My Rating
★★★★★ - You have bewitched me, body and soul. (More Info)
About the Book
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? (from the author's website)
My Thoughts
The setting in this story is unlike any other book I have read. I didn't even know that there were bride ships that came to the west coast of Canada! (I'm a Washington State native myself.) But it makes so much sense and I am really looking forward to learning more history about the mining settlements. Although, I have no idea where Jody will be taking us next in this series.
Mercy was such a great woman to get to know. I felt connected to her. Even though I can't relate to a lot of the things she went through. She was an easy person to listen to, to learn about, to become friends with. Joseph was a bit of a mystery to me at first. It was great to watch him come into his own and to realize things about himself that he didn't understand before.
All said and done, I really think this is one of my favorite stories Jody has written. Between the romance, the friendships, and the unique setting, this story definitely holds a special place in my heart. Oh! And just a word of advice, don't start this book at 11 o'clock at night unless you intend to stay awake reading for several more hours!
I received a complimentary copy of A Reluctant Bride from the publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
About the Author
Winner of the 2016 Christian Book Award and finalist for the Christy Awards, best-selling author Jody Hedlund writes inspirational historical romances for both youth and adults.
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.
