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?
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Jody Hedlund is one of the best historical Christian authors of this era. If you enjoy this genre and haven’t read any of her stories, run to your local library, bookstore, or order on line, you’ll not be disappointed no matter what book you pick. My only recommendation is that if you pick a series get all of the books at once, because you won’t be able to stop reading!
I have read almost all of Jody’s awesome books, by far The Bride Ships series is her best writing ever! The first book in this outstanding series, A Reluctant Bride, was great, and I remember thinking to myself no way it could be topped. But I was totally wrong, and can not be happier about it. Arabella Lawrence, a middle class woman with means, is the best character Jody has ever penned, in my opinion. Maybe it is because of what she had to endure prior to getting on that bride ship, I’m not sure. I first related with Arabella in A Reluctant Bride like no other character before, and was totally captivated with her plight throughout The Runaway Bride. If I had to pick my favorite scene it would be when Arabella and Peter (Pete) Kelly the baker first meet, and he gives her his most prized possession. Oh no wait, it was the second time they met in the wee hours of the morning in the Marine barrack’s kitchen. Wait it was when they… I give up it was the whole book!
As one reads this fantastic story be careful while holding the book, your eyelashes will get singed from the steam rising from the pages. Jody kept us waiting till almost the end for the…? You’ll have to read the book to get the answer. This story is full of suspense, mystery, romance, and history. Jody’s prose is like no other bringing the 1860s to life as we view Vancouver Island for the first time right along with the women of the Bride Ship. As the boat approached the harbor, the excitement, the doubt, and many more feelings that Arabella and the other women felt so did I. Jody’s gift of storytelling draws you into the story and doesn’t let go even months after one has finished the last paragraph. The feeling of tranquility sets in at the end, a place you want to relish in forever.
Thank you so much Jody for granting me the honor of being a member of your Facebook Jody Hedlund’s Reader Room and the opportunity to read this outstanding story as part of your Release Crew. I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author and Bethany House. I was under no obligation to write a favorable review, and all opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
The Runaway Bride by Jody Hedlund What a wonderful story! Arabella came from a upper middle class family in London. Being considered a spinster, at the age of 25 and because of circumstances beyond her control. She had to get away. With the help of her beloved servant, she found herself on the Tynemouth, a brideship bound for Vancouver Island. This story was riveting! So many twist and turns it kept you anticipating each new chapter. The characters were captivating and your heart yearned for them. I could not put it down. The witty banter, history, romance, having faith and courage in God was perfectly intertwined! I have not yet read the 1st ( the reluctant bride ) in the series. I have it on my TBR list. This is definitely a stand-alone book, but I can’t wait to read the rest of the series!!