A Bride of Convenience (The Bride Ships: No. 3) - Jody Hedlund

Having travelled thousands of miles from England to British Columbia, Zoe Hart isn’t expecting a completely new life. But, certainly a decent one. And, to find her twin brother Zeke. She’s already mourning the loss of her mother, niece and estrangement from her sister. To lose touch with her sibling would be too much.

And then, her best friend Jane with whom she travelled with, dies.

Cursing the hard mill life, they left behind in Manchester, she aches for the loss of her sweet friend and that pain is soothed by Pastor Abe offering condolences. When he speaks the Lords words of comfort over Jane’s still body, Zoe finds a new resolve but shuns the thoughts of noticing that Abe is a good-looking man.

All is forgotten momentarily when a miner arrives (at the hospital) with a filthy, pungent bundle explaining to Pastor Abe that he can’t be a father. Zoe immediately lays claim to the unwanted babe vowing to care for the infant despite its mother being ‘native’ and therefore unwelcome amongst the white townspeople.

Pastor Abe Merivale administers to the miners up in the mountains. He’s not the typical clergyman as he sees value in talking to the and with the people not just preaching to them. When he arrives at the hospital to say last rites, he’s recalls seeing Zoe on a visit to Victoria. He had noticed her beauty and had admonished himself over such thoughts. He had also noticed her being accosted by local man, Dexter Dawson, a man that can’t be trusted. Abe watched her walk away from his attentions and had prayed she and the other wannabe brides would choose their husbands carefully. And now, he stands in front of her as she willingly offers to care for a stranger’s child.

Zoe knows that in order to look after the orphan baby, she needs to be married. So, when Dexter is happy to marry her despite the child, she jumps at the chance. However, Abe is mortified at the thought and tries to dissuade Zoe from making a horrific mistake. And, through a misunderstood question, Abe finds himself married to Zoe.

Will they like being married to each other? It’s a marriage of convenience, certainly, but for Zoe or Abe? Will they be able to find happiness? Find love with each other? And will Dexter let go of Zoe that easily?

The third book in the series and it just gets better. An epic journey for a woman escaping the dreary mills of England and deceased family could easily be a forlorn tale, but Hedlund’s finesse of storytelling creates a heartwarming tale of how two apparently mismatched souls can come together to form a bond of friendship, family and eventually love. There are moments of drama – Dexter Dawson, Bishop Hills and local madam, Wanda – throwing what could be a run of the mill romance off course and therefore creating a rounded story of two people coming together in the spirit of love and with God’s guidance.

It’s a treacherous tale emotionally and the reader will find themselves quickly and easily involved with the characters. The author has created people who are epitomes of kindness and selflessness. Their generous hearts make them an ideal couple to the townspeople of Yale. A book that is easy to read with superb descriptions of 1800s Vancouver Island and the references to indigenous people are written respectfully and sympathetically.

Overall, a great installment in the Bride Ships series. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this story and I'm excited to read the last book of the series. Fans of Christian fiction, historical fiction, romance and  Jody Hedlund will not be disappointed.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers to review. The opinions expressed are my own and I am not required to give a positive critique. 

The Englisch Daughter - Cindy and Erin Woodsmall

Things are different within the marriage and Jemima Graber can't fully understand what has gone wrong. Devoted mother and wife, her life for the last ten years belonged to her family.

When an accident causes her husband and daughter to be injured, the distance starts. It was a time to be thankful as they survived yet Roy isolates himself from them, their family. When did things get so bad? Jemima hardly sees him and her desire to own a food truck, sanctioned by the Bishop, is fast becoming a pipe dream.

Roy loves his family, the horse farm he owns is successful. But, that one night with an old friend has caused so much internal turmoil. He doesn't know how to face Jemima, the love of his life. Would she understand the relationship he has with Tiffany, an Englisch woman he met before joining the Old Order faith? Not only does Roy have to find the courage to speak to his wife, he also needs to explain why she won't be able to purchase the food truck. When did things go so wrong?

Abigail loves her independence, helping out at Endless Grace (a group helping men in recovery and at risk teens), working on the horse farm. She knows something isn't right between her brother and sister-in-law but, whatever it is, she's on Jemima's side. Her opinion of men is a touch jaded. And, then she meets Chris, the newly employed farmhand.

Chris Fisher is in between the Order. He's taken on boxing, frowned upon in the Amish community, but he has to compete in one more fight. It may be his downfall, but it will help his brother. When he meets Abigail, he's not inclined to tell her the whole truth. But, if he wants to have a relationship with her he'll have to come clean - will she still accept him?

When the situation with Tiffany comes to head all four have to work together to save a life - but will it save Roy and Jemima's relationship?

Together, the lives of  Jemima, Roy, Abigail and Chris converge to create both a heartwarming and heart wrenching story. Erin and Cindy Woodsmall's story is thoughtful, sincere and scattered with touches of humor. Love and strength of family is the main theme with heavy doses of being truthful and facing the consequences of ones' actions.

Being told from a different perspective, the story shines a new light on how an Amish family deals with trouble within a marriage. It's a story that you hope turns out well if only for the sake of Jemima. The Woodsmall's have created such a strong kind and compassionate protagonist that the reader can  only wish the best for her.

Another well written and thought out novel. The authors have managed to create a story filled with so much emotion and believable characters. Capturing the nuances of children, a strained relationship, a burgeoning one as well as unconditional love and deep faith, The Englisch Daughter will be a book that can't be put down once started. A highly recommended read.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House to review. The opinions expressed are my own and I am not required to give a positive critique.

A Christmas Haven - Cindy and Erin Woodsmall

When Arlan and Magda Keim crash in to Raysburg's town pharmacy, Ivy Zook's plans take a slight detour.

Running a party planning business is a dream that Ivy wants to see come true. But the reality is proving difficult. Shedding the Old Order ways means she can create access the internet and listen to music so that she can fulfill her clients needs. However, leaving her Amish life behind could mean losing her family. It means leaving her Mamm to tend to the small dairy farm alone, a farm that her father looked after before passing away.

Not only does Ivy need to break the news to her Mamm of her desire to live Englisch and that she will be leaving the community soon but she also needs to time her departure so it doesn't disrupt her elder sister's plans. Holly is getting married to Joshua Smucker in December. And, she's also studying for her LPN (Licensed Practice Nurse) - something her Bishop approved but an issue Holly is unsure whether her fiancé's Bishop will accept.

Arlan left their 'ultra-conservative sect' (Swartzenruber) to get much needed medical help for his sister. He certainly didn't mean to drive in the pharmacy. However, when the Zook family take them in and provided shelter, food and medicine, it gives Arlan a chance to work through how he will return home.

With Ivy looking to leave a restricted lifestyle and Arlan whishing to return to one, the two immediately clash. From living with Ivy's family he sees a freedom that he never knew could exist - one that allowed him to be himself but stay true to God. They both hide parts of their lives - Christmas ornaments for Ivy, books for Arlan - and it's this commonality that breaks the barrier and allows them to understand each other.

Christmas is a time for peace, reflection and sharing a joyous time with family and friends. For Ivy, Arlan and Holly it's a time for them to stay true to their own needs and realizing that they are able to do so within their Amish community. Christ knows the path they have to take - they need to find it.

Another great book from Cindy and her daughter Erin. As usual the characters are sound, relatable and just interesting. The romance is subtle but nonetheless satisfying when sparks finally emerge. The scripture quoted throughout gives the reader further insight of how Ivy and Arlan view life differently and being set amidst the holiday season adds a magical, warming element to the whole story.

I'm a huge fan of Woodsmall and of Amish fiction. This story (far too short for me) was simply sweet and lovely. Characters from other stories popped their heads in here and there and the atmosphere created was homely with a sprinkling of Christmas anticipation. The author(s) have a wonderful way of promoting scripture without it being overbearing and whilst I wish the story was a little longer to have a little more romance, they certainly captured the emotions well. A great read for fans of Amish and Christian fiction.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from WaterBrook and Multnomah as part of their Launch Team. The opinions expressed are my own and I am not required to give a positive critique. 

Her One and Only - Becky Wade (#4 of The Porter Family Series)

The last thing Gray Fowler expected was a female bodyguard. After 10 years as an NFL superstar for the Mustangs, he was used to the adoring fans – even obsessive. But still. A female protecting him? Isn’t he better off protecting himself?

Dru Porter. The youngest of the Porter family. Having to contend with that, she’s also a woman (not a girl) so her three older brothers did their growing up ten years before she did and they’re somewhat protective. Regardless of the fact that she’s a former Marine, black belt and an expert markswoman, they’re still going to look out for her.

Gray is dismissive of both her and the stalker. Dru, the agency she works for and Gray’s management think differently. With this frame of mind, Dru knows she’ll have her work cut out for her. She needs Gray to listen and action her suggestions – she can’t afford for anything to go wrong. Despite her skills and know how she couldn’t prevent a disaster happening on her last assignment. Her boss knows, as does Dru, this job is a chance to redeem her tarnished reputation.

Can Dru protect Gray – or more to the point – will he allow her to? As secrets become uncovered, and they are drawn closer to the stalker, Dru and Gray come to an understanding. However, the agent/client lines are beginning to blur…

The burgeoning romance between the main characters is tucked away for quite a while. Wade doesn’t make the attraction immediate – they both have walls built around their hearts – and it will take a lot of understanding from each other to break them down. Dru and Gray are both headstrong, determined and with so much integrity. The weaving subplot is their faith in God and can they trust the path that He has planned for them?

With themes of obsession, alcoholism, fear, faith, broken homes and love, throughout, there is a lot to this novel. Whilst it may seem ‘heavy’, Wade has constructed a beautifully told story.  The stalker plot has a surprising twist to it and anyone who has read the previous books in the series will certainly not be disappointed with the final installment.

I certainly enjoyed reading this and didn’t feel like I was missing too much from not having read about the other families. My only niggling doubt was the front cover – it doesn’t reflect the big, muscled man I would expect from an NFL player as described by Wade. But that, I suppose is a little irrelevant. A recommended read for fans of Christian and/or romance fiction.

I received a copy of this book to review from Bethany House publishers as part of their Bloggers Program. The opinions expressed are my own and I am not required to give a positive critique.