A Reluctant Bride (By: Jody Hedlund)

A Reluctant Bride
By: Jody Hedlund

Story Line: 5 Stars
Depth: 5 Stars
Faith: 5 Stars
Love Story: 5 Stars
Overall: 5 Stars

Author Jody Hedlund is one of our favorite authors for this main reason: she expertly weaves together realistic, intriguing storylines with a God who is intimately involved with his people. Throw in some romance and tender friendships, and we have yet another book to add to our golden list! A Reluctant Bride is the first book in Jody's new Bride Ships series, and this one kept us up late at night reading until every last page was turned. 

The story revolves around Mercy Wilkins, a young lady from the poorest of the poor slums in 19th century London. When she receives an opportunity to sail to British Columbia, she is eager to begin a new life for herself, not realizing her passage is aboard a Bride Ship - a vessel full of young women destined to marry men in the new world. Mercy is appalled at the thought of marriage, so instead focuses her efforts on assisting the ship's surgeon, Joseph. As they work together and get to know each other, both try to ignore the deep connection between them, but cannot deny the way God is moving them in their lives. 

Jody hits a homerun in just about every way in this book. The storyline is igniting and flows smoothly at an excellent pace, deep issues are explored and dealt with, God is a main character with the way He leads and loves His people, and the love story is touching and swoon-worthy. We cannot wait for the rest of this series!

Note: We were given this book in exchange for our honest review.