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?

Editorial Reviews for The Runaway Bride

• • Booklist (Starred Review): The Runaway Bride is an uplifting and well-crafted second installment in Hedlund’s Bride Ships series (A Reluctant Bride, 2019). Hedlund has a knack for creating unlikely yet alluring matches, and her portrayals of the conflicted natures of Arabella and Pete expertly embody the all-too-familiar dissonance of trying to live up to others’ expectations versus summoning the courage to follow one’s own passions in work and love. Period details, such as relations with local Native Americans and a smallpox epidemic, help immerse readers in the story’s 1862 world of cultural, class, and gender injustices. Tender moments of light sensuality infuse this inspirational romance with delectable heat.
  • Historical Novel Society: The Runaway Bride is Hedlund’s second book in The Bride Ships series. The books are connected by the theme of bride ships rather than by characters, so the reader can jump into the series anywhere. It is an inspirational romance, so while there is ample sexual chemistry between Arabella and Peter, things remain relatively chaste.  The book’s inspirational aspect is also evident in the struggles the main characters have had in their past and their path to understanding God’s plans for their future. It’s not merely a romance, as the tension between the settlers and their Native American neighbors provides plenty of dramatic action. I found this book a real page-turner and look forward to checking out the other books in the series.

Reviews for The Runaway Bride

• Nicole: Jody Hedlund creates delightful characters and allows their personalities to shine, especially with Arabella and Peter. Handsome baker Peter Kelly, with his charming personality and wonderful sense of humor, is a hero that readers will be rooting for.
• CoffeeBreakBooks: The Runaway Bride is a compelling historical tale of adventure, romance, and intrigue, beginning with a long sea voyage and all the challenges involved, including questions surrounding what exactly was awaiting the traveling ladies upon their arrival.
• Shonda: Jody Hedlund writes stories that gets into the heart and soul of the reader. This is sure to be a best seller!
• Megan: I absolutely loved this book. It gets a big ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ from me!!
• Sylvia: An incredible story with unforgettable characters and exciting and thoughtful real-life roots, “The Runaway Bride” is a beautiful second installment to Jody Hedlund’s Bride Ship series, filled with beautiful lessons in life, faith, and love.
• Christina: Jody Hedlund has yet again brought us a delightful tale; full of faith, adventure, love, and finding of one’s self. From a long time Hedlund fan, I can’t recommend this story – this series – enough.
• Angeline: This was an amazing book, I loved it so much. I read it so fast and it kept me up late at night, even though I had an early morning the next day I could not put it down. I definitely recommend this book and I can’t wait for the next one to come out.
• Linda: Author Jody Hedlund has a flair for writing stories filled with inspiration and faith. I always look forward to her new releases. You won’t want to miss this series!