The Runaway Bride by Jody Hedlund exceeded my high expectations! The Bride Ships series continues to wow and entertain with heart probing stories!
about the book
The Runaway Bride by Jody Hedlund (The Bride Ships book 2)
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?
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my thoughts
If you have any doubts about spending another knee-weakening, stomach-churning month on a storm-tossed ship, literarily speaking, allow me to put your mind at ease. We rejoin our brides-to-be in this second installment of the Bride Ships series as the ship reaches the shores of British Columbia so no more sea-faring drama for either the richer or poorer ladies.
The Runaway Bride is specifically Arabella’s story although we get to check in a bit with our heroine from book 1 as well. This lady of good-breeding has a conflicted heart of gold beneath her pampered facade. Her struggle between doing the expected thing and doing the right thing resonated with me as she sought faith, truth, and (dare she hope for?) love.
Personally, I was smitten with Irish baker Peter Kelly from the moment he graced the page with his wit, charm, and irresistible brogue but I’ll not attempt to sway readers from gentleman officer Lieutenant Richard Drummond’s camp. Watching these two fellas duke it out over Arabella’s affections is part of what makes this story so appealing.
This story challenged me to consider how much I would be willing to sacrifice in the pursuit of justice for others and perhaps in defiance of those in authority. While the answer may appear to be a simple one in hindsight, the realities and consequences of going against the grain are enough to convince most to turn a blind eye to injustices suffered by others.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and was under no obligation to post a review. The opinions expressed are my own.
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.
Visit her website or follow Jody on facebook, twitter, or Instagram!
The Bride Ships series
Orphan Train series
I am loving the transportation trend of Jody’s latest series!
Would you choose to travel by train or by ship, reader friends?!
Let me know if you’ve read The Runaway Bride by Jody Hedlund or are adding to your tbr.
Faithfully Bookish 
No I haven’t read any of her books as of yet because she is a new author to me. I would love to read one of her books one of these days when I can have the money, to afford to buy a copy.
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You’re likely to find her books at your local library as well! Happy reading!
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