I loved the first book, A Reluctant Bride.

When starting a new book series from a favorite author it is easy to wonder if it will be as good as their former works, if it will be their new best, or even if it will be their all-time worse. Thankfully, I was quite pleased with The Runaway Bride, it is superbish.

Pete, goodness, Pete! I knew from the blurb that Arabella would end up with Pete, it was somewhat obvious, ending with the question, "Will she have the wisdom to make the right decision, or will seeking what's right cost both her and Peter everything." Easy enough to see that they are the couple in The Runaway Bride.
At first, I wasn't sure what to think about Pete, he's a bit insufferable, arrogant, full of himself, and yet that's all a way to cover his tender side.
At first, it felt like he only liked Arabella for her looks, it felt almost like it was only lust ... Until I read when they were together and I started to like them as a couple, which was what the author wanted as she led in the other man competing for Arabella's hand in marriage, Lieutenant Drummond, and may I say that I didn't like him even from the start?

The poor Indian got that Arabella tried to help was so sad, and sweet at the same time.

Arabella, I liked her from the start. The fact that she was a runaway bride surely came to light, the man she refused to marry was horrendous, slight spoiler but if you read this you should be warned that she has scars from him where he beat her, bit her, and hit her. So, just a warning.

Yet, Arabella is still a strong character that I enjoyed reading about, and the way she cared for those that came under her care was so sweet. I loved her and Pete's banter, jokes, and Pete's way of assuming that he would win her.

The ending was oh so sweet and even if I hadn't liked the rest of the book the last chapter was worth it, but, I had one problem and that was the fact that so many times it felt like the main characters drifted toward lust and not real love.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. ( )

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. ( )

I absolutely loved this book. I cared about the characters and thought about them after the last page was turned. That, to me, is an indication of a great book.

Arabella knows she doesn't deserve the abuse she received from the man her father had arranged for her to marry. When she has the opportunity to run away to British Columbia on the Bride Ship, she jumps at the chance to start fresh.

I really loved Pete, the baker of the community. He has set his heart on marrying Arabella but she is also being courted by the dashing Navy man, Lieutenant Richard Drummond. He is a man who has definite ideas about how the native people should be treated but it's not with compassion. Pete, on the other hand, is a man of God and he wants the native people to be treated with the compassion they deserve.

The historical information in this book is really good and I can tell that Jody Hedlund did her research on this. It is well written and a definite page turner.

I highly recommend this book and give it 5 stars.

*This book was provided to me by Bethany House. I received a copy of this book to review but I was not financially compensated in any way. The opinions expressed are my own and are based on my observations while reading this book. ( )

Wow! This book is so good. It is the second book in the Bride Ships series but can be read as a stand-alone.

The series follows young women who left their homes in England to become brides to men in British Columbia. This book is Arabella's story. She ran from home when abused by her intended. He was a much older man who went through several wives. Arabella does not want to become the next victim of a horrible man. He holds employment over her father's head to see that the match is completed. Arabella really has no other option than to run as far and as fast as she can.

She is courted by two very different men. Lieutenant Drummond is everything she thinks she wants. He can sustain the life of luxury that she has grown accustomed to. He would provide every opportunity that she left behind. Peter Kelly is a force to be reckoned with. He is charming, attractive, kind, and attentive. But he is a baker and cannot provide her lifestyle. He is also reformed. He has not lived a life free from vice but has found that faith is more important to him than lifestyle mistakes. He is a very authentic character who is not perfect but trying to do good. (I bet you can tell whom I hope wins Arabella in the end.)

This book brought to my attention the plight of the natives living in Canada. Their story is much like that of those who lived farther to the south in the United States. The white men brought sickness and destruction to them. They were persecuted and driven from their homes. The compassion that both Arabella and Peter showed to them was heartwarming. If they were real people I would definitely want to be friends with them.

I can't wait to read the next book in the series!

This book is Christian fiction, it also contains passionate kissing and non-graphic violence.

Source: I received a complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. ( )

Are you looking for a swoon-worthy read with lots of heart? “The Runaway Bride” by Jody Hedlund is exactly that. This book is the second book in the “The Bride Ships” series but can be read as a standalone.

"The Runaway Bride" by Jody Hedlund tackles some fascinating subjects—one being “bride ships.” Prior to reading this book, I did not know anything about this subject. I loved reading about Arabella, an aristocrat from England in the 1860s, who rode on a bride ship to Vancouver Island. Like the author states in her author’s note, I was interested to read about what might make someone take this journey.

In addition to Arabella, there is Pete, a hero that many ladies will swoon after. He is the town’s baker in this wild new land, and he has a soft heart. He cares about the Natives, even though many look down on them, especially during the smallpox outbreak. He defends them and helps them. This book shows that we are not all that different, despite our race or our class. There are so many divides during this time period, but the characters of this story learn that the Lord looks not at the outward appearance, but at the heart.

I really appreciate the faith aspects in “The Runaway Bride.” Arabella has been through a lot in her past and she is able to learn that God can use one’s suffering and pain to help others in the same situation. Pete and Arabella learn to not live life according to the expectations of others but to find direction from God alone. They also experience lessons in courage and forgiveness. What a wonderful and encouraging read!

Content: I give this book a PG-13 rating. Some examples of the content are: mention of half-naked natives; a woman was physically abused and she has flashbacks; people drink alcohol; a man struggles with desires of the flesh; a man tries to force his attentions on a woman; a brief scene of a man beating a woman.

Rating: I give this book 4 stars.

I want to thank Jody Hedlund and Bethany House for the complimentary copy of this book for review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I express in this review are my own. This is in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s CFR 16, Part 255. ( )