I’m partway through the first book in Jody Hedlund’s new Bride Ships series, so it seem fitting to select it for my First Line Friday (hosted by Hoarding Books). A Reluctant Bride tells the story of Mercy Wilkins and you get a glimpse of her tender heart from the very first line – spoken by Mercy herself. This just released novel is garnering some exceptional reviews and I’ve certainly enjoyed what I’ve read so far. I’m also excited to visit Canada again as that is the destination of the ship Mercy travels on!
Here’s the first line for you…
There’s hope and angst all wrapped up in 8 short words! Now for the story to unfold…
The Book
Living in London’s poorest slum, Mercy Wilkins has little hope of a better life. When she’s offered an opportunity to join a bride ship sailing to British Columbia, she agrees. After witnessing so much painful heartache and loss in the slums, the bride ship is her only prospect to escape a bleak future, not only for herself but, she hopes, someday for her sister.
Wealthy and titled Joseph Colville leaves home and takes to the sea in order to escape the pain of losing his family. As ship’s surgeon, he’s in charge of the passengers’ welfare aboard the Tynemouth, including sixty brides-to-be. He has no immediate intention of settling down, but when Mercy becomes his assistant, the two must fight against a forbidden love.
With hundreds of single men congregating on the shore eager to claim a bride from the Tynemouth, will Mercy and Joseph lose their chance at true love, or will they be able to overcome the obstacles that threaten to keep them apart?
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.
Relz Reviewz Extras
All Things Hedlund @ Relz Reviewz
Visit Jody’s website and blog
Buy at Amazon: A Reluctant Bride or Koorong
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- First Line Friday: Nancy Mehl’s Firestorm (with giveaway)
- First Line Friday: Misty M. Beller’s Hope’s Highest Mountain (with giveaway)
- First Line Friday: Karen Witemeyer’s At Love’s Command (with giveaway)
June 28, 2019 at 6:30 pm
My favorite is Love Unexpected, because the little boy’s name is Josiah and that’s my son’s name!
June 28, 2019 at 11:30 pm
I’ve read most all of Jody’s books. My favorite would be “Rebellious Heart”.
June 28, 2019 at 11:35 pm
Jody is a new-to-me author.
June 28, 2019 at 11:42 pm
I have never read any of Jody Hedlunds novels, but ?I am excited to check her out!
June 28, 2019 at 11:47 pm
I have read 5 Jody Hedlund books so far. At this time, my favorite Jody Hedlund book is Newton & Polly. However, I have enjoyed all of her books.
June 29, 2019 at 12:01 am
I was very pleased with Reluctant Bride and am looking forward to Runaway Bride!!
June 29, 2019 at 12:11 am
I fell in love with Jody Hedlund’s writing when I read the novella for the orphan train series. I went out (I like book stores) and found all 3 in 3 different places! I can’t wait to read this one.
June 29, 2019 at 12:13 am
Thank you for the giveaway!
June 29, 2019 at 12:16 am
Thank you so much for the great review and the chance to win! I haven’t read any of Jody‘s books yet, but I have so many on my TBR!
June 29, 2019 at 12:18 am
I’ve gotten a bit behind on my Jody Hedlund books. I checked her book list and I think I have only read six of them.
June 29, 2019 at 12:27 am
I’ve read Captured by Love. Thanks for the giveaway opportunity.
June 29, 2019 at 12:37 am
I loved her lighthouse series
June 29, 2019 at 12:39 am
My favorite book was Love Unexpected. I am eager to read her Bride Ship series, though. I really enjoy the “mail order bride” genre.
June 29, 2019 at 1:12 am
I apologize ahead of time but I’ve never read one of your books. However, just yesterday someone was raving about your books and it made me really want to try one! Can’t wait!
June 29, 2019 at 1:15 am
I’d never heard of bride ships until now but am interested! I’m interested in this book and especially the next one, which I’ve heard is about a lady from a completely different class.
June 29, 2019 at 1:36 am
I love Jody’s medieval bucks and I am so excited to read this one thank you for the review
June 29, 2019 at 1:37 am
Books*
June 29, 2019 at 1:52 am
I’ve enjoyed all of her books. I am gonna have to say the Orphan Train series is a fave and I especially loved Searching For You.
June 29, 2019 at 2:03 am
I’ve read two of her books: Love Unexpected and Hearts Made Whole. I loved Love Unexpected. Not sure why I haven’t read more but would love to read The Reluctant Bride!
June 29, 2019 at 2:15 am
My first line is from No Ocean Too Wide by Carrie Turansky. It came out a few days ago!
London 1909
Katie McAlister’s heart pounded a frantic beat as she gripped the rickety railing and rushed down the back stairs.
Great historical book!
Just loved Jody’s book! More please!
I loved Polly and Newton and Luther and Katherina!
June 29, 2019 at 2:37 am
I read that book recently and loved it!
Today on my blog I shared the first 2 lines from Until the Mountains Fall by Connilyn Cossette but it’s also my current read so I’ll share the first line from chapter 7 where I am now: “I found my father on the roof, on his knees.” It’s amazing so far! Hope you have a wonderful weekend with plenty of quality reading time 🙂
June 29, 2019 at 3:38 am
I have read most of her books. My favorite are the ones set in Michigan because that’s where I’m from!
June 29, 2019 at 3:51 am
I have read 7 of her books! (and can’t pick a favorite…) She is definitely on of my favorite authors!
June 29, 2019 at 4:43 am
I have read several of Jody’s books. I think my favorite was the first of the Orphan Train books, With You Always.
June 29, 2019 at 5:10 am
I’m not really sure how many I’ve read, but I love her books!
June 29, 2019 at 5:29 am
I have actually only read one of her novellas, An Awakened Heart, that begins the Orphan Train series. I am looking forward to reading more of her books.
June 29, 2019 at 6:16 am
I’m a little behind on Jody’s novels, but I always enjoy them!
I shared about a TBR book on my blog, but my current read’s first line is: “People parted around us in the courtyard.” from The Printed Letter Bookshop by Katherine Reay. I’m almost finished with it, and I LOVE it!
June 29, 2019 at 7:09 am
I have read sixteen of Jody’s books. She is a fabulous author!
June 29, 2019 at 7:15 am
I have read a number of her books. Loved the Lighthouse and Orphan Train series as well as earlier books.
June 29, 2019 at 7:28 am
I think I have read 3 of her book and enjoyed them all! I can’t wait to read this one!
June 29, 2019 at 7:38 am
I’ve read many of Jody’s books and I think the one that I really enjoyed was “Newton and Polly”. I never knew the story behind the song “Amazing Grace” and it made me appreciate it even more.
Thank you for the giveaway chance to win “A Reluctant Bride” Rel!
June 29, 2019 at 7:39 am
I love all your books. Have have such a special gift of writing!
June 29, 2019 at 7:52 am
I can’t believe I haven’t read any of Jody Hedlund’s books! They all sound good! I’m about to listen to Out of the Storm!
June 29, 2019 at 8:56 am
Shout out to a favorite writer – Jody Hedlund! <3 <3 <3
I've ready nearly all her books. Still haven't cracked open her newest – A Reluctant Bride, but looking forward to it!
June 29, 2019 at 11:04 am
I’ve read six I think. I’ve loved them all. Excellent author.
June 29, 2019 at 11:06 am
I’m not sure how many books I have read by Jody Hedlund, but I loved every one that I’ve read.
June 29, 2019 at 11:49 am
I’ve read maybe a half dozen of Jody’s books. I’m hopelessly behind! My favorite is A Noble Groom. It’s a fantastic book.
June 29, 2019 at 12:01 pm
I’m always in awe of the bravery of the women who signed up for such trips.
I’m sharing the opening line from The Secret to Hummingbird Cake by Celeste Fletcher McHale over on my blog today, and I’m currently reading Wickedly Charming by Kristine Grayson. I clicked “buy” on the first line of the sample:
“Book Fair. The very words of the sign filled Mellie with loathing. Book Fair indeed. More like Book Unfair.”
Quirky, and it appeals to my sense of humour. I’m halfway through and loving it! Happy reading 🙂
June 29, 2019 at 12:39 pm
I’ve heard great things about this book!
Today I’m sharing on my blog the first line from The Cowboy’s Convenient Marriage by Valerie Comer.
Spencer Haviland had prided himself on planning his life to the tiniest detail.
June 29, 2019 at 1:15 pm
I’ve read 14 of Jody’s books. One of my all-time favorites is the first I ever read – The Preacher’s Daughter. Love the books that are meaty and heavy on history.
June 29, 2019 at 1:32 pm
I am a big fan of all of her work . But especially loved the Noble Groom- I always love fish out of water stories and Carl is the perfect fish out of water!
June 29, 2019 at 1:43 pm
I’ve read three of Jody’s books. And loved all of them
June 29, 2019 at 2:01 pm
“Time to jump” from one of my favorite books by Jody Hedlund, “Luther and Katharina” I enjoy her detailed plots and historical accuracy
June 29, 2019 at 2:02 pm
This sounds like a wonderful new series. I have really enjoyed the Orphan Train series, too. Jody has such a great way of drawing the reader into the story.
June 29, 2019 at 2:45 pm
I’ve read a few of Jody’s books. I have seven of her books on my keeper shelf.
June 29, 2019 at 8:49 pm
If you’ve always wanted to read something in the Medieval genre, try Jody’s A Worthy Rebel from her An Uncertain Choice series. I hope to read that entire series. My favorite of Jody’s is A Noble Groom. The swoon-worthy hero, Carl von Reichert, is high on the top of my book-bf list!
June 29, 2019 at 9:05 pm
I have this book waitiing on my NetGalley shelf — need to read! Thanks for sharing and have a great weekend!
June 29, 2019 at 10:34 pm
I have yet to read her novels, and I know I am missing out on exciting books.
June 30, 2019 at 3:27 am
This book is next on my TBR list!
June 30, 2019 at 4:18 am
I love this author. And this book looks like another wonderful story. I’m sorry I’m so late this week in participating. Life has just been a bit crazy, but good. Hope you are enjoying a wonderful weekend!
June 30, 2019 at 4:38 am
I read Together Forever. About the Orphan Train. It is fabulously written with a lot of historical tidbits.
June 30, 2019 at 7:01 am
I have only read one so far and it was terrific. Thanks for your amazing generosity.
June 30, 2019 at 8:45 am
Looking forward to reading that book! Today I’m sharing the first lines from Living Lies by Natalie Walters: “Just let go. The breeze lifted Lane Kent’s auburn hair from the back of her neck.”
June 30, 2019 at 11:18 pm
So far, I have only read The Noble Groom. I loved it and can’t wait to read more of Jody’s work.
July 1, 2019 at 5:18 am
I have many of her books and loved them all can’t wait to read this one too
July 1, 2019 at 9:27 am
Jody is a new author for me.
July 1, 2019 at 12:35 pm
I’ve read almost all of Jody’s books and enjoyed every one of them. I think my favorite was The Noble Groom. The first line of my current book is, “The first bullet whizzed by his head and ricocheted off the rock behind him.” (The Reluctant Witness by Kathleen Tailer)
July 1, 2019 at 2:38 pm
I have read seventeen of Jody’s books. My favorites are a toss-up between The Doctor’s Lady and Love Unexpected.
July 1, 2019 at 6:11 pm
I have not read any of Jodys books. She is new to me. I hope I win so I can have the chance to get familiar with her books. Thank you😊
July 1, 2019 at 8:14 pm
i have a couple of her books but can’t remember their title but enjoyed them.
July 1, 2019 at 10:40 pm
I have read 7 of Jody’s books and my favorite is With You Always. I love Jody’s books and can’t wait to read this one. Thanks for the giveaway opportunity and good luck everyone.
July 2, 2019 at 9:06 am
A Noble Groom is my favorite novel by Jody Hedlund.
July 2, 2019 at 12:07 pm
Jody Hedlund is one of my favorite writers. I would have to see a list to know exactly how many of her books I’ve read. Several, I know that. Newton and Polly and The Doctor’s Lady are a couple of my favorites! I love them all though!
July 3, 2019 at 3:00 pm
Sorry to say I haven’t read any of Jody’s books but they sound amazing!
July 4, 2019 at 12:10 pm
I love Jody’s books! I haven’t read them all, only 8-10 of them so far. I love her writing style, and my favorite so far has been Newton and Polly: A Novel of Amazing Grace.