Preliminary thoughts:
I liked Mary and William as characters and enjoyed the descriptions of what they faced on the Speedwell and the Mayflower.

Jarring historical errors:
—Pneumonia: Not only were the symptoms and treatment and the statistics of fatality off, pneumonia wasn’t even discovered and named until 1881
—Washing one’s mouth out with soap as a treatment of swearing: First, there wasn’t bar soap as we know it. Most soap was “brown soap,” with lye sourced from ash, which doesn’t fully harden. Further, the earliest instance of using soap to wash out one’s mouth as a punishment was in 1832.

Format choices: I get that she wanted to stay as close to Biblical quotes as possible, and included the ampersands for “and” in the quotes, but it was extra-distracting to try to interpret symbols instead of a simple word during character conversations.

Later thoughts: I actually recall it more as a 2.5; I really won’t be rereading. There are just so many other Mayflower stories that are more historically accurate and better plotted.

Thanks to the publisher for a free review copy.

Daughters of the Mayflower series begins with The Mayflower Bride. Coming in at 256 pages it’s a relatively quick read chronicling the voyage in 1620 of the Mayflower to the New World.

I enjoyed the historical setting and was interested as these Separatists wanted to start over in a place where they have the freedom to worship as they saw fit. Most of this book takes place on the ship and it's where the real test of endurance takes place. There are lots of themes to this book - survival, love and loss, faith and the day to day struggles on a voyage that brought heartache and tested so many.

While I didn’t always connect to the characters and would have loved a little more depth to the story The Mayflower Bride was an enjoyable read and a series I will continue to read.

Thanks to the publisher (via Netgalley) for an arc in exchange for honest review.

Fleeing to the New World for religious freedom, Mary Elizabeth along with her widower father and brother David, are among the Pilgrims who were severely tested on the crossing to Massachusetts. William, not a religious man, is hired on as a carpenter. Abandoned as a child, he was finally taken in by a benefactor who encouraged William to be part of the Mayflower voyage.
Both young adults, Mary Elizabeth and Williams are drawn to one another. Circumstances on board, though, are tenuous and many perish. The late season landing in Massachusetts was unexpected; the group was aiming for current day New York City area.
I felt the author did a great job portraying the difficulties of the voyage and the peril involved in the first year in the New World.

I love reading historical fiction and I am not very familiar with this particular time in history. I enjoyed the authors writing style, her characters, Mary & William and their journey on the Speedwell. I really look forward to reading the next book in the series. While my little bit of research inspired by this book showed that a lot of the details were not exactly historically accurate, it did inspire me to research more about 1600's.

This was a good historical read. It focuses on the Separationists and why they came to the New World. There is so much history and research that shows in this novel. Bravery and strength, founded and rooted in strong Biblical faith shine in this book. It has enough story to pull the history into it without the reader losing interest. I really enjoyed this book.

My original copy came through Net Galley, and I also bought a copy this month. My thoughts and opinions are my own, this review is here because I chose to review this book.

I love historical novels, and this one was particularly unique. So as not to detract from the stories of actual passengers, Kimberly Woodhouse created fictional characters in her retelling of the Mayflower voyage of 1620. Most people are familiar with the Thanksgiving story, but I don’t think people really comprehend the great sacrifice that journey cost those early settlers. Woodhouse does, and she uses that knowledge to tell a story of bravery, loss, and exploration. Ironically, right after finishing this book, I discovered I am a descendant of one of those brave souls. I now plan to reread this book from that new-found perspective. This was an enjoyable read, and I’m looking forward to future books in the series.

This was a really enjoyable historical fiction read. I pathetically pictured the pilgrims blowing across the Atlantic and stepping out of their ship and onto Plymouth Rock. I knew some of their challenges, but I had no idea about most of what happened. This carefully researched book takes you through the travails and trials by following the experiences of the fictional Separatist Mary Chapman and carpenter for hire William Lytton. Their two separate perspectives allow the reader to view the various facets of the Mayflower experience. It made me want to read more about this time and place and the people who established a very significant beginning.

3.5 or 4 stars. I really enjoyed this story of the Mayflower and the Separatists' efforts to establish a new colony. I had only really known the bare bones of this part of history, so I really liked becoming more familiar with the details. Historical fiction is more interesting to me than straight history as I like to see how the historical events may have affected the people involved. One complaint I have, however, is that the main characters were not as well-developed as I would have liked and the other characters even less so. The book seems to have been fairly thoroughly researched, based on the details of the ships, the voyages, the Separatists' beliefs, etc. Something I thought the author did well is incorporating the characters' religious beliefs in a smooth and believable way. I'm a Christian myself, but most "Christian fiction" seems to be too preachy or too awkward and just not well-integrated. Here, that didn't seem to be a problem, maybe because the characters were so very religious that it seemed natural to have frequent quotes from Scripture, prayers, etc.

Recommended for fans of historical fiction and/or Christian fiction.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me a free e-ARC of this book.

The book is about the pilgrims who came over on the Mayflower, and try to start a colony in Plymouth. I loved the history aspect of the book, and learned so many interesting things I never knew about that voyage over to America. I liked how the author incorporated real people from the voyage into the story, and showing how their faith played a big role in their decisions. Otherwise, I felt the story was a bit lacking. It just seemed there needed to be more. It was still a quick, and enjoyable read.

I have read very little books that take place in this period in history, so I was thrilled to pick it up and try something new! Woodhouse does a great job of providing background/history while still writing a captivating and engaging story. Looking forward to reading her next book!

I received a copy from NetGalley; this is my honest review. #TheMayflowerBride #NetGalley
-Despite their young age, William and Mary Elizabeth make a great couple but I only saw friendship not love, certainly not lust or anything else.
-Lots of details of the hardship of the voyage, more drama than I cared for, not enough interaction between the people on the ship but a great deal of grief.
-I'm not sure what the problem was with the author and "and vs. &" specifically while quoting verses but really it seems disrespectful. If she wanted to save space why not breathe or whisper a prayer without actually writing the whole thing or stopped quoting the Bible while (maybe) giving up the reference - I have my own Bible, I can check it out myself. I calculated about a dozen pages or more lost to quotes, prayers and sermons and that's too much. Fortunately the author exchange "and" for "&"!
-Then another 3 pages wasted for the copy of the agreement with the Natives and all the signatures (was that really necessary to the story?).
-The author herself gives a spoiler at the beginning of the book by saying that Mary Elizabeth's father will die. Other than that, I'm not sure what those lists were for as they didn't help at all during the reading of the story.
-The book, deemed an historical romance, felt more like a research paper to be given to a professor.
-This is my first book with this author and doesn't encourage me to read more from her. I'm hoping the next book will be better since I know the author.

Although good, this book didn't grab my attention as much as I'd hoped. The story is good. The concept is great. Personally, I just had a tough time getting into the book.

The people that came over on the Mayflower are an amazing group. It really is remarkable what they were able to endure. I thought this story was absorbing on a historical perspective but it left me wishing for more. I know the main characters in this book were fictional and that the actual people who came over on the Mayflower come and go as side players in this story but I felt like I would have rather had more about them. I guess perhaps this is a good introduction and now I need to actually go and read up on some of these very interesting people.

As the starter book in a series this set the stage well. It shows a couple starting over in the new world and then as the series progresses decendants of these two will take over the story and lead us through some of American History. It sounds like a promising series!

“The Mayflower Bride” by Kimberley Woodhouse is a novel from The Daughters of the Mayflower series. This novel is set in 1620’s as we follow the Separatists as they travel from Holland to the New World. Mary Elizabeth Chapman is the heroine of this story as she travels with her family to start a new life. She is scared, doesn’t want to go, but is a strong woman and had to accede for her family’s sake.

William Lytton is part of the voyage also and has been hired as a cooper and as a scribe for the contributing companies, journaling the exploits of the group.

The voyage is very rough as they cross the Atlantic and many are lost to disease. Those left are committed to making a go of their settlement. Many characters who actually were voyagers are mentioned in this book and the author obviously spent a great deal of time researching this time period and this particular voyage.

Although this book was well written, it did not capture my attention well. I am not particularly fond of this period of history and so that perhaps colored my opinions.

The Mayflower Bride by Kimberley Woodhouse is the first in the Daughters of the Mayflower series. I love how the author brings this time period to life while making it easy to read without the old English that can be difficult to read. Mary Elizabeth is a young girl coming of age. She and her father travel on the Mayflower. They face much adversity along the way. Overall, this is a wonderful historical novel and I highly recommend it. I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher and then purchased it myself. These opinions are entirely my own.

This book is historical fiction. Keep in mind, that a lot that is written is fact woven into the storyline.
This is about a young lady's journey on a ship, to a land of religious freedom. The book tells about the tribulations that are endured in this venture. The lack of accommodation, food, sanitary conditions. Overcrowding was another common problem. Then the illnesses, scurvy, pneumonia, most likely ending in death. After months of living in these dire conditions, they reach their destination and must than start building homes, a town.
Very well written. First of a series.
5 Stars

It's a small world.

When I saw this on through NetGalley, I thought the name looked familiar. I read about Kimberley's daughter in a CLUBHOUSE magazine years ago and my dad and I had literally been talking about it just a few days before!

This is a sad book. Really, it is. At the start, Mary Elizabeth and her family are trying to find their way to a new normal only a year after her mother's death. In an effort to start fresh, her father volunteers their family to be one of the first to go across the Atlantic to the New World. About to be uprooted from everything she's ever known, Mary Elizabeth takes comfort in the fact that she is with her family and her best friend, Dorothy.

The adventures start immediately. Mary Elizabeth and her group are on the Speedwell, which, due to leaks, never leaves England. All the Speedwell's passengers crowd into the Mayflower and off they go.

[Pause. We think people give their kids strange names nowadays? (They do). But, some of the names from back then are so weird! Here are some examples: Remember, Resolved, Oceanus, Peregrine, Giles, Humility (seriously?!). Oh, for my friends, there was a couple on the Mayflower who had two children, John and Francis :)]

I'm sure it's no surprise to you that the journey is tough. It's not spoiling anything to talk of all the loss due to sickness, both on the ship and once they arrive in the New World. That's why the book is so sad though. Mary Elizabeth feels all the loss and takes it rather hard. (view spoiler)

The main theme and message from my point of view is that of trust and surrender to God. Mary Elizabeth struggles to maintain joy and trust amidst all the loss and suffering. I could relate, especially to her times of feeling depressed due to a situation. I also can relate to gaining comfort from Scripture.

The characters were well-done and the story enjoyable. I'm interested in reading the other two books when they come out to see how the story continues.

I appreciated the research the author put into the history of the Mayflower and it’s inhabitants. I was glad to learn more about the Separatists, especially the group in this book, who fled England to Holland.

The author carefully did her research and while the main characters were fictional, the supporting characters did exist. I also appreciated the faith perspective in the book, though it did seem a little overdone. There was a good deal of showing rather than telling. At times it felt like a Bible study lesson, because nearly every point made or struggle described needed to have a Scripture reference or prayer.

A caveat in this review, I tend to favor books in the vein of Tolkien and CS Lewis’ Chronicles of Narnia that don’t hammer in biblical truths at every opportunity but weave it in throughout the framework of the book, it’s characters, and in their actions.

There was also a lot of repetition in the book, especially in regards in the romance. The romance was cheesy at times. The villain in the story never truly felt like a threat. I wasn’t every really worried about him. I also felt like everything was resolved fairly easily. I wasn’t anxious about the outcome of the book.

I’d recommend the book to elementary and middle schoolers.

I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thoughts and opinions are my own.

The Mayflower Bride What a magical, warming, loving, tender and historical tale of the riders on the Mayflower. Oh how the author brought this tale to life. It was so original and real. The author did such a fantastic job catching your attention and bringing you along for the ride with the travelers; you honestly felt like you were on it with them but felt so grateful that we have the shot for pneumonia and bad that they didn't an awful for the result because of it. If this sounds good - which I know it does - go get this and enjoy for yourself….

The Mayflower Bride is the first book in the Daughters of the Mayflower Series. Each book written by a different author with the first book written by Kimberley Woodhouse.

In The Mayflower Bride Mary Chapman is a Separatist in 1620 in Holland in search for a better life in the New World. The story also follows William Lytton a carpenter leaving England looking for opportunities to succeed. The story follows these two as they journey to the New World facing the challenges of living on a boat with many other people of different upbringing.

I really wanted to like this book. I have really been into historical fiction lately so I thought this time period would be an interesting one to read. However, I just couldn’t get into the story. Its told in a few different perspectives but not in a way that I ever really felt invested in any of the characters. I just didn’t care what happened to them and I didn’t find the challenges they faced that big and I didn’t really care if they overcame their challenges or not.

If you like this time period and are searching for a really simple book or want a book to read but don’t want to invest to much into it then this book might be for you.