The Runaway Bride by Jody Hedlund. A Review

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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My Thoughts

Running for her life and from circumstances that are very unfavourable, Arabella boards the bride ship in search of a better life for herself in a new country. 
Things are definitely much more different in this new land, with two different men from two different works of life vying for her affection, she’s put in a place where she has to make a choice on what she wants from life and where she’d like to see herself.
When she meets a native child rummaging through trash and finds out more about the people and their plight, her heart is torn.
I love how the author brought to light the plight of the people and the smallpox epidemic. The fear, the prejudice suffered she dealt with it realistically but also with grace.
I also loved the characters Arabella and Peter, each with their own insecurities and fears but they grew through the course of the story. Peter is so confident and so dreamy. I love that he was willing to fight for what he wanted even when the circumstances weren’t favourable. This was definitely an enjoyable read and would be looking forward to more in the series.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. All opinions expressed are solely mine

About The Author

Jody Hedlund is the author of over twenty historicals 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 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