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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This historical novel is just awesome and full of rich history!
History that I love learning about and makes you want to ask questions like would you do the same thing if circumstances and opportunities came along?
My answer would be yes! I would love to have an adventure like that in the future! Yes, I’ve moved to a different state but unwillingly. I was 14.
I want to move on my own accord and only if God allows it.
This novel has made me realize a few things and has made reflect back on a few things that have happened in my past.
One, the past will come back to haunt you unless you do the right thing and ask for forgiveness. Forgiveness will free you. I know it’s not easy but…..
God will follow you wherever you go. He won’t let go and for that I’m forever grateful. He loves us unconditionally just like most parents do.
Mercy and Grace are what the Lord gives us continually even though we don’t deserve it.
Secrets will always come out no matter what you do to hide them for your own decrestion or bend the rules to your own accord.
Jody has captured my attention with this series and I am looking forward to book 3. She’s my go to author along with a few others. She knows how to get your thoughts on the story immediately and keep going!
I love all of her books and I love being a forever fan because it comes from her heart and thorough research about each story.
Another reason I love Hedlund is she loves to put her characters on the spot and they are always growing and learning throughout the book just like she makes Pete and Arabella do.
I think Arabella is my favorite because of all the things she has had to endure and learned about life. I enjoyed her immensely and grew to love her.
Arabella is a work in progress just like we all are.
In some places of the book however it made me mad because of how women were treated back then. And how certain men treated them.
Hedlund does a wonderful job with this subject.
I was happy to see Mercy in the story for she captured my heart as well.
You’ll laugh, cry and hold your breath while you read this second book in the series and you’ll sometimes want to knock the character’s heads together.
I really enjoyed this book and I highly recommend it.
My thanks to Bethany House, and the author for a complimentary copy of this book.
I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own
Pete was the perfect “hero” he was selfless to a fault. Im actually wondering, does such a man exist?
To quote Jody, “This man was one who accepted and learned from the mistakes of his past but who moved on to live with integrity and honor in the present. A man who opened his home, shared all he had, and did so with no care for the cost to himself.”
Talk about swoon! He stood up for the Native Americans, even if it meant he ended up in jail. (Which he did many times throughout the book) He always was helping anywhere and everywhere he could. I think what made him one of my favorite fictional characters though, is that he only wanted the best for Arabella. He wanted to continually push her into the person she was meant to be, not the person she was groomed to act as. Seeing her character develop was so amazing!
Arabella is a traumatized woman seeking comfort after running for her life. She flees to British Columbia on a Bride Ship. But the last thing she expected was to fall for a man beneath her class. She is after all in the upper crust of society, something about Pete draws her to him. He pushes her to reach for dreams she never let herself believe in. To love life to the fullest.
I absolutely loved this book. It gets a big from me!!
Thanks so much for reading!
Megan
I loved the first book, A Reluctant Bride.
When starting a new book series from a favorite author it is easy to wonder if it will be as good as their former works, if it will be their new best, or even if it will be their all-time worse. Thankfully, I was quite pleased with The Runaway Bride, it is superbish.
Pete, goodness, Pete! I knew from the blurb that Arabella would end up with Pete, it was somewhat obvious, ending with the question, “Will she have the wisdom to make the right decision, or will seeking what’s right cost both her and Peter everything.” Easy enough to see that they are the couple in The Runaway Bride.
At first, I wasn’t sure what to think about Pete, he’s a bit insufferable, arrogant, full of himself, and yet that’s all a way to cover his tender side.
At first, it felt like he only liked Arabella for her looks, it felt almost like it was only lust … Until I read when they were together and I started to like them as a couple, which was what the author wanted as she led in the other man competing for Arabella’s hand in marriage, Lieutenant Drummond, and may I say that I didn’t like him even from the start?
The poor Indian got that Arabella tried to help was so sad, and sweet at the same time.
Arabella, I liked her from the start. The fact that she was a runaway bride surely came to light, the man she refused to marry was horrendous, slight spoiler but if you read this you should be warned that she has scars from him where he beat her, bit her, and hit her. So, just a warning.
Yet, Arabella is still a strong character that I enjoyed reading about, and the way she cared for those that came under her care was so sweet. I loved her and Pete’s banter, jokes, and Pete’s way of assuming that he would win her.
The ending was oh so sweet and even if I hadn’t liked the rest of the book the last chapter was worth it, but, I had one problem and that was the fact that so many times it felt like the main characters drifted toward lust and not real love.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
Wow, what a romance! First, let’s get this out of the way: while this is book two in the series, it absolutely can be read as a stand-alone novel. Main character Arabella appeared in A Reluctant Bride, and that novel’s main character Mercy appears here. But this novel is largely set in the time that passes at the very end of A Reluctant Bride—after the Tynemouth arrives in Victoria and before Mercy and Joseph set their wedding date. While The Runaway Bride is a continuation of the story begun in A Reluctant Bride, you don’t need to know about the events from that novel to understand this one.
I absolutely loved Arabella and Pete’s story! Arabella did drive me a little crazy at first with her insistence that she needed to marry someone of a certain class when it was so obvious that she belonged with Pete. However, as more of her story was revealed, I could begin to understand her perspective—especially as I paused to consider what I might do in her situation. Her vacillation did go on a touch too long for me, though. But Pete? Pete I loved from the first moment he appeared on the page. Yes, he was a little impulsive and overconfident, but he was also so endearing—it wasn’t hard to see why Arabella was attracted to him!
Full of lovable (and loath-able) characters, a truly swoon-worthy romance, and subplots that highlight the difficulty native people faced once the British colonized British Columbia, The Runaway Bride is a book not to be missed! Fans of romance and historical fiction will find much to love here. 4-1/2 stars.
Disclosure of material connection: I received this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review, and the opinions expressed are my own.
There are certain authors that I know without a doubt are going to take me on an adventure and that it will be a good one. Continuing with the Bride Ship series, we now receive Arabella’s story. She comes from a very different background than Mercy, from the first book. Arabella came from a wealthy family and more than that, she is running away from an abusive man. So taking a chance she joins the other brides to British Colombia.
Our hero is Peter the baker. And what a hero he was. He is such a memorable character. He comes from humble beginnings, is the prodigal son trying to find his way back, and is determined to make Arabella his wife. As with all the men vying for wives, the competition is fierce. Especially when a certain Lieutenant also has set his eyes on Arabella. One whom Peter already doesn’t get along with.
Not only do we have a beautiful new life and hopefully love unfolding for Arabella, but we are also shown the tensions between the Natives and the government. Times are not good for these Indians and not everybody wants them to stick around. Peter sees their plight and oftentimes helps which gets him in much trouble.
I really enjoyed how Arabella, fearful yes, but bravely grabs hold of her new life and wants to make the best of it. And in letting the trappings of the old life go, realizes she was made for so much more. Another riveting romantic read.
I received a copy of this novel from the publisher. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.
When wealthy Arabella Lawrence flees to British Columbia on a bride ship still wearing the scars of past mistakes, can she find her courage and her voice to stand for what is right?
An incredible story with unforgettable characters and exciting and thoughtful real-life roots, “The Runaway Bride” is a beautiful second installment to Jody Hedlund’s Bride Ship series, filled with beautiful lessons in life, faith, and love.
I had high hopes for this novel after being offered a small sneak peek several months ago, and I’m thrilled to say my expectations were greatly exceeded by this true gem of a novel. Hedlund has truly outdone herself with this story and its characters. Pete is a charming yet humble hero (and is one of my new favorites of Hedlund’s heroes), and Arabella is a truly inspirational heroine as she grows into her courage.
This story also offered an intriguing sneak peek into the next book’s hero, and I absolutely cannot wait for the third and fourth novels in this series!
The Bride Ships series includes: “A Reluctant Bride” (now available), “The Runaway Bride” (March 3, 2020), “A Bride of Convenience” (June 30, 2020), and “Almost a Bride” (August 25, 2020).
Disclaimer: I received a free advance copy of this book from the author. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. I was not obligated to write a positive review.
I could not put this book down! The Runaway bride was the perfect addition to Jody Hedlund’s Brideship series! I was completely charmed by Pete! I thought this whole story was so unique and I loved the chemistry between the characters! I really enjoyed the bold faith that Pete embodied. He was a great example of redemption, but showed that he was human and faced temptations and struggles that kept him relying on God for strength. These characters came from different circumstances, however I loved that they struggled with things in their past that allowed them to identify with each other’s struggles. The love story between these characters was perfectly crafted and I really loved watching it unfold. I just absolutely loved this book! I can’t wait to see where this series goes next!
*I was given a copy of this book by the Publisher, however I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions and thoughts are my own.
I must admit, there’s just something about author Jody Hedlund and her stories that are mesmerizing. I find it hard to lay one down. The two Bride Ship stories I’ve read so far are very interesting. Imagine leaving family and all that you know to travel across the ocean to an unknown land in hopes of finding a suitable husband. A stranger yet. That’s just what Arabella did when feeling trapped into marrying an abusive man. When she reaches her destination she finds a naval officer eyeing her. Very controlling of her and one that always has to get his way. She also meets a very humble bread maker that takes a fancy to her also. Two very different men. Drummond is a high ranking officer brought up in a family of means. Peter is of the lower class who works hard to earn his living day in and day out.
I loved Pete and what he stood for and hated Drummond and his manipulative ways. Both vying for Arabella.
In the 1860s, it was hard to imagine how controlling and abusive the majority of men were. They looked on women as possessions, property. The women had no voice or say so in their everyday lives. It makes my blood boil just thinking about it. Besides the treatment of women in this story you also have prejudice against the Indians in this colony who have a small pox epidemic.
Read along as the story unfolds into a dramatic but engaging tale of how the world was in that time period and place. As the author notes tell in the back of the book, although fictional it is based on true history and lots of research.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author through the publisher but was not required to write a review.
In The Runaway Bride by Jody Hedlund, we take an adventure with Arabella Lawrence to British Columbia, where she has just arrived on a Bride Ship. Arabella is running away from a wedding in England where she was trapped into marrying an abuser older than her father, and hopes to find in her new home a decent, kind gentleman to marry instead.
Right away, she meets two men who are complete opposites. Lieutenant Drummond is exactly the kind of man she always hoped to find. A charming, attentive, and well-off naval officer, he can give Arabella everything she’s been accustomed to her whole life. He gives her the kind of attention that she’s never gotten before and seems intent on convincing her to marry him.
What should have been an easy decision is complicated by her encounters with Peter Kelly, the local baker, who bears a different kind of charm from Drummond. He has a sincere, kind spirit and a sense of humor and confidence that captivates her. Pete challenges Arabella to be herself, to pursue things she enjoys, and to let go of the societal rules that have always governed her life. For Pete, meeting Arabella was love at first sight. Now he has to convince her to take a chance on him… and herself.
I loved the romance in this story. Pete is an entertaining and unforgettable hero, and Lieutenant Drummond serves as his perfect foil- only showing us his true colors at first in his interactions with Pete, which causes us to long for Arabella to discover what we know to be true. Pete’s interactions with Arabella are as utterly genuine as Drummond’s are superficial.
Woven into the story is the subplot of the poor treatment and prejudices against the native people in British Columbia. I enjoyed the historical truth about this in the pages of the novel, though the reality is always sad to read about. I loved that Arabella’s heart immediately turned to compassion when she could have easily been swayed to the prejudices held by most in her class. Her compassion drives her pursuit of the courage she longs to find.
The themes of courage and forgiveness are woven throughout the story, along with the essential truth that choosing to do what is right isn’t always an easy road to travel. We ultimately hope God will reward our difficult choices to do right with the desires of our hearts, but we know that this world is broken and sometimes dreams don’t always come true and bad things happen. However, I love that Jody writes happy endings that come at the end of a rough road. My very favorite kind of story!
A huge thank you to Jody Hedlund for the privilege of being on her launch team for this book. I enjoyed it immensely, as always!
The Runaway Bride, the second in Jody Hedlund’s The Bride Ship series is a masterful blend of history and romance with a strong dose of Christian faith. She tackles tough issues like the treatment of the Native Americans by the British and the prejudices of the British upper class against commoners. I love that I get fantastic lessons in little known history while still enjoying a quality romance. Peter just melted my heart. I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and I am willingly offering this review.
What another terrific read by Jody Hedlund. I knew nothing about the bride ships until her first book. I had to wonder what would make a woman do something that seemed so drastic…England to Canada. Not only do they plan on marrying someone they don’t know yet, but they are in a totally new country across many miles of seas.
Ms. Hedlund does a great job of answering those questions by using probable situations. I really enjoyed the main characters in this book…their faults and all. The struggling of class really wasn’t important in Canada…but that was how these women were reared.
Love the quotes from the pastor that enter Peter’s mind as he lives his life after Christ changed his heart which changed his actions. The faith theme in this book is a good one. The theme of loving all of God’s children is terrific as well. I want to point out this is an adult read, at least in my opinion. If you think you have someone young in mind for it, I do recommend reading it yourself first. It’s a terrific story, but not all stories were meant for all ages. The carefulness that Peter shows in the relationship is terrific, and that is what true love is!
The continuing story of Mercy from the first book was a special treat. I enjoyed hearing about the other characters as well.
The story has terrific and realistic characters, a wonderful plot, and a natural and well woven hope and faith thread. I really enjoy historical fiction as I learn much that I never learned from a history book. I even read an article by a Canadian that mentioned she had no idea of several facts in Canadian history that happened right in her own backyard until she read historical fiction.
I am so eagerly anticipating the rest of this series! It’s history come to life.
I received this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
*I received an early copy from the publisher. This does not affect my review.*
I was right! I enjoyed her The Lost Princesses series, and Jody Hedlund’s latest is just as good, maybe better! I don’t read a whole lot of historical fiction, but I do enjoy it when I find the right book, and this series has been showing up quite a lot on my radar lately, so I was ecstatic to have the chance to read this one! (And on a personal note, I think there might have been I reason I read this ‘series’ out of order!) I loved all the messages of hope, love, faith, family, healing strength, and forgiveness in this! I plan to read the first The Reluctant Bride soon, but this series can easily be read as stand-alones, so it doesn’t matter, they are more companion novels with some similar characters and setting mentioned, but the story-lines are each their own.
I loved meeting the cast in this one, all of the characters were fun and interesting to read about. I think perhaps my favorite part was getting to know Arabella, and seeing her faith both grow and be tested as she learned to accepted her role, not to be owned, but to grow in her faith and to let her newfound strength help others. Likewise, I loved Peter’s characters and loved seeing his character develop and strive to learn from a rocky past, while also looking toward the future in an attempt to help others, including an effort to help the local Natives gain fair treatment.
With all the emotional heart-felt moments, strong characters (that often don’t think they are at the start), character growth, well written plot and story, and a nice dash of hope and healing, I loved reading this, and look forward to more soon!
Book two in the Bride Ships series, “The Runaway Bride” manages to be even more compelling and breathtaking than its predecessor, “A Reluctant Bride.” Author Jody Hedlund has a gift for writing captivating historical romances that not only satisfy the heart and the soul, but also shed light on unique occurrences and issues that continue to remain relevant today. Whereas book one concentrated on Mercy Wilkins, a young woman from London’s slums, this sequel focuses on an upper-class gentlewoman named Arabella Lawrence, demonstrating that social class is not necessarily equivalent to contentment and morality.
One of my favorite parts of reading a series is the Russian nesting doll effect; each subsequent book pulls a minor character from the book before it and brings them to the forefront to tell their story. In this way, each novel can stand alone, but reading them chronologically offers a chance to grow alongside the characters while experiencing their world through their eyes. Arabella was introduced in the first book as a quiet and timid woman, and the reason for her behavior forms the foundation of “The Runaway Bride.”
Arriving in Victoria, British Columbia on the first bride ship, Arabella brings with her the torment and fear that sent her fleeing from England. Two men, one a respected Navy Lieutenant and the other a common baker, seek her affection, but is her heart ready to trust again? Her backstory is skillfully revealed piece by piece via flashbacks throughout the narrative, adding suspense while explaining Arabella’s thought process. Entrenched in the prejudices and models of behavior that define the social classes, the city of Victoria provides an often stark glimpse into the treatment of the rich and the poor, the upper and lower class, as well as the treatment of local natives. It is both fascinating and tragic to learn about the misconceptions many harbored, and this read is very timely given the outcome of the smallpox investigation in the final section of the book.
My favorite character was Mrs. Moresby. She appeared in book one, if memory serves, and here in “The Runaway Bride” her progressive and eccentric personality truly shines forth. She is delightful in every scene in which she appears, with a pragmatic approach to obstacles and no fear of defying convention in a society that places importance on one’s outward bearing: “Somewhere in Scripture, it says, ‘Man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.’ I always figured if God thinks the condition of a person’s heart matters more, then I should too.” Without her guidance, Arabella’s future may have been very different. Between the godly wisdom and counsel of Mrs. Moresby and the aforementioned Mercy Wilkins, Arabella’s courage begins to blossom, and she comes to realize that “She might not be able to eradicate every prejudice around her, but she had to start somewhere to make a difference. And the best place for that was with herself… one by one she’d been cutting away the tangle of propriety so that with each thread she cut loose, she was slowly finding the freedom to be herself and not someone else’s version of who she ought to be.” This is what makes “The Runaway Bride” so memorable, because at one point or another everyone questions who they are and who they should be. The good news is that, just as Arabella eventually comes to realize, the Lord has the answers in His Word, the Bible, and He already loves us with an everlasting love, desiring that we invite Him into our hearts. Seek Him!
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.
This is the second installment to The Bride Ships Series, and I had to say that after reading The Reluctant Bride, which I loved, I had high expectations about Arabella’s story, and I wasn’t dillusioned at all! They were both amazingly good and touched my heart deeply, that I truly can’t choose yet which one is my favorite! It really amazes me the way she develops her characters so deeply and complex, yet totally loveable and relatable. I always feel part of their plight and ache with their struggles, as well as enjoy their banter and sweetness.
It’s 1862 and Arabella Lawrence is fleeing from her abusive and menacing fianceé. She was born a gentlewoman, and raised by her stepmother to meet all of London society’s expectations. Having a sister who thrived in many senses: physical appeareance (in Arabella’s mind), talents, marriage and the start of a family, Arabella is desperate for getting her own chance at a family. Desperate enough that she accepted the suit of her father’s boss, pressed by her father and thinking she will have no other prospect as a spinster at 25, who is much older than her, but wealthy enough to provide her a life of every confort. Later, we see her fleeing and boarding the Tynemouth Ship with destiny to British Columbia with the mission to bring brides to match the many men established in the colony. As the book develops we start to get glimpses of what really happened to Arabella that made her flee and hurt her family (which I won’t spoil), but what we see at the beggining is a beautiful woman (unknown to her) that struggles with many insecurities due to her past and upbringing. She feels she’s not enough, yet she strives to find a fine gentleman that will meet upper society’s requirements, as she’s accustomed to do. This will seem to be an obstacle for Peter, who is a hard working and compassionate baker that is taken with her as soon as he sets eyes on her. With Arabella having two men vying for her affection, she’s at odds at which is the better choice: the man that meets all her supposed external requirements o the man that makes her heart tingle and helps her see her worthiness and all that she may be missing on life? As she discover a sick and starved native indian in the bins of where she lives, her kind heart aches to help her and protect her. The only person she knows that won’t shy away from a native is Pete. Will this common ground bring them closer or will it put at risk the reputation and the convenient match she is so intent on securing?
Pete Kelly has a regretful past. He strayed from his father’s well meaning advice and fell into bad ways: women, alcohol, etc. Until he found a man, Pastor Abe, who helped him turn his life around, begging forgiveness from God and start living an honest godly life. There are two things missing in his life: his family, his father’s forgiveness, and a good woman to marry. He, as well as the rest of the men on Vancouver Island, is expecting to meet his match from the Bride Ship arriving from London. But he never expected to fall at first sight for the proper and reserved redheaded. He’s determined to win her heart, but he finds she has other expectations, and another strong competitor, Royal Navy Officer Richard Drummond, that he must fight off first. As he offers Arabella to teach her baking, something she seems to enjoy, he finds more opportunities to woo her and get to know each other. Then helping the sick native girl, Haiel-Wat, is another thing that will bring them close together, but can he make Arabella come around and let down her defenses? or will time run out before he has the chance to show her what they can have together? Is Arabella still in danger from her hurtful past and will he be able to protect her if she’s in harm’s way?
This was a beautiful and touching story! I loved that each of the main characters were not perfect, yet they had a kind heart that led them toward good and compassion. They have many obstacles to overcome, especially Arabella, in order to be free to choose what’s really best. I loved taking Arabella’s journey of self love and discovering what is worthy in life. She was blinded by her past and upbringing, but her heart is so kind that she slowly opens to the things that truly matter in life. Her plight in nursing Haiel-Wat back to health and making a difference in such a needy child was heartwrenching and heartwarming. The issue about how the natives were expelled from the Island because of the smallpox outbreak, instead of helping them, was a true issue that is painful to acknowledge. It’s unbelievable the pain and rejection many natives have and still suffer from the hands of the upper classes. In turn, it was sweet and enlightening to watch Pete and Arabella’s efforts to help them with love and mercy. And to stand firm for them, when mighty people worked to harm them… Pete was totally my hero! I just loved his lighthearted personality! After suffering so much, it amazed me at how optimistic and enthusiastic he was about what he thought was the right thing and therefore pursued. He wasn’t a man to give up, and it was his perseverance that finally tore at Arabella’s heart. His playful and teasing ways were so charming. Even though some of the things he said might sound conceited, he did it to lighten Arabella’s tightness, and it was clear he gave himself little to no importance. He was always thinking of others, especially the needy, and particularly a redheaded he was besotted with. The way he valued her and made her see what others didn’t was precious to behold. I truly loved their relationship, even if Arabella made it a bit difficult at first, I loved the whole process of Pete’s selflesness worming his way into Arabella’s heart.
This is definitely a worthy read and I vividly recommend it to all historical lovers. It’s clean, sweet and rich in historical detail, as Jody’s books usually are. A totally pageturner with a deepness that makes you want to slow down to savour every word, act and detail.
The side characters are awesome too: I especially I loved Mrs. Moresby and Blind Billy. They were peculiar characters but were great influences in both the hero and the heroine.
Can’t wait for the next story! It seems it’s Pastor Abe’s chance at happiness! Thanks Jody for another wonderful book!
I received a copy from the Publisher but wasn’t required to post a positive review. All opinions here are unbiased ant totally my own.
Each book by Jody Hedlund is a new reason to fall in love with historical fiction. The Runaway Bride, second in her Bride Ships series, is a story that captures both your heart and mind even after the story has concluded! The heroine, Arabella, is truly breathtaking. I was able to relate to her on so many levels – from her red hair, love of baking, fear of not living up to the expectations of others, to her being an abuse survivor. In fact, it is this character’s courage in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds and personal demons that inspired me in so many ways. I just hope my own journey ends as well as hers!
Although this is the second book in the series, you need not read its predecessor first. However, you will most definitely want to after this one! You will also be itching to read the next 2 books once they release later this year.
Emotional, riveting, spellbinding, and brimming with hope, Hedlund outdid herself with this one!
I received this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
Arabella Lawrence takes the chance of a lifetime to find a new beginning in Canada, escaping a difficult situation.
Peter Kelly is a prodigal of sorts, making his living as a baker, and also fighting for the fair treatment of the Natives. He is smitten by Arabella from the moment he sees her, but will his past exclude him from vying for her hand?
A fantastic read from beginning to end, from Peter and Arabella who instantly captured my heart, with strong bonds of faith that bring the story together, this was well worth the read. I liked the realistic setting of British Columbia and how it showed the very real tensions between the military and the native peoples.
I admired Arabella’s faith and how she grew, finding the courage to fight for herself. She is beautiful from the inside out, with a heart of compassion for others, she realistically struggles to reconcile the societal norms of her past with her brand new life.
Peter is an honorable man, who has made his mistakes in the past, but come to a saving faith that has changed his whole life. I admired how he makes a point to make intentional choices leading him away from the past. He is a brave advocate for those who cannot speak up, with a strong work ethic, and heart for others.
This book had some of my favorite supporting characters, from Mrs. Moresby, Blind Billy, Sque-is, Haiel-Wat, Pastor Abe, and finally Mercy. A compelling read from the very beginning, with excellent chemistry and romantic tension between Peter and Arabella.
Though part of a series, this book stands well on it’s own, working more as a companion to the previous book in the series.
Overall, an engaging read that had me riveted to the page, fantastic characters, great tension, with a good use of flashbacks, and compelling journeys of faith for both Peter and Arabella. I think that the author did a fantastic job of handling both Arabella’s and Peter’s pasts in an honest, yet not too explicit way, that only added to my respect for both of them. Highly recommend this well written read!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Jody Hedlund has the gift of bringing together the most unlikely couple and creating the most endearing venture. More so, she lets these differences bring out the best in each other, such that their differences are only tools to make each other better. I won’t forget this story so soon.
Arabella Lawrence has been trained on how to be a proper lady. She would surely agree “training” is all it was as there was no place for error, no place for imperfection or frailty. But there is a limit to which the body and soul can take demand until it breaks to never be repaired. Hence why a gentleman’s daughter finds herself on a Brides ship to the untamed settlement land. There her shortcomings are only highlighted, but also, there is where she finds the most unusual sense of purpose with the help of a skittish indigenous girl, an almost blind grumpy old man, and their beloved baker.
This book had me up late at night and getting grumping at anything that dared to bother my reading time. I am very much looking forward to Abe’s story!!
I have been a Jody Hedlund fan since almost the beginning of her writing career and I have to say this series is fast becoming a favorite of mine! After loving A Reluctant Bride and getting to meet Arabella in that book I was more than I little excited to dive into this one! So much so that I finished it less than ten hours after starting despite having work and volunteer obligations-I literally read it every spare second I had! This is one of those books that is just a pure joy to read from start to finish and it was everything I was hoping it would be!
I really liked Arabella and it was good to finally find out what had happened in her past. While to an outsider it would seem like she lived a charmed life, the way she was controlled and the things she had done to her broke my heart. I loved watching her blossom as she finally had space to discover who she really was and actually dream about a life she could find joy in. Despite her upscale upbringing she had a tender heart and was willing to try and do things that many could, and did, consider below her station.
And Pete, gosh I loved Pete! From the moment he showed up on the page I knew he was going to be a hero to root for! His self-assured charming ways endeared him to me immediately, especially since he also had such a kind, generous, and selfless heart! His confidence as he pursued Arabella had me smiling so much as I read and while I understood the reasons she felt she couldn’t have a relationship with him I couldn’t wait for her to realize how wrong she was! The two of them together were just so perfectly sweet and natural and everything each other needed! Pete was also a man of integrity, which I loved. He never made any secret about the mistakes he had made in the past and his determination to never make them again. And he never stooped to the lieutenant’s level of underhanded ways in the battle to win Arabella’s love.
Basically this book was absolutely wonderful and I couldn’t have loved it more!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.
The Runaway Bride is book two in the Bride Ship Series. You can read this book as a stand-alone but I will go back and read the 1st book. Any fan of Jody Hedlund will love this book, she does an excellent job of drawing you into the story. I wanted to know more of Arabella’s past in a whole chapter instead of teasers in a paragraph or a sentence. But that makes for a great page turner to find out more.
If you like/love Mail Order Bride books, you will love books about Bride Ships! I’ve never heard of them and Jody has done her research well.
I recommend this book to anyone that likes to read historical fiction with clean romance in the story. You will not be disappointed.
I was given a copy of this book by the publisher with no expectation of a positive review. All opinions are my own.
This is a series I am so interested in and excited about. I love the way this author infuses bits of history into these romances. It makes the story come alive for me. This is the second book in this series and while I think it can stand alone, I would recommend reading the first book before this one just because it really sets the stage for these women that came over from England on bride ships. It’s also really good. You won’t regret it.
Arabella is an interesting character. Her backstory unfolds in bits as we get to know her. I loved how she gradually came into her own and learned to think and feel for herself. It was a precarious road for her but it felt real, vulnerable and human to me.
Peter Kelly is larger than life. I loved his character so much and I loved how he viewed Arabella. The alternating perspectives in this book really helped hone in on Peter’s motivations and his desires.
This story had my heart fluttering. The flames of attraction were burning bright and the love came softly, at least for Arabella. For Pete it all came on rather strongly. There were so many memorable moments in this book and I really, really enjoyed it.
Content: mild peril, mild violence, physical abuse, kissing, light Christian fiction.
– I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.