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.

The squalor of the London slum district is a hopeless place where Mercy Wilkins lives. She is uneducated and there are no jobs to be had. She knows it’s time to move on when her mother threatens to kick out her younger brother after losing her job in the rag sorting factory. One more mouth to feed simply had to go! As her sister Patience has already gone to the workhouse and is failing in health, Mercy sees that she needs to do something drastic.
She gets the very last slot on a bride ship sponsored by the Columbia Mission Society. Now, she has already met the Handsome Lord Joseph Colville, a physician, while at the local medical clinic on a different errand of mercy. Lord Colville has lost his parents and brother in a Cholera epidemic when he was in boarding school. And now Lord Colville is on a bride ship as a physician to Vancouver Island?
If you love historical fiction, then this is an excellent choice! Author Jody Hedlund does not disappoint. You will love the kind and gentle character Mercy. You can relate to her plight, as she had nothing to lose. It is amazing how poor these women were that they simply boarded a ship and were sent to a new country to hopefully begin a new life. The London slum district was quite appalling and Ms. Hedlund’s precise detail makes you understand just how horrible it really was. I love the fact that she uses this story to force Mercy to see her inner beauty and to open her eyes as to what God may have her to do. To a woman who has barely gotten by in life, this is very difficult indeed. Physically, she is quite beautiful and has gained the attention of Lord Colville, but what would a Lord see in a lowly woman such as herself?
I received an ARC e-book copy of the book from NetGalley and 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.”

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Review A Reluctant Bride by Jody Hedund is a wonderfully written story about God's redeeming love. A historical romance set in the early 1800's; tells a gripping story of two people trying to find acceptance in a time when society didn't allow for people of different walks of life to cross social boundaries. Jody Hedlund has masterfully woven a story that teaches us that God will chase us to the ends of the earth because we are worthy and He loves us that much no matter who we are or where we come from!
It's a story about a voyage on a Bride's ship carrying women from all walks of life and the journey and struggles they embark upon while traveling to a new start in life! A lesson in self worth! A story you won't want to miss! (less)

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I'm not reluctant about recommending this book. What book is that you may ask?
Well, my answer is A Reluctant Bride by Jody Hedlund. And why would I want to recommend this book so much. Well, I have an answer for that also. One reason is that I enjoyed learning more about bride ships and think others might enjoy this too. I've heard that bride ships are an overused topic in fictional works. However, in all the books I've read, and I have read a lot, I quite honestly do not remember ever reading a book on bride ships. Now, after reading A Reluctant Bride, I'm fascinated by them. I am also very thankful I didn't have to travel around the world  on a ship to meet my husband! Another reason is that after reading about Mercy, it made me realize just how much I have. Despite Mercy's lack of material possessions, she has so much, and I want to be more like her. She has so much compassion for others. Even when she has nothing, she takes the time to care for others instead of herself. Almost everything she does is for someone else's good. Sure, I know she is a fictional character, but I still learned from her.  Lastly, I love a good Cinderella story. I don't want to give away the what happens, but I was definitely sighing happy sighs at the end of this book.  It was absolutely a book worth reading and recommending.

I would recommend this book for anyone who enjoys historical romance.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

I didn't realize until I reached the author's note at the end just how much of the story was based on actual history, from the very ship itself and its trial-fraught journey to even the central love story. I love when a story is so deeply based off history! I had been aware of shipments of brides from the East Coast to Seattle, but I hadn't realized the British had sent brides too, just to the Canadian side instead.

Mercy is all things sweet and light, living up to her name. I can easily see why Joseph falls for her, but I feel like we're missing half the story--given the disparity between them in social station, education, and speech, they'll have a really hard road ahead of them (particularly by returning to London instead of staying in the colony where social positioning is much less likely to matter).

Though the focus was on Joseph and Mercy, I enjoyed (or in a couple cases, enjoyed disliking) a couple of the more prominent secondary characters. Mr Collins Mr Scott is just as obnoxious as Jane Austen's character, just with a couple daughters and a few more years of marriage added to him. But on the more pleasant end of the spectrum, I was intrigued by the bride Miss Lawrence. I can only hope we get her story next--there were so many tantalizing hints dropped that I wanted Mercy to spend more time with her than Joseph, just so I could find out more.

Thank you Bethany House and NetGalley for the complimentary e-book. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions are my own.

I was thrilled to have the opportunity to read this book through NetGalley. It was fascinating to learn about the bride ships, and this book was based on actual people and circumstances involving brides who were transported to British Columbia in the 1860s. In this story, Mercy ( a great name for this character) is always caring for others, but is not ready to accept her own worth. The man who recognizes her value is running from the pain of loss and from God's call on his life. I loved the pacing of this book until the last few chapters. While the ending is true to the historical account, the wrapup of the plot seemed to lag a bit and become less realistic. My memories of walking through Victoria are made sweeter after reading this engaging historical Christian romance.

Jody Hedlund's latest tale, The Reluctant Bride, tells the tale of Mercy Wilkins. Life on the streets of London is bleak for Mercy. It is sadly a life filled with poverty, little to no food and unfortunately, death!

Mercy suddenly finds a way out. She joins a group of women heading across the ocean to Canada to find a new life. The leaders of this group plan to match these women with men looking for a wife. Mercy merely wants to find a job to help support her!

Mercy befriends the ship surgeon, Joseph Corville, as she works as his assistant. When Joseph and Mercy begin to feel something more than friendship, they both feel it cannot go any further. Mercy comes from the lowest economic level of London society, while Joseph is wealthy and titled!

This tale is a bit of a slow read; however, you need to stick around to the end of this tale, to discover the place find the place God has for Mercy and Joseph!

Jody Hedlund has penned another fascinating, page-turning novel .to remember with A Reluctant Bride ,the first installment in her new Bride Ships series.. Historical facts, compelling characters , a strong Christian message, and a swoon-worthy, clean romance are seamlessly woven together to create a tale you won’t soon forget!. A very meaningful quote from the book offers a great snapshot of the novel’s message: “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?” I have loved all of the books I have read by Jody Hedlund and this one can be added to that list. I eagerly look forward to the next book in the series and highly recommend this book!

So much love for this incredible book, the start of the ‘Bride Ships’ series by Jody Hedlund.

Let’s just start by saying, yet again, she seems to be able to root out a piece of little known history and create something amazing out of it. I’d never heard of the Bride Ships, and it fascinates me. The journey alone takes a 1/3 of a year. Such an epic voyage to take to get from England to Vancouver Island. What’s more telling is the desperation of so many to leave all you’ve ever known to start fresh - knowing that marriage to a complete stranger awaited you at the end.

I literally lost sleep over this book. It was so hard to put down. The characters were so expertly written, they felt real inside my head. You will live & breathe every experience with them. Both Joseph & Mercy are complex and their situation - one of the biggest taboo’s of the cultural day. Joseph being from the highest of aristocracy, and Mercy from the lowest rung of the dirt poor ladder. How could their lives even cross? Yet, they do, and this story is beautiful, intense & tender.

You will find yourself fighting for them with every obstacle and challenge they face. Of course each is strong enough to live life alone, but together they make a powerful force to be reckoned with.

Can not wait, for what comes next.

Thanks to Bethany House for the complimentary copy. This is my honest review.

'Are you seeking His leading or are you running away from it?

Jody Hedlund once again brings us a story straight from history with A Reluctant Bride. Mercy Wilkins goes from living in the poorest slums of London to boarding a bride ship, although she thinks she is going to British Columbia to find a job. She hopes to some day send for her sister, who is slaving at the work house.

Joseph Colville, a titled lord, but trained as a doctor, has agreed to serve as ship's surgeon, and requests Mercy's aid in helping him with the job. Soon they both begin to feel an attraction towards each other, but fight it because they are miles apart in their stations in life. However, obstacles are meant to be overcome. Aren't they?

Hedlund is wonderful at historical fiction and once again proves that she has a gift for creating stories crafted from actual historical events. Mercy and Joseph's story is mesmerizing and I recommend it very much.

*My thanks to Bethany House Publishers for a copy of this book. The opinions stated here are entirely my own.

Inspired by true events during the 1800s, A Reluctant Bride takes place on the Tynemouth, a bride ship sailing from England to provide brides for the colonies’ miners. The author does an impeccable job of portraying the conditions of those on board and displays the environment of women in the slums of London who were so desperate for food, boarding, and employment they were willing to endure the treacherous journey and uncertain outcome.

I instantly sympathized with Mercy Wilkins. Her gentle heart is apparent, and she is humble and engaging. The physician onboard, Lord Joseph Colville, is unconventional, looking past social differences and expectations. Both of these characters are strong in their own ways and teach each other so much. I like how their attraction slowly builds, making it feel authentic.

This story holds an abundance of history, and the slow-building romance is swoon-worthy. With themes of finding your worth, following the path God has for you, and persevering through hardships, this is an edifying and satisfying historical read. I can’t wait to read the future books in The Bride Ships series.

Author: Jody Hedlund
Publisher: Bethany House Publishers
Series: The Bride Ships Book 1
Pages: 352
First Line: “Hang on a little longer, my lamb.”
Source: I received a complimentary copy from the publisher and was under no obligation to post a positive review.

(4.5 stars) - a historical romance with a dash of fairytale

First, I have to say this book cover is gorgeous & perfect for the story. All too frequently the covers don't really fit their story well, but this one is everything you could want - whoever designed it deserves serious props.

Jody Hedlund's books are more than just engaging; they're immersive. Because of that, I struggled a bit with the beginning as her portrayal of the London slums was so realistically done that it was heartbreakingly depressing. However, from that we readily understand the environment that influenced Mercy's perspective & drove her to such a desperate step.

The journey is fascinating - especially when you learn that much of the story was based on an actual historical event.

Mercy is a total sweetheart, and sadly, there really are people who look for ways to construe evil from those who are just trying to do good (look up St Zita, for example). This is an abstract Cinderella story with abuse from those who should be taking care of & looking out for her, and a Prince Charming who becomes infatuated & eventually pursues.

I confess that I had to shut off the side of my brain that kept arguing that a member of the aristocracy would never even consider marrying a slum dweller, no matter how sweet & pretty. But it wasn't a particular hardship to do so - Mercy was definitely atypical. This is one of those books that you can see some flaws but it's so good that you don't care.

The fairytale ending was just right, and I find myself hoping that we'll get to read Patience's happily-ever-after next!

Clean romance level: passionate kissing

Religion: an overtly Christian story but in a way that is natural to the story & not preachy. Non-Christians are not likely to mind it unless predisposed.

Jody Hedlund is one of my favorite authors of Historical Fiction. She does a fantastic job of researching the setting and subject matter. Her words convey vivid scenes that create pictures in my mind. I could feel Mercy's despair and desperation to find her own way in the world, but fear joining her life or heart to anyone else. I fell in love with Mercy's kindness and found myself cheering her on. Joseph Colville has a title and wealth, but not happiness. He is serving as a ships surgeon while he hides from the life God has planned for him. This was an awesome book and I look forward to the next in this series.
So grab some ginger tea to settle your stomach from the ups and downs of life aboard a ship and settle in for a great read.
i was given a copy of this book by NetGalley.com with no expectations. All thoughts are my own.

A Reluctant Bride, by Jody Hedlund






A Reluctant Bride
The Bride Ships - Book 1
Jody Hedlund
www.jodyhedlund.com


352 pages
Bethany House
www.bakerpublishinggroup.com
Available: June 4, 2019










A New Life Awaits Her across the Horizon
Living in London's poorest slum, Mercy Wilkins harbors little hope for a better life. So when she's offered the opportunity to join a bride ship sailing to British Columbia, she agrees. The journey abroad is her only prospect to escape a bleak future--both for herself and to help her sister, who's suffering in a workhouse.

Wealthy and titled Joseph Colville leaves everything behind and takes to the sea to escape the pain of losing his family. As the 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 along the shore of Vancouver Island, eager to claim a bride from the Tynemouth, will Mercy and Joseph miss their chance at true love, or will they overcome the obstacles that threaten to keep them apart?


Read An Excerpt


A Reluctant Bride is the first book in Jody Hedlund's new Bride Ships series. I have been a long time fan of Jody's writing and I count down the days until her newest release so I was very eager to read A Reluctant Bride. I thought the cover of this novel was pretty and would have caught my eye if I wasn't already familiar with Jody's wonderful storytelling.

I really enjoyed the characters in this novel and the interactions between them. I would say about half of the novel, maybe a little more is set on the ship crossing from Britain to Vancouver Island. You might think being set mostly on a ship would take the wind out the sails of this story, but it is far from dull. Based on actual bride ship voyages, Jody's extensive research added dimension and authenticity to the plot and setting. Mercy and Joseph face many hurdles on their journey west and learn to trusting and following the path that God sets before us is always the best course. I would recommend this book to those who love historical fiction and a good clean romance.


A Reluctant Bride, by Jody Hedlund will be available for purchase from your local or online book retailer June 4, 2019.

Thank you Bethany House and Net Galley for the free copy of A Reluctant Bride. The opinions expressed here are my own.

This book captured the times perfectly and I was captivated by the strength of character exhibited by both Mercy and Joseph. They were on quite the journey! I recommend A Reluctant Bride to everyone who enjoys historical romance!

From the first meeting of Mercy and Joseph, a sweet romance begins. With many challenges to overcome, these two people are on an amazing journey of faith, hope and finding love. Jody Hedlund again weaves a beautiful story from strong characters, history and wonderful writing. I greatly look forward to more in this series!

I love Canadian surprises. It’s so rare to find a Christian historical fiction from well-known American authors set in Canada. I was delighted to read Jody Hedlund’s upcoming June release which is partly set in the slums of London, with a final destination of Vancouver Island, B.C. (while it was still an English colony).
The story follows aptly named Mercy Wilkins, who is considered amongst the poorest of the poor in 1860s London, England. Mercy takes pity on those who live in her community and is always found trying to rescue children and families from the suffering that defines their lives. She is well known by local dispensary doctor, Dr. Blake who is on a similar mission to help one person at a time though the times overwhelm him.
Lord Colville has his own demons he’s running from and has found some semblance of solace in practicing medicine. Having lost his entire family to illness, Joseph runs from his responsibility of what his title entails. Instead, he is found helping Dr. Baker when he visits the city, or is off on adventures assuming responsibilities as ship surgeon for his voyages.
Mercy has no intention of marrying ever, not if marriage is what she sees in the slums where she lives. When an opportunity comes along to escape the heartache and grief she’s faced with daily, Mercy takes the last spot on a bride ship headed for British Columbia.
Dr./Lord Colville takes the position of Ship’s Surgeon on the same bride ship as Mercy, and the rest is, well, history. The journey is long and full of illness, and few are of strong enough constitution to be of assistance to those ill with various ailments. Mercy is blessed with a strong constitution, and Dr. Colville finds himself relying on her more and more, until…
The vivid descriptions of the stench of the filth, illness, and the plight of Londoners/travellers evokes such empathy that one can’t help but to see exactly the details described in this first installment of The Bride Ships series.
The cast of characters are full of personality, and Mercy’s chaperone Reverend Scott resembles the bumbling Mr. Collins of Pride and Prejudice fame (at least he does in my mind). There is such depth to the lives of Joseph and Mercy that one can’t help but to root for them the entire time, and want to kick them for some of the choices they make – but this is a romance novel so it’s to be expected that they will each make a dumb decision that will separate them for a while…
In my latest review of another book of Jody Hedlund, I wasn’t thrilled with the “intimate” scenes. In The Reluctant Bride, great emotional tension is created and the intimacy level is acceptable. She does a fabulous job creating that inner battle of class tension/integrity/vows to refrain from fraternizing but strong attraction to the other.
Perhaps what impressed me even more about this story is that it is based on a true story about a ship’s surgeon falling in love and marrying one of the passengers who was meant to be a bride for one of the men in British Columbia. The ship’s journey, details of what a bride ship was, and illnesses on board are all true. Fact and fiction are beautifully woven together.
No wonder this story was so compelling.
I received an ecopy from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.