them. I was not ready to let them go when there were no pages left to go. I absolutely loved this story, and am already impatiently waiting for the next release in the series!
My favorite part of this book was the romance. I am a very picky person when it comes to the romance in novels. I love that the development of the relationship between the characters came primarily from a place of caring for the person and not the phsyical attraction. Joseph and Mercy each saw the other acting in love to the sick and hurting around them, and it was their care and compassionate hearts that initially forged their relationship. Although as time went by their phyiscal chemistry significantly increased, it was never the primary catalyst. I fully prefer a romance that is built on character and developing a love for one another on a deeper level than their physical appearance. Maybe it’s because I’m caught in a world where we are constantly bombarded with the idea that our worth is based on our physical appearance, but when I read a book I want to escape that. I want to enter a world where people see the heart before the curves. That’s why I fell so deeply into this novel and didn’t want to leave when the pages were finished.
One of the other pieces of this story that I believe was fleshed out extremely well, was considering how the upbringing of a person affects their life as adults. Wealth and social standing can buy a great deal in life, but it can’t purchase happiness. Despite being born into a wealthy family, Joseph lost them when he was a young boy to cholera. It left him afraid to love so he’d never have to say goodbye. Mercy grew up in a poverty stricken family with a mother who was constantly bringing more babies into the world with questionable paternity. Mercy questioned if love even existed. There was a great deal of growth and healing that had to occur in the hearts of the two before they could see how desperate they were for love and connection. Little did they know just how much that connection could heal.
I was surprised how much of this journey was based on actual people and events. I always appreciate when an author shares some of the fact or fiction in their notes at the end of one of their works. As connected as I felt to this story as I was reading, I feel even moreso knowing just how steeped in reality it truly was. I am already impatiently waiting for the next book in this series to release so that I can reenter their world. This one has successfully sealed a spot on my favorites list for this year!
*I received a copy of this book from the author. Thoughts and opinions expressed are mine alone.
I love reading the author’s notes on the background of a novel and this fictional story has lots of real facts and happenings included. History is so much more interesting learned this way. My eyes were opened to the poverty and slum areas of London around 1862. My heart broke for Mercy and how she had to live. The love she never received for herself she gave willingly to those around her in need. From helping those sick to begging for stale bread from a baker to share with the orphans on the street. When an opportunity arises for her to travel by ship to British Columbia to a new settlement she reluctantly agrees. Thinking she is going to find a job and work there she later finds out she’s expected to be a bride for one of many men waiting for the women to arrive.
On board ship she meets the doctor, Joseph, an aristocrat and gives her help to him when needed. They are both hiding deep hurts and griefs from the past and have run from them and from God. The story told about them and how they change and grow during their lengthy voyage is truly worth reading. This is going to be a series and I’m truly looking forward to the next one after reading A Reluctant Bride.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and was not required to write a review positive or otherwise.
Based on the true event of the Tynemouth bride ship that sailed from England to British Columbia in 1862, I was easily transported back in time to the events that took place in this book. I avoided history in school yet I was so drawn into this book and interested in the bride ships that I found myself researching it on the internet. I had never heard of a bride ship and until I read the author notes at the end I had no clue that it was a true event.
Jody Hedlund has such a remarkable way of developing the characters that you truly feel like you know them. Although we could never truly understand the pain the women of the bride ships suffered due to leaving their families (some as young as fourteen), you sympathize with them because the instances in The Reluctant Bride speak true today to everyone – feelings of wanting to belong, have adequate basic necessities such as food and clothing but most importantly be loved.
This book is a fantastic blend of history and fiction. From the beginning to the end The Reluctant Bride will keep you turning the pages to find out what happens next. For me it was a nonstop page turner. I eagerly look forward to more books in this series.
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.
A Reluctant Bride by Jody Hedlund is a wonderfully written story about God’s redeeming love. A historical romance set in the early 1800’s; tells a gripping story of two people trying to find acceptance in a time when society didn’t allow for people of different walks of life to cross social boundaries. Jody Hedlund has masterfully woven a story that teaches us that God will chase us to the ends of the earth because we are worthy and He loves us that much no matter who we are or where we come from!
It is a story about a voyage on a Bride’s ship carrying women from all walks of life and the journey and struggles they embark upon while traveling to a new start in life! A lesson in self worth! A story you won’t want to miss!
What a beautiful book cover for a beautiful story this book has told…….I love Historical fiction and this one begins in the slums of London in the 1860’s. I had never heard of a Bride Ship but it stands to reason that willing women would be brought to a place where there were very few men to become brides. To many of these women it would be so much better than what they were facing in their present dilemmas. This story revolves around a beautiful woman who can hardly find enough food for herself, yet has the heart to help the sick and others who fare worse than she. Merci finds herself on this ship at the request of her sister who is in the Poor House, and dying from little food and hard work. Merci agrees to go, but is determine to never marry. Then we have a young Lord who is also a doctor who has signed on to be the ship’s doctor on this Brides Ship. All of this makes for a very interesting read. Each page filled with suspense, hardships, tragedy and yes, romance. What a book to keep you reading on and on until the last beautiful ending for this beautiful book……I received a copy from the publisher and am happy to leave a review.