I have enjoyed every novel written by Hedlund, and she has a special knack for the marriage of convenience trope. I have found humor in other novels by Hedlund, but this story was particularly funny and added another element to the story readers will greatly enjoy. Hedlund’s portrayal of children in her stories is the most accurate and adorable depiction I have come across, and the relationship between Zoe, Abe, and the children in their lives is touching and perfectly portrayed. Her characters remind us that we are all fallible, and it is what we choose to do in the face of adversity that ultimately defines us. Hedlund punctuates her story with incredible historical detail, plus compelling, relatable, inspiringly real characters that never fail to touch the heart of the reader. The third book in her Bride Ships series, this story is full of fascinating historical detail, valuable lessons in faith, and sweet romance.Īlthough “A Bride of Convenience” is a bit slower in terms of romance than other Hedlund novels, it is still brilliantly written. Jody Hedlund has a gift for writing stories that both entertain and educate, and “A Bride of Convenience” is no exception. The opinions in this review are completely my own. I was given a free copy of the book by NetGalley from Bethany House Publishers.

I am looking forward to the next book in the series. The characters are well portrayed and I really love the way the author describes their battles and emotions, so that we are caught up in what they are feeling. I cannot recommend A Bride of Convenience highly enough, and while it can be read as a stand alone, I suggest that you read the first two books in the series as well, for pure enjoyment.

That is all I am going to tell you as I do not want to spoil the read for you. Desperate to stop her from marrying Dexter Dawson, a real villain, and saddened by his fiancee in England's betrayal, he marries her. Many of them were starving when they left England after the closing of the cotton mills, and two succumb to consumption upon arrival - one of whom is Zoe Hart's dear friend Jane.įrom Zoe's first meeting with him at Jane's deathbed, Pastor Abe Merivale takes it upon himself to be the friend she needs. The story takes place in 1863 with the arrival of a bride ship containing poor young girls from the cotton mills in Manchester who are looking for husbands. It is a story about unconditional love and second chances and the desire to find God's will for one's life rather than bending to tradition and man made rules. It is a beautiful historical romance, packed with action and intrigue, and with a great Christian message running through it. A BRIDE OF CONVENIENCE is the third novel in The Bride Ships series by JODY HEDLUND.

Almost a Bride by Jody Hedlund