Awww! I really like this series. Without spoiling things for anyone… there were moments I’d get so mad and then places where I was smiling. A few parts got a little steamy but not inappropriately! This series is fascinating.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley on behalf of the Publisher and was under no obligation to post a favorable review.

I enjoyed this second book in the Bride Ship series, although there were several times I wanted to reach out and smack Arabella. Every time she acknowledged her true feelings, but then went against them just so she could keep her status, it made me roll my eyes. She was a really good person, it was just hard for her to rise above her upbringing to become the person she really wanted to be.

Pete was a very likeable character. He worked hard, did his best to conquer his demons, and helped those who needed his help, even when it wasn't the popular thing to do. I really like how this story doesn't gloss over his past temptations and make it seem like now that he's repented, it's not a struggle any more.

Lt. Drummond was just sleazy and gave me the willies for the entire story. I will admit, I thought more was going to happen with Drummond at the end than what really happened.

Overall, this was an enjoyable story. It's part of a series, but can easily be read as a stand-alone.

The Runaway Bride, book two in the Bride Ships Series captured my heart from page one. The main character, Arabella was in the first book so I was familiar with her. I was pulled into the first novel, A Reluctant Bride as the brides traveled the world to British Columbia, Canada. I wanted prim and proper, but gentle Arabella to find love and joy since her past held some secrets. In The Runaway Bride. Jody is gifted at writing and does an outstanding job weaving faith and trusting God the main point.
Arabella’s past was terrible and continues to haunt her. She meets Peter who is from a different class, but they are attracted to each other. Carve out some time to read The Runaway Bride, I did not want the story to end and am looking forward to book three of the series.
I received a copy of the book from Bethany House Publishers in order to provide an honest review. The opinions are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

This is my first book by this author. I really enjoyed it. It feels very timely to read a book set during or just after a smallpox epidemic as we are going through a global pandemic. Lieutenant Drummond and baker Pete Kelly have very different views on how to handle the natives who are vulnerable to the illness. Their disagreements become even more forceful when they are both attracted to the same woman, fresh off the bride ship.

I love Pete Kelly’s character. He is humble and funny. He flirts outrageously with Arabella. He shows her that there is more to life than rules of the gentry. Arabella gets a taste of freedom and has to decide how she wants her future to be. Does she dare break free from her class? Their banter reminded me of Richard Gere and Julia Ormond in “First Knight.” It was delightful.

While I have heard of mail-order brides before, I wasn’t aware that their had been Bride Ships coming from England. It was fascinating. I’ll look forward to going back to read book one and any future books in the series. Thank you to Bethany House for providing me with a free e-copy of this book. 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.

This book was very enjoyable and not your run of the mill historical romance. Arabella leaves England and hops on a bride ship to British Columbia to escape the marriage her father has arranged for her with a wealthy, cruel older man. When she arrives Lt Drummond of the Royal Navy pursues her but Peter, the town baker also sets his cap for her. Will she go for the status quo or learn new things that are “beneath” her but still fascinate her?

This book was very well researched and written and I recommend it to anyone who loves a good historical.

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

When I pick up a book like this, I generally assume that while some hard topics may be discussed, it is still fiction and I can move past it.
This story deals with a woman that is abused by a fiancé. It is described in such a way as you know that the author seemed to have done their research. The "white knight" syndrome that many survivors of abuse suffer is portrayed valiantly throughout the story.
Her desire to do what is right, without caring for herself, her happiness is something that is truly accurate in those that survived trauma often. In the end, I loved the book. I had to set it down a few times as it was bringing up some personal issues for me. Overall, well written story and history.

We meet Arabella in the first book in this series. There is mention of her scars and you just know that she has endured something awful. Well, in this story we not only find out what has happened in her past, but we read about her arrival in Victoria and her journey to find true love. Arabella was snuck away from her future, abusive husband onto the Bride Ship to save her life. She knows this her only chance to survive, but she wants to make sure she does not end up in a similar situation with an abusive man. She has two suitors to choose from, one a wealthy member of the military who is well respected, the other the town baker, who has aspriations to a better life. In this story we learn about the native people and their experiences with smallpox and typhus. We also learn that many of the military personnel were not very nice people and were cruel to the native people as well as the tradespeople who they felt were beneath them. Arabella wants to marry someone from her class, but love will win out. There is some physical abuse of Arabella (in England told in flashback), prisoners and natives, but it is necessary to the story and not told in a graphic nature. I enjoyed the character of Pete. He was a strong character who had found God and wanted to do what was right. He also had some swagger and confidence that attracted Arabella in the first place. He set his sights on her at first meeting, but it took Arabella longer to realized how she felt about him. Then there was Lieutenant Richard Drummond, who was a bad guy in this story. He was selfish, often lied for his own gain and tried to blackmail Arabella. I was hoping he would get his comeuppance. This was another great story of love, listening to the Lord, following your dreams and being the person you need to be in this world as well as a wonderful romance. A great addition to this series.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
4 STARS

Wow. What a fantastic Historical Fiction read. This is the first book I have read by Jody Hedlund, but it won’t be the last!

The writing was wonderful and so captivating. This book had every aspect of a great story, from the romance, to the tough issues of physical abuse and racial prejudice, to the beautiful characters and setting. It is a winner!

And even though this book has Christian themes and ideas sprinkled throughout, it didn’t feel like a Christian book and the romance was sizzling! The chemistry between the MC’s was so fun to read.

This area of history is something that I didn’t know very much about previously, but the bride ships are so fascinating! I also have never read anything set in British Columbia during this time period before, so it made for such an intriguing read. I will most definitely be reading all the other books in this series!

<b><i>*Special thanks to Bethany House Publishing for the finished copy of the book in exchange only for my honest thoughts and review!*</b></i>

An excellent historical read! I enjoyed learning about the bride ships. The story covers a lot of fascinating history!

The Runaway Bride is book 2 in the Bride Ships series. Although book 2, it can easily be read as a standalone book (although the characters do continue from book to book in the series). Arabella is the main female character in book 2. Arabella, a wealthy young woman who flees a seemingly impossible situation at home, arrives in British Columbia in need of a husband. Two vastly different men woo her and Arabella must first of all decide her priorities, then get past appearances to decide who SHE wants to become and THEN who she desires to spend the rest of her life with. You will cheer Arabella on in her decisions. She is an extremely likeable young woman. The book is fun to read, but also has character depth. Great book!

This second book in the Bride Ships series by Jody Hedlund works well as a stand-alone; there was a slight tie-in to the previous book, but it took me a while to notice it. This light-hearted story had deep characters, which I thought was a well-done combo.

Arabella Lawrence ran away from her wealthy family in England to join a bride ship to British Columbia, where is now trying to figure out if she wants to continue to live under society’s strange and strict standards, or be her own free woman.

Baker Pete Kelly and Lieutenant Richard Drummond both vie for her hand upon her arrival in British Columbia; it is said that the men outnumber the women ten to one in the colony.

Amidst the unique historical context, themes of kindness and justice towards native neighbors, recovering from and forgiving a past abuser, and following God’s plan instead of society’s plan are woven throughout the book. I so enjoyed the story I could hardly put it down; it’s another winner from Hedlund.

Thank you to Bethany House and NetGalley for providing me with an electronic copy of this book to read and review. All opinions are my own and were not required to be positive.

*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion – which I’ve done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*

It took me a few chapters to really get into this second story in the Bride Ships series, but as the tension began to build I could hardly put it down! In the first book, the heroine was fleeing poverty in order to have a better life for herself. A lot of book one was set on the ship voyage over. This book begins as the upper class Arabella is coming off the ship and beginning her life in a new land, looking for a husband of her status. Part of the tension was learning Arabella's story, particularly what she endured before boarding the bride ship, and how that impacted her as she formed relationships in her new home. Even though Arabella's choices frustrated me at times, her character went through a beautiful transformation. As she saw her worth through God's eyes, and put her trust in Him to love and protect her, it freed her up to make choices based on truth as opposed to what the world told her was right. Even though Pete (Peter Kelly) finds himself in a variety of tempting and trying situations, he relies on his young faith in God to guide him through. The spiritual journey portrayed by both characters was encouraging and inspiring. And last, but not least, the fantastic (clean) romantic scenes did not disappoint! It was the icing on the cake! I have really enjoyed this series and look forward to the next two books that are coming soon!

The Runaway Bride is another wonderful inspirational historical romance by Jody Hedlund. It is the second book in The Bride Ships series and definitely worth reading if you love Christian historical romances.
Arabella Lawrence flees to British Columbia on a bride ship trying to escape her past mistakes and now finds herself struggling to prevent another possible mistake when two different men begin competing for her hand in marriage.
When she finds a starving young orphan girl, she does everything she can to care for and protect her and in doing so begins to overcome her fears from her past and how that will best influence her making the right decisions for her future even being honest about how she has come to love Peter Kelly.
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.

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!

The newest release from one of my favorite authors, Jody Hedlund explores the reasons why women from England sail to an unknown and rather dangerous land. In the second novel of the series, Arabella is a wealthy woman who seeks a fresh start. She is rather classist as she was raised to be a proper gentlewoman. As she arrives in British Colombia, she is pursued by two very drastically different men. One, a lieutenant in the Royal Navy, the exact type of gentleman she sailed to marry. The other, a charismatic baker who shows her a side of herself she never knew.

I enjoyed Peter’s carefree nature and bravery, even when it greatly inconvenienced him. Sometimes, his forwardness of tongue or even thoughts was brazen, but I appreciated how Jody wrote a flawed character but sought to truly live a life unto God.

I quickly read this book and greatly enjoyed both of the character’s growth. I have yet to read the first book, but I will soon rectify that! The next two books will release slowly over the next few months and I can’t wait for them to be available. You may read The Runaway Bride as a standalone, but I would recommend reading the first book prior in order to have a greater understanding as some of the characters do appear.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

The Red Review: ❤️❤️❤️❤️
*** 5 Stars: Compelling Characters, Well-Written, Interesting Storyline, Unable to Stop

The Runaway Bride by Jody Hedlund grabbed by attention from the very first page. I have not yet had the opportunity to read The Reluctant Bride (I have moved it to the top of my pile). I was glad that The Runaway Bride could be read as a standalone. I thought the story was well-written with realistic, developed characters. Arabella Lawrence has left England for a new life in British Columbia. She fled England before her wedding to Mr. Major. The match was arranged between her father and Mr. Major. The man was old enough to be Arabella’s grandfather and his other wives only lived a couple of years after they were wed. Arabella has had rigid rules drilled into her by a nasty stepmother. She arrives in British Columbia on a bride ship and hopes to make an advantageous match that suits her position. Lt. Richard Drummond is among the dignitaries greeting the ship and he is instantly taken with Arabella. Peter Kelly, the local baker, meets Arabella the same day and knows she is the woman he wants to marry. Two very different men with differing belief systems vying for Arabella’s attention. Peter Kelly is a charmer from the very beginning. I can see why Arabella was taken with him. I could feel Arabella’s mind versus heart dilemma. She knows she should marry someone of her social station, but Arabella is attracted to Pete. She also feels she can talk to him and that he likes her despite her flaws. The author showed the contrast between the two men as well as how society would perceive Arabella if she did not do as expected of her. I thought Jody Hedlund captured the time period and how it felt to arrive in a new country on a bride ship. These women had no idea what the area would be like or what type of men would be waiting for them. I liked that none of the women were forced to marry. They were allowed to take their time in finding the right life partner. The author’s vivid descriptions brought the story alive for me. I could visualize the scenery and the characters. I felt I was in the canoe with Arabella as she saw the wildlife and traversed along the water to the native’s village. Included in the story is a little girl who needs help. Smallpox has infected the natives, and many were worried it would claim those in Victoria. There are those who wished to help the natives and others who wanted to drive them away. Why Arabella fled England is revealed a little bit at a time. I do want to let readers know there is violence which will make you cringe. My favorite phrase from The Runaway Bride is “If we’re living rightly before God and pleasing Him, then that’s all that matters.” Christian values were beautifully incorporate into the story. It is an integral part of The Runaway Bride. I stayed up very late to finish this moving historical novel. I am looking forward to reading the other books in The Bride Ships series. The Runaway Bride is a touching story with a beguiling baker, fierce frays, a shocking sickness, rapid rumors, a spiteful soldier, and beautiful brides.

I have not had the privilege of reading works by this author before. However, I am very pleased to have a new author to follow! Ms. Hedlund writes a very clean historical fiction style with a wonderful view into true history. I love the amount of research that went into this book, and I also love the direction of the storyline!

I was pleased with how well this book was written, and how grammatical errors were at a minimum. This goes a long way in being able to truly enjoy a book without trying to figure out what was meant when a grammatical error is interjected. The only reason I gave a 4 star vs. a 5 star is because the author does tend to ramble a bit more than my taste. Some of the short little scenes took 4 or 5 pages for just a short encounter (because feelings and memories from every angle were deeply explored). I'm not one for that level of detail. I LOVE detail, but there can be too much. This book could likely have been a least a third shorter without losing any of its depth and value. This was true especially in the last few chapters. I discovered about half way thru the book that the first page of each chapter had all of the "meat" of the chapter, and the rest was a lot of fluff. I found myself skimming thru a great deal.

The truth is, I still deeply loved this book!!! I just waded thru the fluff, and truly valued the storyline. I will absolutely be seeking more from this author in the future. Great job writing a beautiful story, Ms. Hedlund!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This book was so fun to read. I was blessed to previously read A Reluctant Bride, which was the first book in the Bride Ships series. You don’t need to read the first in order to enjoy this one, but I recommend it because you first meet Arabella and Mercy in that story. The Bride Ship series follows ladies who embark on a journey across the ocean hoping for a better life. Arabella was born into comfort, but when she is forced to make a decision that could cost her life, Arabella flees to join the bride ship. Arriving at a place so unlike anything she’s known, Arabella knows she must choose the right husband, and as quickly as possible.

Having two men vying for her attention is flattering. One seems like the obvious choice, but for some reason the other one draws her. In a land where society doesn’t seem to matter as much, can she follow her heart? Or will those old rules so drilled into her head override what she truly wants the most?

I enjoyed watching Arabella navigate the new world and learn more about herself. Being free to do things once looked down upon would be an exciting experience. She had interesting chemistry with both men, although I had a clear favorite right away. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Historical Romance. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers and was in no way forced to post a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.

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.