The Runaway Bride (The Bride Ships Book #2)

· The Bride Ships Book 2 · Baker Books
4.5
19 reviews
Ebook
384
Pages
Eligible

About this ebook

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?

Ratings and reviews

4.5
19 reviews
Marilyn Johnson
July 6, 2020
This is book two in the Bride Ships series, however I feel it is a stand alone book. If you enjoy historical romance you will like this series. Arabella has fears and a past to overcome all while trying to find her place. Should she stay with her rules and class or dare she trust her heart. Lieutenant Drummond and Peter Kelly have a past that clashes already, so when Arabella enters into the picture their differences really show. I enjoyed the history, chemistry, and story line in this book and look forward to book three.
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Meagan Myhren-Bennett
April 20, 2020
The Runaway Bride The Bride Ships #2 By Jody Hedlund Arabella Lawson is fleeing the life that she knew and the marriage she doesn't want. The Bride Ships offer her the chance at a new life away from the pain and fears of the past. But can she find the life she seeks - one to which she is accustomed to or will she be forced to accept the first offer of marriage that comes her way? Pete Kelly has regrets but he is no longer the young man who left his family behind in anger all those years ago. He is a changed man and he credits this change of heart to the Lord and natives who saved his life. Pete is determined to get a wife from one of the ladies who has come over on the bride ship. When he sees Arabella he knows that she is the one for him even though he is of a lower class. Unfortunately, he isn't the only suitor seeking Arabella's hand and the man seeking it is someone Pete has had conflicts with in the past. The Runaway Bride is the second book in the Bride Ships series and while it can be read as a stand-alone title, it is best read as part of a series. The main characters from the first book A Reluctant Bride are secondary characters whose story is more fully developed. This book deals with prejudice against the indigenous peoples who called the area home, against lower classes, and women's abilities and rights. The setting is Vancouver Island in Canada in 1862 with brief flashbacks to Arabella's life in England. I like how Arabella slowly changes and in several cases the catalyst to change is her care and concern for others. Her biggest obstacle to change is her desire to reclaim her place as a gentlewoman of society. Overall a good and satisfying read perfect for fans of historical fiction who don't want just fluff. Jody Hedlund's fans won't be disappointed in her newest offering and will be waiting for this summer's release of the next book in the series. A perfect book club selection. I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by the publisher with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.
1 person found this review helpful
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Kristina Anderson
March 29, 2020
The Runaway Bride by Jody Hedlund grabbed by attention from the very first page. I have not yet had the opportunity to read The Reluctant Bride (I have moved it to the top of my pile). I was glad that The Runaway Bride could be read as a standalone. I thought the story was well-written with realistic, developed characters. Arabella Lawrence has left England for a new life in British Columbia. She fled England before her wedding to Mr. Major. The match was arranged between her father and Mr. Major. The man was old enough to be Arabella’s grandfather and his other wives only lived a couple of years after they were wed. Arabella has had rigid rules drilled into her by a nasty stepmother. She arrives in British Columbia on a bride ship and hopes to make an advantageous match that suits her position. Lt. Richard Drummond is among the dignitaries greeting the ship and he is instantly taken with Arabella. Peter Kelly, the local baker, meets Arabella the same day and knows she is the woman he wants to marry. Two very different men with differing belief systems vying for Arabella’s attention. Peter Kelly is a charmer from the very beginning. I can see why Arabella was taken with him. I could feel Arabella’s mind versus heart dilemma. She knows she should marry someone of her social station, but Arabella is attracted to Pete. She also feels she can talk to him and that he likes her despite her flaws. The author showed the contrast between the two men as well as how society would perceive Arabella if she did not do as expected of her. I thought Jody Hedlund captured the time period and how it felt to arrive in a new country on a bride ship. These women had no idea what the area would be like or what type of men would be waiting for them. I liked that none of the women were forced to marry. They were allowed to take their time in finding the right life partner. The author’s vivid descriptions brought the story alive for me. I could visualize the scenery and the characters. I felt I was in the canoe with Arabella as she saw the wildlife and traversed along the water to the native’s village. Included in the story is a little girl who needs help. Smallpox has infected the natives, and many were worried it would claim those in Victoria. There are those who wished to help the natives and others who wanted to drive them away. Why Arabella fled England is revealed a little bit at a time. I do want to let readers know there is violence which will make you cringe. My favorite phrase from The Runaway Bride is “If we’re living rightly before God and pleasing Him, then that’s all that matters.” Christian values were beautifully incorporate into the story. It is an integral part of The Runaway Bride. I stayed up very late to finish this moving historical novel. I am looking forward to reading the other books in The Bride Ships series. The Runaway Bride is a touching story with a beguiling baker, fierce frays, a shocking sickness, rapid rumors, a spiteful soldier, and beautiful brides.
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About the author

Jody Hedlund is the bestselling author of over 20 historical novels for both adults and teens and is the winner of numerous awards, including the Christy, Carol, and Christian Book Award. Jody lives in central Michigan with her husband, five busy teens, and five spoiled cats. Visit her at www.jodyhedlund.com.

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