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A Reluctant Bride

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Book one in the Bride Ships series, I didn’t know that bride ships were a real thing. Author Jody Hedlund did a good job with research and presenting historical facts in an interesting way. I thoroughly enjoyed this book.

London wasn’t good to the poor during this time in history, and I knew that, but it still wasn’t fun reading about the things they had to deal with. I found myself urging Mercy to take the step of getting on the bride ship. Almost anything had to be better for her. And then there was Joseph and the pain he carried with him. The well developed characters will pull you into the story and take you on the journey to healing. Along with that, the descriptions within the book are very well done. I could have gotten seasick when the ship hit a storm.

So often we assume we know where a book is headed and how storylines will go but don’t do that with this one. Hedlund has a few surprises for her readers. All in all, I found myself emotionally into the story and I really am looking forward to the next book in this series. If you enjoy historical fiction with clean romance, then get a copy of A Reluctant Bride today.

I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.

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A Reluctant Bride is the first book in a new historical series by Jody Hedlund. As a loyal fan of Jody's books, I was really excited for this new perspective on a type of mail order bride story. The romantic aspect of this genre is usually my favorite part, and Hedlund is able to write those moments of romantic tension like no other! The building up of anticipation between the hero and heroine are fantastic! There is so much more to this story, though, than romance. The historical detail, the sights, sounds, and smells that Mercy, Joseph and the other passengers encountered on the ship, made the story come to life. This story is also parallel to true events, so imagining what these poor women went through that led up to the decision of being promised to strangers in a wild land, then all that they experienced on the long ship voyage, really tugged at my heart strings. They endured so much hardship. These women were extremely vulnerable physically but many of them also didn't have a formal education, which was displayed in Mercy's character. Despite her lack of schooling, she showed a determination to learn, support herself, and independently make her way in her new homeland. I really loved Mercy's fighting spirit! And what would a good story be without a hero who champions the cause of those in need?! Joseph is conflicted throughout the novel between his feelings and obligations. His character development was also a satisfying part of the story. If you like historical Christian fiction, you'll certainly enjoy this new series! (4.5 stars)

**I received a complimentary copy of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley in order to share my honest opinions, which I did.**

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A Reluctant Bride by Jody Hedlund is her best historical fiction novel yet. I absolutely loved this story. It was one I could not put down.

Mercy Wilkins is a poor waif from the slums of London in the 1800's.With no hope of a job, she finds that she is just another mouth to feed in her family. In spite of being poor, she gives of herself to help others.

Lord Joseph Coville is an amazing character in the story. He never let his wealth affect his desire to help people. He became a doctor following the tragic loss of his family..

Mercy, adamant about not marrying, finds herself on a ship heading to British Columbia, not aware that it is a bride-ship. Joseph, the ship's doctor, seeks Mercy's help, and as such they form a friendship. This turns into a fabulous romance, leaving both Mercy and Joseph unsure of any future. Mercy feels the weight of their social differences, and Joseph is filled with fear of loving and losing any one else in his life.

Ms. Hedlund did a remarkable job of research about the bride-ships. And many of the stories within the story are a true recount. An absolute 5 star book.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the publisher. All views expressed are my honest opinion.

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Jody Hedlund's new book, the first in her Bride Ships series, is well written and fascinating. The idea of bride ships really blows my mind. Hedlund did a great job crafting a story based on real situations that showed why women were so desperate to leave all they'd ever known to marry strangers.

I really liked the main characters. They were well developed and I couldn't help but feel for Mercy. Her home life was horrible, and time after time throughout the story she demonstrated what a good heart she had.

This isn't my first Hedlund read, and it won't be my last. I really appreciated the research she put into making this an interesting read, plus it's clean and a quick read.

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A Reluctant Bride
by Jody Hedlund

Bethany House

Bethany House Publishers

Christian

Pub Date 04 Jun 2019



I am reviewing a copy of A Reluctant Bride through Bethany House Publishers and Netgalley:


Mercy Wilkins has little hope of a better life living in London’s poorest slums. When she is offered the opportunity to be part of a bride sailing trip headed to British Columbia she agrees. She figured that the Bride ship will offer her better prospects after she witness so much loss and heartaches in the slums. The ship is her prospect and someday her sisters opportunity to escape a bleak future.





Joseph Colville Who is wealthy and entitled leaves home and takes to the sea to escape the pain of loosing his family. As a ship’s surgeon he is responsible for the welfare of the passengers who are aboard the Tynrmouth, including sixty brides to be. He has no intention of immediately settling down but after Mercy becomes his assistant they must both fight against forbidden love.


With of single men congregating on the shore eager to tanks a bride from the Tynemouth, will Mercy and Joseph lose their chance at true love, or will they be able to overcome the obstacles that stand in the way?


I give A Reluctant Bride five out of five stars!


Happy Reading!

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I don't think I've ever read anything about the bride ships that came to Canada from England. It doesn't necessarily surprise me that something like that happened but what does surprise me is the "how" of it all, I guess. The author took many of the events of this book from actual accounts so the story was very true to what really happened. I really love that because it gives me such a good feel for where the brides came from and how they may have felt and acted. It was so interesting! I love learning about lesser known events in history which would explain my love for historical fiction.

Mercy is such an awesome character. Despite her horrible upbringing she embodies everything kind, gentle and compassionate. I loved her almost instantly. The author does such an incredible job of bringing the characters in this book to life. They felt like real people with struggles and growth. The growing intensity between Mercy and Joseph was fantastic. I was completely caught up in it and invested every step of the way.

This is one of my favorite books this year, I think. I have a handful of them now. I can't wait to see what comes next in this series!

Content: peril, mild violence, kissing

- I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.

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Another great read by Jody! I really enjoyed learning about brides that were sent over to Canada and as well as the story line. I loved getting to see two different type of people, from two different classes work out their feelings and own lives. To see the romance blossom and change. To see the journey that some had to take just to start a new life.

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The author did a wonderful job on writing this book as well as doing background historical research! When reading the book, you can almost imagine things like the way London looked in the slums back during that time it is written with such great description prose. I loved the characters in this book and loved reading the after story about how the author came to read this book. I couldn’t just put it down I had to read all of it. That in and of itself should make you wish to read this book!

I received this book from NetGalley. I do this review for the benefit of the author of my own volition. It came in the kindle format. #NetGalley.com #AReluctantBride #JodyHedlund


Description as found on NetGalley.com:
Living in London's poorest slum, Mercy Wilkins has little hope of a better life. When she's offered an opportunity to join a bride ship sailing to British Columbia, she agrees. After witnessing so much painful heartache and loss in the slums, the bride ship is her only prospect to escape a bleak future, not only for herself but, she hopes, someday for her sister.
Wealthy and titled Joseph Colville leaves home and takes to the sea in order to escape the pain of losing his family. As ship's surgeon, he's in charge of the passengers' welfare aboard the Tynemouth, including sixty brides-to-be. He has no immediate intention of settling down, but when Mercy becomes his assistant, the two must fight against a forbidden love.

With hundreds of single men congregating on the shore eager to claim a bride from the Tynemouth, will Mercy and Joseph lose their chance at true love, or will they be able to overcome the obstacles that threaten to keep them apart?

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This is a superbly crafted read! Jody has woven an immersive tale that does not let go until you finish the book and even then, it lingers. This story has a lot of heartbreak and tragedy given the time period and the harshness of poverty in London during that period but even then there is hope and love that shines through this book. This is definitely a "meatier" read, it's not a light fluffy story but it is a wonderful book. I really enjoyed traveling with Mercy and Joseph aboard The Tynemouth and their arrival in British Columbia and Vancouver Island. That was quite a voyage! I liked most of the characters in the novel, with the exception of Mr. Scott(he played his part well!). Jody wrote him to be the perfect villain/foil to Joseph and Mercy. Mr. Scott was horrid in his treatment of the women. I really wanted to smack sense in to him on more than one occasion!! All in all, this book was a wonderfully entertaining read and I an eagerly looking forward to the next in the series!

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

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If you are looking for a historically intriguing read about an event you may not know about or a romantically told tale that goes soul deep, look no farther than A Reluctant Bride. First off this story is about bride ships, one that took women from England to British Columbia in the hopes of becoming brides for the many single men there.
Author Hedlund shows the desperate situations that could lead to the fateful choices some of these women made to get on that bride ship. Focusing specifically on Mercy Wilkins story, we see the abject poverty she and her family lived in. The jobs her family must endure to pay rent and put a little bit of food on the table. The sacrifices that must be made with children and the lengths that their mother would go to just to survive. For Mercy, marriage was not a rescue, nor was working in the unhealthy conditions of the workhouse, or working the streets; none of these options were a way to a happy future or a long life. Battling circumstances beyond her control, Mercy becomes a passenger on this ship headed for a world unknown to her in hopes of a better life for her and eventually her beloved sister.
Joseph Colville the ship’s doctor is also running from his life in a different way. He is a man who is not only skilled as a doctor, but also has wealth and is a lord. However he is quite surprised at what cargo the ship is carrying and through the storms of the travel and the strict watchful eyes of the chaperones, he and Mercy form a friendship that soon begins an attraction to each other.
This story does not shy away from the details of the poor in London and shows their great desperation and the unbelievable difference and prejudice within the class distinctions. What Mercy and Joseph feel for each other is forbidden in their culture. And while they both know this, their romance blooms despite it all.
Mercy is a woman without many choices, not only just being poor but also being a poor woman. Joseph has an opportunity to make a difference; Mercy has a chance for a different life. What will each of them choose? Be sure to read the author’s notes on her research with this story.
I received a copy of this novel from the publisher. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.

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A Reluctant Bride by Jody Hedlund is a wonderful story about bringing brides from England to British Columbia in 1862. The women who boarded the Tynemouth did so not knowing what their fate would be upon their arrival. They left all behind and there would be no turning back once the ship sailed.



Our heroine, Mercy Wilkins, knew she was just one more burden to her family if she stayed at home and wasn't going to settle for life in the workhouse or on the streets. But marriage was definitely not in he plans. She was a gifted nurse, with no formal training except love for others and the desire to care for the sick. It was her talent for nursing that led the wealthy Dr. Joseph Colville to seek her assistance among the sick aboard ship. Working side by side worked out well for some time since they both had no intention of marrying. The best intentions, however, don't work out at times.

I like this book because at the heart of this story is a young woman who had very little that she left behind. She saw what her parent's lives were like with little or nothing coming in to support a large family. Poverty caused her mother to do things that Mercy never wanted to emulate in her own life. It took courage for her to swallow her pride and board ship. She, like the real life women who left England to help settle the western part of our world blazed the trail for life as we know it today. This book is Mercy's story but there were others on board that ship and not all were poor, at least not financially. For whatever reason that led the women to seek that new life, they were all starting over from scratch, with no class or society to dictate.

Once again, Jody Hedlund has written an amazing historical novel that I recommend with 5 stars. Her research, as usual, is impeccable and the story is one that is very compelling. A Reluctant Bride is Book one in The Bride Ships series and already, I am eagerly waiting for the release of book two, The Runaway Bride in March 2020!

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I recently discovered Jody Hedlund through my interest in the orphan trains and now she has really peaked my interest in the bride ships and the slums of London.
Mercy seems to act as an angel of mercy to her friends and family in the slums of London. In the process of doing this she meets Dr. Colville unaware of how they will meet again in the future.
In an effort to lessen her family's financial burden Mercy manages to get passage on a ship to British Columbia unaware of what she is sailing toward. On the ship she continues to care for those around her and comes in contact with a prior acquaintance as well as a variety of characters.
The imagery in this book has you walking through the slums of London; riding the waves of the rocking ship; and thankful to eventually reach dry land. It also has you feeling for the many different characters. This is by far one of my favorite books of all time.

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I absolutely adore Joseph in this book. There were times that he admitted out loud his faults, but even with his faults he was a great lead. I found his honesty reassuring and his care for his patients was perfect.

I never really connected with Mercy. I loved how she helped her friends and family, but her attitude towards marriage was too much sometimes.

I cannot imagine being on a boat as long as they were. The scenes of seasickness were awful. I don't think I could cope!

I liked this story, but found it a little too predictable. But overall another good read from Hedlund.

I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. This is my honest opinion.

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Jody Hedlund has officially penned the latest must-read in historical fiction! This is not a book that is merely read, but experienced. The author is able to draw you so deeply into the heart of the characters that it's as if you are standing right amongst them. I was not ready to let them go when there were no pages left to go. I absolutely loved this story, and am already impatiently waiting for the next release in the series!

My favorite part of this book was the romance. I am a very picky person when it comes to the romance in novels. I love that the development of the relationship between the characters came primarily from a place of caring for the person and not the phsyical attraction. Joseph and Mercy each saw the other acting in love to the sick and hurting around them, and it was their care and compassionate hearts that initially forged their relationship. Although as time went by their phyiscal chemistry significantly increased, it was never the primary catalyst. I fully prefer a romance that is built on character and developing a love for one another on a deeper level than their physical appearance. Maybe it's because I'm caught in a world where we are constantly bombarded with the idea that our worth is based on our physical appearance, but when I read a book I want to escape that. I want to enter a world where people see the heart before the curves. That's why I fell so deeply into this novel and didn't want to leave when the pages were finished.

One of the other pieces of this story that I believe was fleshed out extremely well, was considering how the upbringing of a person affects their life as adults. Wealth and social standing can buy a great deal in life, but it can't purchase happiness. Despite being born into a wealthy family, Joseph lost them when he was a young boy to cholera. It left him afraid to love so he'd never have to say goodbye. Mercy grew up in a poverty stricken family with a mother who was constantly bringing more babies into the world with questionable paternity. Mercy questioned if love even existed. There was a great deal of growth and healing that had to occur in the hearts of the two before they could see how desperate they were for love and connection. Little did they know just how much that connection could heal.

I was surprised how much of this journey was based on actual people and events. I always appreciate when an author shares some of the fact or fiction in their notes at the end of one of their works. As connected as I felt to this story as I was reading, I feel even moreso knowing just how steeped in reality it truly was. I am already impatiently waiting for the next book in this series to release so that I can reenter their world. This one has successfully sealed a spot on my favorites list for this year!

*I received a copy of this book from the author. Thoughts and opinions expressed are mine alone.

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Victorian England, to the settlement of Victoria Island, Canada...What.an.adventure. And so much real history! Even the main characters were inspired by real people!!! I have always admired how Jody Hedlund can seamlessly weave romance into her stories in a real, passionate, and Godly way. The faith is genuine and the struggles Mercy and Joseph face in their relationships with God are relatable and familiar to us.

The setting in this story is unlike any other book I have read. I didn't even know that there were bride ships that came to the west coast of Canada! (I'm a Washington State native myself.) But it makes so much sense and I am really looking forward to learning more history about the mining settlements. Although, I have no idea where Jody will be taking us next in this series.

Mercy was such a great woman to get to know. I felt connected to her. Even though I can't relate to a lot of the things she went through. She was an easy person to listen to, to learn about, to become friends with. Joseph was a bit of a mystery to me at first. It was great to watch him come into his own and to realize things about himself that he didn't understand before.

All said and done, I really think this is one of my favorite stories Jody has written. Between the romance, the friendships, and the unique setting, this story definitely holds a special place in my heart. Oh! And just a word of advice, don't start this book at 11 o'clock at night unless you intend to stay awake reading for several more hours!

I received a complimentary copy of A Reluctant Bride from the publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

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A Reluctant Bride
By Jody Hedlund
Mercy Wilkins unknowingly lives out her name as she cares for those around her in the slums of London. Without hope for a future and as a promise to her sister, Mercy decides to apply for a spot on the Tynemouth sailing for British Columbia.
Lord Colville has gone against convention in becoming a doctor and now restless decides to be the surgeon on the Tynemouth. Little does he know that the women he last treats in the slums of London will also be aboard the ship.
Trapped on the rough seas Lord Colville and Mercy find themselves crossing paths to aid the people around them. While working together Lord Colville and Mercy share their hearts not realizing that love is blooming. Can they see beyond their classes and struggles to a future together?
I really enjoyed this book as it was well written and catching. This is the first book to the Bride Ships series and I can say I look forward to reading more.

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Jody Hedlund pens another winner! It did not take long for me to fall in love with the characters in this novel, for they are realistic with trials that pull at your emotions and make you connect with them as a reader. The plot is interesting and the author gives exquisite details about a fascinating part of history. There is conflict in the story to keep you as a reader guessing and wanting to learn more, and I found myself staying up way too late one evening to finish it! I always look forward to great historical books by this author and I am pleased that this new series is off to a fantastic start! I most highly recommend this book!

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

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The Reluctant Bride is an outstanding book by Jody Hedlund. It takes place during the time period when there were many orphans in London. It is the first book in the Bride Ships series. Mercy Wilkins is from a poor family. She shows Christian kindness and mercy to those around her whenever she can. Mercy was offered the opportunity to go to British Columbia on a sailing trip with a sponsored group. She believes she will be able to be hired to work for families and have a better life. She also hoped to pave the way for her sister to come on the ship in the future. She came with a group and there are many sick. She ended up showing compassion for the sick people on the ship. She met Joseph Coville who was a doctor on the ship and became his assistant. He admired her compassion for the patients. She is supposed to be sold once she gets off the ship. What will become of Mercy once she gets off the ship? This book was given to me by the publisher and netgalley to read and review . I am not obligated to give a positive review of the book. Thank you for allowing me to read and review this outstanding book.

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Mercy Wilkins is an Angel of Mercy on the streets of London, seeing only a bleak future ahead of her if she stays she heeds her sister's urging and joins the bride ship headed for British Columbia.



Dr. Joseph Coville is titled and wealthy, a sought after match for many looking to secure a husband for their accomplished daughter. Joseph has encountered much loss in his life, and is caught between running away and his calling to make a difference in the lives of those without access to care. He signs on with the bride ship, and is struck early on by Mercy's selfless care for others, her compassion and beauty.



Mercy is determined not to marry, but is it possible that God has other plans?



The very first in a brand new series by Jody Hedlund, this book explores the situations and hopes for a fresh start that made women choose to take a chance on a new life. I was surprised by how much of this was inspired by a true story. Ms. Hedlund highlights the differences in class that held poor women back in London, and the opportunities awaiting them in a new home.



Mercy is compassionate and selfless, automatically taking on a mother-like role for the younger girls on the ship, caring for them through every storm. While she is fearless when championing others, she struggles to see value in what she herself has to offer. Her natural nursing skills lead her to assisting Dr. Coville as he tends the sick during their long, rough journey. I admired her love for others, she is humble to a fault at times, with a courage that not even she knows.



Joseph feels pulled in many directions, he feels called to help the less fortunate, yet has a passion for seeing the world. He is inspired by Mercy's selflessness and unassuming nature never expecting something in return, unlike his peers in society. As he gets to know Mercy, he begins get just a taste of her experiences, realizing that maybe he isn't as blind to class as he thought that he was. I think all of us can see a bit of ourselves in Joseph, everyday I myself have my eyes opened to the realities of this world through relationships with and the experiences of others.



Strong tension throughout, whether from chemistry between the characters or through through situations. I was inspired by the bravery of these women headed to a place they had never been in hopes of a bright future where they could be anything. Ms. Hedlund does an excellent job of realistically showing the binds of class, and how it was so big a part of life for many in the 1800s dictating marriage, opportunity, etc. I loved Mrs. Moresby and how she represented the opportunities ahead for the women in British Columbia. Miss Lawrence is a kind and silent ally, an I am excited to read her story in the near future. A strong start to a new series, great character development and interaction. You won't want to put it down!



I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

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A Reluctant Bride is the first book in a new series, Bride Ships, by Jody Hedlund. With great attention to historical detail, Hedlund takes the reader on a journey from the poorest slums of London to hope for a better life in British Columbia. I enjoyed meeting the well-crafted and colorful characters and learning more about bride ships and the part they played in history. The settings in both London and British Columbia in the 1860s intrigued me and made vivid backdrops for the story. With just the right touches of suspense, romance, and inspiration, this book kept me riveted, while messages of hope, faith, courage, and the value of each individual added to my enjoyment of the story.
Hedlund’s distinctive historical detail, along with her memorable characters and brilliant story-telling make this a must-read for those who enjoy compelling historical fiction based on actual happenings. The author’s notes in the back of the book were an added bonus, and I was intrigued by some of the fascinating research she uncovered while writing the story. This book is headed right for my keeper shelf, and I’m anxiously awaiting the next in the series.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from the publisher/NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

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