About the Book

Title: The Runaway Bride

Series: #2 The Bride Ships

Author: Jody Hedlund

Publisher: Bethany House

Released: March 2020

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Haunted by mistakes in her past, will she ever again trust her heart to another?

Wealthy Arabella Lawrence flees to British Columbia on a bride ship, still bearing the scars of past mistakes. One of the few single women in the boomtown, she immediately attracts suitors, but she is determined not to find herself trapped again by making a poor choice.

Vying for her hand are two very different men. Lieutenant Richard Drummond is a gentleman in the Navy, held in high esteem. Peter Kelly is the town’s baker who has worked hard to build a thriving business. He and Drummond not only compete for Arabella’s affections, but also clash over their views of how the natives should be treated in the midst of a smallpox outbreak.

As Arabella begins to overcome her fears, she discovers someone in dire need—a starving girl left behind by her tribe. Intent on helping the child, Arabella leans on Peter’s advice and guidance. Will she have the wisdom to make the right decision, or will seeking what’s right cost both her and Peter everything?

My Review

Jody Hedlund won me over in The Runaway Bride, #2 The Bride Ships, with her hero. He

is Pete Kelly, a baker who is well-liked and charismatic. He also has a keen eye out for

injustice done to his fellow-man and is quick to get involved. He is kind, has compassion

even on his enemies, and is really trying to live for God. Which brings up his biggest

question for God: if he’s living according to God’s plan, why is his life so tough? Pete has

to decide if living life God’s way is worthwhile if it doesn’t always result in a life of ease

or happiness.

Arabella is one very confused lady. She certainly seems to have a severe case of

indecision. She brought to mind that verse in James about a double-minded person that

is “blown and tossed by the wind.” (James‬ ‭1:6‬ ‭NLT‬‬) Just when I thought, “Now she’ll come

to her senses and understand which direction to go,” she would falter and backpedal

faster than a carriage whose horses are spooked. Thank goodness for Hedlund’s author’s

notes. Hedlund assures us she’s aware we 21st-century readers might have difficulty

understanding a 19th-century English woman’s hesitation to step outside of societal

norms. By the novel’s end, Arabella develops a very strong spine and I wondered if I

would be that courageous.

This is a nonlinear story, so we are fed a bit of the present story, then a memory bite of

the past. Eventually, the dichotomous storyline is completed after much danger, soul-

searching, and exciting adventures with a few clean romantic kisses, plus a nice ending

twist.

Perhaps the players I most admired stayed in the background. Mercy taught Arabella so

much by her example. Mrs. Moresby and Hayward were ladies I really wanted to meet

and enjoy knowing.

One other note. Hedlund’s historical research is impeccable and a reader can learn a

great deal about Victoria in the 1860s.

Notable Quotables:

“He’ll give you courage like no other can.”

”I always figured if God thinks the condition of a person’s heart matters more, then I should, too.”

”She’d been satisfied with eating crumbs in her relationships when there were feasts that awaited if she just had enough courage to partake.”

”…when we stand up against injustice, we’ll likely suffer for doing the right thing.”

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author and Bethany House through NetGalley. This in no way influences my opinions, which are solely my own.

My Rating

5 Stars– Hit My Reading Sweet Spot

About the Author

Jody Hedlund is the author of over twenty historicals for both adults and teens and is the winner of numerous awards including the Christy, Carol, and Christian Book Award.

Jody lives in central Michigan with her husband, five busy children, and five spoiled cats. Although Jody prefers to experience daring and dangerous adventures through her characters rather than in real life, she’s learned that a calm existence is simply not meant to be (at least in this phase of her life!).

When she’s not penning another of her page-turning stories, she loves to spend her time reading, especially when it also involves consuming coffee and chocolate.