This summer, I received a book titled A Reluctant Bride, by Jody Hedlund, to read and review. I have always enjoyed Jody's books in the past, so I was looking forward to this one. Mercy Wilkins has a chance to escape her life in the slums of London, by last minute joining a group of women sponsored to immigrate to British Columbia. It isn't until after she is on the ship that Mercy realizes that it is a bride ship. While on board, she finds herself the assistant to the ship's surgeon. It isn't long before the two have fallen in love- but she is meant for those awaiting them in British Columbia.
I enjoyed this novel. It has been awhile since I've read a historical romance, and this was a nice one to break the streak with. I stayed up late to keep reading it, and managed to finish it within a few days, even though my life was pretty busy. One thing I really appreciated -though it wasn't until I read the Author's Note at the end- is that this book was loosely based on truth. The ship was real, as was its purpose, and the ship's surgeon really did fall in love with and marry one of the women intended as brides. All in all, I would say this book was a satisfying read!
*** Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. ***
