**NOTE: Almost a Bride is Book 4 in the Bride Ships series but can be read as a standalone novel.Always close, but never a bride.Longing to find true love, Kate Millington arrives in British Columbia on a bride ship. With countless men waiting to snag a bride, Kate has no trouble getting engaged. It’s staying engaged that’s the problem. After traveling to the remote mining town of Williamsville … the remote mining town of Williamsville to marry her newest fiancé, she finds herself single again.
As the prosperous owner of a gold mine, Zeke Hart has everything he’s ever wanted except for a wife. At Kate’s arrival, he takes it upon himself to protect his childhood friend from the men clamoring to court her. The more he renews her friendship, the more he wants to win her for himself. But as much as Kate admires Zeke, she’s resolved not to marry someone who doesn’t share her faith.
When Zeke begins receiving anonymous threats, he unwittingly puts them both in grave danger. In the midst of peril, the past rises up to haunt them both, and Zeke realizes the fight for Kate’s affection may be his biggest challenge yet.
“This excellent series launch will leave fans eager for the next entry.”–Publishers Weekly starred review
The Bride Ships Series
Book 1: A Reluctant Bride
Book 2: The Runaway Bride
Book 3: A Bride of Convenience
Book 4: Almost a Bride
Other books by Jody Hedlund:
The Orphan Train Series
Prequel Novella: An Awakened Heart
Book 1: With You Always
Book 2: Together Forever
Book 3: Searching for You
The Beacons of Hope Series
Prequel Novella: Out of the Storm
Book 1: Love Unexpected
Book 2: Hearts Made Whole
Book 3: Undaunted Hope
Book 4: Forever Safe
Book 5: Never Forget
The Michigan Brides Collection
Unending Devotion
A Noble Groom
Captured by Love
The Hearts of Faith Collection
The Preacher’s Bride
The Doctor’s Lady
Rebellious Heart
Historical
Luther and Katharina
Newton and Polly
For a complete list of Jody’s novels, visit her Amazon page or website – jodyhedlund.com
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You cannot go wrong picking up a Jody Hedlund book! Start at the beginning of her writing journey, and keep going. Just be prepared for an utter lack of sleep as her writing and stories draw you in and make you forget to go to bed!
Ever since Kate Millington came to British Columbia on a bride ship to find a husband and new life, she has met and dismissed multiple suitors, always “almost a bride.” Having newly arrived in a mining town and having freshly broken from a recent engagement, she finds herself stranded and at the center of overwhelming attention from the countless bachelors that make up the majority of the town’s population. When Zeke Hart–an old family friend–comes to the rescue, sparks fly and trouble ensues from jealous suitors. As the pair faces their feelings for each other, Kate’s commitment to finding a godly partner and Zeke’s strained relationship with the Almighty become another hurdle in this fast-growing attraction. When danger comes closer than ever before, the couple must face enemies, face their relationship with God, and face their feelings for each other before they can have their happily ever after.
This book is an excellent example of the Christian historical romance genre! It is steamy with perfect chemistry between the characters, yet the romance and storyline are clean and centered on Jesus Christ. This is a love story that perfectly exemplifies a romance with God at the center of it, with characters focusing on God’s will for their lives and for their relationships until the very end of the book. The plot of the book was forever moving forward, making it an interesting read that was hard to put down. The personal struggles of the main characters were well-written and extremely relatable, which had me emotionally invested in the outcome of the book by the end. This is yet another read from Christian fiction author Jody Hedlund, and I highly recommend this to any lover of clean historical romance.
I received a copy of this book to review from the author, but my thoughts are my own. I really did love it!
If you like some excitement and adventure mixed with your romance, this is the book for you!
Leaving Manchester, England to seek a new life, Kate Millington becomes engaged a number of times to a variety of men. But each time she has backed out. Arriving on a bride ship in what would someday be western Canada, she tries to disengage from one more fellow. But he’s not easily rejected and becomes problematic.
There, Kate sees Zeke, a childhood playmate from Manchester. And what was big brother syndrome starts to become something entirely different.
Kate does not want to be unequally yoked with someone who is not a believer, which can bring about complications, to say the least.
Choice. Life is all about our choices. And Kate has a few to make. And, Kate is not the only one.
A lesson learned from this story was richness in God’s grace exceeds all earthly riches.
This is an excellent stand alone novel, but is actually the final book in the
3.5 stars
“It would be just his luck if she happened to recognize him.”
Zeke Hart can scarcely believe his eyes when a childhood friend arrives in Williamsville, a remote mining town in Cariboo, British Columbia where Zeke has managed to accumulate a small fortune. The lady is absolutely stunning, and at the moment it appears that she is trying to escape matrimony . . . . . once again.
“She couldn’t tear her eyes away – didn’t want to break the connection for fear she’d never get it back.”
Kate Millington had always secretly admired her older brother’s friend Zeke, having lost touch with him after a tragic event sent Zeke running for his life, far away from his family and friends. What a coincidence that Zeke would be the one to rescue her from another one of her failed engagements. Even though their attraction is mutually instantaneous, Kate struggles to remind herself that Zeke openly admits forsaking his faith. How can she possibly risk giving her heart to a man who is still on the run from God; it’s what her mother did and their entire family paid the price.
“Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, . . ” Is that what it will take?
Lighter in depth, but remaining rich in inspiration, “Almost a Bride” is a satisfying conclusion to a wildly popular series.
I greatly enjoyed this newest release from Jodi Hedlund! It was so much fun to read the conclusion to one of my favorite series of all time. This book included elements of mystery, adventure, a gorgeous setting, accurate historical details, as well as the very well done romance. Zeke was such a strong character, a manly man, but with a deep hurt that he needed God to heal. I loved the spunk and resourcefulness of Kate, and that she held onto her morals and the teaching of the Bible, even when it was to her detriment. The side characters were very fun and entertaining too. I also enjoyed the inclusion of some of the characters from previous books. Jody Hedlund did not disappoint, and I’m looking forward to her next book!
I have loved all of the Bride Ship books, but I think Almost A Bride is my favorite. I love Kate’s faith and her determination to marry a man who believes as she does. She is human though and has gotten engaged a few times. Both Kate and Zeke are strong people who are continuing to grow. I also adored some of the secondary characters and the setting is fabulous! So grab your coffee and sit back for a fantastic read!
I was given a copy of this book by the publisher with no expectations. All thoughts are my own.
The conclusion to Jody Hedlund’s Bride Ships series, Almost a Bride, was actually the beginning for me. Since I haven’t read the previous books in the series, I was curious to see if I would be confused or able to follow the story without trouble.
While Zeke and Kate have issues to work through that make them both frustrating at times, those things also make their relationship interesting.
With intriguing side characters, elements of faith, danger, mystery, and plenty of romance this story is exciting and hard to put down.
I feel this book stands alone and any questions I had were answered in enough detail to make me want to read the rest of the series.
Kate’s fear was palpable, but the reader didn’t know how deep that fear ran! Like most of us, Kate pretended to be strong, she put on a front and never let her trepidation show. However, without her faithful friend, Becca, she would’ve fallen into a horrendous marriage.
Zeke pretended to have it all together too, but it was obvious his pride was stopping him from realizing true happiness! He thought he knew what he wanted, until Kate showed up and messed up his plans.
I really appreciated the secondary characters in this story! It was very realistic and the family/community around Kate and Zeke is something we could all use!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Kate Millington has no trouble getting engaged, but can’t seem to go through with the wedding. After breaking it off with her latest fiance, she finds herself with no lack of suitors, but when she comes face to face with a friend from the past, the one man she wants is the one she can’t have.
I was thrilled when I heard that Zeke’s story would be coming so shortly after the previous book, and couldn’t wait to dive back into the rugged beauty of British Columbia. Zeke is a man working to outrun his skeletons and the shame that he brought his family while working for the mills. He has done well for himself and done well, investing in multiple business ventures. He is passionate about supporting the workers, he isn’t perfect, but he does what he can to support his community, and I liked that he was flawed.
Kate is hardworking and compassionate, she doesn’t want to hurt anyone. I loved her friend Becca, and how protective she is of Kate. This book has some amazing supporting characters I especially loved Wendell and Mr. Peabody, who are a duo of men not suited for the rough life of gold miners, but are excellent in their own respective fields, and are great friends to Zeke.
An engaging read, I liked how it explored more about what happened after the gold mines were claimed up and how many people worked hard to make the boom towns a permanent place to reside. Kate and Zeke grow in their faith over the course of the book, learning to trust in God. A highly enjoyable read, with characters who will capture your heart and bring a smile to your face.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
The last installment in Jody Hedlund’s Bride Ships series, Almost a Bride is a strong finish. I have really enjoyed these books and learning about what would drive a woman to the wildernesses of British Columbia. I know I mention it in every review for Hedlund’s books, but her characters and research are always a high point for me in her stories. I was particularly drawn to Mr. Peabody, the British housekeeper and his fascination with French cuisine, the socially awkward Wendell and his number crunching and the no nonsense Becca, a deeply devoted but unapologetic friend to Kate.
Kate and Zeke are both struggling with baggage that has made it difficult for them to settle into their new lives. Becca wants to find a husband but struggles with commitment and abandonment issues. Zeke feels betrayed by God and struggles with the need to control his life through wealth and power. With danger looming, they are forced to confront and deal with their problems before they can move forward with their obvious feelings for one another.
While I’m sad to see this series end, I can’t wait to see what Hedlund has in store for us next! If you’re a fan of historical romance, you need to pick up this series. Each book can be read individually but the series as a whole is a joy to read!
I received a copy of this novel from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
What an exciting conclusion to Jody’s Bride Ships series! After reading book 3 and meeting Zeke(Zoe’s twin brother) I was excited to read his story and that of old friend Kate. I really liked the character of Kate, her artistic talent was a cool addition and I loved what came of that talent. Her background reminded me a bit of one of my favorite movies “Runaway Bride” with her history of broken engagements. So that was a fun tie in for me. There was an exciting mystery as well in the story that made for an eagerness to see who was behind the attempts on Zeke. All in all, this story was super fun and I am sorry to see the Bride Ships series end. Great read!
I received this book as part of the launch team and was not required to post a positive review. All thoughts are my own.
Jody Hedlund has brought to life a colorful slice of history in her series, The Bride Ships. Her masterful, realistic, and colorful characters and richly painted settings, along with poignant and imaginative stories, have captured my imagination and kept me entertained. I thoroughly enjoyed Kate Millington and Zeke Hart’s story of love and redemption, although I wanted to bump their heads together a couple of times.
This series is obviously well-researched, and the characters have been such fun to meet. I’ve enjoyed seeing previous characters pop up in later books. This is a standalone book, but the series is so fantastic you should do yourself a favor and read all of the books.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary book from the author. All opinions are my own.
Though this is set more than a century earlier, I couldn’t help but think of the movie Runaway Bride while I was reading Almost a Bride. Kate has been engaged multiple times, married none … and each breakup was of her own doing. When she arrives in Williamsville, she realizes she cannot marry her current fiancé … and she runs into Zeke, her longtime crush from back home. Zeke finally sees her has a woman, not as his best friend’s little sister, but he doesn’t share her faith, which is a deal breaker.
I enjoyed Zeke and Kate together—they certainly weren’t lacking in the chemistry department—and, while I didn’t love the way Zeke cautioned other men away from Kate and pursued her even when she asked him not to, those actions just highlighted how much of a difference Christ made in his life later on. But Kate was a difficult character for me to love. I could understand why she was so skittish about marriage, but her pattern of encouraging men she didn’t want to marry and getting engaged and then breaking it off got on my nerves. Also, her (wise) insistence that she would only marry someone who shared her faith was puzzling in the way she applied that standard, as one of the men she was considering claimed to be a believer but had zero discernible fruit and even attempted to murder someone!
Hands down, my favorite part of this novel was Mr. Peabody, Zeke’s butler/chef/caretaker. What a hoot! His scheming to get Zeke and Kate together was a riot, and I just wholeheartedly embraced his character. I hope Hedlund can find a way to incorporate him into another book!
While this may be my least favorite of the Bride Ships novels, it’s still a very good book. I highly recommend it to fans of historical romance.
Disclosure of material connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a positive review, and the opinions expressed are my own.
Another wonderful story about Bride Ships Brides. Kate and Zeke do not have it easy. Kate has has several broken engagements. It makes for an interesting time in the wilds of British Columbia. Their journey is not an easy one. But worth it in the end. It’s a journey of faith for them both. I really enjoyed this entire series about women who left all they knew in England for a new life in British Columbia and to become brides. I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All views stated here are my own.
Ms. Hedlund really hit a home run with her final installment The Bride Ships series! I love that she expands this story to include a character from the previous novel that I was super anxious to learn a little more about, Zeke, who becomes the love interest of the main character, Kate. Ms. Hedlund researched well to describe quite vividly the living conditions during that time period and does an amazing job of drawing in the reader from the very first page.
I highly recommend this book for people who love reading accurate historicals that have a wonderful happily ever after!!
Almost a Bride by Jody Hedlund is the fourth and last book in her Bride Ships series. I read and thoroughly enjoyed the third one and was not disappointed in Almost a Bride. Although part of a series, this last one could easily be a stand alone story. I’d recommend reading the series since I did find it interesting to see characters from the previous book, A Bride of Convenience. I need to go and read the first two! Both Kate and Zeke have issues from the past that bring a lot of tension into their relationship. Was it ever possible for a woman to be certain about a man? After being engaged a number of times, will Kate be willing to trust enough to marry? Zeke has been running from past mistakes and has become a self-made success. Will he be willing to trust a God who allows difficult things to happen? The author brings her readers a quick read with great, well-developed characters, a story line that is action-packed, strong spiritual truths, and a captivating romance. Almost a Bride is a wonderful story and readers who enjoy historical romance will not want to miss this one.
I read a complimentary copy of the book and was not required to write a review. The opinions are my own.
I have enjoyed The Bride Ships series as this was a new subject for me! Kate Millington seemed a rather fickle young woman who had been engaged several times but always backed out before the wedding took place. She didn’t seem to think things through before making decisions. Later in the book, we learned the reason Kate was hesitant to marry. It was good to get to know Kate’s childhood friend, Zeke Hart a prosperous gold miner, in Canada since we knew his sister Zoe from an earlier Bride Ship book. I admired how well Zeke has done for himself after running away from false charges in England. Kate has always been attracted to Zeke but does not want to marry a man who does not live for God and Zeke has turned his back on God. I enjoyed Zeke’s employees, Mr. Peabody and his grandson Wendell who added humor to the story. Almost a Bride is an enjoyable read that I recommend to other historical fiction lovers. I received a complimentary e-book through NetGalley. This is my honest opinion.
I can’t believe the Bride Ship Series has come to an end! I’ve totally loved this series, being immersed in the historical moment (based on true events) and taking a journey with four different fictional women who have made this trip leaving England to British Columbia in search for a better life in a country where men greatly outnumber women, so there are many possibilities for marrying.
Zeke Hart has won his wealth with hard work and perseverance. He’s the owner of the most profitable mine in Williamsville and the richest person in town. He needs nothing. And not God, who never helped him when he most needed Him. But when Kate Millington, his childhood best friend’s sister arrives at Williamsville, he’s not so sure of anything anymore. She’s beautiful and her kind soul and sweetness just calls to him.
But there are several problems. For one, Kate has a handful of suitors, even if she hasn’t truly accepted a fiancé for now. And second, Kate is Christian and holds in high regard that the person she will marry must share her spiritual values too. But faith can’t be faked or forced, and he hasn’t felt compelled to talk to God in a very long time. Can this big gap be overcome? Is he willing to set this pride apart and set things right before God in order to win Kate’s heart or will he have to let her go?
Kate Millington has had a deep crush on Zeke since she was a girl. But he never noticed her. Now, she can’t believe her luck when she sees him in Williamsville. She has come in the “Bride Ship” from Manchester to BC to find a husband. And there seems to be enough men willing to marry her everywhere she goes, but she always freaks out before seriously compromising, and she has rejected and hurt four serious suitors until now. So when Zeke starts scaring off her suitors, excusing himself by saying he is just protecting her from potential harm, she wonders if he may finally start seeing her for the woman she has become. As their relationship deepens, and Zeke’s intentions become clear, she is torn between the love for him and her determination to marry a man of faith. Zeke doesn’t seem keen to change his vision of God and she can’t risk marrying someone that thinks so different that he might just leave her like her father abandoned her mother. Is there a way to salvage this relationship with both being true to themselves or is it failed to doom?
The story was fast paced and kept me engaged. There was an element of intrigue and danger, and a mysterious villain that kept me guessing until the end.
I found that this book was more centered on the romantic relationship than the previous stories, and that it had more heat too, but I was grateful that, even if I prefer the romance lighter, it was still clean. The characters were flawed, but kindhearted and that made them loveable and relatable. Zeke held on to his pride, but he was a loyal, generous and giving person. Kate was naive and very insecure, but she was sweet to everyone and kind too. They both had their past to heal and overcome, and I loved how they both face their personal fears and insecurities with God, and how they mature at the end. There’s a deep faith inspired message that didn’t feel preachy at all. I liked that Zeke wasn’t willing to change his faith for Kate’s sake, but he felt it was something that had to be honest and ring true. I loved that he makes the sacrifice of letting her go in order to become the man she deserves first.
The descriptions of the landscape and mining town were delightful. I felt transported!
All in all, it was a wonderful ending to a beautiful series and I was so sad to see it end. I also loved revisiting with Zoe and Abe from the previous book.
I just wish there could be a book for Wendell. He was such a quirky and loyal secondary character that charmed me and would love to see him get a HEA too.
I definitely recommend this amazing series! This is a standalone book but it is enriched with the previous stories (especially the third book), so I recommend to read them all in order.
I received a complimentary copy from the autor but wasn’t required to post a positive review. This is my honest and unbiased opinion.
“You get close, are almost a bride, but then you are always too afraid to go through with it.”
In the conclusion to the Bride Ships series, Jody Hedlund offers another intriguing story that includes a beautiful young woman who can’t commit because of scars left by her father’s desertion, a man who has lived recklessly and often immorally in his search to change his life of poverty, and hundreds of men desperately seeking a wife. All of these situations play a major part in Almost a Bride and you can rest assured that a lot of drama is about to take place in British Columbia!
Kate Millington is saved from an angry rejected fiance and she realizes that her savior is actually a neighbor that she knew as a child in Manchester, England. Soon, Kate finds herself experiencing intense feelings for Zeke Hart but there is a major hurdle in their relationship: Zeke isn’t a Christian and Kate can’t commit to a man who doesn’t share her beliefs. Can Kate overcome her fear of marriage? Will Zeke discover the joy and peace that comes from a life of faith? Is it possible that their intense romantic chemistry will develop into a lasting love?
I liked that author Jody Hedlund has created some very realistic characters for Almost a Bride. Both Kate and Zeke have faults but she shows their personal growth as the story continues and I also loved Becca and Mr. Peabody, two secondary characters who offer Kate and Zeke support and sage advice. Readers are also given a chance to catch up with Zoe, Abe, and the orphanage featured in the previous book.
The Bride Ships series has been an entertaining series with amazing characters and I often found myself wondering if I would have been brave enough and strong enough to leave my home, travel by ship for months at a time, and agree to marry a man I had never met. If you enjoy historical romance with adventure, mystery, and a message of faith, you will certainly want to read Almost a Bride.
I received a copy of this book from the author but I wasn’t obligated to write a favorable review. These are my own thoughts.
Almost a Bride is the 4th and final book in Jody Hedlund’s Bride Ship series. I love learning about history as I read and this series had me researching bride ships and British Columbia after each book. Each bride was unique and ended up in a different town in British Columbia which allowed me to get a unique taste if the territory with each book.
This book introduces us to Kate Millington, another former mill worker who left England when so many of the factories closed. While she initially stayed in Victoria and was set to wed, that marriage fell through and the book begins with her traveling to Williamsburg, home of her current fiancé, whom she promptly dumps upon arrival. Witness to this dumping, she soon discovers, is none other than Zeke Hart- her brother’s best friend and her secret childhood crush. Zeke instantly feels protective of his friend’s sister and seeks to make life easier for her. As one of the mine owners he is wealthy and influential in the community.
Shunning much of his help, Kate moves in with trail friend Becky and works in the laundry. Zeke still seeks to control not only her work but also the men allowed to court her (mostly none!). Romance blossoms between the pair, especially when Kate teams up with his butler and acts as his nurse but it also becomes apparent that neither is ready for marriage.
It was interesting to follow the transformation both these characters take through the book. Zeke had largely written off religion and God and Kate has a difficult time trusting men. I think these are two challenges that many people face in life and seeing these characters work through their struggles could be enlightening to others. I did not relate as much to Kate as I have some of the other brides in previous novels. The story and transformation were fun to read and I recommend this book to any historical romance book lovers!
I received a copy of this book from the author for an honest review. All thoughts are my own.