Wealthy Arabella Lawrence flees to British Columbia on a bride ship still wearing the scars of past mistakes. One of the few single women in the boomtown, she immediately has suitors, but she is determined not to find herself trapped again by a poor choice.Vying for her hand are two very different men. Lieutenant Richard Drummond is a gentleman in the Navy and is held in high esteem. Peter Kelly … Peter Kelly is the town’s baker and has worked hard to build a thriving business. He and Drummond not only compete for Arabella’s affections, but clash over their views of how the natives should be treated in the midst of a smallpox outbreak.
As Arabella begins to overcome her fears, she discovers someone in dire need–a starving girl abandoned by her tribe. Intent on helping the girl, Arabella leans on Peter’s advice and guidance. Will she have the wisdom to make the right decision or will seeking what’s right cost both her and Peter everything?
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I am pleased to report that despite the horrifying concept of bride ships, The Runaway Bride by Jody Hedlund is a delight!
While I’ve read some mail-order bride stories in the past, the bride ships in England’s (at this time) British Columbia is an era of history I had not explored. This event and setting in history adds a unique twist to an already beloved trope. Additionally, the author did a wonderful job bringing this boomtown to life. As I read, I watched the upper-class try to grasp for the old ways of England as those born without privilege fight to carve a new life in this land of opportunities while the natives determine who is friend or foe. Also, I am always happy when an author is able to portray that physical attraction between a husband and wife is a good thing and created by God. Truly, the author did a wonderful job at providing readers with a sizzling yet clean story!
Arabella is a wonderful heroine to add to the Christian Fiction market! Arabella came from an upper-class family in England. While she wanted affection in her future marriage, she fully planned and expected to marry a man of a similar social station. Additionally, Arabella is a survivor of abuse. While potentially triggering, I found this to be handled with grace and tact. As I watched her break free from the restrictive chains of her upbringing while finding healing in God’s love, I was blessed and convicted in my own walk with God. And Pete — all the bookish heart eyes! I love a hero who’s fighting to overcome the chains of his past sins while also making the hard choice to stand for what’s right. I one hundred percent routed for Pete and his desire to be worthy of forgiveness, love, and a better life! And that ending — gloriously happy tears!
Five Stars ~ The Runaway Bride by Jody Hedlund is a sweep-you-off-your-feet romance with a stirring message! The Runaway Bride is the author’s second book in The Bride Ships Series from Bethany House, but this can be read as a standalone without any issue!
Disclaimer ~ In accordance with FTC regulations, I received a copy of this book from the publisher. I was not compensated, nor was a positive review required. All opinions expressed are my own.
The Runaway Bride is the second book in The Bride Ships series. This would be a great book to discuss in a book club because this book covers the topics of courage, love, forgiveness, and breaking down society’s barriers of inequality. The imaginary in this book are so vivid I felt I was in British Columbia with these characters. If you didn’t read the first book, you could read this book and not be lost. If you read the first book, you get to see Mercy again. This book reminds me of the importance of loving and being non-judgmental of someone who is different than you. This is an easy read. This is a wonderful and clean historical fiction romance. All opinions are my own and I did receive a free copy of this book.
Eeeeep! Another Jody Hedlund Book!!! She is a FOREVER favorite and I will literally read anything she writes! A fabulous FABULOUS escape from this crazy life right now. Although it DID take me much longer than normal to finish…due to life upending…this story is rich and delicious. Like biting into a piece of rich dark chocolate that melts on your tongue.
The land…the people…the story…the romance…(Can I just say…baking bread…mmmmhmmm)…Jody Hedlund has a way of portraying the emotions and feelings in a way that touches the very core of your soul.
Pete Kelly…All the feels y’all! His compassionate heart. His sense of justice. His passion and determination. Combine that with the God-fearin’ man that he is…and WOW! Where is my fan???
Arabella comes to British Columbia battered and bruised with scars deeper than the eye could see. Her self worth was shattered and she believes that all she has left is to find a “good match” among the upper-class society of this new land.
If you are in need of a GOOD read…One that speaks to your heart. Portrays beauty in a multitude of ways. And makes you weak in the knees…Grab The Runaway Bride now!
I received a complimentary copy of The Runaway Bride from the publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
Arabella Lawrence fled on the bride ship to British Columbia to escape a forced marriage. From the privileged class, she must learn to work with her hands in her new home. Men desire to marry her, but whom should she choose—a military man who may not be all he seems or a hardworking baker who couldn’t give her the life she’s used to. The story captures the time and situation well and the characters seem realistic, but the romance heats up too much for my taste even though it remains clean. Prejudice against Native Indians plays a role in this story, as does the growth of faith. This novel picks up where the first in the series left off, but stands alone as a complete tale too. I received a copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
In book two of her The Bride Ships series, Jody Hedlund takes readers on an entirely different adventure than she did in book one. Arabella comes from an upper class family and the reason she crossed an ocean to marry a man she’s never met is not uncommon or pretty.
And then there’s Peter. He’s confident and persistent. He goes after what he wants even when the odds seem stacked against him. His care and acceptance of the natives is admirable. He is an unforgettable hero.
The Runaway Bride has so much to recommend it to any historical romance reader. There’s some mystery, there’s some competition for Peter (but really, we all know there’s no real chance of Peter losing), there’s a subtle yet strong faith element, and there’s so much emotional and personal growth. I found myself cheering for some of the changes in Arabella over the course of the story. And yeah, there’s plenty of great romantic tension too.
Disclosure statement: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.
I really enjoyed this book. I loved seeing Arabella go between Pete who she really liked but had to get past her social upbringing and the Lieutenant who she didn’t really care for but felt made a good social match. She is torn between continuing the baking she is loving and getting told someone of her station should not do things like that. It was really eye opening as to the social standards of the day even in the new circumstances that Arabella found herself in. I liked seeing how she came on her own as the story progressed.
Running for her life and from circumstances that are very unfavourable, Arabella board the bride ship in search of a better life for herself in a new country.
Things are definitely much more different in this new land, with two different men from two different works of life vying for her affection, she’s put in a place where she has to make a choice on what she wants from life and where she’d like to see herself.
When she meets a native child rummaging through trash and finds out more about the people and their plight, her heart is torn.
I love how the author brought to light the plight of the people and the smallpox epidemic. The fear, the prejudice suffered she dealt with it realistically but also with grace.
I also loved the characters Arabella and Peter, each with their own insecurities and fears but they grew through the course of the story. This was definitely an enjoyable read and would be looking forward to more in the series. I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. All opinions expressed are solely mine
Another great book in the Bride Ships Series and this book will enthrall you from the very beginning until the last page. I had read of the mail order brides but did not know of the bride ships but Hedlund has done her research well on this documented time in history. You had the upper class, people of society and then the lower class, common working folks. In this bride ship there were both on board and all looking to find a husband of their own choosing. Our heroine, Arabella, who is running away from an arranged marriage to a much older man who is cruel in his actions toward her. She hopes to catch the attention of a gentlemen from the upper echelons of society as she has few traits or training to be a governess or ladies companion. She does catch the attention of a dashing Lieutenant Drummond, who could offer her the lifestyle she was accustomed to in England, but also the attention of a handsome and bold arrogant man whose intent is to leave his old life behind him and lean on the Lord to help him achieve his goals. Both have set their sights on Arabella but only one would win her as his bride. Which one will she choose?…..There are lots of ins and outs and surprises to this novel that you will love, one that will leave you waiting for the next one in this series…….I received a copy of this book from the author and I am happy to leave an honest review.
The Runaway Bride by Jody Hedlund is the second book in The Bride Ships series. I was swept away by the first novel, A Reluctant Bride, as the brides traveled around the world to British Columbia. It was a beautiful and epic journey, and by the end, there was one woman’s story I was eager to read…Miss Lawrence’s.
Always prim and proper, yet so gentle and kind, it was effortless to cheer for Arabella Lawrence to find happiness, especially knowing her past held some painful secrets. So, I was overjoyed when I found out this book would tell us her story–both her new life in British Columbia and her past in England.
Although there is no sailing around the world in The Runaway Bride, there is still a beautiful journey to embark–one of freedom, courage, and the cost of righteousness.
I love it when a heroine finds herself. Arabella is already likable and perfectly proper from the beginning, but I love that she was willing to use the opportunity to start a new life to the fullest–pushing herself beyond the limits others had set for her. Although we do not live within the same confines, there’s a lesson to be learned from her struggles of doing what others demanded versus doing what her heart desired.
Pete. Oh, Pete. He is one of the most charming and over-confident heroes I’ve ever met, but he is good through and through. I love how his goals with Arabella shifted from wooing her into marriage to helping her find the woman who had been broken and trapped behind years of strict rules and neglect. Sigh.
I loved the big themes in this book: to love with abandon, to forgive the same, to stand up for yourself and for others no matter the cost, and to rely on God and His strength and courage through life’s toughest moments.
As with all of Jody’s books, I fell in love with this story immediately. She has such a way of creating the world around the characters, you can almost smell the evergreens! I highly recommend this book (as well as the first one in the series!). Any lover of Christian historical fiction should read this book. It will not disappoint–not even one page!
I was given a copy of this book by the publisher with no expectation of a positive review. All opinions are my own.
With her new Bride Ship series Jody Hedlund has been exploring what would drive women from different walks of life to seek a new, unknown life on the Canadian frontier. Arabella Lawrence is a gentlewoman running from a dangerous situation. When she arrives on Vancouver Island, she must learn to overcome her fears and break away from the expectations of others. The journey from England to Canada is ending as Arabella’s story opens so the focus is now on life in a wilderness town. With Hedlund’s beautiful writing and strong research the town of Victoria really comes alive.
I didn’t connect with Arabella and Pete as much as I did Mercy and Joseph, but I loved how they balanced and strengthened each other. There were strong threads of faith and forgiveness woven into the story as well as some intrigue and the threat of a smallpox epidemic. I’m really looking forward to Pastor Abe’s story in the next book!
You can read The Runaway Bride as a standalone, but I would suggest reading the series in order to get the most out of the story. If you haven’t read anything by Jody Hedlund before you need to check her out ASAP!
I received a copy of this novel from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
The Runaway Bride is a fantastic story that readers will not be able to put down. Jody Hedlund is a pro at creating wonderful characters, vivid settings, romantic story lines, and a subtle faith thread that speaks volumes. I always know when I pick up a book by Jody Hedlund, I’m going to love it!
I adored the relationship between Pete and Arabella. Throughout the story Pete just put himself out there, pushed Arabella, helped her and talked to her. Although he was kind of full of himself, it was just different. Normally I don’t like those kind of characters, but Pete…..yeah I liked him. A lot.
Arabella is a character that I connected with early on. She constantly heard her stepmother’s voice in her head, telling her she wasn’t good enough, telling her to do things in a specific way. Don’t we all have that a time or two in our lives? I know I do. But Arabella had to learn to stop listening to that voice, just like we do. She is a reminder that we need to be who God would have us to be, not what others want us to be.
This book held so much emotion. There was a point when Arabella stood up for herself that I was so proud and happy. When Arabella had a conversation about her past, I almost had tears in my eyes. It was such a great, emotional read. Don’t worry, there’s also some swoony moments. The anticipation of a first kiss was probably more than any I’ve ever read. Oh my goodness, there were several fan moments. And then when it finally happened. WOW. Later when a character makes the ultimate sacrifice, well it had my emotions all over the place.
Perhaps the part that touched my heart the most was when Pete finally realized that even Christians face trials. His problem was that he thought God didn’t care. If something happened, he assumed it was because God didn’t love him or didn’t care. Oh how wrong Pete was. Seeing his character reach this realization was such a powerful message.
The bottom line is that this book, well the series really, is one that readers are going to love. Highly recommend you check it out! I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to give a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
4.5 stars
“Who could resist a woman who talked to herself?”
Not Peter Kelly, that’s for sure. Just one look at the flame haired beauty aboard the bride ship was all it took to seal the deal in his heart; now, all he has to do is to convince the graceful former socialite of this foregone conclusion.
Arabella Lawrence is determined not to make the same mistake twice as she steps foot onto Vancouver Island in British Columbia. No rushed romances, and no rash decisions. As the flirty, over-confident, absurdly handsome local baker makes his grand entrance into her circle of acquaintances, her head tells her that the more rational choice of friends should be the Navy Lieutenant, Richard Drummond. His status alone should tip the scales of respectability and a lifetime of security. Of course, it doesn’t help when Peter says things like, “when I kiss you, you won’t wipe my kiss away . . . you’ll be asking for more”.
Rarely does an author orchestrate pitch perfect characters, but Jody Hedlund has done exactly that in this love-at-first-sight, opposites-attract addition to her already popular Bride Ships series. But the story runs deeper; much, much deeper as Peter and Arabella delve into their past mistakes and are reminded in a myriad of ways how “our help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth”.
Jody Hedlund is one of the best historical Christian authors of this era. If you enjoy this genre and haven’t read any of her stories, run to your local library, bookstore, or order on line, you’ll not be disappointed no matter what book you pick. My only recommendation is that if you pick a series get all of the books at once, because you won’t be able to stop reading!
I have read almost all of Jody’s awesome books, by far The Bride Ships series is her best writing ever! The first book in this outstanding series, A Reluctant Bride, was great, and I remember thinking to myself no way it could be topped. But I was totally wrong, and can not be happier about it. Arabella Lawrence, a middle class woman with means, is the best character Jody has ever penned, in my opinion. Maybe it is because of what she had to endure prior to getting on that bride ship, I’m not sure. I first related with Arabella in A Reluctant Bride like no other character before, and was totally captivated with her plight throughout The Runaway Bride. If I had to pick my favorite scene it would be when Arabella and Peter (Pete) Kelly the baker first meet, and he gives her his most prized possession. Oh no wait, it was the second time they met in the wee hours of the morning in the Marine barrack’s kitchen. Wait it was when they… I give up it was the whole book!
As one reads this fantastic story be careful while holding the book, your eyelashes will get singed from the steam rising from the pages. Jody kept us waiting till almost the end for the…? You’ll have to read the book to get the answer. This story is full of suspense, mystery, romance, and history. Jody’s prose is like no other bringing the 1860s to life as we view Vancouver Island for the first time right along with the women of the Bride Ship. As the boat approached the harbor, the excitement, the doubt, and many more feelings that Arabella and the other women felt so did I. Jody’s gift of storytelling draws you into the story and doesn’t let go even months after one has finished the last paragraph. The feeling of tranquility sets in at the end, a place you want to relish in forever.
Thank you so much Jody for granting me the honor of being a member of your Facebook Jody Hedlund’s Reader Room and the opportunity to read this outstanding story as part of your Release Crew. I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author and Bethany House. I was under no obligation to write a favorable review, and all opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
What a match this was! Arabella is caught between the expectations and standards of her social class and being able to accept truly wonderful relationship with someone who doesn’t fit. I was rooting the whole time for her eyes to be opened to the possibilities, freedom, and fulfillment in working for herself and not having to only rely on a husband for security. She has a wonderful character arc as she meets new people from all walks of life who challenge and reform her perspectives. I appreciated and admired her humble and compassionate nature, even though it made it easy for some to take advantage of her kindness.
Peter is a force to be reckoned with! Charming and confident, he sets a seemingly unattainable goal for himself when he decides that Arabella is the one for him. His pursuit of her turns into a humbling experience for him when she proves to be just as hard to catch as he anticipated. I loved the way they develop a friendship while baking together and caring for the native girl Arabella rescues. There’s something about a hero who is a baker that is appealing- Peter has a strong work ethic and has made something of himself without the advantages that other men have had. He’s not afraid of Drummond even though the officer holds more power in the community, and their personal war with each other has more layers than Arabella can see.
Overall this book has a wonderful balance of character development and spiritual growth, sweet romantic chemistry and tension, and just the right amount of intrigue and drama. This series just keeps getting better and I can’t wait for the next book!
(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)
The Runaway Bride by Jody Hedlund is the second book in her Bride Ships series. I like that Mercy was Arabella’s friend and mentor. After coming from a well to do life Arebella had to learn to speak up for what she wants and learn not to be a doormat. She learned to trust in God and depend on him.
I learned what it might have been like for a rich woman to travel across the sea to begin a new life that was completely the opposite of what she was used to. Her story became real to me.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine.
I love, love, love Jody Hedlund’s books and was so excited to have the opportunity to read The Runaway Bride, the second installment from The Bride Ships series. I was not disappointed. I loved her vivid descriptions of what the characters endured on the ships. I admired Arabella’s courage and bravery throughout the story. The plot played with my emotions at times. The romance is what I always expect from Jody’s books.
I am giving The Runaway Bride a very well deserved five plus stars. I highly recommend it for readers to jump on this adventurous journey.
I received this book from the publisher, but was not required to write a review. This review 100% my own honest opinion.
Not only does Jody Hedlund write beautifully but her stories are always rich with history. This story is no exception. Set in British Columbia in the 1860s, it follows the tale of a young woman seeking a new life and a young man willing to risk everything to help others.
Arabella comes from England on a bride ship commissioned to bring women to a land populated by mainly men. Peter came over from England years earlier and has been standing up for the native Americans treated badly during the smallpox outbreak. They work together to aid a young native girl left behind by her tribe and in danger from the community. During this time they must learn to trust in the Lord to guide their decisions and find the courage to overcome their pasts.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Christian historical fiction.
Historical romance that’s still relevant today:
It took me a bit to get into this 2nd book in the Bride Ship series, however I soon found myself captivated. As a resident of Vancouver Island myself, I enjoyed exploring what life was like for the early residents. I especially appreciated how it highlighted the deplorable treatment of the First Nations people (natives). I also loved the elements of danger and suspense that were woven throughout the story.
Once again the themes of class barriers and societal expectations were explored, however this time from the opposite perspective. Arabella is an upper class lady whilst Pete is a working class baker and she is convinced she ought to marry a gentleman as that’s the expected norm. Thankfully Pete is relentless in his pursuit to woo her and she learns to look beyond outward means and appearances and rather to the heart.
I liked the reminder to trust in God to work out His will in our lives; to not rely on our own devices and plans but rather to find strength in His courage.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.
Arabella Lawrence has scars on her body and even deeper scars on her heart . After running away from her family to escape an impending horrible marriage, she runs into even more turmoil for her heart when she she meet Richard Drummond and Peter Kelly, two very different suitors vying for her affections . One certainly thinks himself worthy of her hand , but who is worthy of her heart ? The Runaway Bride is a compelling, stirring and romantic novel you won’t want to put down . Jody Hedlund has a knack for writing heart pounding romance that will stay on the pages of your heart long after the novel has ended
I know I shouldn’t judge a book by it’s cover, but one of the things that made me want to read this book (besides the fact that Jody’s books are always amazing) was the cover! I think it’s stunning and the story inside is just as amazing. Sadly, I read this book as a standalone because the first book (A Reluctant Bride) is in my TBR pile and I haven’t had a chance to read it (however, It’s now on the top of my list!)
I’m not very familiar with the history of the Bride ships, but I can only imagine how hard it would be to board a ship with a bunch of strangers, knowing your destination, but not knowing how your life will change once you get there. Some ladies went to find a husband, others were like Arabella and were running away or escaping from something. I really liked Arabella; however, I have to say that Pete was my favorite character. The one thing that was frustrating about Arabella was that she thought she was better then most of the others because, she came from a wealthy family and sadly, that thought process almost made her marry the wrong guy!
Pete; however, is a picture of God’s grace and mercy. He left his home and parents, and got involved in all the wrong things, and it wasn’t until God got his attention, that he finally turned his life around. I loved how selfless he was and how although he knew he was forgiven, he realized that he was by no means perfect and still struggled with things in his past. At first when he was talking to Arabella, he appeared over-confident and definitely proud, yet the more you read about him, the more you realize how kind and selfless he is.
My favorite part of this book was when Pete selflessly gave Arabella his father’s cross when she needed courage. I thought that was one of the sweetest moments I’ve ever read.
Overall, this was a classic “love at first sight” story with a unexpected twist and I rate this book 4 out of 5 stars ****. This book is hard to put down – especially at the end. Seriously, it was so hard to stop reading and go to bed (or go to work).
Special thanks to Jody Hedlund, Bethany House Publishers and Netgalley for letting me read and review this book – all opinions are my own.