Historical Fiction Book Review: A Reluctant Bride
About the Book
Title: A Reluctant Bride
Series: The Bride Ships (Book 1)
Publisher: Bethany House Publishers
Release Date: June 4, 2019
Publisher's Description
"Living in London's poorest slum, Mercy Wilkins has little hope of a better life. When she's offered an opportunity to join a bride ship sailing to British Columbia, she agrees. After witnessing so much painful heartache and loss in the slums, the bride ship is her only prospect to escape a bleak future, not only for herself but, she hopes, someday for her sister.Wealthy and titled Joseph Colville leaves home and takes to the sea in order to escape the pain of losing his family. As 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 on the shore eager to claim a bride from the Tynemouth, will Mercy and Joseph lose their chance at true love, or will they be able to overcome the obstacles that threaten to keep them apart?"
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My Review
A
Reluctant Bride, by Jody Hedlund, is the first book in
The Bride Ships series. Rich with detail and drama, this compelling story is
utterly engaging and memorable. Elements of adventure, history, and romance ensure
that this book is fascinating and meaningful; while its immersive settings,
authentic characters, and gripping plot elevate this novel and make it truly
impressive.
Ms. Hedlund’s style of storytelling is thoroughly captivating.
From the grit and desperation of the London slums in the late nineteen century,
to the power and beauty of unpredictable ocean waters, to the cramped
conditions on a wooden sailing ship, to the stunning grandeur of northwest
Canada, the settings of this novel fully appeal to the reader’s senses and
imagination.
Existing within the detailed settings, the
characters in this novel add depth and heart to the story. They are believable,
sympathetic, and intriguing. Their fears, desires, doubts, and motivations are
thought-provoking and relevant. And it is through these characters that the
plot flows easily, sweeping the reader along on an enthralling journey of
danger, doubt, faith, and new beginnings.
Well-written and entertaining from the first page to
the last, A Reluctant Bride is worthy
of high praise. I absolutely enjoyed reading it, and I am eagerly looking
forward to reading the next book in this series. I gladly recommend this novel
to all readers.
*I was given a copy of this book from the publisher
and from NetGalley. A review was not required. The review I have written
contains opinions that are entirely my own.
My Reflection
Within its pages, A Reluctant Bride does a phenomenal job of affirming the inherent
value of every human being. With beauty and grace, it draws attention to the
substantial worth of each human soul regardless of education, wealth, or
background. It boldly declares the Biblical truth that every person is precious,
everybody has something to offer, and no one is beyond redemption. While
leading the reader on an adventure of romance and second chances, this novel also
encourages the reader to embrace the acceptance, mercy, and love that God
wholeheartedly offers to everyone.
About the Author: Jody Hedlund
"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." --Biography from Jody Hedlund's author page on Amazon.com.
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." --Biography from Jody Hedlund's author page on Amazon.com.
Nice review! This is up next for me!
ReplyDeleteI loved this book!
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