Book Review: Runaway Bride

From the Back:

Haunted by Mistakes in Her Past, Will She Ever Again
Trust Her Heart to Another? Wealthy Arabella Lawrence flees to British Columbia on a bride ship, still bearing the scars of past mistakes. One of the few single women in the boomtown, she immediately attracts suitors, but she is determined not to find herself trapped again by making a poor choice.

Vying for her hand are two very different men. Lieutenant Richard Drummond is a gentleman in the Navy, held in high esteem. Peter Kelly is the town's baker who has worked hard to build a thriving business. He and Drummond not only compete for Arabella's affections but also clash over their views of how the natives should be treated amid a smallpox outbreak.

As Arabella begins to overcome her fears, she discovers someone in dire need--a starving girl left behind by her tribe. Intent on helping the child, 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?

My Reflections:

This is Jody Hedlund's second instalment of her newest series "Bride Ships" and I have to say I read this book in record time! I found the plot engaging and the characters spot on. The best part about the setting is that it is based on Vancouver Island as the city of Victoria is becoming colonized. 

Wealthy Arabella is running from her intended husband after he brutalized her and threatened her family. I'm sure this was a very hard decision for Arabella to make, after all, she was accustomed to a life filled with comfort and had little to worry about until her father arranged a poor match for her. Imagine boarding a boat destined to a far away uncivilized place, in the hopes of finding a desperate husband? 

When she arrives she meets the baker Peter, he is a handsome strong character who makes Arabella see beyond the constraints of upper society. He is the character who you are rooting for, however, the most likely match would be found in the Navy Lireent Drummond. Drummond seems to be the perfect match but as Arabella spends more and more time with both men she must decide to go the easy and certainly expected rout or to throw off all constraints and pick an entirely different path.

I adored the history of the new settlers of Victoria and my heart hurt with the plight of the natives who were treated so brutally. Smallpox epidemic is in full swing, which is crazy timing to be reading this book as right now we have a pandemic shutting down entire countries! 

If you love history, romance and loveable characters than you will surely love Hedlund's newest release. I can't wait for book two to be released!

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.

Jody Hedlund

Jody Hedlund (www.jodyhedlund.com) is the author of over 20 novels, including Love Unexpected, Captured by Love, Unending Devotion, The Preacher's Bride, and A Noble Groom, and is the winner of numerous awards, including the...

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