The Runaway Bride

Bride Ships Series 2

By: Jody Hedlund

Narrated by: Esther Wane

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?

©2020 Jody Hedlund (P)2020 Tantor

I loved this book.

This book was so relatable for me. I was able to really feel the the emotions and it was wonderful.
The passion was also very strong I found myself thinking of my own love and the beautiful relationship we have. Loved this book

Loved it

I really enjoyed this book. I loved seeing Arabella go between Pete who she really liked but had to get past her social upbringing and the Lieutenant who she didn't really care for but felt made a good social match. She is torn between continuing the baking she is loving and getting told someone of her station should not do things like that. It was really eye opening as to the social standards of the day even in the new circumstances that Arabella found herself in. I liked seeing how she came on her own as the story progressed.

great story line

The overall story and character development was great! I really enjoy listening to this narrator as well

Listened to it Non-stop!

I couldn’t wait to read Book 2 in this Series and it’s soooo good. I listened to it non-stop on audible.

So great

Truly loved this story and the journey the characters took to happiness. Cannot wait until the next!

Courage, Love, Suspense

This was beautifully written, very engaging and suspenseful. I loved the story line of seeking God’s will over society's expectation.

Such a fun clean story!

Great narrator! Great story! I love so much that it’s a true romance but still clean- not overly preachy- just genuinely
enjoyable.

A great read

Overall Rating: 5 stars
Story Rating: 5 stars
Narrator-Esther Wane: 5 stars


I had an ebook copy of this book and I purchased the narration from Audible.

My thoughts about this book:

• A loved the story between a man and a woman from different classes. A wealthy woman that ran away from an arranged marriage and a kind baker.

• I was intrigued by the premise of a bride ship headed to Vancouver.

• I liked the relationship of caring that Peter and Arabella had with each other. I felt their caring throughout the book. They were people I easily became attached to.

• How much baggage do we carry with us in life? Do we unconsciously drag it along life's pathway hindering our forward progression? These were questions I pondered as I read this book. I like books that make me think.

• The descriptions of locations and emotions were well done and easy to visualize. I felt a part of the scenes.

• The author writes with an easy-to-follow prose that guides the reader without confusion. 

• There were some religious overtones in this book, but it was a natural part of the characters' lives. This book was not preachy.

• This story was well edited.

• This was a clean read.

• The narrator did an exceptional job and brought this story to life.

I enjoyed this book very much and I highly recommend it. It is a unique romance and I think you'll enjoy it. I plan to read more books by this author.

Very good story, but...

too much mush. On and on about the waiting for the kiss, and then the kiss....too much gushing about the gorgeousness of Pete and Arabella...excellent story. Great conversation, humour and character development, great narrator. Will listen again but please....a little less mush!

Good read

I enjoyed this a lot. I will be looking for more books by Jody Hedlund.