Member Reviews

Hedlund excels at histrotical fiction, and her new series is no exception. The Bride Ship makes for a fascinating part of history.

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Summer vacation= lemonade, a sandy beach and a book by Jody Hedlund.  Okay, I don't have a lemonade and I am not on a beach but I did have Jody Hedlund's newest release.  I was really looking forward to reading Reluctant Bride.

Mercy did what she could to save the neighborhood children.  She joined the bride ship to save her sister.  She sacrificed all her life without thinking of what it cost her.  She lost her confidence and her faith waivered. 

Joseph was running away from his past.  He knew GOD had plans for him but he had many questions on his journey of discovery.

I loved this book.  I loved reading about Mercy and Joseph's growth as individuals as well as a couple. 

This is Book One of a new series.  Great start...excited for Book Two!!!!

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Strong characters make this story come alive. The plot is very well done and the author clearly has done a lot of research. It had been a while since I read a book by Jody Hedlund, but I'm glad I picked this one up. I look forward to the next book in the series.

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4 out of 5 stars

This was the usual romance of two people who can't be together but desperately want to be.

This was a novel where most of it takes place on a ship. The author did a good job of describing what it was like to live on the ship.

There was a little too much of the desire, passion, heat, sort of thing. That's why I gave it 4 out of 5 Stars.

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This book caught my eye when I saw British Columbia in the description. Anytime I see a Christian Fiction novel set in my country I like to read it if I have the time. This is the first book I have read by Jody Hedlund and I was not disappointed.

It starts out in London, May 1862, before Mercy boards a ship carrying sixty brides (and a few hundred other passengers) to British Columbia, Canada… but unknown to her, it is a bride-ship. And this woman has no desire to ever be married.

Jody did an amazing job with Mercy’s character. In some of the narration while in Mercy’s POV (point of view) Jody would use some words and phrases that brought to life Mercy’s background as one of the poorest people in London. I adored how she avoided looking in a mirror being afraid of what she would see (mirrors were not common back then among the poor). And when a letter arrived for Mercy, I was nervous. She’s uneducated, can she read? Sure enough, she could only read the odd word. And as desperate as she was to know what it said she did not want anyone else to know it’s contents.

The love story between Joseph and Mercy was certainly difficult. A bird may love a fish, but where would they live, the saying goes. She is from the poorest of slums in London, and he is nobility. Being a doctor was already below his station, what would happen if he married Mercy? But as he sees her character, her compassion for others, time after time, his guard slowly crumbles.

Except she is also aware of their differences in society and pushes him away.

Since I absolutely refuse to ruin a good ending for you, I’ll finish here.

Please be sure to read all of the author’s notes at the end of the book if you read Mercy and Joseph’s story! I was amazed by how much of the story revolved around real facts. Yes, there really were bride ships sent to Canada in this time period. I can’t reveal the other history facts Jody weaved into this story without giving away to0 many spoilers!

I give this book a 4 star out of 5.

I received an e-copy of this book free from the publisher for my honest review.

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This was the first book I have read from this author. I was completely impressed on so many level. First - the story is just plain good. The author did extensive research into the subject of 'bride ships' that transported immigrating women to Vancouver Island and British Columbia in the 1860s. I love how she incorporated many actual events into this story.
Second - Jody Hedlund is a gifted writer. The story flowed effortlessly, and I was engaged throughout the entire book. She pours emotion and detail into her story that allows you to experience a bit of what it was like in all the various locations that this story takes place in. Just so well written.
Third - I absolutely loved all the characters in this story. Each one added depth and richness to the story overall.
Fourth - but not least - I throughly loved the clean romance between Mercy and Joseph. There was beautiful chemistry and passion in their relationship. And I loved how the author addressed the subject of the 'stations of people' (wealthy and privileged vs. poor and lowly) -
(quote) "God didn't create some people to be better than others... He created everyone to have equal value."
I also love how the author wove elements of faith into this story as well, and how trusting God for your past, present and future is part of living a fulfilling life.
One of my favorite quotes from this book is: "When we show kindness to someone, we never can know exactly how many lives that kindness may affect."
I will be reading this book again - because it's that good. I look forward to the next Bride Ship story in this series. And I will be reading other books from this author too! I received a complimentary copy of this book. I am not required to leave a positive review. All opinions expressed here are my own.

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Author Jody Hedlund has quite the knack for penning historical novels that grab the reader right in the feels! A Reluctant Bride is well-research with characters you’ll want to cheer and some you won’t like well at all, but then, that’s part of a good story!

A Reluctant Bride begins the series The Bride Ships, and even if you’ve read other novels surrounding bride ships, you haven’t read this one yet...I highly recommend you do!

A master at her craft, Jody Hedlund is one of the best in the historic romance genre.

While I generally write a brief synopsis, I’ve chosen not to do so with this novel because I truly want you to read it and meet Mercy Wilkins and Joseph Colville on your own. I dare not to risk any spoilers!

Yet, who determines the classes of people? Who determines the lower class must never mix with the upper, and vice versa? Are people really defined by their class or is there something more?

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and am under no obligation to write a positive review. All thoughts and opinions therein are solely my own, and freely given.

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I had never heard of bride ships before reading this book, and the idea was intriguing and somewhat horrifying. I guess it's pretty similar to mail-order brides though. I can't even imagine going to marry someone you didn't even know, but if you're faced with starvation and worse, it makes sense that you would jump at any chance at a possible better life.

The author does a really good job of describing the horror of trying to survive in London's slums. My heart ached for Mercy and those that she loved. She was so selfless, always looking out for those who needed help, no matter how hard things were for her.

My favorite parts of the story took place on the ship. Not that they were all happy, unicorns and rainbows, but the story telling was done so well that I was completely immersed in what was going on. Once they landed in British Columbia, the story started to drag a bit - there was a bit too much internal dialogue and not enough of anything else - but thankfully it wasn't too long before the story picked up again.

All in all, I really enjoyed this book. The author does a really good job developing the characters and I'm looking forward to reading the other books in this series.

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Author Jody Hedlund took the cake with, A Reluctant Bride. As always, she’s captures the scene in such a way that I felt I was on the bridal ship. The struggles that led the girls aboard is palpable and I felt a kinship to them.
Hedlund recreates actual accounts such as food poison, a hurricane and a love story between the ship doctor and one of the Brides. You won’t want to miss this delicious book I rate 5 🌟!! 👐

I was given these ebooks by Netgally but not required to give a good review. These are my honest opinions :).

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While a perfectly reasonable book for whittling away an afternoon I found A Reluctant Bride to be a rather middle of the road novel. Though it was based on a true story I just didn’t find enough in the story to make it feel entirely believable to me and it seemed heavier on the romance than it was on the history. I’ve read a number of books by Jody Hedlund, but I just didn’t find The Reluctant Bride measured up to my expectations. I couldn’t quite come to terms with Joseph being titled and making the choices that he made, even with him originally being a second son and his unusual upbringing. I also had to look up facts about telegraphs to England from the territories at one point in the book, because the dates didn’t seem to correspond with the ability to send a trans-Atlantic message and expect to hear back in under a week. These little details are important to me, however, someone else might just slide over them without becoming distracted from the plot.

On the positive side, the author paints a realistic picture of life in the London slums. There is no sugar coating here. The fact that Mercy remained compassionate and self sacrificing in her surroundings makes her an exceptional character.

Overall, it was a nice romantic story, but I’d call it light entertainment rather than a riveting novel.

I was given a free digital copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

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A Reluctant Bride, by Jody Hedlund, is the first book in The Bride Ships series. Rich with detail and drama, this compelling story is utterly engaging and memorable. Elements of adventure, history, and romance ensure that this book is fascinating and meaningful; while its immersive settings, authentic characters, and gripping plot elevate this novel and make it truly impressive.
Ms. Hedlund’s style of storytelling is thoroughly captivating. From the grit and desperation of the London slums in the late nineteen century, to the power and beauty of unpredictable ocean waters, to the cramped conditions on a wooden sailing ship, to the stunning grandeur of northwest Canada, the settings of this novel fully appeal to the reader’s senses and imagination.
Existing within the detailed settings, the characters in this novel add depth and heart to the story. They are believable, sympathetic, and intriguing. Their fears, desires, doubts, and motivations are thought-provoking and relevant. And it is through these characters that the plot flows easily, sweeping the reader along on an enthralling journey of danger, doubt, faith, and new beginnings.
Well-written and entertaining from the first page to the last, A Reluctant Bride is worthy of high praise. I absolutely enjoyed reading it, and I am eagerly looking forward to reading the next book in this series. I gladly recommend this novel to all readers.
*I was given a copy of this book from the publisher and from NetGalley. A review was not required. The review I have written contains opinions that are entirely my own.

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Mercy Wilkins has never left the dirty corner of London where her parents and siblings eke out an existence. In the 1860s, London has little mercy for the poor and downtrodden. Factories lay off workers, and few people care about the plight of the poor. Many women sell their souls to save their families, but Mercy determines to go to the workhouse like her older sister, Patience, before she’ll take that route.

When Mercy overhears her parents talking about sending her ten-year-old brother to the docks to fend for himself, she knows that she’ll have to strike out on her own. Patience urges her to apply to the Columbia Mission Society and seek passage to Vancouver Island and British Columbia—where families clamor for workers.

Uneducated, and unschooled in working as a domestic, Mercy has no idea if they Society will accept her application. When they do, she assumes she’ll learn the necessary skills once she arrives. She has no idea that the Society’s mission involves brining brides to the bachelors of British Columbia.

Dr. Joseph Colville feels overwhelmed by the sheer numbers of poor people in need of medical attention at the Shoreditch Dispensary. Although he doesn’t mind supporting his old friend, Dr. Bates, with financial gifts, he can’t commit to partnering with the aging doctor. He doesn’t want to waste his time in society, nor does he want to settle down and produce an heir. As a peer of the realm, everyone expects him to follow the prescribed course.

Instead, he feels the pull to travel and explore—to put as much space between him and his sad memories as possible. So when Captain Hellyer offers him another job as a ship’s surgeon, Joseph jumps at the chance. He doesn’t find out until after he’s committed to going on the journey that the ship carries a bevy of brides.

Will Mercy’s kind heart and Lord Colville’s unorthodox views on the class system draw them together on the journey to the New World?

Once again, Hedlund creates characters readers will cheer for and places them in unusual circumstances and settings. You’ll love the way Hedlund uses her characters to show us the importance of learning to share the burdens of our past and see ourselves as God sees us.

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Delightful. That’s one of the first words that came to mind after I finished reading the first novel in Jody Hedlund’s new series, The Bride Ships. Which is something that surprised me considering how deeply emotional this novel is.

A Reluctant Bride was an incredible reading experience. As always, Hedlund in true master storyteller form wove history and fiction together in a way that was both fascinating and inspiring. The characters, the settings, the historical plot – Everything about this novel pulled at my imagination and heart, spinning my thoughts in all sorts of directions. At first I didn’t know that A Reluctant Bride was based off of historical events and real people. After finding out that it was, I have a deeper appreciation for this novel. Really y’all, I can’t fully imagine what the people on those bride ships had to endure, but this novel did a good job helping readers to at least understand why they took that journey. And I think that’s incredible.

In short, I’m glad to have read A Reluctant Bride. And I can’t wait to read more of The Bride Ships series!

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I knew right from the start I was going to love Mercy. Who wouldn’t love such a compassionate person? When she meets Joseph the second time on the Bride Ship I just knew he would see her as the woman she was. I loved these characters that had personalities deeper than what’s on the surface. When I really get into a great book like this that the author has characters that are wonderful I really have a feeling for them and get invested in them right from the start. The concept of a Bride Ship was so fascinating and it’s actually based on a historical event which I love! Joseph and Mercy was not from the same station in life and love was forbidden to them. The difference in the way people are treated when one has wealth and the other doesn’t, is a terrible thing but it actually still goes on in this day and time. Will Mercy heed the advise of Mrs Moresby and will Joseph heed the advice of his Captain? Don’t miss this first Bride Ship book by one of the best. A great inspirational historical romance!
I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions stated are my own.

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A Reluctant Bride by Jody Hedlund is the first book in her brand new series The Bride Ships. You definitely don't want to miss out if you love inspirational historical romances.
Mercy Wilkins is doing the only thing she can think of doing to get her and her sister out of London's slums. She sets out on the adventure of joining a bride ship that is headed to Vancouver Island in order to start a new and better life, but meeting and developing a forbidden love with the ship's surgeon Joseph Colville makes Mercy question those plans. Can they get past the obstacles that are keeping them apart while learning to trust not only God, but each other and finding their chance at love and happiness?
I'm definitely looking forward to reading more books in this wonderful series!

I was given an ARC from the author/publisher. All conclusions are mine and mine alone.

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Book one in the Bride Ships series, I didn’t know that bride ships were a real thing. Author Jody Hedlund did a good job with research and presenting historical facts in an interesting way. I thoroughly enjoyed this book.

London wasn’t good to the poor during this time in history, and I knew that, but it still wasn’t fun reading about the things they had to deal with. I found myself urging Mercy to take the step of getting on the bride ship. Almost anything had to be better for her. And then there was Joseph and the pain he carried with him. The well developed characters will pull you into the story and take you on the journey to healing. Along with that, the descriptions within the book are very well done. I could have gotten seasick when the ship hit a storm.

So often we assume we know where a book is headed and how storylines will go but don’t do that with this one. Hedlund has a few surprises for her readers. All in all, I found myself emotionally into the story and I really am looking forward to the next book in this series. If you enjoy historical fiction with clean romance, then get a copy of A Reluctant Bride today.

I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.

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A Reluctant Bride is the first book in a new historical series by Jody Hedlund. As a loyal fan of Jody's books, I was really excited for this new perspective on a type of mail order bride story. The romantic aspect of this genre is usually my favorite part, and Hedlund is able to write those moments of romantic tension like no other! The building up of anticipation between the hero and heroine are fantastic! There is so much more to this story, though, than romance. The historical detail, the sights, sounds, and smells that Mercy, Joseph and the other passengers encountered on the ship, made the story come to life. This story is also parallel to true events, so imagining what these poor women went through that led up to the decision of being promised to strangers in a wild land, then all that they experienced on the long ship voyage, really tugged at my heart strings. They endured so much hardship. These women were extremely vulnerable physically but many of them also didn't have a formal education, which was displayed in Mercy's character. Despite her lack of schooling, she showed a determination to learn, support herself, and independently make her way in her new homeland. I really loved Mercy's fighting spirit! And what would a good story be without a hero who champions the cause of those in need?! Joseph is conflicted throughout the novel between his feelings and obligations. His character development was also a satisfying part of the story. If you like historical Christian fiction, you'll certainly enjoy this new series! (4.5 stars)

**I received a complimentary copy of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley in order to share my honest opinions, which I did.**

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A Reluctant Bride by Jody Hedlund is her best historical fiction novel yet. I absolutely loved this story. It was one I could not put down.

Mercy Wilkins is a poor waif from the slums of London in the 1800's.With no hope of a job, she finds that she is just another mouth to feed in her family. In spite of being poor, she gives of herself to help others.

Lord Joseph Coville is an amazing character in the story. He never let his wealth affect his desire to help people. He became a doctor following the tragic loss of his family..

Mercy, adamant about not marrying, finds herself on a ship heading to British Columbia, not aware that it is a bride-ship. Joseph, the ship's doctor, seeks Mercy's help, and as such they form a friendship. This turns into a fabulous romance, leaving both Mercy and Joseph unsure of any future. Mercy feels the weight of their social differences, and Joseph is filled with fear of loving and losing any one else in his life.

Ms. Hedlund did a remarkable job of research about the bride-ships. And many of the stories within the story are a true recount. An absolute 5 star book.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the publisher. All views expressed are my honest opinion.

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Jody Hedlund's new book, the first in her Bride Ships series, is well written and fascinating. The idea of bride ships really blows my mind. Hedlund did a great job crafting a story based on real situations that showed why women were so desperate to leave all they'd ever known to marry strangers.

I really liked the main characters. They were well developed and I couldn't help but feel for Mercy. Her home life was horrible, and time after time throughout the story she demonstrated what a good heart she had.

This isn't my first Hedlund read, and it won't be my last. I really appreciated the research she put into making this an interesting read, plus it's clean and a quick read.

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A Reluctant Bride
by Jody Hedlund

Bethany House

Bethany House Publishers

Christian

Pub Date 04 Jun 2019



I am reviewing a copy of A Reluctant Bride through Bethany House Publishers and Netgalley:


Mercy Wilkins has little hope of a better life living in London’s poorest slums. When she is offered the opportunity to be part of a bride sailing trip headed to British Columbia she agrees. She figured that the Bride ship will offer her better prospects after she witness so much loss and heartaches in the slums. The ship is her prospect and someday her sisters opportunity to escape a bleak future.





Joseph Colville Who is wealthy and entitled leaves home and takes to the sea to escape the pain of loosing his family. As a ship’s surgeon he is responsible for the welfare of the passengers who are aboard the Tynrmouth, including sixty brides to be. He has no intention of immediately settling down but after Mercy becomes his assistant they must both fight against forbidden love.


With of single men congregating on the shore eager to tanks a bride from the Tynemouth, will Mercy and Joseph lose their chance at true love, or will they be able to overcome the obstacles that stand in the way?


I give A Reluctant Bride five out of five stars!


Happy Reading!

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