Friday has come and gone but I’m still going to celebrate First Line Friday hosted by Hoarding Books and feature Jody Hedlund’s new release (this Tuesday), A Bride of Convenience, with a giveaway.
Jody writes exceptional historical romance novels and this is the third novel in her Bride Ships series, a fascinating era when women were shipped to Canada with the hope of marriage and security upon arrival. The series has captivated readers and Zoe and Abe’s story will be no exception.
Be sure to enter the giveaway below, with thanks to the wonderful folk at Bethany House.
First Line
Potentially a sad beginning to this book, but you know with Jody that the journey will be worth it!
The Book
After Heartbreaking Loss, a Marriage of Convenience Holds More Appeal than Ever Before.
There is nothing left to keep Zoe Hart in England. Unemployed and struggling with grief, she decides to leave her bleak life behind her and emigrate on a bride ship to British Columbia–the place her brother fled to when falsely accused of a drastic crime.
Pastor to miners in the mountains, Abe Merivale discovers an abandoned native baby during a routine visit to Victoria and joins efforts with Zoe–one of the newly arrived bride-ship women–to care for the orphan. When Abe is forced to choose between following the strict rules laid down by his bishop and listening to God’s nudges to care for his people, he is left at a crossroads.
Determined to find her brother and to give the baby a home, Zoe rashly accepts a marriage proposal from a man who promises both. But Abe knows the man’s unsavory reputation. Intent on protecting Zoe and wounded by his own failed engagement, Abe impulsively offers his own hand instead. They hastily marry, but both soon realize the marriage of convenience they imagined is not so convenient after all.
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.
Relz Reviewz Extras
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Visit Jody’s website and blog
Buy at Amazon: A Bride of Convenience or Koorong
June 28, 2020 at 12:06 am
I think I enjoy marriage of convenience stories because the improbable may just happen. Maybe it’s also because I like a happily ever after. Here’s my first line from Julie Klassen’s The Bridge to Belle Island: “Benjamin Booker sat in the Old Bailey, pulse pounding.”
June 28, 2020 at 1:19 am
I like to see how they get to know each other and to see if they actually fall in love or just stay together for the circumstances. It sounds like a good story. Thanks for the chance.
June 28, 2020 at 3:17 am
I think marriage of convenience stories are beautiful, and much needed, examples for today’s pessimistic marital climate. With the exception of abusive relationships, I believe any marriage can be worked out and become happy.
In today’s world, we get married for love. Then when the honeymoon phase wears off, we may panic and wonder where our happily ever after is. Stories with marriage of convenience remind us, that any two people can create a happy marriage. If we are willing to sacrifice, build a friendship with our spouse, and put his/her needs above ours.
June 28, 2020 at 3:48 am
Marriage of convenience stories show us that love is not all roses and diamonds. Love is work, frustration, patience, forgiveness, sacrifice, and hope as well as the joy and pleasure of seeing someone else be happy. A Bride of Convenience sounds like it will be a winner.
June 28, 2020 at 5:26 am
Seeing couples persevere despite their beginnings is so encouraging.
June 28, 2020 at 8:17 am
I love the couple’s journey as they become friends then more.
June 28, 2020 at 9:21 am
I like it because it pushes people to circumstances either beyond their control or as a last resort, and then ends up being a blessing and the start of a happy life.
June 28, 2020 at 10:18 am
I think I enjoy marriage of convenience stories because its fun to read how two people that are put in that situation have to either learn to work together or separate.
June 28, 2020 at 12:42 pm
I enjoy books on marriage of convenience because it is sometimes fun to see how two people put in that kind of relationship may develop into more.
June 28, 2020 at 12:51 pm
I love marriage of convenience stories because love comes slowly and stays!
June 28, 2020 at 1:08 pm
Marriage of convenience stories are so fun to see the progression of the relationship and persevering over trials. The first two books in the series were so good.
June 28, 2020 at 10:25 pm
These stories put an immediate stress/obstacle on the characters for them to overcome. I enjoy the built-in tension and how the characters find their new path together.
June 29, 2020 at 12:52 am
I love marriage of convenience stories! There’s always such an element of the unknown, wondering if life will improve (because there’s always a reason), if they will fall in love (obviously), or if the hero and heroine are just trading the “devil they know” for the “devil they don’t”.
June 29, 2020 at 7:25 am
I enjoy marriage of convenience stories because I appreciate reading about the various ways in history a couple meets and marries.
June 29, 2020 at 9:31 am
I love marriage of convenience as it is interesting to see how they find common ground and build a strong relationship without preconceived notions.
June 29, 2020 at 10:38 am
Love how a marriage of convenience start with unknowns then caring for each other turns into real love.Thank you for the giveaway.
June 29, 2020 at 11:10 am
I enjoy marriage of convenience stories because I think it’s amazing when the couple decides, even before they meet, that they will make the marriage work. And then I love to see how God brings love and attraction into the marriage.
June 29, 2020 at 12:23 pm
It’s always great to watch the progression in the relationship. Usually there are selfish or desperate reasons for the marriage, then it turns into something that they become invested in with their hearts.
June 29, 2020 at 1:05 pm
I like seeing how love develops between the couple. I’m a hopeless romantic so that’s my favorite part about marriage-of-convience stories.
Thank you for the chance to win a copy of Jody Hedlund’s “Bride of Convenience” Rel!
June 29, 2020 at 7:52 pm
I read the first book in this series. it was a really good story and well written. Sure would like to read this one also.
June 30, 2020 at 1:37 am
I think because they were not uncommon in certain historical eras. One hopes necessity evolves into at least a pleasant life.
June 30, 2020 at 5:17 am
I love the slow realization that they love each other!!
I’m currently reading the first book in this series!!💕
June 30, 2020 at 5:32 am
I like to see that despite their circumstances and differences they try to work things out and hopefully grow to love each other.
June 30, 2020 at 5:41 am
I honestly cannot wait to read this book! I loved the second book (I still have to read the first 🙈) and I am eagerly awaiting to have a chance to read this one!! I love marriage of convenience stories because I love slowly watching them fall in love and I especially love the moment when they both realize that they love each other and try to go out of their ways to show the other how much they care!! 😍
June 30, 2020 at 6:02 am
I’ve heard great things about this series! I would love a copy of this book! Jody Hedlund is a great author!
June 30, 2020 at 6:03 am
I love marriage of convenience stories because then the characters can be together more in close proximity than when they are just courting. I love more one on one opportunities to see them interact and overcome their fears/obstacles to grow to love each other.
June 30, 2020 at 2:02 pm
I like marriage of convenience stories because the couple can concentrate on getting to know one another and falling in love without other potential mates being options. Also, they can’t ever go too far. If their romance crosses a line it’s okay. They’re married. They can go as far as they want.
June 30, 2020 at 4:22 pm
I like my marriage of convenience stories because of the uncertainty of it. The plot can go any direction, and they are usually stories of historical fiction and I like historical fiction. Jodi’s book sounds very interesting.
July 2, 2020 at 2:39 am
I love marriage of convenience because they’re like a fairy tale as the endings are so romantic.
July 2, 2020 at 3:17 am
I do enjoy marriage of convenience stores! I suppose part of it the idea that two people who maybe wouldn’t call themselves ‘in love’
July 2, 2020 at 8:21 am
“Getting dragged out in the middle of the night because two idiot teenagers vandalized the well is the perfect ending to one helluva day.” To Catch A Texas Cowboy by Julie Benson.
July 2, 2020 at 8:32 am
Disregard. Wrong site for this comment.
July 2, 2020 at 8:26 am
Marriages happen for many reasons, some better than others. A marriage of convenience defines the relationship from the beginning and one never knows how or where the relationship will develop. It is enjoyable to follow the relationship as it develops.
July 4, 2020 at 12:31 pm
It can be interesting to see how they work things out.
April 25, 2021 at 5:25 am
Really when someone doesn’t understand then its up to other viewers
that they will help, so here it occurs.