**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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Almost a Bride is the fourth book and final book in Jody Hedlund‘s Bride Ships series. Kate Millington arrives in Cariboo, British Columbia intending to get married. Only, she can’t go through with it. Fortunately, her brother’s childhood best friend appears as a buffer between her and her angry now-ex-fiance. But Zeke Hart can’t recall how he knows Kate. He only sees a beautiful woman in distress and must step in to help her.
Mining country in the 1860s is a dangerous place. With so few women among so many men, a lone single woman is a fought-over commodity and even the old and married gape at one. Kate’s winning personality only adds to her appeal. As a successful gold miner, Zeke has the resources to help Kate, if she will let him. But putting oneself between an ex-fiance and a pretty lady is dangerous. So is being around a mine.
With danger, questions, and mystery, Almost a Bride keeps a reader guessing at the identity of the person or persons behind all the trouble and whether that person will ever stop targeting Zeke until the very end. But the end could come at the cost of lives. Kate and Zeke’s particularly.
I thoroughly enjoyed Almost a Bride. Kate and Zeke were such likable characters, I really wanted them to succeed and get their happily ever after. The danger also kept the story moving and there were several moments where I truly wondered how they were going to survive. The interspersed humor, especially thanks to Mr. Peabody, rounded out the story beautifully.
The Bride Ships series was my first introduction to Jody Hedlund’s books (read my reviews here) and now I’m a huge fan. She crafts such emotionally poignant stories mixed with life and adventure that they refuse to let a reader put them down. Almost a Bride is a wonderful conclusion to a great series.
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I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with FTC guidelines.
Do you love a good book?
I just finished this book by Jody Hedlund and I Loved it!
Jody Hedlund earned a spot on the top of my bookshelf (Where all my favourite author’s books go) after I first became acquainted with her books when I discovered The Noble Knights book series a couple of years ago. This is the first book I have ever read of The Bride Ship Series and I enjoyed every minute of it! It is the last book in the series, so now I will have the pleasure of going back to the beginning and reading the first three books. Jody has an amazing talent for writing. You can’t help but fall in love with her characters! And I am not just talking about the main characters. I loved this storyline so much and the way she developed the message of God’s forgiveness for her characters not only to receive God’s forgiveness but also to forgive themselves and others also. Great Book!
Return to 1860s British Columbia for more romantic adventure in Almost a Bride, the fourth and final book in The Bride Ship series by Jody Hedlund. Almost a Bride can stand alone, but reading the other three books in the series provides an opportunity to really get to know some of the characters and explore the setting. This Christian historical romance is the exciting story of Kate Millington who has escaped becoming a bride several times and Zeke Hart, her brother’s childhood friend, who is drawn to her the moment he encounters her again.
Almost a Bride is a great balance of story driven by plot and characters. Hedlund provides some suspenseful moments as the story of Kate and Zeke unfolds. While Kate and Zeke are the stars of Almost a Bride, the supporting characters are wonderful. From Becca who is a voice of reason for Kate to Mr. Peabody and his grandson Wendell, the characters enrich the story.
Almost a Bride is a satisfying ending to a great series. I recommend it to readers who enjoy romance or historical fiction and anxiously anticipate the next great read from Jody Hedlund. Thank you to Book Funnel, the author, and the publisher for my advanced review copy. All opinions and thoughts are my own.
I really appreciate all the research the author puts into her books. It makes for a better quality read and it’s so fascinating to learn things from the historical books I read. Before this series I had never heard of Bride Ships. Mail order brides, sure we’ve all heard of those but these are Bride Ships bringing the brides, some who this will be their last chance at happiness and a better life for themselves. Yes, the ladies in this series took a big chance because as we all know no guarantees are there in life for well being and happiness. Life can turn in an instant from bad to good or good to bad so you really have to commend these ladies for putting their trust in God and leaving whatever they called home and praying for a better start for themselves.
I enjoyed the characters and the surprises along the way especially a big one close to the end.
The plot was outstanding and the words just flowed from the authors fingertips onto the written page.
I am sad to see this series end as it is outstanding but I very much look forward to reading whatever the author has in store for us next.
I can truthfully say I recommend all of this authors books!
Publish date August 25,2020.
I was given a complimentary copy. Thank you.
All opinions expressed are my own
A beautiful ending to a wonderful series. Full of faith filled, inspiring characters and vivid descriptions Almost a Bride does not leave the reader wanting. From page one I was hooked and couldn’t put it down!
One thing I love about the bride ship series is that despite them all being connected in a way each plot is very much its own. Jody does an amazing job giving each character their own personality and their own struggles. They really come to life on the page and Almost a Bride was no exception. I particularly loved Zeke’s development and his journey of faith. I loved how he went from being a good man in possession of many natural virtues to an even better man with the grace of God. This change was what made him one of my favorite fictional men.
In addition, the theme of needing God in order to live out relationships fully really struck me. Its something that is very important to me and in that aspect Kate was very relatable with her intertermoil. The sacrifices both she and Zeke make in order to God center their relationship and have long lasting happiness made them ultimately so likeable and one of my favorite fictional couples!
One thing I was just a tad disappointed in was the anticlimactic ending to the “protagonist” of the story. It built up with threats etc.. and sort of dropped of without much. However since this obviously wasn’t a big part of the story and what I really cared about was all there I’m giving this story a definite 5/5 stars. Thank you for a wonderful book Jody I enjoyed every page!
Disclaimer: I received an advanced copy of this book and all opinions are strictly my own.
This is a story set in 1863 in British Columbia when men came to mine and young woman came in Bride Ships to a place during the gold rush looking for a better life.
In this story we get to know more about Zeke, Zoe’s brother (from book #3) who has become the most wealthiest miner in the area. And Kate, who is Zeke’s best friends sister. Both with hurtful pasts that torment them, Zeke a hurtful childhood of poor, and pain and Kate who’s father was less than anything but the word PAIN, has left her to be afraid to say YES to a marriage, feeling scared that the men will turn out to be like her father.
Together, they have to work to forgive their pasts and learn to do things for their own happiness pushing away all pain and doubtful thoughts. Letting God be their focus and help through their journey of redemption. And know that God is the only one to save them and bring them joy to their lives.
Zeke a hard heart to let God in even though he knows that with God all things are better and finally letting him in for the love he feels for Kate. But embracing his change for himself and not only for her. And Kate letting his change in to make her see that not all man are the same.
Is a story that I enjoyed reading, and highly recommend reading all the books in the series.
I received a ARC of the book for my honest personal opinion.
This was a wonderful conclusion to the Bride Ships series!
Due to traumatic events in her childhood, Kate is terrified of marrying the wrong man. Zeke has been content to be alone until childhood friend Kate shows up in his remote mining town.
Jody Hedlund is masterful at weaving together a love story with a tale of redemption. There was so much character growth for both Kate and Zeke as they worked on healing from wounds in their past before they were ready for marriage. They both realized the direction they were heading was more important than where they had been.
There were a few parts of the story that seemed a little rushed, and I would have loved to see more of the friendship/emotional connection between Zeke, but it was alluded to.
I am sad this series is ending as I have thoroughly enjoyed learning more about this unique historical setting.
I received a complimentary copy of this book but my opinions are my own.
Jody Hedlund wonderfully wrapped up her Bride Ships series in her latest release, Almost a Bride. A quick read full of romance, memorable characters, and light intrigue, Hedlund creates a story that is difficult to put down! Readers will find themselves taken with hero and heroine Zeke and Kate as they struggle to find their place not only with each other, but also with their pasts.
I have long been a fan of Hedlund’s storytelling ability, and this book did not disappoint. I do recommend reading the previous 3 books in the series, however. You will not want to miss the entire saga Hedlund penned. Each is rich in history, rich in personal discoveries, and rich in faith. When it comes to romantic historical fiction, Hedlund is not to be overlooked!
I received this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
The last Bride Ships book! I am sad to see the series come to an end, because I’ve enjoyed them all so much. Almost A Bride is no exception. Kate has traveled to British Columbia on a bride ship, walking away from an engagement in England. She then walks away from another two in Victoria before agreeing to marry a man up in a small mining town in the mountains. But once she arrives, she can’t bring herself to marry him either. But Kate has reason to fear commitment- she watched her father walk out on her mother as a girl, and watched it destroy her family. Therefore she’s committed to marrying a man who shares her commitment to Christ and someone she is sure is who God has planned for her.
Enter Zeke Hart. Kate knew (and had a crush on) Zeke as a young girl when he was her brother’s best friend. She knows she can trust him and her heart leaps at their reconnection. Could he be the one? The attraction is mutual. Zeke isn’t quite sure how he never noticed the beautiful girl that used to follow him around. But Zeke is honest with Kate- he’s not so sure about God anymore. He’s been pretty good at making his own way… and has done quite well for himself, having made a substantial fortune in gold and various business ventures in town. So good, in fact, that he’s got a couple enemies… even one who wants to see him dead.
There’s a lot of elements to this story. The romance, of course. But also the mystery of who wants to hurt, possibly kill, Zeke. It keeps you guessing and adds a bit of suspense to the story. I knew it wasn’t the easy answer, but I wasn’t sure until just before the reveal who it was. I enjoy a well hidden mystery!
There were times I didn’t like Zeke, and there were times where I wanted to shake Kate. But as Jody Hedlund always so masterfully does, she has, in these two, created nuanced characters that could be any of us. People don’t always make smart decisions. People aren’t always rational when dealing with love and other emotions. Kate should have given more care to her reputation, especially as a Christian. Zeke should have listened to Kate more and not just assumed he knew what was best for her. Yup, honest-to-goodness human mistakes. The situations Kate and Zeke find themselves in are entirely that of their own blunders, but in the end they do the hard thing and seek God’s plan- not just what they selfishly want. That’s the point where I shifted to loving Zeke and wanting to wrap my arms around Kate. Zeke’s love for Kate brings him to a place of willingness to seek God. I love that while he initially starts the journey to please her in an attempt to convince her to marry him, he comes to the right conclusion that he needs to find faith independently, so that he’s not just doing it for her. And Kate’s love for Zeke brings her to a place where she needs to confront her past and the scars her father left so she can move on to a healthy relationship. That’s what made this story for me!
There are also some of the best secondary characters in the whole series in this one! And who wouldn’t love being reunited with Zoe and Abe from book 3? All in all, I highly recommend this book!
I am so thankful to Jody Hedlund for the honor of being an advance reader for this story.
This fourth book in the Bride Ships series focuses on Zeke, a gold miner who’s running away from his sordid past, and Kate, his neighbor from Manchester who is similarly running away from poverty and trauma from childhood. It can be read as a stand-alone but reading the series in order will put all the secondary characters in their proper places and provide a richer reading experience.
Zeke has finally turned his life around and has wealth beyond his imagination but still feels empty. When Kate comes into his town as an intended bride for another miner, he realizes that she’s the one for him but feels unworthy due to his past. Kate, though strikingly beautiful, kind, and warm, has emotional issues of her own to work through – one of them being an inability to follow through on engagement and promise of marriage. Zeke has issues with God that he must wrestle with and also has to dodge someone who’s bent on harming him. Although I didn’t fully connect with Zeke or Kate in this story, I’m sure historical fiction fans, particularly of Jody Hedlund’s, would love this story. Sketched into a bustling mining town in 1863 British Columbia, this story brings to life how the gold rush started civilization there.
I received a copy of the book from the author/publisher and was under no obligation to post a positive review. All comments and opinions are solely my own.
Almost A Bride # by Jody Hedlund is the 4th in The Bride Ship series. Jody has written over 30 historical fiction books for adults and teens. She is a best selling author and has won the Carol, Christy and Christian book awards. Kate Millington , went on the Bride Ship to British Colombia. She went to a mining town in Williamsville to marry her fiance. She is a honest, and has integrity. She has high standards. She wants God to be first in her life. She also wants her fiance to have God first in their life. She will not settle for someone who does not have these standards. I commend her for standing up for her principles and putting God first in her life. She is a beautiful character. The characters and settings are well described. This book was given to me by the author to read and review. This book is well written and I would recommend this book. Thank you to Jody Hedlund for allowing me to read and review this book.
This story is a heartwarming , romantic conclusion to the Bride Ships series . The chemistry and struggle between the two characters is palpable and the twists and turns in the story lead to a satisfying conclusion. Jody Hedlund sure does know how to write a romance with substance and write characters suited for each other while developing unique emotional and physical attraction for each couple . I also loved how she showed the flaws of each character and how Zeke and Kate both had some growing up to do and how they had to trust God with the unknowns and the ending to their story . I am sad to see the series end , but it sure to be a series enjoyed again and again .
I was excited to read this final book in the Bride Ship Series as we were introduced to Zeke in book three. I enjoyed the banter and easy friendship of Zeke and Kate as they are reintroduced after years apart, their previous friendship allowing for them to quickly establish a deeper relationship. However, I do not think I connected with Kate and Zeke as much as I did the main characters in the other books in this series, perhaps because I found some aspects of their romance a little concerning. I loved Mr. Peabody and some of the secondary characters. I also liked the element of mystery to the novel and had trouble guessing the villain until the end. The history is fascinating and well researched as well. The book is overall well written and a good addition to the series. I recommend it to those who love historical romance.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
With Almost a Bride, Jody Hedlund has brought the wonderful Bride Ship series to a satisfying conclusion! In this story, Kate Millington is a lovely heroine who can’t seem to find the right man to marry. Zeke Hart, a man she has known and loved from childhood, seems like the perfect solution, but he doesn’t share her faith.
Hedlund’s descriptions of the land and the people drew me right into 1860’s British Columbia where I wanted to remain until the very last word. The characters are well-written and relatable. I cheered for the hero and heroine to find their way to each other through adversity and desperately wanted the characters causing problems to get their comeuppance. Hedlund does not shy away from a little spice in her novels, but her scenes are always in good taste and in keeping with the genre of Christian fiction. The addition of humor makes this a very enjoyable read, indeed. The ending of this book brought a very sweet scene between the hero and the heroine leaving me with a smile on my face as I turned the last page even though I was sad to see the series come to an end.
I highly recommend this entire series to Christian romance readers.
I have to admit the arrival of this final book in the Bride Ship Series was bittersweet for me. Jody Hedlund has done a fabulous job telling stories of young woman leaving England to find a new life but I wasn’t ready for these stories to end. Yet I plunged into the life of this final young woman looking for a husband and found another beautiful story. Kate stepped off the bride ship but had lessons to learn before she was ready to settle down. Fortunately, she had a few close friends to help her along the way. These characters were unique and had fun interactions with Kate. I really enjoyed the ways in which they played a part in the lives of the main characters. Kate’s hero thought that he was ready for marriage but he also had some lessons to learn. Unfortunately, he had to learn the hard way. Lessons about his past and his relationship with God had to come first. Still a sweet romance formed. Personally, I enjoyed the short return of characters from the previous book with a few updates. As excited as I was to read this final story, I hate to leave this series. Perhaps someday Hedlund will add another book to the series, until then I guess I will have to read them all again. I was given a copy of this book by the publisher. All opinions are my own.
Almost a Bride is the exciting conclusion to The Bride Ships Series. Author Jody Hedlund does thorough research in her stories and consistently writes relatable and empathetic characters like Kate Millington, who has arrived on the bride-ship Robert Lowe from Manchester, England, and is once again faced with the prospect of marriage. True to her past of breaking her engagements, she decides she cannot go through with her marriage to Herbert Frank. Another is Zeke Hart, who is a childhood friend of Kate’s and notices the commotion from the men who are clamoring for her attention and takes it upon himself to be her protector. Even though she has always had a crush on him, she wants nothing more than friendship as he has never shared her faith in God. Zeke can be a jerk at times and Kate consistently sends mixed signals so is there any hope they can resolve their differences? Without fail Author Jody Hedlund pens stories with hope and inspiration. I have totally enjoyed this series.
I received a complimentary copy from the author. A positive review is not required, and the opinions are my own.
A wonderfully inspiring conclusion to Jody Hedlund’s enthralling Bride Ships series! Almost A Bride is rich with compelling characters, an intriguing storyline, and uplifting displays of faith and sacrifice. Although I didn’t completely fall in love with the characters or the story until a bit later in the book, once I did I was utterly amazed by Hedlund as an author yet again.
Hedlund is able to show character growth in simple yet incredibly meaningful ways, from a basic change in actions to differently shaped thoughts. The characters in Almost A Bride, particularly Zeke, are no exception, and grow organically and inspiringly. Zeke is such an intriguing character; there were several times where I actually disliked him, yet when he began to see faith and thus the world around him differently, he became so much better in every way. Because of this, he is one of my new favorites of Hedlund’s characters.
Every time I read one of Hedlund’s books, I am always struck most by her characters. I may talk about them too much, but in every single book, Hedlund creates a wonderful cast of characters that dazzle in their own way and make a strong impression on the reader. In Almost A Bride, the reader is introduced to people from all walks of life, and though the story is always focused, these characters all have distinct personalities and quirks that never fail to fascinate me.
I’ve always believed Jody Hedlund’s books to be magical, and Almost A Bride certainly felt this way, leaving me inspired and fulfilled. Although I am sad to see the series end, readers will not be disappointed with this final Bride Ships novel.
Almost A Bride is the fourth book in the Bride Ships series, following A Reluctant Bride, The Runaway Bride, and A Bride of Convenience. These are available anywhere books are sold.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
The last book in the Bride Ships Series and I hate it’s the end. I couldn’t wait to read Zeke’s story. Kate and Zeke drew me in right away. I also loved Mr Peabody and Becca, these characters personalities were endearing. Kate and Zeke had to figure out the problems that were keeping them from each other. They both had things they needed to work on so I was glad I got to see Zeke grow spiritually. Kate had to work on her anxiety about marriage and figure out why she always panicked when she thought she was getting married. Another interesting aspect was that someone wanted Zeke’s mine because it was the most productive. Is it who they think it is or who should they watch? It is an intriguing story line. This historical romance will keep you flipping those pages. Don’t miss it!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House and the author but was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.
Almost a Bride is the fourth book in the Bride Ships series, but can easily be read as a stand alone novel if you have not read the other stories.
I thought the author did a great job of creating two characters who carried burdens from their past that caused confusion and issues in their present circumstances. Whether it was Zeke leaning on his own power, rather than trusting in God, or Kate fearing that all marriages would wind up like that of her parents, these two had some big things to overcome.
Although Kate was a strong believer and wanted to marry a Christian man, Zeke was a man that she had admired even when they were both young. Her heart kept pulling her to Zeke and it was interesting to watch as she tried to justify to herself why maybe she should belong with Zeke and hope that he would one day turn back to God.
I really enjoyed this story, as well as the entire series.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
This is the fourth and final book in Jody Hedlund’s Bride Ship series. I’m glad that we finally got Kate’s story. I loved how we saw Kate in the other books and that now we see her find love with a good man. I liked how both her and Zeke have to overcome some personal things before they can be together. I loved seeing Zeke’s spiritual journey and how that helped him to feel worth of Kate’s love. I really loved this book and I’m sad to see the series end.
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.