The Runaway Bride (the Bride ships book 2) by Jody Hedlund

The Runaway Bride by Jody Hedlund is one of my favorite books so far this year. I love the way Arabella goes from a frightened victim to a strong, confident woman. She has a wonderful teacher in Pete the baker. I also love how her faith grew over throughout the story. I love all of the characters in this book. And the scenery is fantastic. It is a historical novel so the treatment of the native American people as hard to take. I am anxiously looking forward to the next 2 books in this series. So grab a mug of coffee and some fresh bread, then settle in for a fantastic read.

I was given a copy of this book by NetGalley.com with no expectations. All thoughts are my own.

From Amazon:

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?

https://smile.amazon.com/Runaway-Bride-Ships/dp/0764232967/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2FFNTJFFX4LO1&keywords=the+runaway+bride+jody+hedlund&qid=1583708125&sprefix=the+runaway+bride%2Caps%2C197&sr=8-1

About the author:

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Biography

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.