Thursday, March 5, 2020

#GIVEAWAY and REVIEW of THE RUNAWAY BRIDE by Jody Hedlund, Review by Nicole Cook


“Today she might meet the man she’d marry.”

Jody Hedlund’s second installment in her new Bride Ships series, The Runaway Bride, explores the relatively unknown history of poor and middle-class British women willingly boarding bride ships to seek a better life and to find husbands in British Columbia in the 1860s. The treatment of the natives during the smallpox epidemic of 1862 in Victoria is a part of history that may also be unknown to many readers and is very interesting to learn about in this novel.   
In an effort to escape the pain of her past, wealthy Arabella Lawrence heads to British Columbia aboard one of the bride ships where she meets two very different suitors, Navy Lieutenant Richard Drummond and Peter Kelly, the poor town baker with a heart of gold.    

Jody Hedlund creates delightful characters and allows their personalities to shine, especially with Arabella and Peter.  Handsome baker Peter Kelly, with his charming personality and wonderful sense of humor, is a hero that readers will be rooting for.  

Hedlund shares the powerful message of breaking free from society’s expectations and to discover God’s expectations and plans for us.  Mrs. Moresby continues to be a beloved secondary character in this series with her mentoring Arabella as she struggles with decisions that will affect her life and the lives of those most important to her. The Runaway Bride is highly recommended for readers of inspirational historical fiction. 
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine.

“Character is much more important than class.”

Back Cover  Blurb:
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?

Available in digital ebook, paperback, hardcover and audiobook: March 3rd Release
Buy The Runaway Bride at Amazon
Buy The Runaway Bride at Christianbook.com

Author Jody Hedlund
Author bio: 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.
ENTER THE GIVEAWAY FOR A PAPERBACK of THE RUNAWAY BRIDE!
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18 comments:

  1. My favorite of what I've read of Jody's books, so far, are the books in the Orphan Train series.

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  2. I have really enjoyed all the books I’ve read by Jody Hedlund. My absolute favorite is The Lost Princesses series. But I have really enjoyed this series, although I’ve only read the first book. It is very enlightening to learn the historical aspects.

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  3. When I read the reluctant bride, I knew the next book would be about Arabella.

    I am really looking forward to the rest of the series

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  4. I have not read any of Judy's books yet, but I would love too. My daughter has and loves them.

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  5. Yes I’ve read a few of Jody’s books and enjoyed them very much! Thanks for the chance to win!
    faithdcreech at gmail dot com

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  6. Jennifer K: I have read many books including her YA fiction. I am REALLY enjoying this bride ship series!

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  7. I've read 6 or 7 of Jody's books. I liked them all! If I had to say a favorite, I'd say With You Always

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  8. Jody's books are always a treat! Thanks for the review, Nicole!

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  9. I haven't read any of Jody's books - she's new to me.

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  10. This book sounds like a very good page turner and the cover is Beautiful! I would love to read this book! Thank you very much for sharing your review on this book.

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  11. I love Jody Hedlund's books! She is an incredible author.

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  12. I don’t think I’ve read any yet, but I have several including the Bride Ships on my TBR!

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  13. I've read many of Jody's books and love all of them. The Michigan Brides is my favorite. My beautiful home state.

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  14. So many good books and series including those for young adults, but my favorite is the Orphan Train series.

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  15. I have read two of Jody's books - An Uncertain Choice and A Reluctant Bride and I enjoyed them both.
    marypopmom (at) yahoo (dot) com
    Merry

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  16. I have not yet but look forward to it. Love this beautiful cover.

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  17. I love Jody Hedlund's writing, Newton & Polly was one of my favorites! I just recently read her YA series "The Lost Princesses" and enjoyed them so much.

    I need to catch up with this latest series 😊 Thank you for the giveaway chance!

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  18. Thank you so much. I love Jody's books and couldn't be more thrilled to have won a copy of her latest novel.
    Thanks again.

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We, the ladies of Inkwell Inspirations, would love to give free stuff to everybody. Since we can't, we will often have a giveaway in conjunction with a specific post. Unless otherwise stated, one winner will be drawn from comments left on that post between the date it was published and the end of the giveaway as determined in the post. Entries must be accompanied by a valid email address. This address is used only to contact the commenter in the event that he/she is the winner, and will not be sold, distributed, or used in any other fashion. The odds of winning depend on the number of entrants. NO PURCHASE, PLEDGE, OR DONATION NECESSARY TO ENTER OR TO WIN. ALL FEDERAL, STATE, LOCAL AND MUNICIPAL LAWS AND REGULATIONS APPLY. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED.

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