Bride Ships, History and Romance! --"The Runaway Bride" by Jody Hedlund—Review

My Review


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.

About the Author 

Wife, mom, teacher, author, kisser of scraped knees, encourager of the downtrodden, guzzler of coffee, and, most importantly, passionate follower of Jesus. 

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