Jody Hedlund’s books just keep on getting better and better. This is my favorite one of the Brideship series as of yet. A Bride of Convenience was so good and I loved it! A Bride of Convenience is the third book in Jody Hedlund’s Brideship series.
This book features a new female character who arrives at the beginning of the book. But our hero of the story is Pastor Abe. Yay! I have been waiting for his book ever since I met him in Pete and Arabella’s book. In this book, Abe finds himself married to one of the brideship girls, Zoe. They form a marriage of convenience in order to care for a baby left in their care. But will a marriage like this survive, the strain of working with the miners and trying to live up to the bishop's standards?
Zoe was so sweet, she loved and served with her whole heart. I loved her from the beginning, it was so cool how she took in a baby even though the baby came from mixed parents. It was so fun to read about her falling in love with Abe. It was a slow thing, but I could tell from the beginning that she cared for him.
I loved Abe, he loved those God had put under his care. But he was fighting hard to make himself be the way the bishop wanted him to be. Abe was so kind and he worked hard to help those under his care, he was willing to do anything.
I really adored Zoe, Abe and Violet together. They were such a cute family. I really loved the addition of Will, he was such a sweet boy. They felt like a family to me and I became really invested in them from the beginning. It was charming to read about how much Will cared for Zoe and how he even stood up to Abe to defend Zoe. Secondary characters really do help to make a book better. Mrs. Moresby was in this book too, so happy to see her again.
Two of my favorite quotes from this book are “You might still be running away from God. But He’s never left you, and He's waiting for you to seek Him again.” which is such a good reminder that God is a kind Father who wants us to turn to Him. And “you don’t have to be perfect or have your situation all figured out to be used by the good Lord. If you have a willing heart, that’s all He needs.” a quote from Mrs. Moresby, who I love reading about. This quote is so encouraging because it helps you to see that God can use you if you are willing to serve Him.
I don’t know what else to say, I loved this book. My favorite of her series so far and of her historical romances. A Bride of Convenience was just that good. I would definitely recommend this book, if you have read any of Ms. Hedlund’s books then you have to read this one. I can’t wait for Almost a Bride!
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

This is the third novel in The Brideship series. I like Zoe is is a hopeful, determined, and hardworking woman. She never gave up her faith in God even though she goes through some difficulties. I like her relationship with Pastor Abe, who was a brooding and grief-stricken man. Through faith, the two of them work together to fall in love. Thus, this novel is about hope, faith, love, and overcoming obstacles. Jody Hedlund is a very talented author. Her novels are usually an escapism as well as thought-provoking and inspirational! I recommend this for fans of Francine Rivers, Elizabeth Camden, and Roseanna M. White!

British Columbia in 1863. Third in The Bride Ships series, this ship is women who had lost their jobs in the mills of England, taking place after America's Civil War and the gold rush in Victoria. The story gently builds until you can't put it down. Both feeling unworthy for entirely different reasons, Zoe and Abe grow closer, perfectly matched. God's plan for them puts them on a path, but it isn't easy to see. Neither would logically think they would end up together. Abe had been sent there by the Church of England. He's not the uppity type, and makes himself part of the community, not above spreading God's word to everyone who lived there. He was beloved by them, but the Church disapproved of his actions. Beautiful story of people who are looked down on for being who they are, yet God perfectly uses just such people and makes the world a better place for all of us.
I received this book free from the publisher and NetGalley book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
#ABrideofConvenience #NetGalley

The twists and turns of this tale make it feel less like the typical story of A Bride of Convenience. I loved the emphasis on caring for orphans. It made me want to read the rest of The Bride Ships series!

I did enjoy this book as the last one in the trilogy (Mrs Hedlund actually wrote another one and published it seperately), and I liked Abraham's character in particular. Zoe. Meh. She was likeable, but I fear she was also a borderline Mary Sue. You know the type. A person who has no flaws, and is perfect. Kind, loving, generous, the ideal woman who everyone adores.

I think what I liked most about this series was the setting, late 19th century Canada. The little known historical detail of "Bride Ships", ships of women sent to the early Candadian settlements to provide wives for the local trappers and miners provides the basis of this series, which is interesting.

What I didn't like:
- Abraham being referred to as "Pastor Abe". This sounded far too American. 19th century Brits did not generally refer to clergymen as "Pastor". We don't even now, except in like Baptist or Evangelical churches. Anglican Clergymen- which Abraham is supposed to be, are generally referred to as Ministers or were called Parsons historically.

- "okay". 1860s Boston slang does not belong in 1860s Vancouver. This just came across as jarring.

I would certainly recommend this series, its just this novel wasn't my favourite title in it. I requested this title from Bethany House via Netgalley of my own volition was wasn't required to write a positive review. I recieved no compensation and all opinions experssed are my own.

If you would like to escape in a romantic adventure, then read A Bride of Convenience, the third book in The Bride Ships series by Jody Hedlund. Reading the other two books in the series is not necessary to enjoy A Bride of Convenience. This Christian historical romance is a wonderful story of a marriage of convenience between Zoe Hart and Pastor Abe Merivale set in 1860s British Columbia.
Not only is the interesting plot fast-paced, but also the characters are enjoyable. Despite their differences, Zoe and Abe have great chemistry and are a couple we want to succeed. Other characters are also interesting and contribute to the story, but the children are particularly charming. The Christian themes including following God’s plan for your life enhance this engaging story.
I recommend A Bride of Convenience to readers who enjoy romance or historical fiction and anxiously anticipate the next book in the series. Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for my advanced review copy. All opinions and thoughts are my own.

A Bride of Convenience continues Jody Hedlund’s mail order bride series by Following the story of Pastor Abe and his bride Zoe. This is a sweet romance that has a surprising element of suspense as well. The ending was my favorite!

This book was a joy to read. The characters, setting, and description were vivid and rich. I think some romances can be predictable and unbelievable but this one was captivating.

I was so excited to read the 3rd book in Jody Hedlund's Bride ship series and this book was outstanding! This is a story that I thought about when I had to set it down and continued to think about after I finished it. I enjoy thought provoking books and this one fit the bill!

Zoe Hart came on the 2nd Bride Ship from Manchester England. She had worked at a cotton mill until most the workers were let go. She decided to follow her twin brother to British Columbia. She did not have high expectations of marriage- she just wanted someone who could care for her. When she becomes entrusted with a half native baby her desire becomes simply to find someone who will care for her and the baby.

Pastor Abe, who played a small roll in the previous books, meets Zoe soon after she arrives when he helps her pray over her deceased friend and is present when she accepts responsibility for the baby. He cautions her about her planned marriage of convenience and encourages her to take her time in finding a husband. However, upon his own discovery about his longtime fiance in England and a slight misunderstanding, Pastor Abe soon weds Zoe himself.

They head to Yale BC, where Pastor Abe has been based during his ministry and embark on their new life together. I loved reconnecting with the beauty of British Columbia, the goodness of Pastor Abe and developing a respect for Zoe. As they each learn their new places, they experience growth and understanding for each other and God's will for them.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys romantic historical fiction or just a good read!

I received a complementary copy of this book from the publisher and ebook from Netgalley. My review is my own and I received no compensation for this review.

This is my favorite in the series. I love a good marriage of convenience!

I really loved watching Abe and Zoe figure out their married life. It definitely wasn't easy for either of them. He was a bachelor set in his ways and she wasn't exactly passive. It was a joy to watch them fall in love.

I also really loved the heart that Zoe had for orphans and loved how the story ended.

I received an advanced copy of this book through NetGalley. This is my honest review.

This story shared a unique perspective for this genre (a man struggling with lust), however it really rendered the celibate aspect unbelievable. Marriages of convenience were not uncommon, but rather the norm. Keeping the relationship chaste after marriage was unusual (and yet that's 99% of the representations I read). I could see a man giving his new bride a week or two to adjust and be more comfortable, but that's about it, and even that would be the exception. So again, considering everything, I found this premise unrealistic.

Zoe is a strong woman with a natural pull toward abandoned children. She's forthright and outspoken. Abe was a little less admirable, as he tries to serve two masters, but I found that relatable; it's easy to think you're serving God when trying to please/obey religious leaders, but Zoe makes an excellent point, reminding him that no man has the power to truly take away what God wills. And though the Bishop is set up as an obstacle, I appreciated his character. It was easy to see what drove him and why he said/did what he did and I thought he was well represented.

The plot (confrontations and declarations) became a bit dramatic and predictable toward the end, but it was an enjoyable read overall.

Reading A Bride of Convenience by Jody Hedlund, I wondered how I waited so long to read this book. Hedlund’s The Bride Ships series’ third book was a real pleasure. I enjoyed the history Hedlund accurately wove into the narrative about Canadian mining towns, English brides, and the smallpox epidemic that the Vancouver native Americans endured in the mid-late 1800s. It was sad to see such a great amount of prejudice and mistreatment against the native Americans. Zoe is a great heroine, rising from a ”nobody” to somebody who stands tall because of her character. And then there’s loveable, rather hapless Abe, struggling to figure out exactly what direction God wants his life to take. I felt like Abe was torn between what people such as the Bishop told him he should do, and what God was leading him to actually do. Will Abe choose comfort or honor? My favorite secondary character is Mrs. Moresby. What a difference she made in the brides’ lives.
A Bride of Convenience is a delicious serving of English bride ships and Vancouver history with a side of social commentary wrapped up in compelling romantic prose that will keep you eagerly reading from the first page to last. A complimentary copy of this book was provided by the author and publisher through NetGalley. I am voluntarily leaving this review. All opinions are my own.

Did not finish. I felt uncomfortable with so much lust in this novel. Jody Hedlund is a good writer so it's unfortunate that she went overboard (in my opinion) with so much focus on desire.

I've read a handful or so of this author's books now, and yet always end up surprised by how much I enjoy them each time Jody Hedlund releases a new book!

I really enjoyed the previous book from her Bride Ships stand-alone series, and expected no different, yet it's such a delight to read a book you have high hopes for, and end up enjoying it even more than expected! This is one such book!

I loved getting to know these characters more, as well as meeting new ones as we learn Zoe's story, and get to see her and Abe struggle to find the right choice when everything seems to be going wrong. When an infant is found, will Abe and Zoe be able to find it a loving home? More so, how will they manage to pick up the pieces in their own crumbling lives? This is just a taste of what these characters face, and I loved seeing them learn and grow as they lean into their faith, and as they start to trust each other in the process.

Thank you to Bethany House Publishers and NetGalley for this eARC, which gave me the opportunity to share my honest review. All opinions are completely my own.

She didn't want to care too deeply about a husband. Her heart ached too much already, and she didn't want to allow herself to love again only to lose. No, she was a bride of convenience. And she planned to remain that way.

Famous last words. But it is fun to get there. The time and setting brings this love story to life. The rugged west in British Columbia where Abe had settled as the community priest. Abe had invested his time in this part of the country and loved the people he served. Back home, he had a girl waiting for him. Lizzie was the girl of his dreams. Abe had found himself at the docks where the Bride Ships were coming in. Single women wanting a husband and the wild west wanting to establish families. Abe had his reservations about this arrangement, however, he knew a strong community came from strong families. He noticed Zoe as she was fighting off advances of the notorious thief. He was drawn to her and has fate would have it, they meet at the hospital where Zoe is comforting her sick friend.

Their meeting brings an admiration of each other that eventually leads them to a marriage of convenience. This is one of those romances that I like to read every once in awhile as there is a innocence but also a passion. A contrast of emotions that lead to dance of feelings not realized and everything comes together. The best part is the obstacles they overcome. Abe's Dear John letter and the bishop that doesn't agree with him. Zoe with a heart of gold for children. Together they overcome these obstacles and then some only to find that marriage is more than convenience.

A special thank you to Bethany House Publishers and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review

This is such a heartwarming book. I absolutely love the characters and how they come to life. Zoe is kind, caring, and looking for a new life. She goes on a bride ship to not only find a new life, but to look for her brother that ran away years before. Abe is gentle, god loving pastor who love ministering to the miners. He is hoping that one day he goes back to England to marry his sweetheart. However, things never are quite what they seem. God has other plans for both Zoe, and Abe. When their lives collide in an inopportune time, they are both set forth on a path that they must travel together. Yet, with the past catching up to both of them, they need to form a solid front to survive the new frontier. I love this series and can't wait to read more. Happy reading my friends.

This was a great story! I would highly recommend reading the entire series, but I think this could be read by itself if you wished. I felt like the characters were so well created, I connected easily with them, and I really cared about what was happening.

This felt like a well-researched story, and I was so glad. The bride ships are something I have recently encountered in literature, and I'm really enjoying reading about it! I liked that there were so many details to help create the situation and build the world!

Overall, I would recommend this book to readers that enjoy a clean historical fiction. It's a great book with wonderful characters, and an exciting story!

I was provided a gifted copy of this book for free. I am leaving my review voluntarily.

In this 3rd and I believe final book of the Bride Ships, the author tells the story of a mill girl sailing on the bride ships. I found the story, believable from what I have read of history, even though in keeping with what we know of people now, we would struggle with the idea of a marriage of convenience simply because you needed to be married.
I found myself wondering if somehow the world of online dating was somewhat similar to this, and could relate to Zoe a bit. I enjoyed the author's note with a bit of her research notes as I always wonder what or whom the characters were based on.

I enjoy Hedlund's books and look forward to her next series. This one was not a disappointment -- excellent read, solid characters and description. Well done.

Another Hedlund story that hits all my sweet spots. My words will not be adequate to express how much I love this tale of loyalty, and love, and the seriousness of marriage vows. This is the third in the Bride Ships series and this story is about Zoe Hart who comes to British Columbia on the 2nd ship. Zoe has encountered a lot of loss in her young life. She is looking for her twin brother, Zeke, to make some things right. What she gets is more loss, a native baby, a stranger husband, and a convenient marriage.

Abe Merivale is a pastor and he has been trying to bring the Gospel to miners and natives alike. He is also a lonely man waiting for his fiancé. When he decides he can wait no longer he sends off a letter asking her to come to British Columbia and to marry earlier than planned. What he gets is heartbreak and a wife, a stranger he was not anticipating from the bride ship.

I enjoyed watching Abe and Zoe grow in their relationship. First they were strangers, tentatively becoming friends, while stronger feelings lay just below the surface. I adore marriage of convenience stories, and this one was one with a lot of obstacles to get around. Very meaningful truths are seamlessly woven throughout.

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.