I find Jody Hedlund a very interesting author, both in content and story telling. I have read quite a few of her books and two in this series -- Brides. Am waiting for the next book to be published.

Why would a young woman willingly board a ship to sail from London to British Columbia on a bride ship? You must first understand that this took place in 1862 when times were very different from what they are today. Some who live in substandard housing might argue that point but for sake of discussion, we need to accept that many things have changed since then. Mercy was faced with dire circumstances that left her with very few good options. Then her sister told her about a mission society that was helping women immigrate to British Columbia to find jobs. With a strong desire to help her sister get out of the workhouse and to keep her ten-year-old brother from being put out to fend for himself on the docks, Mercy cautiously began a new journey. Jody Hedlund has researched the subject of bride ships to develop an interesting story based on real events. Although they were not the lead characters, two stood out in sharp contrast. The captain of the ship was an upstanding man who had struggled through some deep waters, and I am not referring to the ocean. Through coming to grips with those struggles, he had gained a lot of wisdom that he shared with Lord Colville, the ship's doctor and the son of an old friend of the captain. Two conversations between the captain and the doctor were memorable because of the great advice the captain gave the doctor. The other person was the stuffed-shirt, self-important minister who was traveling aboard the ship with his wife and two daughters as a chaperone for the brides. I cannot imagine how someone like him was allowed to remain in the ministry, but perhaps he was typical of the ministers of that day in England. He primarily demonstrated what a real minister should not be. I could totally sympathize with Lord Colville and everyone else who went out of their way to avoid the insufferable man. No matter how Mercy saw herself, nor how the minister saw her, she lived up to her name, going out of her way to show mercy to others. I received a copy of this book from the author. This is my honest review. All opinions are strictly my own.

I honestly wasn't sure what to expect when I started this book but I absolutely loved it! I was hooked from the first few pages. I really enjoyed the character of Mercy Wilkins, she's both relatable and inspiring. The history was also very interesting, how the prospective brides sailed across the ocean to meet who knows who on the other side in an entirely new land in the hopes of having a better life. It's hard to imagine that level of desperation.

I enjoyed the characters of some of the other bride ship women, even the chaperone in charge of the women on the journey over who was very strict.

I've enjoyed many of this author's books but I think this series may be my favourite yet.

This book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

"What's the small part God's calling you to? Are you seeking His leading or are you running away from it?" (p 22)

Jody Hedlund has made a cracking good start of her Bride Ships series with this first book. There's such depth in both the character development and the faith thread that it was easy to be swept away right from the very first page. And I love that the story went in directions I wasn't expecting.

I was completely entranced by Mercy and Joseph and the very different worlds they come from. The way their lives intersect both in London and on the ship -- such a magical 'destined for each other' kind of aura and that made me all the more anxious during the gnarly bits that threatened my blood pressure! There's this one odious individual in particular who gave me conniptions - gah, but he's lucky I wasn't on that ship or it would have been 'man overboard' for sure! :-)

The historical research is impeccable, and it's worth reading the author's notes at the end of the book for some extra insights. Hedlund doesn't gloss over the horrid conditions in the London slums or in steerage on the ship. I shudder just remembering some of those scenes and marvel that our ancestors had the courage and gumption to go through what they did for a better future. And I love that books like this one bring history to life and help me appreciate the sacrifices of those who have gone before.

Honestly, I'm kinda speechless over this one. Riveting. Enthralling. Moving. Uplifting. Not to be missed in my books!

"I want you to remember that when we are troubled on every side," Patience said, her voice wavering, "we can't get caught up in seeing the problems from our view. God's so much bigger and has things worked out in His ways -- ways we can't begin to understand." (p 61)

Book provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications Inc.

This book was nothing short of amazing from the beginning to the end!! I was swept up in the details and thrilling story line. Mercy was beautiful inside and out. How she overcame her fears, fears we all face no matter our position, time, or location. Joseph was such a gentleman but even with his title he was just an ordinary man who needed a genuine friend. You soon forget your reading and feel like you are there! I highly recommend this book to anyone!!