What an enjoyable story from beginning to end the author held me spell bound, and then I didn’t want to leave.
We get and up-close look at the poverty that was prevalent in1860’s London, England, and the difference between the classes, and see the constant death because of the conditions. Times and people so desperate for food and any comfort that they are willing to leave and travel to the unknown, or leave on a bride ship to the Canadian North West.
I am excited that there are more books in this series to come!
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Bethany House, and was not required to give a positive review.

This is quite a story.

I’ve always admired the research that Jody Hedlund does to make sure that her books have an authentic feel to them. When you combine her research skills with her amazing ability to write a compelling story, it’s no wonder that I can hardly put any of her books down once I began to read them. I don’t think that I’ve ever read a story about the “bride ships” until I read this one. The history behind this makes for an extraordinary story, and that the book is somewhat based on a true account of a doctor on board ship falling in love with one of the brides who assisted him adds special interest to the story. (Don’t miss reading the author’s notes at the end of the book.) The author does a great job with the settings of this story. I felt as if I were in the squalor of London and on board the ship during the storm.

The heroine of this story is Mercy Wilkins. I instantly had sympathy and admiration for her. Despite her horrible living circumstances, she’s a loving and kind sister who is desperately trying to find a way to provide food for her younger siblings. In England in the year 1862, there is very little respectable work for a poor, uneducated young woman. When Mercy’s mother loses her job, her mother makes it clear that Mercy must leave the family in order to have enough for the younger children. She discovers that the Columbia Missions Society is offering a chance for young women to have a new opportunity in British Columbia, and will pay for their passage there. Mercy joins this group, unaware that it is actually a “bride ship” and that on arrival in British Columbia, she’ll be expected to find a husband.

On board the ship, Mercy begins to work with Lord Joseph Colville, the ship’s physician. Joseph is quickly drawn to Mercy’s compassion and nursing skill of the ship’s patients, as well as her beauty. Joesph is an honorable man who, much like the Biblical character of Jonah, is on board the ship running away from the ministry he believes God was calling him to do. As they work together, the two fall in love. But the social and economic differences in their lives seem almost impossible to overcome. As they face desperate circumstances on sea and land, they realize they must both make their peace with God. I loved the conclusion of this story. There are some other characters whose storylines were unfinished in this book, and I’m looking forward to reading more about them in this series.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

Jody Hedlund writes compelling historical fiction that intrigues the reader from beginning to end. A Reluctant Bride is no different and is based on historical fact.

Mercy's parents are living in a hovel and running out of room for their ever-growing family. When a new baby is born, Mercy's parents are going to send her younger brother to the docks to work. Instead, Mercy volunteers to go out to find a position. She finds out there is a ship going to Vancouver Island with the promise of jobs (or so she thinks) for the women who are going on the ship. What Mercy doesn't know is that this is a bride ship for hundreds of single men waiting for wives.

On the ship, Mercy meets Joseph, the ship's doctor. Because Mercy is rather stalwart, Joseph calls for her as a nurse as he takes care of the sick on the ship. Feelings begin to grow between them, but when they reach shore, the lose track of each other.

Jody has given the reader a peek into life on the ship among the various classes of passengers. The most elite have all the amenities and plenteous food. The second class have nice enough rooms with about six to a room with bunks that are comfortable enough. The third class passengers are down in the bowels of the ship with poor food, lack of clean water, multiple people in a bed, and no time on deck to get fresh air and sunshine.

This is a five star book, with two thumbs up, and some smuggled rolls for the poorer passengers.

Bethany House and NetGalley.com provided the galley I read. The opinions posted here are totally my own.

This was such an interesting story to me. First the streets of London and the poverty so well displayed on the streets. Then the depravity that must have led to for women to leave everything to start a new life in a new country as brides to men they did not know. I recommend reading the authors note at the end of the book. The love story between the pages was so sweet. It’s a must read. The history and the story itself was a 5 star read! I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions stated here are my own.

I love Jody Hedlund's writing style and the way she incorporates christian themes with her historical romances. And typically I'm like "moan, groan" if I hear the term Bride Ship because hey, we all know what that story arc is all about, am I right? Luckily I know that anything by this author is touched with gold, so I requested it and downloaded and read it in a day. A Blessedly Long Day. But a wonderful day that was perfectly set for this reluctant bride story regarding the young and humble Mercy Wilkins. She is from a destitute family in London and knows there is literally zero hope of a happy existence when she has to survive on a stale piece of bread for sustenance each day. When she finds out about the ship taking young ladies abroad to help settle British Columbia she knows it is a chance not to be spurned. It is not until later that she finds out the main purpose of all the ladies sailing to an unknown land is so that they can be brides and have babies and Mercy is having none of that!

Mercy is a sweet and endearing character who is tempted by the gorgeous doctor on board the ship - yet there will always be the division of classes of the poor and the upper crust. Turns out the handsome doctor is really Lord Joseph Colville of London and she really should not be catching his eye, but of course her sweet nature is so unlike the haughty taughty ladies that she sets herself apart, rags and all. And yes, A Reluctant Bride follows along the familiar storyline of love conquers all but this novel also brings to light other themes such as we are all God's creatures no matter if you are a Lord or a maid. We are shown the hardships that the poorest of the poor are forced to endure, the heartaches and the burdens that are so easy to turn a blind eye to. And yet Mercy was blessed with the fortitude to be able to do whatever it is she could to be able to make a difference and she did not hesitate to help someone who would definitely not return the favor.

As Mercy was so easy a character to like, so was the good doctor. Lord Colville also portrayed the genteel qualities of the titles he owned, but he also had a good struggle with his own burdens that he works through in the novel. Of course the reader knows that these two are meant for each other, but the obstacles of other people and the social strata of what should be done block their direct paths to true happiness. I do not normally go all through the character analysis in a review but since it is already written here I shall leave it. I look forward to book two which will feature a fellow passenger on the bride ship.

Suffice it to say this novel is going to stay with me for a while, just as Hedlund's other works have. The author brings a passion to all of her stories that blend the context of history, inspirational themes and pure clean romance that is hard to put down mid way through. Thank you to Bethany House Publisher for supporting this wonderful author and providing her amazing work for us to devour.

“Though her hair was damp and unkempt, face smudged and weary, her garments soggy and splattered with all manner of filth, for a reason he couldn’t explain, she had grown more beautiful and not less.”

What an incredible journey! Jody Hedlund is well-known for her beautifully written historical fiction and this beginning of a new series about bride ships will surely delight her fans and garner more followers. The story sets out in Victorian London where squalor, poverty, and hopelessness abound and moves across the oceans to Vancouver Island (British Columbia) where untainted beauty and new opportunities await. Truly this story enveloped me completely and had me right there next to Mercy and Joseph as they battled the darkness of London, the trying and emotionally confusing voyage across the different oceans and waterways, and the uncertainty in a new world.

Mercy, in her sweetness and goodness, is instantly lovable. Though meek by practice in her world of poverty, she has a fire and persistence that allow her to keep loving those around her and tend to the sick with gentleness and care. She’s been beaten down by the difficulties of life yet still holds on to her desire to help others in their suffering. Joseph is a privileged peer who has chosen to become a physician and finds himself at home serving others. But he’s running away from responsibility because of his deep-seated wound of having lost his family at a young age. Separated by class and so much more, their friendship is unlikely and frowned upon, especially since she’s unwittingly become one of the prospective brides on a bride ship to Vancouver Island and he’s the ship’s surgeon. Yet their like-mindedness in caring for the sick and their shared life experiences bring them together and their relationship unfolds ever so sweetly.

This book is a must-read for all fans of historical fiction. I received a copy of the book from Bethany House Publishers and was under no obligation to post a positive review. All comments and opinions are solely my own.

A Reluctant Bride is a sweet love story in a unique setting. The whole premise of a bride ship is fascinating and I love the voyage Mercy and Joseph take during this book, both physically and spiritually! Jody Hedlund does a wonderful job creating characters you come to care for and her writing style flows effortlessly.
I definitely recommend this book to reads of historical romance!

I received a copy of the book from the publisher, but the opinions shared are completely my own and without bias.

I was not familiar with the concept of bride ships but leave it to Author Jody Hedlund to do her research and find this unique tidbit in history and then write an inspirational story. With Mercy Wilkins’ parents having too many children to feed and clothe due to the abject poverty and hopelessness in London, she finds a way to leave and joins a bride ship sailing to British Columbia, even though she has vowed to never marry or have children. On board the ship is Dr. Joseph Colville, who is wealthy and titled. When Mercy assists Dr. Colville during the long, arduous trip, they develop a friendship. Mercy and Joseph are two people from entirely different backgrounds and any kind of romance seems unlikely since she is beneath his station. Will Joseph stop running and accept God’s calling for his life? Will Mercy find happiness and security? I enjoy historical romance and thoroughly delighted in this story as it had just the right amount of romance. I look forward to the next in this series!
I was given a copy by the publisher. All opinions are my own.

I just finished reading "A Reluctant Bride" by Jody Hedlund and it was really good!! 5⭐! This is the first book in her new series called The Bride Ships. The story is based on true events and I think she did a really great job with it! I can't wait to read the next book in the series. Thank you to @netgalley and @bethanyhousefiction for letting me read this book!

A Reluctant Bride is a book about a young girl who accidentally finds herself on a brideship. I found the plot to be interesting from a historical point of view. I liked the characters but found Mercy to be a bit unbelievable. She has a lot of confidence for one so young. It's admirable, but seems a little unrealistic. That being said, if you're a fan of clean, historical romances, this book is worth checking out.

I really liked this one.

Pros:
Jody Hedlund has a way of weaving a beautiful story together while acknowledging truths that are necessary, yet difficult, to hear.

Mercy Wilkins grew up in London's slums - she is the poorest of the poor. Reading about the conditions that the poor had to live in is hard: a lot of the time we want to ignore the extreme poverty in the world, past and present. But, while Hedlund addresses the terrible conditions, she also highlights the beautiful people who work to alleviate the suffering of the poor. Mercy Wilkins is one of those people.

In the beginning of the book, Hedlund does a very good job of juxtaposing Mercy's poverty-stricken life with Joseph's relatively privileged one. The two live such starkly different lives that we are left wondering how these two could ever be together (which, incidentally, is how they both feel, as well). However, over the course of the book, Hedlund highlights Mercy and Joseph's similarities that transcend class lines. Hedlund weaves together a beautiful story about having the courage to ignore class distinctions and simply see people for who they are: God's children, who are all equal in his eyes.

Cons:
Although I liked the romance between Mercy and Joseph, I did think that it was a little too motivated by superficial beauty and desire. Of course, they love each other for their generous and loving personalities, but I felt like the majority of the time they were only motivated by the other one's beauty.

Additionally, the characters were a little one-dimensional. I only saw a couple minor faults within each character, and that mostly revolved around the fact that they couldn't trust God and deal properly with grief. Otherwise, they seemed just a little bit too perfect for my taste.

There were also a couple things in the plot that were left unresolved (For example, Miss Hamilton???). I hope that Hedlund will address them in future novels!

Conclusion:
I liked this book, and I am glad that I read it.

Content: Clean, some steamy embraces
Violence: None

I received a complimentary copy of this book, but all opinions are my own. Thank you to the author, the publisher and NetGalley for an ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review.

What can I say about this book except another wonderful story written by Jody Hedlund and that I'm never disappointed when I read a new book by her? Right on both accounts!!
Jody does wonders with her characters and I enjoy making new friends with them! Too bad they weren't real people and too bad I couldn't pop into the story like Mary Poppins pops into sidewalk chalk paintings. How wonderful that would be!!
I think Mercy would be my favorite character. I love her kind and compassionate ways towards others and always wanting to lend a helping hand where ever she may be at the time.
Now, doesn't Joseph remind you of someone always running away? I thought about this as I read through the book. And as usual I didn't think much about him. I still "liked him" and I enjoyed reading how his character changed like we can if we allow God to do His work in us instead of running in the opposite direction thinking we can do it all on our own.
Yes, change is scary but sometimes it can be for the good. I've had to do it even though I had no say so in it as I was only 14 at the time we moved to a new state, school, neighborhood and everything else. As I got older I adapted to it but really there's no place like home.
And too home is where the people you love are and with God in your heart you can never be lonely!
I think the thing I enjoyed most was the historic part of it as I love history. I always learn something new about a place and I even love the name of the town and sometimes I wonder how the author comes up with the name.
I loved going with Mercy and the other women to a new place. And of course I loved the ship they traveled on since I am a ocean liner buff. Ships fascinate me for some reason.
There wasn't anything about this story I didn't like. It was all very well written
I received a complintary copy from Bethany House publishers with no compensation received and all opinions are my own!

A Reluctant Bride, Jody Hedlund’s first installment in her new Bride Ships series, is a fascinating novel that explores the relatively unknown history of poor British women willingly boarding bride ships to seek a better life in British Columbia in the 1860s. Hedlund takes readers to the poorest slums in London and the horrific conditions those families faced, often with no way out from their situations. Readers are also introduced to the handsome and wealthy Lord Joseph Colville, Baron of Wiltshire. As the ship’s surgeon, he is responsible for helping the sick from all social stations aboard the ship. When young, beautiful Mercy Wilkins has an opportunity to leave the London slums for a better life in British Columbia, she finds herself on the bride ship and ends up assisting Dr. Colville with numerous sick patients. Mercy, poor and from the slums, and Joseph, wealthy and titled, come from two very different stations in life, but find themselves falling in love despite all odds.

Jody Hedlund creates a captivating historical romance that fans of historical fiction will thoroughly enjoy. Readers will become invested in the developing romance between Joseph and Mercy and the inspirational message that is intricately woven into the novel. Hedlund shares the powerful message that God created everyone to be equal and not to accept the labels that others in society often place upon us. God created everyone with a purpose. The secondary characters, such as Miss Lawrence and Mrs. Moresby, provide additional interest to the storyline. Mrs. Moresby (one of the women on the Female Immigration Committee) becomes a beloved character toward the end of the novel as she delivers encouragement and inspiration as Mercy contemplates her life after departing the bride ship.

A Reluctant Bride is recommended for readers of inspirational historical fiction, especially those who enjoy books by authors such as Carrie Turansky, Elizabeth Camden, and Rachel Fordham. Readers will eagerly look forward to the second book in the series. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine.

“Don’t get stuck thinking you don’t matter or you’re not important enough. I know people like us who come from lowly backgrounds, we all too often accept our place at the bottom and think that’s where we belong. But that’s just not true. God didn’t create some people to be better than others. He created everyone to have equal value.”
- Mrs. Moresby to Mercy

I always enjoy getting the opportunity to delve into a Jody Hedlund novel, and this newest story is no exception. Right from the beginning I was pulled headlong into the story and swept blissfully along on a journey that I won’t soon forget!

This story is so much more than a journey across the ocean from England to the Canadian Colonies of Vancouver. It is a journey of growth, and a journey of learning how to let go of past hurts.

Along the way there are storms, but it is more than the physical storms. Yes, there are damaging sea waves and howling winds. But more than that this story is about the emotional storms we face and a gentle reminder that no matter what walk of life we come from, God sees us as equal. No one person is better than another.

Mercy Wilkins’s struggled touched my heart. While I have never faced the same hardships she faces, I can identify with her struggle to see herself as God sees her versus how people around her do. It is so easy to accept the labels that others slap on our backs and forget to look up and into the face of our loving heavenly Father.

Joseph Colville has been running from the pain of devastation loss ever since he lost his entire family to a cholera outbreak. But when he stands to lose his very heart, will he stand and fight or will he continue to run?

I reached the end of the story feeling like I had lived it with the characters. Even the secondary characters, you either love or loathe. I loved every moment I spent reading this story. I look forward to reading more stories in this series. I can’t wait to see who we get to learn more about next. I’m hoping that Miss Lawrence is next. I highly recommend this story to anyone and everyone. Grab yourself a copy today!

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

Why do I love historical fiction? This book is a prime example of why!
After reading the book and about the author's research which sounds like she had a blast researching it by the way I realized this is based on a true event.
I LOVE books based historically on true events.
A Bride Ship! Doesn't that sound so romantic? Now I've read plenty of books about mail-order brides but none about Bride Ships, cue dreamy sigh!
I love the main character's name as well, Mercy. Mercy truly is an angel of mercy.
She administers to sick infants and children in the slums of London.
Living among the poorest of the poor in London where disease and filth are prevalent she jumps at the chance of a better life by joining a bride ship except she doesn't know it's a bride ship. She thinks the ship that's bound for British Columbia is taking the women there for a better life of employment as nannies and housekeepers.
Meeting Joseph Colville for the second time on the ship the Tynemouth, this angel of mercy brings a sick child to the doctor again and he sees her for the compassionate woman she is.
Though he is not looking for romance just in caring for the ships passengers as their surgeon he and Mercy must fight against their romantic feelings for each other.
With the woman being so strictly chaperoned will a chance at true love pass them by?
I highly recommend this book!

Pub Date 04 Jun 2019
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. Thank you.
All opinions expressed are my own.

My Review:

Genre: Romance, historical, fiction.

My Rating: 4 and 1/2 stars.

My Favorite Character/s: Mercy was so different (in a good way, I promise!), her character so strong and kind -- never caring for herself, but for others. I don't really understand where she was coming from and it was nice getting to see why she did what she did.

My Verse for Mercy is Luke 10:33 But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion on him, (King James Version.)

Joseph was a wonderful character and he was so good for Mercy even if they didn't know it at first, and I enjoyed reading when he put a curtain . . . Mr. Collins (Pride and Prejudice) like character in his place. ;)

My Verse for Joseph is Romans 8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. (King James Version.)

My Thoughts: In the past, I've heard of Bride Ships, the idea of them was odd, interesting, and yet slightly romantic and scary . . . I guess?

I've read Mrs. Hedlund's books before and enjoyed them, which led me to sign up for the launch team with little hope of getting on since I hadn't been on any launch teams for the author before . . . But, after a while, I got an email saying I got a place and to expect my ARC paperback in the mail soon. Long story short I got it in the mail a few weeks later and, um, read it within hours. I just couldn't put it down, the romance was perfect, the characters bond so sweet and loving. In all this is a wonderful novel from Hedlund!

Review to post here: http://kayleeskindofwrites20.com/2019/06/04/book-review-of-a-reluctant-bride-by-jody-hedlund on June 4th!

A great historical story about the bride ships that sailed from great Britain to British Columbia in the 1860's. Lots of detail about the journey, hardships and women aboard. The effort to relocate women to a better life was commendable. For a Christian novel, I thought faith was not emphasized as much as sound have been. The reverend was truly unlikable. I felt sorry for his two daughters. This was an enjoyable read with a somewhat predictable ending but I'm looking forward to the next installment.

Although her life in London is extremely difficult, Mercy Wilkins has done the best she can. But when her mother loses her job, making it impossible to feed all members of the family, Mercy leaves home so that one of her younger siblings won't have to. Her sister Patience, who has already gone to the workhouse, convinces Mercy to go to the Columbia Mission Society in order to immigrate to Canada for work. Although she's reluctant to go, with no other option--other than marriage, and Mercy has vowed never to marry or have children--she does just that, only finding out after she has started her journey that the women aren't immigrating to find jobs; they're to become brides for men in Canada. Determined to find a recourse other than marriage, Mercy spends her time on the ship caring for the others and assisting the ship's doctor, Joseph Colville.
Joseph's aunt and his peers have long expected him to settle into his place among the gentry, but Joseph can't bear the thought. So instead of staying in England to take his place among the aristocracy and manage his estate, he signs on as the doctor on a ship bound for Canada. He's prepared to enjoy his journey to a new land; he's NOT prepared for the feelings he develops for Mercy. Beautiful inside and out, Joseph can't help but come to care for her, but with Mercy determined not to wed and with the differences in their classes, Joseph doesn't know what to do about his feelings for her.

Jody Hedlund is such a fantastic author, with an amazing ability to pull you right into the story alongside the characters. I wouldn't think reading a book that takes place largely on a ship would be so interesting--I mean, they're pretty limited in what they can do and what sort of action there can be--and yet, Hedlund made Mercy and Joseph's story so engrossing that I couldn't put it down. I was really drawn in by Mercy's character--so sweet and pure, rather than embittered by the harsh life she's endured, and I liked how Joseph was a bit of a prodigal initially but came to want to follow the path God wanted him to follow. Another terrific book from Hedlund!

I read an ARC provided by the publisher/author. All opinions are my own.

Jody Hedlund has written another incredible story. I thoroughly enjoyed A Reluctant Bride because the story had momentum throughout the lives of the characters, the romance and the adventure aboard the ship. All of her characters were well written, relatable, realistic and certainly memorable. The two main characters were a good match for each other and the rhythm of their romance was touching. Along the journey, lessons were learned about seeking God’s purpose and direction for life, as well as, facing pain from the past. This moving historical fiction provided an interesting look at these bride ships and I am eagerly awaiting the rest of this series. I was given a copy of this book by the publisher. All opinions are my own.

The idea of bride ships piqued my interest when I read the back cover of The Reluctant Bride, the latest release from Jody Hedlund and the start of a new series. Our leading lady, Mercy, is amongst the poorest of the poor in London and desperate to save her sister from the workhouse. The opportunity to travel to British Columbia, where jobs are available aplenty, is one she can’t pass up. Unbeknownst to her, she joins a bride ship full of women from across the economic scale seeking husbands.

Our leading man, Joseph, is escaping the pressure of society to behave in the manner expected of a member of the titled gentry. Instead, he has become a ship’s surgeon exploring the world and simultaneously avoiding the pain in his past.

These two worlds collide on the long sea journey full of drama and illness. Mercy’s compassion and empathy surprises and draws Joseph in. Joseph’s lack of class prejudice allows the friendship to flourish. Christianity is central to the story and the discussion between the two and the debate is thought-provoking but beautifully handled.

Unsurprisingly, those without money suffer greatly both from lack and injustice. Whilst this pain and sadness is central to the plot of the novel it doesn’t taint the atmosphere of novel which is one of hope. The adventurous nature of the sea journey and the exploration of a new world keeps the pace up and allows for the light relief of humour.

I thoroughly enjoyed both characters and their supporting cast. I found the history fascinating and so accurate and I am looking forward to the next in the series. I highly recommend it, five out of five on the en-JOY-ment scale.