The Runaway Bride, by Jody Hedlund, is the second book in The Bride Ships series. With a stunning combination of history, adventure, and romance, this book is an absolute pleasure to read! Captivating and truly meaningful, this novel certainly impresses with its vivid setting, compelling characters, and engrossing plot. 

As a truly gifted storyteller, Ms. Hedlund’s has once again succeeded in writing a novel that is truly enjoyable and utterly entertaining. From the coastal city of Victoria to a crowded workroom of a small bread shop, to the spectacular views experienced from the seats in a wooden canoe, the settings of this novel are beautifully detailed and appealing. And it is within these settings that the characters in this book pursue their hearts' desires, reveal their true natures, seek redemption, and nurture their faith. Page after page, these characters are memorable and authentic. Their hopes, concerns, insecurities, and convictions are interesting and moving. As a reader, it was easy for me to become invested in their stories and the plot details that flowed from them. From beginning to end, I was engaged by this remarkable novel of peril, hope, uncertainty, courage, compassion, and second chances.

Rich with detail and drama, this story is well-written and edifying. The Runaway Bride is a worthy novel. I recommend it wholeheartedly to all readers. I certainly enjoyed reading it, and I am definitely looking forward to reading the next book in this series.

*I was given a copy of this book from the publisher and from NetGalley. A review was not required. The review I have written is voluntary and contains opinions that are entirely 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.

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

I loved Jody Hedlund’s previous series, and while I missed the first installment in her new Bride Ships series, I didn’t feel like I was missing anything going into The Runaway Bride. In fact, I found a pleasant surprise as this was yet another historical event I was not aware of, and while Hedlund described her mixed emotions in her author’s note, this resonated with me immediately due to its similarities with the Picture Brides, bringing women to America in a similar fashion during roughly the same time period.

I rooted for Arabella as she makes the choices she does to venture out, determined to not make the same poor choices in love again, as well as negotiating her place in society.

Pete was a great, complex hero, and one I really liked. He has made mistakes in his past, but has grown to “live with integrity and honor in the present.” And I really enjoyed how his values came into play as a source of contention between him and Drummond, a rival for Arabella’s hand, to the point of him even being imprisoned for his actions.

This book is wonderful, and one I recommend to fans of inspirational historical romance.

The theme of The Runaway Bride is having the courage to do the right thing, especially when there is a personal price. In 1862 Arabella Laurence found herself on a bride ship voyaging from England to Vancouver Island because there were those in her family that lacked such courage. Readers will see that this type of courage is born of Christ and the willingness to pick up one's own cross and make personal sacrifices. While the book's description so far might sound a bit preachy, nothing could be farther from the truth. Jody Hedlund writes quite passionate love scenes without stepping outside the boundaries of Christian fiction. She develops a wide variety of characters, using their eccentricities to help both Arabella and readers to embrace valuable lessons on the virtues that grow in those who truly seek to live for the Lord, and to recognize a life of emptiness that comes from living to please people.

I am grateful to have received a copy of The Runaway Bride from Bethany House via NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion. I was under no obligation to provide a positive review, and received no monetary compensation.

I really love the smell of bread baking. Or the smell of a bakery as one passes by. Or the smell of a roll when it is cut open to smear butter inside. Or, well you get the picture. So, my latest book I read was The Runaway Bride by Jody Hedlund. At this point you're probably wondering why in the world bread smells and runaway brides have anything in common. Well, the hero of this book is a baker so he bakes bread. And every time he was baking bread (or cakes) I'm pretty sure the scent of baking bread was leaked from my kindle. Because my whole house seriously smelled like bread, and I was definitely having cravings for bread! Anyway, If the bread smells wasn't enough to make this a truly spectacular book, it also had a small pox epidemic, a lieutenant, homeless children and a runaway bride. All of that and fascinating historical details were included too! So this was definitely a wonderful story that I really enjoyed (along with the bread smells).

I recommend this book for anyone who enjoys historical fiction, and baking. 

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

“Today she might meet the man she’d marry. On the ship’s main deck, Arabella Lawrence stood absolutely still as a lady ought to do, even though the prospect of seeing her husband-to-be flustered her to a near faint.”- Opening lines of “The Runaway Bride” by Jody Hedlund

“The Runaway Bride” by Jody Hedlund is the next in the Bride Ships series which began with ”A Reluctant Bride”. Once again, a young woman has arrived in British Columbia to marry one of the eligible bachelors. Our leading lady is one of the characters we met in the first book, Arabella. Full of secrets, those around her try and unravel what in her past scares her. Looking for a fresh start, Arabella is determine to make the best of her new life.

Before Arabella even steps off the ship, she meets local baker Peter. The two quickly strike up a friendship and Peter is determined to win Arabella’s affections despite the other, far wealthier, suitors trying to catch her attention. Peter is compassionate and connected to the community. Horrified by the treatment of the native people during the smallpox outbreak, he persistently seeks justice for them.

Arabella doesn’t understand the political atmosphere she’s arrived in and instinctively helps a young, sick native girl taking her to Peter for guidance. Favourites from the first book, Mercy and the doctor, assist too. It sets off a chain reaction and Arabella’s world spins, challenging everything she believes about her role in society and God’s purpose for her life.

The characters are fabulously written, the story is fast-paced and challenging. Drawing on Biblical truths, Jody highlights the importance of empathy and compassion for those in our community. It’s full of fascinating history, it’s brought to life with beautiful writing.

I’m so looking forward to the next one in this series! If you love historical romance, this is one for you! It’s five out of five on the enjoy scale, I highly recommend it.

"Yet, as far as he'd fallen, God had held on tight. When he'd been at his worst, God's grace had been at its best."

It's another beautiful, redemptive, and satisfying historical fiction from Jody Hedlund. This is book 2 in The Bride Ships series but can be read as a stand-alone. The main characters from the first book make an appearance in this book but they play minor roles and their story is quite separate from the story of Arabella and Peter. Arabella is a well-to-do gentlewoman fleeing from a neglected past and an abusive fiance while Peter is a baker who has finally found peace and contentment in the wilds of Canada. So many things stand in their way - their vastly different social class, their opposite viewpoints in life, their differing outlooks and personalities - but they are drawn together by compassion for the natives during a smallpox outbreak on Vancouver Island.

As expected, Jody Hedlund creates a rich and tangible backdrop in the city of Victoria and brings out the main characters layer by layer until you helplessly fall in love with them. Peter is gloriously swoony in his romantic, sensitive, compassionate, and faithful way and he truly lives life at full speed. Arabella, on the other hand, is fearful, second-guesses herself at every step, and lives confined by what others say and think. Through trials and turmoils, Peter and Arabella learn to see eye to eye. The process of commercial baking in the 1800s is fascinating and enlightening. If you enjoy historical fiction, this book and the series are a must read!

I received a copy of the book from Bethany House Publishing and was under no obligation to post a positive review. All comments and opinions are solely 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’s second book in The Bride Ships series is the type of romantic historical fiction that I love. While learning about history, I watched a relationship develop which taught the individuals about life, themselves and true love. From the beginning of this story, I liked these two main characters. As they faced struggles and learned lessons, I came to like them even more. They both displayed true compassion for those who were overlooked and underprivileged. At the same time, a romance developed that was just as exciting as the adventures they faced. With lessons about family, faith and forgiveness, I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough. I can always tell that book 2 in a series is good, when I want to go back and read book 1 again and just can’t wait for book 3! Of course, The Runaway Bride can be read and enjoyed as a standalone. I was given a copy of this book by the publisher. All opinions are my own.

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. Warning, 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).

Overall, this was a classic “love at first sight” story with a unexpected twist and I rate this book 4 out of 5 stars ****.

>>Special thanks to Jody Hedlund, Bethany House Publishers and Netgalley for letting me read and review this book – all opinions are my own.

Jody Hedlund’s The Runaway Bride is the next continuation of the Bride Ship Series. Women journey on what is known as bride ships to other places. Their lives while on and off the ship change their lives forever. In this second installment, I followed Arabella Lawrence as she escapes for a new life. She heads to a new town where being single attracts the local men. But Arabella is wanting to take caution so that past mistakes are not repeated. New environments, new people, and second chances for the characters are found in this entertaining tale. I loved Arabella’s courage as she faced her new life and the people she met. This novel was both heartfelt and charming to read. I was easily captured with the story and its characters.

The Runaway Bride is the second book in Jody Hedlund's Bride Ships series. It can be read as a stand alone, but Arabella is first introduced in the the first book and the heroine in book one has a supporting role in this book. It was a good read, so if you like to read a series in order I would recommend starting there even though it is not entirely necessary.

Book two begins shortly after the bride ship arrives in British Columbia. Set on Vancouver Island during the small pox epidemic of 1862, this story challenges the expectations of the day to marry within one's class. As one of the many women who boarded the bride ships in search of a better life; Hedlund's runaway bride must decide to either follow the social norms she has followed her whole life or risk everything on the chance that defying them will bring her greater fulfillment. In a new world where men outnumbered the women 10 to 1 she finds herself caught in the middle.

Jody Hedlund, once again, caught my attention by the end of the first chapter. I was excited to see what would happen next, however the story dropped off a bit for me in the next few chapters before it picked up again and became nearly impossible to put down. Pete was a swoon worthy hero and I enjoyed his humorous yet impossibly arrogant attitude. Jody excelled in describing the stunning Vancouver landscapes, I felt like I was riding alongside them in the canoe. Themes of forgiveness, healing, faith and courage were intricately woven throughout the pages. Jody Hedlund will always be an author I read without caring about the summary or book cover. She has proven over and over that when I pick up one of her novels, I am in for a delightful escape back in time that A Bride of Convenience. This book will tell Pastor Abe's story. I can hardly wait!

The Runaway Bride is currently available for purchase from your local or online book retailer.

Thank you Bethany House and Net Galley for the free advanced reader copy. The opinions expressed here are my own.

Arabella Lawrence flees London and her comfortable life because she has no other options. Penniless, she joins a bride ship headed for British Columbia in the company of other would-be-brides. The only future for a well-to-do woman involves marrying well and settling down to direct servants and raise children. Love may or may not happen in the course of the marriage.

As a spinster, Arabella feels that her chance for a love match has passed her by. And she will settle for anyone. Well, just about anyone. After her precipitous flight from the alter in London, she has reservations.

When she arrives in British Columbia, two men take instant interest in her—a Royal Navy Lieutenant and the local baker. The lieutenant can offer her the life she expected, but the baker’s kindness attracts her—even though she could never accept his suit. Or could she?

Far from the confines of home, Arabella must learn to make decisions based on who she is in Christ, rather than her place in society. She discovers a world of difference between the two sets of expectations.

The second book in Hedlund’s Bride Ship series, The Runaway Bride tells the story of the mysterious passenger Mercy Wilkins meets in book one of the series. You don’t need to read the first book in order to enjoy the second book, though. Hedlund does meticulous research for her historical novels, which makes the books a pleasure to read.

If you love books about women who must learn to live out their faith despite trying circumstances, you’ll love this book.

News Flash: another great book by Jody Hedlund!!! I was excited to receive this book as I did read the first book of this series. I just broke my arm so I had all the time in the world to devour this story.
Was Arabella a runaway bride? Or was she finally stepping up and making decisions for herself? She was put in a terrible position by her father and his boss. Was there anyway she could do to save herself and her father's situation?

Arabella was reminded that she was not alone. GOD was by her side. He was her strength. He gave her the courage to do what is right. She had strong women in her life that reminded her of GOD's love for her and her well being.


Peter was trying to fulfill his dreams. He had regrets about his past. He asked for forgiveness and GOD was with him in his weak moments. He was reminded by Father Abe how GOD was there for him in good times and bad.

We all need spiritual advisors in our lives.


Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up!” (vv. 9-10).
- Ecclesiastes 4:9-12

I loved the story. It had romance and valuable lessons thrown in. GOD is by our side at all times. We must pray to him and ask for his guidance in our lives.

The Runaway Bride, by Jody Hedlund, is an exciting tale. Arabella Lawrence is a wealthy woman, just past her bloom, who feels like she must flee her home, after the elderly man, who is her fiance, physically abuses her. In the hopes to find an appropriate man to wed, Arabella is soon on a bride ship heading to Canada!

Soon after Arabella arrives at Vancouver Island, she encounters two men who may be the possibility. One is Lieutenant Richard Drummond, who checks all the boxes of being an outstanding gentleman, and the other is Peter Kelly, the baker in town, who seems to draw out much of Arabella's high spirits. Watch as Arabella must decide which man is truly the one for her!

Arabella struggles for awhile with the thought that in this new land, she is free to give up the rules of old England and instead pursue the place where her heart and dreams lead her. It is interesting to see the transformation that occurs in Arabella and discover which finally claims her heart!

The final pages of this book will bring a great reunion for one of the main characters!

Ladies, grab your fans! The smoldering looks, and the near kisses are sure to keep you holding your breath as butterflies dance in your stomach, you may just find yourself reaching for your fan along with Arabella! I loved this story and these characters. Especially our hero Peter. He is my new favorite literary hero!

Arabella’s back story had me both sad and angry. Sad, for the hurt she must have felt at the seeming disregard her father had for her safety and angry at the man who hurt her. Of course, I realize that her story is something that happened all too often during that time. The blatant lack of regard that society, in general, had toward women is jarring to our modern sensibilities. Yes, even today, in many parts of the world women are still treated as if they can not make their own decisions and lead their own lives. While not perfect, the status women hold today in American society has vastly improved. It is easy to take for granted the blessings we have!

Along with the romance and historical details, this story tackles some tough issues. Arabella deals with physical abuse and through the eyes of our main characters, we come face-to-face with the awful injustice and racial prejudice that the natives of British Columbia endured when overtaken by the English Colonists. Our hero’s soft heart and willingness to make a difference in the lives of the native people is one more reason to love him.

I love this story, and I’m looking forward to reading the next two books in this series. This is a book you will want for your keeper shelf. To be able to pull it out and enjoy it again anytime you wish!

(I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher. I am not required to write a positive review. My thoughts and opinions are my own.)

The Runaway Bride, second in the Bride Ships series, can be read and enjoyed even if you have not read the first book in the series.

As the story opened, it was clear that Arabella had definite views about her place in society and at what level she should marry. It was a bit hard to like Arabella at this point for me, however, the author allowed flashbacks to occur throughout the novel that spoke of some very scary past events that Arabella had indeed run from. I grew to like Arabella more and more and rejoiced as she began to view all people as important and part of God’s creation.

Pete was such a great character. I loved that he didn’t shy away from his past, but looked to God to help him to be a better man. His compassion for others, especially the natives of the area, helped firmly cement him as a man of good character. The attraction that developed between Pete and Arabella crackled with chemistry and I was once again reminded that Jody Hedlund writes pretty amazing kissing scenes!!

The Runaway Bride was a great story that focused on who people truly were and looked at the condition of their hearts rather than their position in society.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

This is the second book in this series that I have read, and they can be read separately. They are both really good!
When the facts unfold as to why the wealthy Arabella fled England and embarked to the unknown wilds of British Columbia, you will cringe. I had to wonder how long she would have survived if she had stayed?
We also meet the kind hearted baker Peter Kelly and the Navy Lieutenant Drummond, whom I had a bad feeling about.
Loved the compassion showed by some to the Natives, especially the starving little girls.
Will Arabella end up with finding true love, or will she end up with wealth? Will there be justice here for all, keep reading!

I Received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Bethany House, and was not required to give a positive review.

The Runaway Bride is my first experience of Jody Hedlund’s writing. Several writer friends have howled at and berated me for this gap in my knowledge. Well, no more. And what a wonderful book to begin with.

I’m a very disciplined reader. I set aside time, I always review a book I’ve enjoyed and I chide my children for turning to the back page to see what happens.

CONFESSION TIME… After reading the first chapter, I had to know who she ended up with. Had to. And yes, I peeked. I’m unrepentant. But don’t tell my children because it’s not a habit I endorse. Still, I had to know, and I really couldn’t wait until I’d actually read to to the end. This book will sweep readers away into another world.

I had forgotten all about the existence of so-called “bride ships” and the idea intrigued me. Arabella has fled London and, as we see in her back story, left behind a cruel fiancé. Transplanted to Victoria, will she fare any better with Pete the reformed bad-boy baker or the dashing Lieutenant Drummond?

I was intrigued by The Runaway Bride from chapter one to the happily ever after and will be reading Jody Hedlund again. I’d definitely recommend this book to anyone who enjoys historical romances, learning about new places or walking a mile in someone’s very different shoes.

If you’d like to buy a copy or read an excerpt, click here…

To visit Jody Hedlund’s website, click here…

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The Runaway Bride is one of those books that hooked me right away. This is book 2 in Jody Hedlund's Bride Ship series and while you can read this one on its own, you may want to consider reading the first book in the series, The Reluctant Bride. Both of these books are very good. I have been waiting for this book because I wanted to read more about Arabella, who was introduced in The Reluctant Bride. I have lived in the inland Pacific Northwest all of my life yet never knew about the bride ships from England until I started this series.


Arabella is a lady who escaped the conventions of her class when she boarded the ship for a life unknown waiting in British Columbia. She only knew it had to be better than what she left behind. Once on board, she put the future on hold until that final day when she left the ship to face her new surroundings. Imagine her surprise when she and the other brides disembarked and found the shore lined with men gaping and ogling at them. This was nothing like England. Her lodgings were beneath anything she had been exposed to at home. She no longer had the comfort of her trusted servant Hayward, who cared for her since the death of her mother. It was Hayward who saw Mr. Major for what he was and firmly put Arabella on that ship so she would be free from a deadly match. She landed with both feet on the ground and though she was on that bride ship, she wasn't sure she was truly ready for marriage. Her thoughts lead her down a path full of self doubt that was carefully crafted by people who didn't have her best interests at heart. Conventions, thought processes and the false idea that she was not good at anything. All wrong.



It took just one look at her to capture the hearts of two very different men. Dashing Lieutenant Drummond, who could offer her the lifestyle she was accustomed to in England. Peter Kelly, handsome and bold, a self made man set on his goals. Both set their sights on Arabella but only won would win her hand in marriage. But in this new world, filled with possibilities, this young woman began to learn that many things were open to her that were denied back home. She began to see the things with new eyes and once granted the opportunity to become her own person, things shifted for her. It was good to see how she grew from the timid girl who shrank from notice to the woman who could make things happen.


I enjoy historical fiction, especially if it leads me to look for more beyond the story. Jody Hedlund made this story come alive. Her research, as always, is thorough and she engages her readers in part because of this. The characters are complex and believable.

I received a copy of this book from the author for an honest review. My opinions, however, are my own. I recommend this to anyone who enjoys historical fiction with a twist of romance.