Jody Hedlund always baffles me with her keen eye for history and ability to really bring the context alive.
My heart hurt for Mercy and the other immigrants whose lives have not always been kind to them.

Jody also has a deft hand to write a believable character who walks the thin line of finding contentment despite having so little (as in, she's never had a cloke in her life). Mercy Wilkins is worthy of her name, but I mostly loved how Jody chose this to be because of the influence of her sister, Patience, and not a naive characteristic.

Her compassionate heart will definitely bewilder aristocrat and doctor Joseph Coville. He has completely turned his back on society and traveled the world to fulfill what he believes to be his calling. In reality, Joseph never expected to inherit the title as it belonged to his elder brother. But cholera in one fistful event took those he held dear, and now Joseph avoids, though his dear friend Dr. Bates would way runs from, anything that reminds him of his grief.

These two characters have nothing in common it seems having grown up in such divergent circumstances. But a heart that beats solidly for the same cause might just have its way in joining two unlikely people.

I believe that this will be one of my favorite books by Jody Hedlund ever. I loved the history behind this because I had never read about these bride ships before. I loved the characters. I enjoyed getting to know a bit about many of the minor characters as they interacted with Mercy and Joseph. I especially liked to see how Mercy was able to overcome some of her ingrained habits. It is nice to see someone grow as a person throughout a story. I received a copy of this book from the author for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.

It is so exciting to read Jody Hedlund's first book from her new Bride Ships series. I loved Mercy from the start. Her bravery and courage made her a fabulous character. It was great watching her friendship with Joseph grow.
I am giving A Reluctant Bride a well deserved five plus stars. I can not wait to get my hands on the second installment, The Runaway Bride, in 2020. I highly recommend this one.
I received this book from the author, but was not required to write a review. This review is 100% my own honest opinion

We can’t get caught upon seeing problems from our view. God’s so much bigger and has things worked out in His ways - ways we can’t begin to understand”... A Reluctant Bride.
Wow! I’m totally in love with Jody Hedlund new series!
I love Historical Romances and Jody is absolutely one of my top favorite authors!
I love that her stories are usually based on true stories, even if the characters are sometimes fictional, but they manage to reflect so well how people lived under such hard circumstances, and how all this hardship made them strong and compassionate for others. There’s always an inspiring message in her books, and this was no exception, and I love that it doesn’t feel preachy at all.
Mercy Wilkins lives in one of London’s poorest slums. She’s totally devoted to taking care of her younger siblings and helping feed and care for other needy children in her slum. But the more she does, the more she realizes it’s never enough. She has heard that God provides for all his children, but has she, as well as so many people surrounding her, been forgotten and neglected from Him? Suddenly, her mother gets fired from her work, and she overheard her mother and her husband questioning who will have to leave the house next, since they can’t feed so many mouths anymore. When she hears they are thinking of sending her young brother to live in the docks, she knows she won’t allow it so she takes a providential opportunity of joining a ship to start a new life in British Columbia, where women are scarce. She’s just not aware that she’s sent as a bride to be for one of the many men that live there...
Joseph Colville is a wealthy man, Baron of Wiltshire. But his estate and the social life attached to it is the last thing he wants after watching his whole family die to a cholera epidemic that ravaged London. So he instead devotes to study medicine and later to serve as a surgeon in long ocean voyages to India and other places. His mentor, Dr. Bates offers him partnership in his medical office for the needy people of London slums, where he sporadically helps, but he’s not ready to compromise. He wants his freedom and the excitement of exploring new worlds. So when he’s offered the chance to be the surgeon of the Tynemouth, he knows he can’t lose this opportunity of a new adventure...
But life in the ship proves more difficult than expected and both Joseph and Mercy meet again, after having met at Dr. Bates office, when Mercy brings in a very sick little girl. Dr. Bates told Joseph afterwards that Mercy really was an “Angel of Mercy” as she was always helping someone in need, in one way or another. But it’s not until meet again in the ship that he has a chance of experience himself what Dr. Bates meant. At the first sea storm, where many people fall ill and get injured, it’s Mercy the one who assists the doctor in taking care of the sick. Soon she’s an essential aid to the doctor in assisting him to care for the sick, as there are many needs that he alone can’t take care of. This forges a deep and beautiful relationship based on caring for others, that slowly grows into something more. But a romance in their circumstances is prohibited and when they get to British Columbia, there will be many men vying for her hand. Will they have a chance at love after all? Or will circumstances keep them apart from each other?
This was a beautiful story! I loved the depth of the characters. Mercy was a beautiful woman, inside and outside, always putting the welfare of others before hers, and sacrificing everything she has to make others lives more bearable. She’s innocent and transparent, even there’s misery and evil near her, and what is most beautiful about her is that she’s not aware of her beauty or the generosity of her spirit. Joseph was also a strong character, still grieving and searching for his real identity, but with a kind and compassionate heart. Mercy’s generosity humbles him and makes him question if he can make a difference in this world, just as she is doing, one person at a time.
I loved the romance in this story. It’s not a romance based on physical attraction but in the beauty of the other’s soul. What truly brings them together is the generosity and selflessness that the circumstances bring out in them, the understanding of doing something that matters and makes a difference in people’s lives, more than love at first sight. The way the relationship grows was beautiful to watch. And I really fell in love with these characters, the things they endure, and the decisions they make.
This is also a faith inspired novel and it has a beautiful message too about trusting God and how He can bring beautiful and more meaningful things from bad things and hardship than an easy and comfortable life.
I also love Jody’s expertise in historical settings. I’m not an expert, but it feels so realistic and I’m sure it’s very well researched. I felt I was reading a Charles Dickens novel, but with sweeter elements to make the misery less painful.
This is a new favorite book of mine. I love every single one of Jody’s stories but this one is right now at the top of the list.
Can’t wait to read the next installment in this series. Hopefully it will be Patience story, Mercy’s sister who remains at a workhouse in London.
I highly recommend this new start to a captivating and realistic series.
I received a copy of this book from 5e Publisher via Netgalley and this is my honest and unbiased review.

Book Review: Can love break the barriers of class, work and society’s expectations?


A Reluctant Bride
(The Bride Ships Book #1)
by Jody Hedlund



Jody Hedlund’s newest series, The Bride Ships starts with A Reluctant Bride. She takes us to the slums of 1862 London, England. Mercy Wilkins is the “angel of mercy” that cares for the young children not only in her family, but those who live in the tenements around her.

When she rushes in a sick, neighbor child to the medical clinic she meets Lord Joseph Colville, the substitute on-call doctor.

Tragedy strikes and her mother loses her job. Mercy desperate to not burden her family, agrees to go to British Columbia with the Columbia Mission Society to find work in a new land.

On the ship she runs into Lord Colville again who is now the ships surgeon. Mercy becomes caretaker to the younger women of the Columbia Mission Society, that inform her she is expected to be a “bride-to-be” when they arrive at their destination.

Realizing that Mercy was an asset as a nurse, Joseph requests her assistance from her chaperones. During the trip across the seas, a love blossoms that neither wants to admit is happening. Mercy never intended to be a bride. Joseph wasn’t ready to settle down. Of course, his title stands in the way and her commitment to the Society keeps her from acting on her feelings with him.

So many things threaten to keep them apart when it is obvious they belong together. One of my favorite quotes from the boom is from the ships captain, “My advice,” said the captain, his voice turning gentle, “do not let the barriers of class interfere with anything. Not work. Not life. And certainly not love.”

Another quote, “Who determined their stations? Why did the world need such stations anyway? Would not the world be a better place if a man simply lived in humility and loved his brother or sister as himself, regardless of one’s birth?” Is so poignant that it applies to today as well as the past.

Jody Hedlund again not only entertains, but gives inspiration of how love can conquer so many things if only our hearts allow. I look forward to many more books in this series if they are as wonderful as A Reluctant Bride. Be sure not to miss this one!

Please visit her website at https://jodyhedlund.com


FTC Disclaimer: I was given an ARC of this title by Bethany House publishing and NetGalley for review purposes only; no other compensation was awarded.

A new Jody Hedlund book is always something that I meet with great anticipation. When it’s the opener of a new series, even better! A Reluctant Bride is a lovely start to her Bride Ships series. I love that Hedlund tackles another intriguing historical event, this time women being a part of a bride ship to be sent to marry complete strangers. This is something I have vaguely heard about before but have never read any fiction concerning this happening.

Our main character Mercy is a desperate woman. Given the option of the workhouse, living on the streets, or perhaps an even worse fate, Mercy decides to forgo them all and agrees to sail on one of the bride ships. Bound for a colony and potential marriage to men they have never met, Mercy and the other women are kept under strict separation by their chaperones. Mercy, however, has a gift for tending to those who are ill, and becomes a great help to the ship’s doctor. This doctor, Joseph Colville, happens to be an aristocrat, and the stark contrasts between their stations in life is one of the fascinating elements of this story. From living conditions in London to sailing conditions on the ship, Hedlund shows the contrast between the sheer desperation of the poor and the ease of the rich.

While this novel is classified as a historical romance, the plot doesn’t suffer any from that distinction. Plenty of plot points held my attention, and I also enjoyed Mercy and Joseph trying to work through their obvious differences in stations of life. The romance is easy to root for, of course, and readers looking for some sigh-worthy moments will not be disappointed. I’m hopeful that some of the secondary character from this story will be back with a story of their own in coming books.

A Reluctant Bride is the perfect summer read to sink into with its fascinating history, endearing characters, and tender romance. I am eager to see where Hedlund takes the series next!

I received a complimentary copy of this novel from the publisher. I was not required to post a positive review, and the opinions expressed here are my own.

A Reluctant Bride by Jody Hedlund is an excellent historical fiction tale set in the 1860's of protagonist Mercy Wilkins, a poor young woman in London faced with many difficulties and choices to make that lead her to a transatlantic voyage.  Mercy Wilkins never dreamed of leaving her home in the poor slums in London; however, when she is forced to either find work or leave home, she has no other choice but to accept the journey on a bride ship going to British Columbia.  Needless to say, Mercy has been through much in her young life, yet she still has pushed through the grief, pain, and obstacles in order to survive on her own in a new foreign land. 
Joseph Colville has endured much loss and tragedy in his life and has pushed forward through it to become an excellent doctor. He has a hard time settling down in one spot, instead, serving as a doctor aboard various ships on voyages around the world.  Joseph takes the next adventure of serving as the surgeon/physician for the long voyage from England to British Columbia on the Tynemouth.  He enjoys his work and never had thought of settling down with a wife and a family, yet when Joseph happens into Mercy perhaps his mind changes.  
Will Mercy and Joseph survive the voyage full of physical sickensses, social class tifts, storms, strikes, and so many other difficulties? Will their friendship develop into something more or will their vast difference in social class destroy their chance at happiness?  I guess you'll just have to read it to find out! :) Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this book, from the deep characters, the historical themes, and the struggles of faith, love, pain, and life.  I am a fan of Jody Hedlund, and this work of hers did not dissapoint. It was an excellent historical trip in adventure, struggle, pain, faith, and love. I would definitely recommend this book. An excellent read!

Bride ships. Hmmm...a term that I had never heard before. In the 1800's, women who were living horrendous lives would board these ships in hopes of securing a better life elsewhere. That is precisely what the main character, Mercy Wilkins, does in this beautiful book. @jodyhedlund has once again done her research well and invites readers to delve into circumstances that they never knew existed.
Does Mercy escape a wretched future?
Does working alongside Doctor Colville offer far more than gainful employment?
This is a book about hope and the gift of second chances. I highly recommend it! amygreen@bethanyhouse.com @bethanyhousefiction @bakerpublishinggroup #booklove #bookstagram #bookcommunity #bookmail #areluctantbride #brideshipseries #brideships

I could not go through what Mercy did. She gave up everything and still kept her sweet helpful nature. She had people looking down on her just because of where she was born, but did not let that stop her. She was able to find the best in her circumstances and I loved how it all turned out.
Mercy finds herself on a bride ship as she is trying to get out of a bad situation. While on the voyage over, she finds herself helping others, a carry over from her previous life. She was able to make the long voyage from London to British Columbia more bearable for many on the ship.
I really enjoyed this book and look forward to the next one in the series.

Deeply satisfying. This girl knows how to write a story, and how to end it, with a promise for more, and you can't wait. Based on historical facts. Mercy was from the poorest of the poor, living in the slums of London. But she had been raised with love and caring, mostly by her sister - who was in a Workhouse and near to death. She made Mercy promise to go on a ship to British Columbia for a new start. A ray of hope for the hopeless. Reluctantly, Mercy went, not realizing that it was a Bride Ship. She accepted the role that she had lived as due her station, felt she was the bottom of the bottom of society. She reached out to help all around her in any way that she could, primarily nursing the sick. She became deeply attached to each in her care, showing kindness and love. Joseph is a member of Society, but chose to be a ship's surgeon. He learns a lot about himself and how he and his peers treat the poor. Mercy proves to be a perfect nurse, and they spend time together as they travel. Each learns they have prejudices, and work through the assumptions of those who surround them on the ship. The author must have done a lot of research to know what it was like to live in a ship at that time, because you can easily picture everything. A story where you become attached to the characters - need a two five-star rating to give it justice. Eagerly awaiting the next in the series!

Disclosure of Material Connection: 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. 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.”
#AReluctantBride #JodyHedlund #NetGalley #BooksYouCanFeelGoodAbout

Mercy Wilkins’s future in Shoreditch, London, is hopeless. Her family struggles to feed the children, pay the rent, and just survive. Mercy’s older sister, Patience went to the workhouse to relieve the family of her upkeep. Patience, though, encourages Mercy to sign up for a ship going to British Columbia for Mercy to get a fresh start. With nothing to lose, Mercy signs up, hoping to land a job in the new land. Unbeknownst to her, in her haste to sign up, she has signed onto a bride ship.
Dr. Joseph Colville (a/k/a wealthy Lord Joseph Colville, Baron of Wiltshire) is running from the death of his parents and brother. For a long time he has bypassed the trappings of his wealth and worked to make his way. He knows his place, but he moves beyond social class to treat people equally, most of the time.
How does a child of the slums come to befriend a wealthy baron? You’ll have to read and see.
I love Jody’s books because she does her homework. You can count on her stories to really dig into the historical setting to bring the time to life. I’m looking forward to the next in the series!

A Reluctant Bride is a historical gem. The different settings are so beautifully crafted you can practically smell the slums of London or hear the sea birds at sunset aboard the Tynemouth or smell the pine trees as you set foot in Vancouver. It is a vivid world, to be sure.
The story of the brides recruited by the Columbia Mission Society is intriguing and quite an adventure for the poor women from the slums as well as for me! I could hardly wait to see what awaited them on their trip around the Horn as I devoured chapter after chapter and visited each port along the way.
Mercy is truly an angel with a heart bursting at the seams to aid any and all--no matter their social class. And although she thinks herself no better than a servant, she is a brilliant example of a servant of Christ. I cheered for her as I watched her mature in her confidence once she left the oppressive life of the slums.
Joseph is a most definitely a swoon-worthy hero, with wealth and a title to boot. But it is his humble ability to leave his title behind in order to serve others that will steal your heart--and Mercy’s, too. Their chemistry simmers despite the difference in their backgrounds. And the gap in the classes only intensifies their romance as they try to put aside any feelings they have for each other for the sake of society’s opinion.
If you love a book rich with historical details that don’t bog down the story (or the romance), then you will enjoy A Reluctant Bride. I know I did!

“Our whole lives are going to be filled with challenges, and our job is to keep growing and seeking after what God has next for us.”

Jody Hedlund ranks among the top Christian fiction authors in my book, and “A Reluctant Bride” is the perfect illustration of why. Her writing impeccably integrates plot, history, characters, and setting to create a stunning journey that sweeps the reader into the story right from the first page and stays in mind long after the last. A seamless coalescing of elements breathes life into each chapter, both informing and resonating with the reader. Fans of such authors as Connilyn Cossette, Tessa Afshar, and Kate Breslin will not want to miss out on Jody Hedlund’s own repertoire, and “A Reluctant Bride” is an excellent starting point.

Based on a true story, “A Reluctant Bride” opens in London, England, in May of 1862. While she keeps the narrative clean, Hedlund does not shy away from the gritty details, which is so important not only in maintaining historical accuracy but also for the sake of appreciating the characters’ perspectives and drawing contemporary parallels. This is Dickens’ London, with its rampant disease and strife, its destitute population, and its permeating hopelessness. It is this milieu from which the aptly named Mercy Wilkins emerges, a tenderhearted young woman forced to make her way in the world apart from her family and the life that she has always known. Encountering Lord Joseph Colville, a physician running from the pain of his past, the two would seem to be polar opposites. However, circumstances draw them together and cause them both to examine their lives.

One of the best aspects of this novel is the fact that the main characters’ faith is not deeply rooted to begin with but grows and matures throughout their journey as a result of their struggles. Moreover, all of the characters are three-dimensional and authentic, with plausible motivations. Two of the secondary characters, Miss Lawrence and Mrs. Moresby, particularly intrigued me. Given the time period, concerns regarding women’s propriety and social class disparities pervade the story. How Mercy responds reflects her subservient upbringing and serves as a call to action for readers today: “Don’t get stuck thinking you don’t matter or you’re not important enough. God didn’t create some people to be better than others. He created everyone to have equal value.”

Infused with a strong faith component, “A Reluctant Bride” encompasses several prevalent themes. The romance is swoon-worthy yet clean, and it does not fall into the typical formulaic patterns of so many love stories but rather embodies a stirring complexity. The story encourages readers to challenge the status quo in a world where compassion and loving one’s neighbor goes against the grain. Helping the downtrodden and putting others before oneself reap eternal rewards and can change the world, one person at a time. As Joseph ponders, “Would not the world be a better place if a man simply lived in humility and loved his brother or sister as himself, regardless of one’s birth?” Most importantly, “A Reluctant Bride” emphasizes surrendering everything to God, a habit that requires continual practice and that brings true peace and contentment. For a thought-provoking, inspiring, soul-stirring read, look no further than Jody Hedlund’s “A Reluctant Bride.”

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 first book in the new Bride Ships series by Jody Hedlund was, for me, like most of her other first-book-in-a-new-series novels. By this, I mean that it spent most of its time setting up the time period and place that the book was set in, introducing the characters for this book (and often for sequels), and really just establishing her general setting for the series, without being a spectacular novel itself. I didn’t connect to either of the characters; I thought their romance was just odd. The timing of it was odd, the plot was odd, and nothing really just seemed to jive with me. However, I’ve noticed this being a pattern among first books of hers, and I know that the latter ones in her series are always phenomenal, so I don’t mind reading the first ones to get myself placed in the setting of the series. It’s not usually a great read, but it’s not usually bad either–just kind of bland and generally not as exciting as the books that follow it. I understand completely that the first book in a series has a lot of work to do in setting up the time and place of the series, so I’m not disappointed about it. I would just say, if you miss this one, don’t worry. It’s usually not too hard to pick up with the second book, and you don’t miss much from the first one. This is not to say that this isn’t a sweet historical romance based off of real people–it is, and I loved all the history incorporated into this novel. It just wasn’t one of Hedund’s best, in my opinion.

Thank you to Bethany House and Net Galley for providing me with an electronic copy of this book to read and review. I received a copy of this book for free. I was not required to post a positive review and the views and opinions expressed are my own.

*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.*

The start of a new Jody Hedlund series is always an exciting thing. She has more than earned her spot as one of my must-read authors with her stellar characters and in-depth research that shines through in her stories. The idea of bride ships is something I think I was aware of but had never really given much thought to. Through Mercy and the women she befriends on the voyage I was really able to feel the desperation that would drive a woman to leave her family and homeland behind for such an unknown destination.

The journey from England to British Columbia felt very claustrophobic and Mr. Scott’s presence always seemed to loom around the corners as I was turning pages. I was getting some serious Mr. Collins vibes from this character and his obsession with class and patronage. His awkwardly long bows had me looking around uncomfortably right along with Joseph and Mercy!

Mercy’s situation in life is about as bleak as it could be and yet she is always willing to give a little more of herself to those in need, even to her own detriment. She is a ray of light whenever she’s on the page and it is so easy to see why others are drawn to her.

The living conditions in the slums of London were absolutely shocking to read about! Buildings being propped up and filth in the streets? I could almost feel the diseases crawling and was so happy to escape.

I am looking forward to reading the next in the series to see how life develops on Vancouver Island after the brides arrive and begin to settle into life on the frontier. I highly recommend this to fans of historical fiction and romance.

I received a copy of this book from the author and Bethany House Publishers in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

I love reading the author’s notes on the background of a novel and this fictional story has lots of real facts and happenings included. History is so much more interesting learned this way. My eyes were opened to the poverty and slum areas of London around 1862. My heart broke for Mercy and how she had to live. The love she never received for herself she gave willingly to those around her in need. From helping those sick to begging for stale bread from a baker to share with the orphans on the street. When an opportunity arises for her to travel by ship to British Columbia to a new settlement she reluctantly agrees. Thinking she is going to find a job and work there she later finds out she’s expected to be a bride for one of many men waiting for the women to arrive.
On board ship she meets the doctor, Joseph, an aristocrat and gives her help to him when needed. They are both hiding deep hurts and griefs from the past and have run from them and from God. The story told about them and how they change and grow during their lengthy voyage is truly worth reading. This is going to be a series and I’m truly looking forward to the next one after reading A Reluctant Bride.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and was not required to write a review positive or otherwise.

What a beautiful book cover for a beautiful story this book has told…….I love Historical fiction and this one begins in the slums of London in the 1860’s. I had never heard of a Bride Ship but it stands to reason that willing women would be brought to a place where there were very few men to become brides. To many of these women it would be so much better than what they were facing in their present dilemmas. This story revolves around a beautiful woman who can hardly find enough food for herself, yet has the heart to help the sick and others who fare worse than she. Merci finds herself on this ship at the request of her sister who is in the Poor House, and dying from little food and hard work. Merci agrees to go, but is determine to never marry. Then we have a young Lord who is also a doctor who has signed on to be the ship’s doctor on this Brides Ship. All of this makes for a very interesting read. Each page filled with suspense, hardships, tragedy and yes, romance. What a book to keep you reading on and on until the last beautiful ending for this beautiful book……I received a copy from the publisher and am happy to leave a review.

A Reluctant Bride captured me immediately. I loved the characters and that we got to see them develop and follow the path that God had for them. Both of the characters have been hurt, but they are in different social classes. They each have to find their own way and reconnect with God. By doing so, their paths lead them to go right where they were meant to be.

Mercy is a poor young woman with a heart that is filled with kindness. Out of desperation she boards a ship that she hopes will finally give her the opportunity to work and have freedom.

Joseph is a Baron that is mourning the death of his family. He has followed his own way be becoming a medical doctor. When he sees first hand the poor and the need that they have, he has to decide if it is God's will for him to follow the path that he is on, or to go where the need it the greatest. While trying to figure it out he boards a ship to serve as the medical doctor. He is surprised to learn it contains a group of women who are bound to become brides to minors and laborers in British Columbia.

Mercy and Joseph begin to work together as a medical team. Neither expected to fall in love. But that is not acceptable. Their classes are too far apart and one very determined man makes it his mission to keep Mercy in her place.

A Reluctant Bride is the first book in the Bride Ship series. I loved it. It is so well written that it is hard to put down. I received an ARC of this book and this is my honest feedback.

While I've heard of mail-order brides, I had never heard of bride ships prior to learning about A Reluctant Bride. (Except those that brought women to Australia to marry the convicts there.) So it was fascinating to discover that ships once brought women to Canada from England in response to the pleas of the men who lived there, outnumbering the women exponentially.

Mercy's story highlights the deplorable conditions of the poor in London in the mid-nineteenth century. Reading about the filth, disease, and abject poverty made me cringe, especially the details of the occupation Ash, Mercy's father, had. Eew!!

It was easy to see the desperation Mercy felt that led her to embark on the journey to Victoria, British Columbia. It was a humorous touch that Mercy didn't realize it was a bride ship - she thought the mission society was simply looking for domestic workers.

As the living embodiment of her name, Mercy had a heart bigger than most. She cared for the neglected children in her slum as much as she could, even sacrificially. She so naturally assumed the role of surrogate mother to the young orphans on the ship and assisted the handsome young ship's surgeon in caring for the sick.

I was very interested in the historical details shared along the way, descriptions of life on board and the conditions of the various strata of passengers, learning about the improved methods of sailing to compensate for the times when the winds were not sufficient to propel the ship, and the glimpse of the Falkland Islands.

Class distinctions and feelings of inferiority permeated Mercy and Joseph's lives. She struggled with the intense need to be nothing like her immoral mother and feelings of inadequacy, which were echoed to her even by the minister who chaperoned the brides. Joseph struggled with a heart closed off to love because of the loss he had experienced.

Overall, the story was interesting, yet it did drag a little. The backstory of one of the brides was alluded to enough so I want to know more about Miss Lawrence's history and what happens next. I am hoping to read more about her in a future story of The Bride Ships series.

I was eagerly anticipating this, the second book I have read by Jody Hedlund, and was not disappointed. It is always such a pleasure to find a new "favorite author," and Jody has earned a place on my list.

A Reluctant Bride, set in Victorian England tells the tale of a "Bride ship" bringing young women, often escaping the "workhouse" to find employment and eventually marry in British Columbia. The story revolves around Mercy - a kind-hearted, beautiful and compassionate young woman leaving in hopes of a better life and the Ships surgeon Lord Joseph Colville. They come from entirely different stations in life, but as they are thrown together caring for the sick aboard the ship they find themselves irresistibly drawn to each other.

Themes in this novel included seeking and knowing the Lord's direction for one's life, and overcoming the pain of our personal history. "Patience always said that we might be troubled on every side, but God's still there working things out in his way. And God's way is something we can't always see or make sense of."

There was much of interest to me in this book - a nurse myself, I always enjoy learning about medical and nursing practice around the time of Florence Nightingale, so I found this aspect of the book intriguing. Mercy, an intuitive and genuinely caring nurse, who is willing to go far more than an extra mile for those in her care.

Reading about the Tynemouth and the journey from England down to and around South America and up to the then English colonies of Vancouver Island and British Columbia was an incredible feat to ponder. Having been born in and lived my entire life in Beautiful British Columbia, I can attest to Hedlund's assertion that these two places have "unparalleled beauty."

I'm excited about the next stories to come in Hedlund's Brideship series and eagerly anticipate the next one. My thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for providing an ARC for this, my honest review.