The Runaway Bride is the second in the Bride Ships books by Jody Hedlund. It took me a while to figure out why this book felt like I'd read it before, it was a continuation of the previous novel (reviewed here).

Arabella's father wants her to marry a man older than himself. Arabella has tried to break off the wedding with him a couple of times to her own detriment. She finally finds a way out by booking passage on a Bride Ship heading to Vancouver Island, British Columbia. Before disembarking from the ship, Arabella captures the attention of a couple of men--Pete Kelly, the baker who supplied bread to the ship before it docked: and Lieutenant Drummond, a British Naval Officer assigned to the port.

Jody has built a lot of drama into the book, even flashing back to when her father's choice of a groom abused her. Lt. Drummond and Pete both have animosity toward each other in regards to the treatment of the natives who live on the island. Lt Drummond wants them removed from the island and Pete believes they are of no harm to the new immigrants coming to the island. Arabella is caught in the middle of them and really can't choose which one she wants for her groom. She is falling in love with Pete, but Lt Drummond will give her the lifestyle she's accustomed to.

This is a five star novel, with two thumbs up, and a freshly baked slice of cake to go with your coffee.

Bethany House and NetGalley.com provided the copy I read for this review and the opinions expressed here are my own.

With her new Bride Ship series Jody Hedlund has been exploring what would drive women from different walks of life to seek a new, unknown life on the Canadian frontier. Arabella Lawrence is a gentlewoman running from a dangerous situation. When she arrives on Vancouver Island, she must learn to overcome her fears and break away from the expectations of others. The journey from England to Canada is ending as Arabella’s story opens so the focus is now on life in a wilderness town. With Hedlund’s beautiful writing and strong research the town of Victoria really comes alive.

I didn’t connect with Arabella and Pete as much as I did Mercy and Joseph, but I loved how they balanced and strengthened each other. There were strong threads of faith and forgiveness woven into the story as well as some intrigue and the threat of a smallpox epidemic. I’m really looking forward to Pastor Abe’s story in the next book!

You can read The Runaway Bride as a standalone, but I would suggest reading the series in order to get the most out of the story. If you haven’t read anything by Jody Hedlund before you need to check her out ASAP!

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

(4.5 stars) - Arabella's triangle

Arabella was introduced to us in the first book of The Bride Ships series with hints of an abused past. We learn more about her reasons for being nervous & fearful in this second book devoted to her story.

Lt Drummond and Peter the baker are both vying for her hand here, and she struggles as they both seem to be worthy men to consider, but events transpire to help her view them thru God's eyes.

This book is every bit as good as the first, and the series is my favorite series by Hedlund!

*Clean romance level: sweet kisses, nothing graphic

After having read the first book in this series, I have been anxious to read the second book and I'm glad I did. I have to admit that I have read mail order bride novels in the past but the bride ship concept was even more intriguing to me because it's a subject I was unfamiliar with.


It was a difficult journey the young ladies experienced not to mention the decision to embark upon such a journey. Arabella Lawrence is a young lady from a good family. seemed to have a bright future until she was forced into marrying a man she knew she couldn't have a loving relationship with so she boards a bride ship to British Columbia. It took awhile for me to warm up to Arabella, she was so conflicted about which of the two men who were interested in her which was understandable since she had managed to escape her intended in London.


As I learned more about Arabella, I felt so sorry for what she had been through and the courage she had to remove herself from a horrible situation and face an unknown future.
Peter Kelly and Richard Drummond are as different as day and night. Peter is such a fun, sweet and caring man so I adored him, Richard is more settled and mature but he just didn't have the charm Peter has. Arabella has a hard choice to make and it's very interesting what each of the gentlemen had to offer and what she would ultimately decide. This is a wonderful story with a bit of romance, a little humor but a lot of sadness for what led the ladies to leave their homes and families in hopes of a better life.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

What a match this was! Arabella is caught between the expectations and standards of her social class and being able to accept truly wonderful relationship with someone who doesn't fit. I was rooting the whole time for her eyes to be opened to the possibilities, freedom, and fulfillment in working for herself and not having to only rely on a husband for security. She has a wonderful character arc as she meets new people from all walks of life who challenge and reform her perspectives. I appreciated and admired her humble and compassionate nature, even though it made it easy for some to take advantage of her kindness.

Peter is a force to be reckoned with! Charming and confident, he sets a seemingly unattainable goal for himself when he decides that Arabella is the one for him. His pursuit of her turns into a humbling experience for him when she proves to be just as hard to catch as he anticipated. I loved the way they develop a friendship while baking together and caring for the native girl Arabella rescues. There's something about a hero who is a baker that is appealing- Peter has a strong work ethic and has made something of himself without the advantages that other men have had. He's not afraid of Drummond even though the officer holds more power in the community, and their personal war with each other has more layers than Arabella can see.

Overall this book has a wonderful balance of character development and spiritual growth, sweet romantic chemistry and tension, and just the right amount of intrigue and drama. This series just keeps getting better and I can't wait for the next book!

(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)

Jody Hedlund is a busy woman. In the past year, she’s launched a half dozen novels, including the first of The Bride Ships series. Now comes the second of that series, The Runaway Bride, set during the same time frame as The Reluctant Bride and featuring familiar characters from that title.

Look, any book that includes mentions of cricket is most likely going to have my vote. Because Victoria, in present day British Columbia, was a British colony the residents were mostly from Great Britain and had brought many of their customs and traditions with them. That included cricket. (Fun fact: the first international game of cricket was between Canada and the USA in 1844!)

One negative aspect of British expansion was the notion of class. In 1862, Arabella is learning – just as her friend Mercy did in The Runaway Bride – that it isn’t easy to cross social barriers. Arabella is expected to marry well and live a life of relative luxury. Those around her don’t understand why she’s insistent on learning practical skills such as baking. After all, won’t she have servants once she’s married? It’s a consideration that also holds Arabella back from following her heart.

There are two subjects in the novel that a few readers may find difficult to read about. The first is the reason why Arabella became a passenger on a bride ship, and it isn’t a pretty story. While the details aren’t explicit, there’s enough to understand what happened to her. The other is the situation regarding the First Nations people, known as “the natives.” As happened in the other locations colonized by the British, there were difficulties – to put it mildly – in the relationship between the colonizers and the colonized. The indigenous people were forcibly removed from their lands and readers see the impact the Smallpox epidemic had on their communities.

As I mentioned at the beginning, The Runaway Bride is the second title in The Bride Ships series. The remaining two novels will be released later this year. Is it necessary to read the books in order? Probably not. Would it be helpful to have read The Reluctant Bride previously? Possibly. I did read it first, and although Arabella Lawrence is a secondary character not much is given away. What is revealed mostly serves to build up a sense of mystery about her. Book three, A Bride of Convenience, comes out in June and will also feature a recognizable character. I’m looking forward to it.

Disclaimer: Although I received a copy of this book from the publisher, the words and opinions below are my own.

I love, love, love Jody Hedlund’s books and was so excited to have the opportunity to read The Runaway Bride, the second installment from The Bride Ships series. I was not disappointed. I loved her vivid descriptions of what the characters endured on the ships. I admired Arabella’s courage and bravery throughout the story. The plot played with my emotions at times. The romance is what I always expect from Jody’s books.
I am giving The Runaway Bride a very well deserved five plus stars. I highly recommend it for readers to jump on this adventurous journey.
I received this book from the publisher, but was not required to write a review. This review 100% my own honest opinion.

Historical romance that's still relevant today:
It took me a bit to get into this 2nd book in the Bride Ship series, however I soon found myself captivated. As a resident of Vancouver Island myself, I enjoyed exploring what life was like for the early residents. I especially appreciated how it highlighted the deplorable treatment of the First Nations people (natives). I also loved the elements of danger and suspense that were woven throughout the story.
Once again the themes of class barriers and societal expectations were explored, however this time from the opposite perspective. Arabella is an upper class lady whilst Pete is a working class baker and she is convinced she ought to marry a gentleman as that's the expected norm. Thankfully Pete is relentless in his pursuit to woo her and she learns to look beyond outward means and appearances and rather to the heart.
I liked the reminder to trust in God to work out His will in our lives; to not rely on our own devices and plans but rather to find strength in His courage.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.

I loved the first book, A Reluctant Bride.

When starting a new book series from a favorite author it is easy to wonder if it will be as good as their former works, if it will be their new best, or even if it will be their all-time worse. Thankfully, I was quite pleased with The Runaway Bride, it is superbish.

Pete, goodness, Pete! I knew from the blurb that Arabella would end up with Pete, it was somewhat obvious, ending with the question, "Will she have the wisdom to make the right decision, or will seeking what's right cost both her and Peter everything." Easy enough to see that they are the couple in The Runaway Bride.
At first, I wasn't sure what to think about Pete, he's a bit insufferable, arrogant, full of himself, and yet that's all a way to cover his tender side.
At first, it felt like he only liked Arabella for her looks, it felt almost like it was only lust ... Until I read when they were together and I started to like them as a couple, which was what the author wanted as she led in the other man competing for Arabella's hand in marriage, Lieutenant Drummond, and may I say that I didn't like him even from the start?

The poor Indian got that Arabella tried to help was so sad, and sweet at the same time.

Arabella, I liked her from the start. The fact that she was a runaway bride surely came to light, the man she refused to marry was horrendous, slight spoiler but if you read this you should be warned that she has scars from him where he beat her, bit her, and hit her. So, just a warning.

Yet, Arabella is still a strong character that I enjoyed reading about, and the way she cared for those that came under her care was so sweet. I loved her and Pete's banter, jokes, and Pete's way of assuming that he would win her.

The ending was oh so sweet and even if I hadn't liked the rest of the book the last chapter was worth it, but, I had one problem and that was the fact that so many times it felt like the main characters drifted toward lust and not real love.

Arabella Lawrence is from a wealthy family and is on the run from a physically abusive fiancee who was chosen by her family and is old enough to be her grandfather. She makes her way to escape by taking a bride ship to British Columbia.
I loved the auburn beauty Arabella because she is kind and courageous but is definitely caught in the middle of warring suitors in an area where there are few men and women are at a premium. It was interesting to see if she could evolve from her wealthy upbringing to that of a simpler lifestyle. The local baker, Pete Kelly, is handsome, extremely hardworking and very kind hearted, especially to the natives. He definitely wins your heart over, as he has completely changed his life and turned it over to God. Lt. Drummond was the one character that was definitely not likeable and constanly made Pete's life miserable as he vied for Arabella's attention. He also abused his power, even causing the death of many natives due to smallpox. Something interesting that I picked up on in the story was that the smallpox vaccine was used. The vaccine had been invented in the late 1700's, so I had no idea that it had been available for so long.
Note: This is book 2 in The Bride Ship series and can definitely be stand-alone, however you will miss out on an another enjoyable adventure in A Reluctant Bride. This novel does have a bit more sensual heat than I would expect for a Christian novel, so I would definitely classify this as an adult read.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher 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 Code of Federal Regulations, Part 255, Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising

I must admit, there’s just something about author Jody Hedlund and her stories that are mesmerizing. I find it hard to lay one down. The two Bride Ship stories I’ve read so far are very interesting. Imagine leaving family and all that you know to travel across the ocean to an unknown land in hopes of finding a suitable husband. A stranger yet. That’s just what Arabella did when feeling trapped into marrying an abusive man. When she reaches her destination she finds a naval officer eyeing her. Very controlling of her and one that always has to get his way. She also meets a very humble bread maker that takes a fancy to her also. Two very different men. Drummond is a high ranking officer brought up in a family of means. Peter is of the lower class who works hard to earn his living day in and day out.
I loved Pete and what he stood for and hated Drummond and his manipulative ways. Both vying for Arabella.
In the 1860s, it was hard to imagine how controlling and abusive the majority of men were. They looked on women as possessions, property. The women had no voice or say so in their everyday lives. It makes my blood boil just thinking about it. Besides the treatment of women in this story you also have prejudice against the Indians in this colony who have a small pox epidemic.
Read along as the story unfolds into a dramatic but engaging tale of how the world was in that time period and place. As the author notes tell in the back of the book, although fictional it is based on true history and lots of research.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author through the publisher but was not required to write a review.

The Runaway Bride by Jody Hedlund is one of my favorite books so far this year. I love the way Arabella goes from a frightened victim to a strong, confident woman. She has a wonderful teacher in Pete the baker. I also love how her faith grew over throughout the story. I love all of the characters in this book. And the scenery is fantastic. It is a historical novel so the treatment of the native American people as hard to take. I am anxiously looking forward to the next 2 books in this series. So grab a mug of coffee and some fresh bread, then settle in for a fantastic read.



I was given a copy of this book by NetGalley.com with no expectations. All thoughts are my own.

When I started this historical romance, I wasn't sure how well the pairing of upper class Arabella with working class Peter would work. In fact, when Peter first appeared on the page, I wasn't sure what I thought of him. He's a bit brash and very sure of himself, but in just a while, he won me over with his desire to see the natives treated fairly in the midst of a smallpox outbreak - one that was brought on by the very people oppressing them. His unswerving faith in Arabella to make it on her own made him very endearing as well. Though some of Arabella's uncertainty bugged me a bit, for the most part, it rings true, as the idea of such a drastic lifestyle change would be hard to accept at first.

One thing that I always appreciate in a Hedlund novel is that while it's almost always a very romantic story, there is always an intriguing historical event taking place. In this case, it's twofold. First is the story of what would drive a wealthy woman to make a drastic decision of leaving her pampered lifestyle to marry a complete stranger, as well as the Royal Navy's treatment of the indigenous people of Victoria. Hedlund also makes sure to make note of what was true and what is fictional license in her author's note, and I always feel like I learn a bit when reading one of her novels.

I found The Runaway Bride to be a fun and interesting read. I love how characters from the previous book played a small role in this story, and I'm glad there are two more books to come in this series. I'm really looking forward to the next book, as Abe was one of my favorite side characters in this novel.

I received a complimentary copy of this novel from the publisher. I was not required to post a positive review; these are my honest thoughts and opinions.

The Runaway Bride #2 of The Bride Ships by Jody Hedlund is a wonderful book. Arabella Lawrence is one of the women from the Bride Ship who has run away from an abusive situation. When she arrives in British Columbia there are plenty of men who would like to wed her but two men stand out. One is Lieutenant Richard Drummond, a gentleman in the navy and the other is Peter Kelly, the town baker. As she comes to know each man she discovers their differences in treatment and beliefs. When making a choice will it be the right one?

A story rich in history and well researched. Ms. Hedlund writing is a joy to read. This series is full of excitement and romance. I can't wait to read more of this series.

I received this book from Jody Hedlund/Bethany House Publishers/NetGalley and all opinions are my own.

This is the second installment in The Bride Ships Series and it was so good! Easily read as a standalone; this well researched novel is about a woman, Arabella, who left London for a more promising future in British Columbia. In the 1860's ships would transport women full of hope and longing to secure a future with respectable and responsible men.
Arabella meets two men on the journey; one of whom is instantly likeable. In the midst of romantic dilemmas, there's also a smallpox outbreak to contend with.
Jody Hedlund is an excellent author and creates plots and characters that are both engaging and interesting. This series has introduced a previously unknown historical tidbit to me. It's an enjoyable read. Hedlund also includes a helpful Author's Note at the end which gives further explanation about Bride Ships and the characters. Be sure to read it as it enhances the story.
I received an Advance Review Copy of this book. All opinions are my own. @bethanyhousefiction agreen@bethanyhouse.com @bethanyhousepublishers @jodyhedlund #therunawaybride #thebrideships #bookstagram

Book two in the Bride Ships series, “The Runaway Bride” manages to be even more compelling and breathtaking than its predecessor, “A Reluctant Bride.” Author Jody Hedlund has a gift for writing captivating historical romances that not only satisfy the heart and the soul, but also shed light on unique occurrences and issues that continue to remain relevant today. Whereas book one concentrated on Mercy Wilkins, a young woman from London’s slums, this sequel focuses on an upper-class gentlewoman named Arabella Lawrence, demonstrating that social class is not necessarily equivalent to contentment and morality.

One of my favorite parts of reading a series is the Russian nesting doll effect; each subsequent book pulls a minor character from the book before it and brings them to the forefront to tell their story. In this way, each novel can stand alone, but reading them chronologically offers a chance to grow alongside the characters while experiencing their world through their eyes. Arabella was introduced in the first book as a quiet and timid woman, and the reason for her behavior forms the foundation of “The Runaway Bride.”

Arriving in Victoria, British Columbia on the first bride ship, Arabella brings with her the torment and fear that sent her fleeing from England. Two men, one a respected Navy Lieutenant and the other a common baker, seek her affection, but is her heart ready to trust again? Her backstory is skillfully revealed piece by piece via flashbacks throughout the narrative, adding suspense while explaining Arabella’s thought process. Entrenched in the prejudices and models of behavior that define the social classes, the city of Victoria provides an often stark glimpse into the treatment of the rich and the poor, the upper and lower class, as well as the treatment of local natives. It is both fascinating and tragic to learn about the misconceptions many harbored, and this read is very timely given the outcome of the smallpox investigation in the final section of the book.

My favorite character was Mrs. Moresby. She appeared in book one, if memory serves, and here in “The Runaway Bride” her progressive and eccentric personality truly shines forth. She is delightful in every scene in which she appears, with a pragmatic approach to obstacles and no fear of defying convention in a society that places importance on one’s outward bearing: “Somewhere in Scripture, it says, ‘Man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.’ I always figured if God thinks the condition of a person’s heart matters more, then I should too.” Without her guidance, Arabella’s future may have been very different. Between the godly wisdom and counsel of Mrs. Moresby and the aforementioned Mercy Wilkins, Arabella’s courage begins to blossom, and she comes to realize that “She might not be able to eradicate every prejudice around her, but she had to start somewhere to make a difference. And the best place for that was with herself… one by one she’d been cutting away the tangle of propriety so that with each thread she cut loose, she was slowly finding the freedom to be herself and not someone else’s version of who she ought to be.” This is what makes “The Runaway Bride” so memorable, because at one point or another everyone questions who they are and who they should be. The good news is that, just as Arabella eventually comes to realize, the Lord has the answers in His Word, the Bible, and He already loves us with an everlasting love, desiring that we invite Him into our hearts. Seek Him!

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

A beautiful historical novel…

Peter Kelly is a young man who turn from God and his parents. He left England for Vancouver Island, living his own way gambling, womanizing until he met Pastor Abe who help him to see how the life he was living was empty without God and rededicate his life to God and open a bakery.

Arabella Lawrence is a young woman who arrived on Vancouver Island on a Bride Ship hoping to find a good husband after the desastrous experience she went through in England. She was engaged to a man who disrespect her and left her emotionally
wounded.

Lieutenant Drummond is looking for a wife and he is immediately attracted by Arrabella at her arrival in Vancouver as well as Peter Kelly. Both man will try to conquer Arrabella’s heart but they are both very different and Arrabella will soon discover it and will have to make the right choice.

The natives suffered from an outbreak of smallpox and most of them flee further in the country. But Arabella find a young girl left behind and decide to help her…

I feel for Arabella and the natives, their pain, their rejection. Arabella has always lived trying to please her familly and they high standards.
Leaving England open a door for her to gain courage, wisdom but most of all the freedom to be herself and trust God. She needed to stop caring about what others
think about her but to look at God, to look at the heart instead of apparences.

I like historical novel and it was a pleasure to read this story the end was very moving… I really learn something new from this story.

The Runaway Bride by Jody Hedlund
What a wonderful story! Arabella came from a upper middle class family in London. Being considered a spinster, at the age of 25 and because of circumstances beyond her control. She had to get away. With the help of her beloved servant, she found herself on the Tynemouth, a brideship bound for Vancouver Island. This story was riveting! So many twist and turns it kept you anticipating each new chapter. The characters were captivating and your heart yearned for them. I could not put it down. The witty banter, history, romance, having faith and courage in God was perfectly intertwined! I have not yet read the 1st ( the reluctant bride ) in the series. I have it on my TBR list. This is definitely a stand-alone book, but I can’t wait to read the rest of the series!!

This is the second installment to The Bride Ships Series, and I had to say that after reading The Reluctant Bride, which I loved, I had high expectations about Arabella’s story, and I wasn’t dillusioned at all! They were both amazingly good and touched my heart deeply, that I truly can’t choose yet which one is my favorite! It really amazes me the way she develops her characters so deeply and complex, yet totally loveable and relatable. I always feel part of their plight and ache with their struggles, as well as enjoy their banter and sweetness.
It’s 1862 and Arabella Lawrence is fleeing from her abusive and menacing fianceé. She was born a gentlewoman, and raised by her stepmother to meet all of London society’s expectations. Having a sister who thrived in many senses: physical appeareance (in Arabella's mind), talents, marriage and the start of a family, Arabella is desperate for getting her own chance at a family. Desperate enough that she accepted the suit of her father’s boss, pressed by her father and thinking she will have no other prospect as a spinster at 25, who is much older than her, but wealthy enough to provide her a life of every confort. Later, we see her fleeing and boarding the Tynemouth Ship with destiny to British Columbia with the mission to bring brides to match the many men established in the colony. As the book develops we start to get glimpses of what really happened to Arabella that made her flee and hurt her family (which I won’t spoil), but what we see at the beggining is a beautiful woman (unknown to her) that struggles with many insecurities due to her past and upbringing. She feels she’s not enough, yet she strives to find a fine gentleman that will meet upper society’s requirements, as she’s accustomed to do. This will seem to be an obstacle for Peter, who is a hard working and compassionate baker that is taken with her as soon as he sets eyes on her. With Arabella having two men vying for her affection, she’s at odds at which is the better choice: the man that meets all her supposed external requirements o the man that makes her heart tingle and helps her see her worthiness and all that she may be missing on life? As she discover a sick and starved native indian in the bins of where she lives, her kind heart aches to help her and protect her. The only person she knows that won’t shy away from a native is Pete. Will this common ground bring them closer or will it put at risk the reputation and the convenient match she is so intent on securing?
Pete Kelly has a regretful past. He strayed from his father’s well meaning advice and fell into bad ways: women, alcohol, etc. Until he found a man, Pastor Abe, who helped him turn his life around, begging forgiveness from God and start living an honest godly life. There are two things missing in his life: his family, his father’s forgiveness, and a good woman to marry. He, as well as the rest of the men on Vancouver Island, is expecting to meet his match from the Bride Ship arriving from London. But he never expected to fall at first sight for the proper and reserved redheaded. He’s determined to win her heart, but he finds she has other expectations, and another strong competitor, Royal Navy Officer Richard Drummond, that he must fight off first. As he offers Arabella to teach her baking, something she seems to enjoy, he finds more opportunities to woo her and get to know each other. Then helping the sick native girl, Haiel-Wat, is another thing that will bring them close together, but can he make Arabella come around and let down her defenses? or will time run out before he has the chance to show her what they can have together? Is Arabella still in danger from her hurtful past and will he be able to protect her if she’s in harm’s way?
This was a beautiful and touching story! I loved that each of the main characters were not perfect, yet they had a kind heart that led them toward good and compassion. They have many obstacles to overcome, especially Arabella, in order to be free to choose what’s really best. I loved taking Arabella’s journey of self love and discovering what is worthy in life. She was blinded by her past and upbringing, but her heart is so kind that she slowly opens to the things that truly matter in life. Her plight in nursing Haiel-Wat back to health and making a difference in such a needy child was heartwrenching and heartwarming. The issue about how the natives were expelled from the Island because of the smallpox outbreak, instead of helping them, was a true issue that is painful to acknowledge. It’s unbelievable the pain and rejection many natives have and still suffer from the hands of the upper classes. In turn, it was sweet and enlightening to watch Pete and Arabella’s efforts to help them with love and mercy. And to stand firm for them, when mighty people worked to harm them… Pete was totally my hero! I just loved his lighthearted personality! After suffering so much, it amazed me at how optimistic and enthusiastic he was about what he thought was the right thing and therefore pursued. He wasn’t a man to give up, and it was his perseverance that finally tore at Arabella’s heart. His playful and teasing ways were so charming. Even though some of the things he said might sound conceited, he did it to lighten Arabella’s tightness, and it was clear he gave himself little to no importance. He was always thinking of others, especially the needy, and particularly a redheaded he was besotted with. The way he valued her and made her see what others didn’t was precious to behold. I truly loved their relationship, even if Arabella made it a bit difficult at first, I loved the whole process of Pete’s selflesness worming his way into Arabella’s heart.
This is definitely a worthy read and I vividly recommend it to all historical lovers. It’s clean, sweet and rich in historical detail, as Jody’s books usually are. A totally pageturner with a deepness that makes you want to slow down to savour every word, act and detail.
The side characters are awesome too: I especially I loved Mrs. Moresby and Blind Billy. They were peculiar characters but were great influences in both the hero and the heroine.
Can’t wait for the next story! It seems it’s Pastor Abe’s chance at happiness! Thanks Jody for another wonderful book!
I received a copy from the Publisher but wasn’t required to post a positive review. All opinions here are unbiased ant totally my own.

The Runaway Bride is the story of another single woman who arrives in British Columbia looking for a husband! Arabella Lawrence was a secondary character in The Bride Ships #1 but this book is Arabella's story and can be read as a stand alone. Arabella had been raised for London society and has difficulty changing from those attitudes even though she has run away from an abusive "rich old man" fiance! Sometimes Arabella seemed to hold promise as she made friends with baker, Pete, and discovered a flair for baking cakes and when she protected a starving girl. But she was so gullible and let herself be influenced by the wealthy Lieutenant Richard Drummond of the Royal Navy! If only she would have kept her mouth shut around the lieutenant! The Runaway Bride is an excellent book which I recommend to others! I received an advance copy of The Runaway Bride from the author and Bethany House Publishers. This is my honest opinion.