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 Runaway Bride (Book 2, The Bride Ships) – Jody Hedlund

It’s 1862 and Arabella Lawrence’s only escape from an ill-matched marriage is to board the Tynemouth – a ship heading to British Colombia. Only, this ship is filled with women wishing to seek marriage to the plethora of available men on Vancouver Island.

With red-brown hair, Arabella hopes to catch the attention of a gentlemen from the upper echelons of society as she feels she is not as accomplished as others. A good marriage will place her well in society. Whilst she has a past to hide, thoughts of how she left her family plague her mind. Her step-mother’s training on how a young woman should behave allows the pretty young woman to push intrusive thoughts aside.  

Pete Kelly – led a wayward life of a miner before finding his way back on to the path that God had chosen for him. Regretting the way he left England and missing his father, he restarts his life. He’s also keen to marry and sneaks aboard the bride ship when it docks. Pete is lucky he’s the town’s baker otherwise he’d never be allowed to mix with ‘proper’ gentleman.

A chance encounter with the baker and a proper introduction to one Lieutenant Drummond begins the dance of which man will win Arabella’s heart. The handsome soldier treats her to picnics, dances, dinners and croquet. Pete, teases, flirts and teaches her how to bake.

Upon discovering a native child ferreting in the bins, it is only a matter of time before she fully learns of the horrendous outbreak of chickenpox among the indigenous people of British Columbia. Torn between what is expected of her and what brings her joy, Arabella is soon in the midst of a situation that will be either be her downfall or the making of her. Should Arabella throw society's rules out and do something that makes her truly happy or should she remain submissive and become the lady she was trained to become?

What a well thought out, intricate and emotional story. Hedlund’s characters are rich with life and the sympathetic telling of the cruelty against American Indians is heart-wrenching. The burgeoning relationship between Pete and Arabella is fueled with emotion as well as highlighting the differences of class and status that still had a bearing in the new world.

With unsung hero’s such as Mrs. Moresby – part of the welcoming committee for the women from the bride ship – Blind Billy, Dodge (Pete’s bake house partners) and Pastor Abe, the story is packed with colorful characters, humor, sadness and snippets of God’s teachings throughout .

Already a fan of the Orphan Train series, the Bride Ship series sets to be another outstanding collection. Hedlund is able to weave a tale of romance and faith without it being overbearing or indeed preachy. As read, I laughed, tears came to my eyes, anger simmered. It’s a story that brings awareness of the chickenpox outbreak, the ruthlessness of the Royal Navy and the simple kindness that humans can and should show each regardless of race, gender or ethnicity. A highly recommended read for fans of historical and Christian fiction.

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

With You Always – Jody Hedlund (Orphan Train, Book 1)

A struggling immigrant, trying to find their way in the new world, Elise Neumann and her sisters, find a flicker of hope when they meet Miss Pendleton.

She puts a roof over their heads and gives Elise and the second eldest sister, Marianne work as seamstresses. They are not well liked by the other women who work in the warehouse. These women, also rescued by Miss. Pendleton, have less than reputable backgrounds and they see Elise as a favorite. Fanny, one of the workers, takes a considerable dislike to her. However, the young German, endures the torment – she has to make a better life for her sisters and the two young children they have taken under their wings.

As work soon dries up, and angry mobs descend on the streets, a chance of a new life out west beckons. With the aid of the New York Children’s Aid Society, Elise is able to head there for her and her sisters. But what will become of them, with her being so far away? Little does she know, that the chance encounter with a stranger called Thornton, will change her life.

Thornton Quincy. Born in to a world of privilege, he has everything that he needs – except he’s always in his twin brother’s shadow. And, then his father gives them a unique challenge. Is this the opportunity that he has been waiting for? A chance to see pride in his father’s eyes? However, the contest is problematic. Not only does Thornton and Bradford have to build a successful, sustainable town/community along the Illinois Central Railroad, they both must find a wife. And, it must be love. With the grand prize of inheriting their father’s railroad-building empire, the brotherly competition begins. But how long will it remain amicable?

When Elise shows her skills as a cook and also a strong-minded personality, Thornton is drawn to her – she’s a breath of fresh air. But being socially, worlds apart, can they ever hope to have more than the friendship that they currently have?

Loved it from page one. An immediately absorbing, intriguing read. Hedlund’s characters are well defined and believable. The banter between the main characters is heartwarming and her historical references – women’s movement, railroad building – is reminder of how difficult life was in those times. An utterly romantic story. I’m looking forward to reading the next book in the series. A highly recommended read.

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