Historical Romance Book Review: The Runaway Bride

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About the Book

Title: The Runaway Bride  
Series: The Bride Ships (Book 2)
Genre: Historical Romance
Publisher: Bethany House Publishers
Release Date: March 3, 2020

Click here to purchase a copy of this book for yourself.

Publisher's Description

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

Vying for her hand are two very different men. Lieutenant Richard Drummond is a gentleman in the Navy and is held in high esteem. Peter Kelly is the town's baker and has worked hard to build a thriving business. He and Drummond not only compete for Arabella's affections, but 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 abandoned by her tribe. Intent on helping the girl, 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

The Runaway Bride, by Jody Hedlund, is the second book in The Bride Ships series.  With a stunning combination of history, adventure, and romance, this book is an absolute pleasure to read! Captivating and truly meaningful, this novel certainly impresses with its vivid setting, compelling characters, and  engrossing plot. 

As a truly gifted storyteller, Ms. Hedlund’s has once again succeeded in writing a novel that is truly enjoyable and utterly entertaining. From the coastal city of Victoria to a crowded workroom of a small bread shop, to the spectacular views experienced from the seats in a wooden canoe, the settings of this novel are beautifully detailed and appealing. And it is within these settings that the characters in this book pursue their hearts' desires, reveal their true natures, seek redemption, and nurture their faith. Page after page, these characters are memorable and authentic. Their hopes, concerns, insecurities, and convictions are interesting and moving. As a reader, it was easy for me to become invested in their stories and the plot details that flowed from them. From beginning to end, I was engaged by this remarkable novel of peril, hope, uncertainty, courage, compassion, and second chances.

Rich with detail and drama, this story is well-written and edifying. The Runaway Bride is a worthy novel. I recommend it wholeheartedly to all readers. I certainly enjoyed reading it, and I am definitely looking forward to reading the next book in this series.

*I was given a copy of this book from the publisher and from NetGalley. A review was not required. The review I have written is voluntary and contains opinions that are entirely my own.

My Reflection

As with the first book in The Bride Ships series, The Runaway Bride continues to affirm the inherent value of every human being. With gentle grace and truth, it calls attention to the substantial worth of each human soul regardless of race, gender, education, wealth, or background. It fearlessly proclaims the Biblical reality that every person is worthy of love, everybody has gifts and talents to share, and no one is excluded from God's forgiveness and redemption. While taking 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.

Click here to visit Jody Hedlund's website.

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