I couldn’t wait to get my hands on this book! Ever since I first met Pastor Abe I was really hoping he would get his own novel! There was no way I could have predicted how this story was going to go. Jody Hedlund kept me turning the pages late into the night, and I couldn’t get enough. I so loved Abe and his devotion to helping those around him. Meeting Zoe threw a wrench into his plans, and took him by complete surprise. There were so many twists and turns and unexpected surprises, and I enjoyed every moment. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a unique Historical Romance. I received a 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.

Jody Hedlund comes through once more with her new book, "A Bride of Convenience," the third offering in her The Bride Ships series. Our heroine, Zoe Hart has recently arrived in Vancouver only to find herself taking care of a new baby, and then married to Pastor Abe Merivale in a marriage intended to simply care for Zoe and the child. This marriage of convenience struggles to remain so as the two begin to grow in their attraction and affection for one another. This is a must read.


Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley and was not required to write a favorable review. All opinions are my own.

I really enjoyed this third book in the Bride Ship Series. Each of the women have come over for a better life and Zoe is no different. She has big heart and a secondary plan of being able to reunite with her brother. She soon finds herself married and not really sure about what she has gotten herself into.

The book is full of interesting events that are both fiction and and based on events of the time.

I received a book from the author, but did purchased the audiobook and enjoyed the narrator. The review is mine.

This is hands down my favorite of the Bride Ships series. I loved Abe, Zoe, Violet, Will and the other characters featured in the story. This book has a wealth of fantastic characters. The story line is excellent and kept me thoroughly entertained. The ending was exciting and it was a perfect fit for the story. This read is definitely going on my fave 2020 reads. I enjoyed it so much that I bought the kindle and audible versions halfway through because I was enjoying it so much. Can't wait for the series finale-luckily it releases in a month!!

I received this book from the publisher and was not required to post a positive review. All thoughts are my own.

Wow, what another wonderful read by Jody Hedlund! I really enjoyed this one. I quickly bonded with Zoe’s character and that connection only seemed to deepen the further I got into the story. The characters and the plot were both well developed and it was easy to get sucked into their world. I also felt the romance was fantastically well created and genuine to how it could have unfolded to someone in their circumstances. It was easy to root for Zoe and Abe as a couple when they were so likable individually, and together they were the perfect team even though it took some time for them to truly discover that. Even though this is the third book in the series, it could easily be read as a standalone. The main characters from the first two books were from a different bride ship so you wouldn’t be missing out on Zoe’s beginning. I still recommend them though because they’re wonderful reads as well.

I fully enjoyed this read and now I’m already impatiently waiting for the next one in the series to release.

*I received a copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers. Thoughts and opinions expressed are mine alone.

Dealing with a life of poverty, unemployment, an abusive father and a sister she can no longer reach, Zoe Hart leaves the slums of Manchester to board a Bride Ship bound for British Columbia in hopes of starting a new life and finding her twin brother Zeke. Once on land she meets young, handsome Pastor Abe who impulsively agrees to marry her. It’s a marriage of convenience that works fairly well until they each develop feelings for the other and struggle with all that entails. I loved the characters, the setting and the historical details. As with all of Hedlund’s books, the writing style pulled me in from the first page. Although it’s the third book in the series, it reads like a standalone story with just a few characters from previous books who are briefly introduced. I also loved the faith content.

Thanks to Netgalley and Bethany House Publishing for the ebook to review. All opinions are my own.

I had been looking forward to Abe's story since I first met him!
He has been a steady presence in the past books so it was fun to see him a bit disconcerted. More so, to see his struggles and discernment process to be a steadfast presence in the community, someone people can look up to.
But when his life is churned up by two ladies under his care, a situation which finds him as an unexpected husband and father, all while tending his own broken heart. Might this unforeseen condition might be a blessing waiting to blossom from his Father above?

Once again, Jody Hedlund pens an impeccable book in research and endearment. You don't want to miss out!

I have been enjoying this series of Christian romances dealing with young women and their decision to become brides for men they have never met in British Columbia. The women all have various reasons for leaving England, most of them due to poverty. Zoe Hart has recently arrived aboard the Bride Ship and she and Pastor Abe Merivale have rescued an orphaned baby who is half native. Zoe bonds with the baby quickly and wants to raise her, but Abe tries to explain all the issues this would create. When Abe received a "Dear John Letter" from his fiancee, he and Zoe marry and head off to his parish with the babe. The marriage of convenience quickly arouses feelings in both of them that they try to fight off.

Zoe Hart is a warm hearted, strong and stubborn young woman, She was unemployed in Manchester, but her main reason for heading to BC was to find her brother who fled England in fear of being arrested for a crime he did not commit. Zoe is hoping not only to find him, but hopes they can reconcile and get beyond a terrible mistake. Pastor Abraham (Abe) Merivale is on a 5 year, unpaid, mission in British Columbia to build churches. He is working towards becoming a bishop, but realizes that what he needs to do to remain on track goes against his better judgement and beliefs. Zoe and Abe do not have an easy journey to happiness. There are some hurdles, dangers and unexpected visitors along the way that all add some interest and intrigue to their story. Of course, they both rely on their Christian beliefs and prayer to deal with the various situations. Overall, I enjoyed this well written and well researched story. There was just enough of each of the elements that appeal to me and the characters were wonderful. I definitely recommend this one to lovers or Christian, Historical Fiction.

Jodi Hedlund's Bride Ship series is just what I like to fulfill my craving for romance while learning a bit of fascinating history. The third book in the series, A Bride of Convenience, does not disappoint. If the gorgeous cover doesn't tempt you, Hedlund's willingness to take on difficult topics like that who are marginalized due to their social standing. I loved Pastor Abe from book 2 and was so happy to immerse myself in his love story. I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author and I am willingly offering this review.

A Bride of Convenience is the story of the Bride Ships that sailed from England to Victoria, now Canada. These women were mill workers, out of jobs because of the cotton shortage due to the Civil War. In the 1860's not many single women had many options. So they boarded a ship and headed to the new land to marry strangers.

Zoe Hart is seeking her brother, who has run away after being accused of starting a fire in one of the mills. Zoe is intent on finding her brother and letting him know he was exonerated of the charges. Through a misunderstanding she enters into a marriage of convenience with a local minister. Pastor Abe has been waiting for his fiance but is shocked to receive a letter that she has married another. When an infant is left in Zoe's and Abe's care, the adventure begins. It was fun watching serious Abe take the bantering from Zoe. His desire to elevate his position in the church takes him away from Zoe numerous extended times. He struggles with extreme self control, even though Zoe is his wife, he does not want to push her. As Abe gets to know Zoe, his admiration grows, as he sees her unselfishness and a heart for orphan children.

As always, in her previous books, Jody Hedlund does an excellent job of research. Her depth of characters fills you with an appreciation of her writing. This book was a delight to read.

I received a complimentary ebook copy from the publisher, through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Strong willed, kind, resourceful Zoe made this story worth it. As a ship bride her future was uncertain but her heart sure. I admired how she never allowed fear stop her from doing the right thing no matter how hard. So much more that her determination and faith greatly influenced Abe. I loved his heart for the colonies where he was a preacher and how he loved to connect with those others shunned.
Together they both lived out God’s purpose for their lives despite opposition and expectations.
Their love story was so beautiful.

I think the most fascinating and heart touching aspect of this book is the way the author illustrated how God uses ordinary people with the little they have for His glory. Zoe was poor and from a terrible background but she had a heart for orphans and the lost and unashamedly she went about doing it and God blessed the works of her hands. Abe was a cultured gentleman but he did not allow that get into his head. He chose to work, help and relate with the worst of the worst. They were both rewarded by their little labours of love.

Beautiful historical story I recommend to everyone.

I recieved a copy of this book from Netgalley and this is my honest opinion.

Story Line: 4 Stars
Depth: 4 Stars
Faith: 5 Stars
Love Story: 4 Stars
Overall: 4.5 Stars


Zoe Hart eagerly awaits a new life in British Columbia after her passage on a bride ship. Knowing her brother fled to these parts after being falsely convicted of a crime, Zoe first and foremost wants to reunite with him. If she needs to wed a man in this new land in order to fulfill that, then so be it! The prospects in this new and unfamiliar place are plenty, but who can she give her hand to, and eventually her heart? How will she know who is safe and who will help her find her brother?

Pastor Abe, whom we have been introduced to in previous books in this series, has a heart for the lost in these mining towns, and is content waiting to travel home to England to his love. He and Zoe meet right as a man is dying and asks them to find a home for his baby girl. Thrown into a most unusual circumstance, Abe wants to protect the baby and Zoe, but how? A man Abe does not trust has offered to marry Zoe and take the baby if needed. As Abe worries about what to do, he receives a most unfortunate letter from his intended in England with news she is engaged to another man. Heartbroken and upset, Abe steps in and says he will marry Zoe.

Who doesn't love a good "marriage of convenience" story? Well written books like this become some of our favorites, and this one nestled its way into our hearts on a deeper level. The storytelling was excellent and we connected deeply with the characters. Both Abe and Zoe's were given tremendous character development as they learn how to be husband and wife, and more importantly, how to follow God's lead in learning to love others. The ups and downs of this story made a beautiful picture of how we are to treat and love others. We thoroughly enjoyed this book and we hope you do as well!

Jody Hedlund continues to be one of my favorite historical romance authors. She can write a romance like no other. She is a master at building tension, or giving and taking in the relationship and always wraps up with a satisfying ending.

This story is wonderful. I just had to keep reading for many reasons, but one thread that kept pulling me was what happened between Abe and Wanda? Was it as bad as my mind was coming up with? I sure hoped now.

If you are a Jody fan you will be happy with this latest installment.

Visit Jody here.

Grab your copy at your local bookstore, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Christianbook.com or your favorite retailer.

A copy of this book was given to me. All opinions are my own.

One thing that's always consistent with Jody's books are how impeccably researched they are.
No matter what the topic is of the series she knows her stuff and presents her research findings in an easy to read yet fun format. I love how much I am able to learn about the historical time period from her books, interesting facts I may not have encountered otherwise if I hadn't read her books.
I do believe if you've read historical fiction you've probably read about mail order brides , this book is about brides coming on a bride ship to get married. Can you just imagine a ship full of ladies looking to get married hoping for a faithful,caring,God fearing man? That would definitely be a sight to see.
You can just imagine the emotions these ladies were going through.
Now the lady the story focuses on is Zoe Hart, an unemployed mill worker accused of a crime looking for a better life and to be reunited with her brother so she emigrates to British Columbia in 1863.
Humble, unassuming preacher to the miners Abe Merivale is frustrated with his failed engagement and is understandably devastated by the news his fiancee in England is marrying another.
The author will keep you turning pages quickly to see how things are progressing with our main characters and the precious baby that brought them together .
I very much enjoy reading the faith message in all of Jody's books .
The last book in the Bride Ships series releases in August and I'm eagerly anticipating it!

Pub Date 30 Jun 2020 by Bethany House Publishers.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. Thank you.
All opinions expressed are my own.

Loved this third installment to the brideship series. Marriage of Convenience stories are one my favourite and I was excited to see how this would play out for both Abe and Zoe.
I loved the attention to detail, the humour and watching Zoe and Abe navigate life together especially with two different personalities and the added mystery of searching for her brother.
I loved how the author fleshed out the characters, we saw their flaws, their desires, all they had to go through to finally get to happily ever after. This is definitely not one to miss and I'm waiting on the final book in the series.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author and the publisher. All opinions expressed are solely mine.

Jody Hedlund never disappoints and once again I am left wanting more! You definitely cannot go wrong with a marriage of convenience trope it is my ultimate favorite!!

This is the third book in the series but I think it could be read as a stand alone. The romance was dreamy and there were even humorous parts!

Definitely not one to be missed!!!

As a result of the Civil War raging in America in the early 1860s, England faced a cotton shortage, putting the women and girls who worked in the cotton mills out of work and in even more dire straits than before. A group of these mill girls from Manchester became the second set of women to travel to Vancouver, British Columbia aboard one of the bride ships, this one being the Robert Lowe. What seems today to be an unfathomable institution offered hope and a chance at a future for young women otherwise destined to languish in extreme poverty and dreadful circumstances.

From among this group comes Zoe Hart, whose captivating story emerges from the pages of “A Bride of Convenience”, book 3 in Jody Hedlund’s Bride Ships series. From start to finish, her story is not what I expected, and that is part of why I love it so much! Despite knowing the man Zoe marries from the outset, there are so many twists and turns of the plot that this turns out not to be a spoiler. Two of the aspects that I consider to be integral to the best stories are the plot and the characters, and this novel skillfully demonstrates both. “A Bride of Convenience”, as indicated by its title, is about a marriage made at a moment’s notice when missionary minister Abe Merivale impulsively weds Zoe to protect her and a native baby left in their care.

Not only does Hedlund treat readers to an engaging storyline, she also creates multifaceted characters who rise from the pages with their own tragedies and triumphs, with relationships and behaviors that never seem contrived. The delightful, sage Mrs. Moresby again makes an appearance, as does a devious villain and several other colorful characters, although the majority of the narrative focuses on Zoe and Pastor Abe. Hedlund writes them beautifully, expressing their respective emotions and struggles, of which the other is often not aware. The weight and responsibility of being called to ministry and of being married to a minister are both well-articulated and are applicable to many in contemporary mission work as well. As Zoe comes to realize, “Maybe all God required was a willing heart and the trust that He’d work out the rest of the details in His timing and His way.” In the face of increasing obstacles and a seemingly hopeless situation, she makes a point that is startlingly simple yet profound: “But what if God’s the one who calls us? What if He’s the one who gives us our ministry? If God gives us our ministry, then no one else has the power to take it away.”

Of the three Bride Ships novels published thus far, “A Bride of Convenience” is my favorite. The history behind this program is unique in and of itself, and the narrative that Hedlund constructs only enhances the story. Readers will doubtless find some of themselves in the characters and hopefully glean inspiration from the fact that God sees the end from the beginning and has a good future planned for us, even when hope seems futile. After all, nothing is impossible with God!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author and the publisher and was not required to post a positive review. All opinions are my own.

This is book 3 in the The Bride Ship Series, but it could be read as a standalone. So first, the cover is gorgeous and although I like the info on the back cover, I just don't think it does the book justice (there is just no way to get the how awesome the story is just by reading the back cover). As soon as I read the part where Zoe stood up for her friend and then risked getting sick to take care of her, I knew that I was going to fall in love with the characters in the book. There were two things that I absolutely loved about the story. The first one was that although Zoe thought she couldn't find love and was happy just being a bride of convenience, God had other plans for her and not only did he protect her from a horrible marriage, but he gave her a godly husband who would love and cherish her for who she was (it would take a little time, but he would get there).

The second thing was the end of the story, Oh the ending was so unbelievably perfect that I couldn't put it down and I didn't want the story to end!! (seriously, I had a huge smile on my face while reading the last few chapters, and my sister thought I was losing it). I've read the first and second book in this series, but this one was by far by FAVORITE in the series, Correction, this is my favorite book that Jody Hedlund has written so far. I absolutely recommend this book and cannot wait for the next book!! I give the book 5 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.

A Bride of Convenience is the latest tale from Jody Hedlund. Zoe Hart found a way to escape her life of working in the mills of England. She is headed for Canada on a ship full of potential brides. Zoe is looking for a better life; however, she is also hoping for a chance to locate her brother!

Zoe meets the local pastor, Abe Merivale, shortly after her arrival. When Abe comes upon an abandoned baby of native birth needing a home, he asks Zoe to help fill the need. After Abe receives news that his fiance will not be coming to join him; before he knows it, Abe is asking Zoe to become this wife!

This book is full of activity with Abe working hard on building his church; while at the same time, he and Zoe are getting settled into their new marriage. There will be many surprises by the time you reach the end of this tale. Hang on for the ride!

A Bride of Convenience kept my attention from start to finish. The idea of getting on a ship to sale to a whole other continent with the purpose of finding a husband, fascinates and horrifies me.

Zoe Hart is one of the women who takes the chance, driven by desperation and fueled by bravery. She’s hoping for a better future after a wretched past. She meets a man who seems to be a good prospect without realizing he had nasty, ulterior motive.

Meanwhile, Pastor Abe is waiting for his fiancée to join him, until he gets word she is betrothed to another. He’s distracted from his heartbreak by being giving an orphaned baby to find a home for. Cue Zoe. A wedding of convenience ensues and that’s really where the trouble starts .

A missing brother, a very unmarried fiancée and a temperamental bishop all effect the course of Zoe and Abe’s relationship, and whether they’ll survive with their growing family in tact or not, is another matter.

This book transported me from 2020 Virginia amid a pandemic, to the wilds of Canada where life can change in a second and there’s everything to fight for.