The Runaway Bride (The Bride Ships #2) by Jody Hedlund

Book Description

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?

My thoughts:

After having read the first book in this series, I have been anxious to read the second book and I'm glad I did.  I have to admit that I have read mail order bride novels in the past but the bride ship concept was even more intriguing to me because it's a subject I was unfamiliar with. 

It was a difficult journey the young ladies experienced not to mention the decision to embark upon such a journey.  Arabella Lawrence is a young lady from a good family. seemed to have a bright  future  until she was forced into marrying a man she knew she couldn't have a loving relationship with so she boards a bride ship to British Columbia. It took awhile for me to warm up to Arabella, she was so conflicted about which of the two men who were interested in her which was understandable since she had managed to escape her intended in London.

As I learned more about Arabella, I felt so sorry for what she had been through and the courage she had to remove herself from a horrible situation and face an unknown future. 

Peter Kelly and Richard Drummond are as different as day and night.  Peter is such a fun, sweet and caring man so I adored him, Richard is more settled and mature but he just didn't have the charm Peter has.   Arabella has a hard choice to make and it's very interesting what each of the gentlemen had to offer and what she would ultimately decide.  This is a wonderful story with a bit of romance, a little humor but a lot of sadness for what led the ladies to leave their homes and families in hopes of a better life.

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher.  All opinions are my own.

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?