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A Reluctant Bride

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Member Reviews

Wow! Just wow! This book is beautifully written and captured me from the beginning. It is a lovely love story about learning to trust and recognize love, overcoming social expectations, and the plight of the poor. This is a story that I don't think I will be able to emotionally let go of for a while.

As I read about the living conditions in London during the middle nineteenth century and the conditions on the boat for the poor, I started to think of my own ancestors who made the journey during that time period. I am sure that they traveled in steerage and lived in the less desirable areas. I am filled with greater gratitude for them and the sacrifices they made for themselves and ultimately for me. This book is filled with history and doesn't sugar coat life for the people during that time period.

Jody Hedlund chose fictitious characters and put them in situations that really happened. I couldn't help but love the characters, the setting, and the time period. This book entertained me while opening my eyes to history.

If you love romance and history, this is a book that I would highly recommend. It does contain kissing and Christian themes.

Source: I requested a copy from Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
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Mercy and Joseph’s story is more than the convergence of two worlds or a sweet tale of opposites and attraction.

Hedlund digs deep to the very core of compassion and humanity by exposing and stripping away societal expectations, prejudice, and even legacy. Both characters struggle to overcome obstacles, navigate the literal and figurative stormy waters of life, and discover their God-given purpose.

A Reluctant Bride has not only sparked my interest in the historical aspects but it has also pricked my heart for those who are suffering in similar and heaven-forbid worse circumstances at this moment somewhere in the world.

I highly recommend this story, eagerly anticipate the next installment of The Bride Ships series, and fully expect the characters, setting, and message to linger in my heart and mind for a long period of time.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and was under no obligation to post a review. The opinions expressed are my own.

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It was a pleasure to read this book by Jody Hedlund. I've read a few other books by Ms. Hedlund, but none of her recent books.

This book follows Joseph, a doctor and lord in England, and Mercy, a poor woman from the slums in London.

The slums in London were a very foul place; with suffering and abuse rampant. Circumstances allow Mercy a place on a ship heading to British Columbia. Once aboard she realizes that rather than going in search of employment, she is part of a group of ladies destined to be brides.

Joseph is looking forward to travel to British Columbia and the Hawaiian Islands. He will be serving the ship as the doctor. In his care are the 60 women destined to be brides.

On board the ship, Mercy catches his attention and often assists him in the care of the passengers. As time passes, Mercy and Joseph spend more time together and feelings develop. Mercy knows that her status as a poor, illiterate woman disqualifies her as a potential partner for Joseph, a British Lord.

The story is beautifully told and once you realize it is based on actual events, it becomes more beautiful. Both Mercy and Joseph must learn to face their emotions, and to see a person as they are rather than their social standing.

I enjoyed this story and I look forward to reading the other books in this series.

I received a copy of this book through Netgalley. I was not required to leave a positive review and all opinions expressed are my own.

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Hedlund excels at histrotical fiction, and her new series is no exception. The Bride Ship makes for a fascinating part of history.

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Summer vacation= lemonade, a sandy beach and a book by Jody Hedlund.  Okay, I don't have a lemonade and I am not on a beach but I did have Jody Hedlund's newest release.  I was really looking forward to reading Reluctant Bride.

Mercy did what she could to save the neighborhood children.  She joined the bride ship to save her sister.  She sacrificed all her life without thinking of what it cost her.  She lost her confidence and her faith waivered. 

Joseph was running away from his past.  He knew GOD had plans for him but he had many questions on his journey of discovery.

I loved this book.  I loved reading about Mercy and Joseph's growth as individuals as well as a couple. 

This is Book One of a new series.  Great start...excited for Book Two!!!!

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Enjoyed this book. Kept me interested all the way through. Would recommend to a fellow reader. Love the cover.

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Strong characters make this story come alive. The plot is very well done and the author clearly has done a lot of research. It had been a while since I read a book by Jody Hedlund, but I'm glad I picked this one up. I look forward to the next book in the series.

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4 out of 5 stars

This was the usual romance of two people who can't be together but desperately want to be.

This was a novel where most of it takes place on a ship. The author did a good job of describing what it was like to live on the ship.

There was a little too much of the desire, passion, heat, sort of thing. That's why I gave it 4 out of 5 Stars.

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This book caught my eye when I saw British Columbia in the description. Anytime I see a Christian Fiction novel set in my country I like to read it if I have the time. This is the first book I have read by Jody Hedlund and I was not disappointed.

It starts out in London, May 1862, before Mercy boards a ship carrying sixty brides (and a few hundred other passengers) to British Columbia, Canada… but unknown to her, it is a bride-ship. And this woman has no desire to ever be married.

Jody did an amazing job with Mercy’s character. In some of the narration while in Mercy’s POV (point of view) Jody would use some words and phrases that brought to life Mercy’s background as one of the poorest people in London. I adored how she avoided looking in a mirror being afraid of what she would see (mirrors were not common back then among the poor). And when a letter arrived for Mercy, I was nervous. She’s uneducated, can she read? Sure enough, she could only read the odd word. And as desperate as she was to know what it said she did not want anyone else to know it’s contents.

The love story between Joseph and Mercy was certainly difficult. A bird may love a fish, but where would they live, the saying goes. She is from the poorest of slums in London, and he is nobility. Being a doctor was already below his station, what would happen if he married Mercy? But as he sees her character, her compassion for others, time after time, his guard slowly crumbles.

Except she is also aware of their differences in society and pushes him away.

Since I absolutely refuse to ruin a good ending for you, I’ll finish here.

Please be sure to read all of the author’s notes at the end of the book if you read Mercy and Joseph’s story! I was amazed by how much of the story revolved around real facts. Yes, there really were bride ships sent to Canada in this time period. I can’t reveal the other history facts Jody weaved into this story without giving away to0 many spoilers!

I give this book a 4 star out of 5.

I received an e-copy of this book free from the publisher for my honest review.

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This was the first book I have read from this author. I was completely impressed on so many level. First - the story is just plain good. The author did extensive research into the subject of 'bride ships' that transported immigrating women to Vancouver Island and British Columbia in the 1860s. I love how she incorporated many actual events into this story.
Second - Jody Hedlund is a gifted writer. The story flowed effortlessly, and I was engaged throughout the entire book. She pours emotion and detail into her story that allows you to experience a bit of what it was like in all the various locations that this story takes place in. Just so well written.
Third - I absolutely loved all the characters in this story. Each one added depth and richness to the story overall.
Fourth - but not least - I throughly loved the clean romance between Mercy and Joseph. There was beautiful chemistry and passion in their relationship. And I loved how the author addressed the subject of the 'stations of people' (wealthy and privileged vs. poor and lowly) -
(quote) "God didn't create some people to be better than others... He created everyone to have equal value."
I also love how the author wove elements of faith into this story as well, and how trusting God for your past, present and future is part of living a fulfilling life.
One of my favorite quotes from this book is: "When we show kindness to someone, we never can know exactly how many lives that kindness may affect."
I will be reading this book again - because it's that good. I look forward to the next Bride Ship story in this series. And I will be reading other books from this author too! I received a complimentary copy of this book. I am not required to leave a positive review. All opinions expressed here are my own.

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Author Jody Hedlund has quite the knack for penning historical novels that grab the reader right in the feels! A Reluctant Bride is well-research with characters you’ll want to cheer and some you won’t like well at all, but then, that’s part of a good story!

A Reluctant Bride begins the series The Bride Ships, and even if you’ve read other novels surrounding bride ships, you haven’t read this one yet...I highly recommend you do!

A master at her craft, Jody Hedlund is one of the best in the historic romance genre.

While I generally write a brief synopsis, I’ve chosen not to do so with this novel because I truly want you to read it and meet Mercy Wilkins and Joseph Colville on your own. I dare not to risk any spoilers!

Yet, who determines the classes of people? Who determines the lower class must never mix with the upper, and vice versa? Are people really defined by their class or is there something more?

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and am under no obligation to write a positive review. All thoughts and opinions therein are solely my own, and freely given.

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I had never heard of bride ships before reading this book, and the idea was intriguing and somewhat horrifying. I guess it's pretty similar to mail-order brides though. I can't even imagine going to marry someone you didn't even know, but if you're faced with starvation and worse, it makes sense that you would jump at any chance at a possible better life.

The author does a really good job of describing the horror of trying to survive in London's slums. My heart ached for Mercy and those that she loved. She was so selfless, always looking out for those who needed help, no matter how hard things were for her.

My favorite parts of the story took place on the ship. Not that they were all happy, unicorns and rainbows, but the story telling was done so well that I was completely immersed in what was going on. Once they landed in British Columbia, the story started to drag a bit - there was a bit too much internal dialogue and not enough of anything else - but thankfully it wasn't too long before the story picked up again.

All in all, I really enjoyed this book. The author does a really good job developing the characters and I'm looking forward to reading the other books in this series.

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Jody Hedlund is an outstanding Christian historical fiction novelist. Her writing reveals her thorough historical research and it brings her characters to life. Jody faithfully transports her readers to the time and place of her novels. A Reluctant Bride was no exception. From the novel's opening scene, my heart was captivated. The smells, the sights, the heroine and hero's feelings and experiences ... Jody writes in such a way that I felt and experienced them all. Her beautiful descriptions and thoughtful use of language enrich her story greatly. Each word she writes has purpose to propel the characters and their stories forward. Mercy and Joseph are believable characters. They must overcome challenges and obstacles. Throughout the story, the author weaves a redemptive thread into the characters' struggles. It encouraged me and reminded me as it did the characters to not lose hope. God uses all thing in life for one's good and for His glory. He will provide the strength to persevere and to endure to the end. This exquisite story captured my heart and mind to its conclusion. As with each book Jody Hedlund pens, I was saddened to see the last page arrive. Alas, her stories always satisfy, yet I am looking to her next novel in the series with great anticipation!
*I was given a complimentary copy of the novel from NetGalley and the publisher. I was not obligated or expected to provide a positive review. I have freely shared my own thoughts and opinions.

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Author Jody Hedlund took the cake with, A Reluctant Bride. As always, she’s captures the scene in such a way that I felt I was on the bridal ship. The struggles that led the girls aboard is palpable and I felt a kinship to them.
Hedlund recreates actual accounts such as food poison, a hurricane and a love story between the ship doctor and one of the Brides. You won’t want to miss this delicious book I rate 5 🌟!! 👐

I was given these ebooks by Netgally but not required to give a good review. These are my honest opinions :).

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While a perfectly reasonable book for whittling away an afternoon I found A Reluctant Bride to be a rather middle of the road novel. Though it was based on a true story I just didn’t find enough in the story to make it feel entirely believable to me and it seemed heavier on the romance than it was on the history. I’ve read a number of books by Jody Hedlund, but I just didn’t find The Reluctant Bride measured up to my expectations. I couldn’t quite come to terms with Joseph being titled and making the choices that he made, even with him originally being a second son and his unusual upbringing. I also had to look up facts about telegraphs to England from the territories at one point in the book, because the dates didn’t seem to correspond with the ability to send a trans-Atlantic message and expect to hear back in under a week. These little details are important to me, however, someone else might just slide over them without becoming distracted from the plot.

On the positive side, the author paints a realistic picture of life in the London slums. There is no sugar coating here. The fact that Mercy remained compassionate and self sacrificing in her surroundings makes her an exceptional character.

Overall, it was a nice romantic story, but I’d call it light entertainment rather than a riveting novel.

I was given a free digital copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

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A Reluctant Bride, by Jody Hedlund, is the first book in The Bride Ships series. Rich with detail and drama, this compelling story is utterly engaging and memorable. Elements of adventure, history, and romance ensure that this book is fascinating and meaningful; while its immersive settings, authentic characters, and gripping plot elevate this novel and make it truly impressive.
Ms. Hedlund’s style of storytelling is thoroughly captivating. From the grit and desperation of the London slums in the late nineteen century, to the power and beauty of unpredictable ocean waters, to the cramped conditions on a wooden sailing ship, to the stunning grandeur of northwest Canada, the settings of this novel fully appeal to the reader’s senses and imagination.
Existing within the detailed settings, the characters in this novel add depth and heart to the story. They are believable, sympathetic, and intriguing. Their fears, desires, doubts, and motivations are thought-provoking and relevant. And it is through these characters that the plot flows easily, sweeping the reader along on an enthralling journey of danger, doubt, faith, and new beginnings.
Well-written and entertaining from the first page to the last, A Reluctant Bride is worthy of high praise. I absolutely enjoyed reading it, and I am eagerly looking forward to reading the next book in this series. I gladly recommend this novel to all readers.
*I was given a copy of this book from the publisher and from NetGalley. A review was not required. The review I have written contains opinions that are entirely my own.

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Mercy Wilkins has never left the dirty corner of London where her parents and siblings eke out an existence. In the 1860s, London has little mercy for the poor and downtrodden. Factories lay off workers, and few people care about the plight of the poor. Many women sell their souls to save their families, but Mercy determines to go to the workhouse like her older sister, Patience, before she’ll take that route.

When Mercy overhears her parents talking about sending her ten-year-old brother to the docks to fend for himself, she knows that she’ll have to strike out on her own. Patience urges her to apply to the Columbia Mission Society and seek passage to Vancouver Island and British Columbia—where families clamor for workers.

Uneducated, and unschooled in working as a domestic, Mercy has no idea if they Society will accept her application. When they do, she assumes she’ll learn the necessary skills once she arrives. She has no idea that the Society’s mission involves brining brides to the bachelors of British Columbia.

Dr. Joseph Colville feels overwhelmed by the sheer numbers of poor people in need of medical attention at the Shoreditch Dispensary. Although he doesn’t mind supporting his old friend, Dr. Bates, with financial gifts, he can’t commit to partnering with the aging doctor. He doesn’t want to waste his time in society, nor does he want to settle down and produce an heir. As a peer of the realm, everyone expects him to follow the prescribed course.

Instead, he feels the pull to travel and explore—to put as much space between him and his sad memories as possible. So when Captain Hellyer offers him another job as a ship’s surgeon, Joseph jumps at the chance. He doesn’t find out until after he’s committed to going on the journey that the ship carries a bevy of brides.

Will Mercy’s kind heart and Lord Colville’s unorthodox views on the class system draw them together on the journey to the New World?

Once again, Hedlund creates characters readers will cheer for and places them in unusual circumstances and settings. You’ll love the way Hedlund uses her characters to show us the importance of learning to share the burdens of our past and see ourselves as God sees us.

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Delightful. That’s one of the first words that came to mind after I finished reading the first novel in Jody Hedlund’s new series, The Bride Ships. Which is something that surprised me considering how deeply emotional this novel is.

A Reluctant Bride was an incredible reading experience. As always, Hedlund in true master storyteller form wove history and fiction together in a way that was both fascinating and inspiring. The characters, the settings, the historical plot – Everything about this novel pulled at my imagination and heart, spinning my thoughts in all sorts of directions. At first I didn’t know that A Reluctant Bride was based off of historical events and real people. After finding out that it was, I have a deeper appreciation for this novel. Really y’all, I can’t fully imagine what the people on those bride ships had to endure, but this novel did a good job helping readers to at least understand why they took that journey. And I think that’s incredible.

In short, I’m glad to have read A Reluctant Bride. And I can’t wait to read more of The Bride Ships series!

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I knew right from the start I was going to love Mercy. Who wouldn’t love such a compassionate person? When she meets Joseph the second time on the Bride Ship I just knew he would see her as the woman she was. I loved these characters that had personalities deeper than what’s on the surface. When I really get into a great book like this that the author has characters that are wonderful I really have a feeling for them and get invested in them right from the start. The concept of a Bride Ship was so fascinating and it’s actually based on a historical event which I love! Joseph and Mercy was not from the same station in life and love was forbidden to them. The difference in the way people are treated when one has wealth and the other doesn’t, is a terrible thing but it actually still goes on in this day and time. Will Mercy heed the advise of Mrs Moresby and will Joseph heed the advice of his Captain? Don’t miss this first Bride Ship book by one of the best. A great inspirational historical romance!
I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions stated are my own.

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A Reluctant Bride by Jody Hedlund is the first book in her brand new series The Bride Ships. You definitely don't want to miss out if you love inspirational historical romances.
Mercy Wilkins is doing the only thing she can think of doing to get her and her sister out of London's slums. She sets out on the adventure of joining a bride ship that is headed to Vancouver Island in order to start a new and better life, but meeting and developing a forbidden love with the ship's surgeon Joseph Colville makes Mercy question those plans. Can they get past the obstacles that are keeping them apart while learning to trust not only God, but each other and finding their chance at love and happiness?
I'm definitely looking forward to reading more books in this wonderful series!

I was given an ARC from the author/publisher. All conclusions are mine and mine alone.

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