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    A Reluctant Bride
    A Reluctant Bride
    A Reluctant Bride
    Audiobook10 hours

    A Reluctant Bride

    Written by Kathleen Fuller

    Narrated by Angela Brazil

    4.5/5

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    About this audiobook

    Sadie Schrock swore that she would never marry. All of her other Amish friends could court and marry; she was content to manage the family business and eventually take it over when her parents were ready to retire. But all of that changes when a reckless driver kills both of her parents and seriously injures her younger sister. With mounting hospital bills adding to the pile of debt her parents left behind, Sadie is left with no choice: she must marry. And not just any man-the man who saw her at her weakest and walked away.

    Aden knows that what his brother did to Sadie years ago was inexcusable. And every day since that incident, Aden has lived with guilt for not intervening sooner. When he is faced with the chance to protect Sadie once again, he can't let her down-even if it means living with the scorn of the woman he loves for the rest of his life.
    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherTantor Media, Inc
    Release dateJan 5, 2016
    ISBN9781515970835
    Author

    Kathleen Fuller

    With over two million copies sold, Kathleen Fuller is the USA TODAY bestselling author of several bestselling novels, including the Hearts of Middlefield novels, the Middlefield Family novels, the Amish of Birch Creek series, and the Amish Letters series as well as a middle-grade Amish series, the Mysteries of Middlefield. Visit her online at KathleenFuller.com; Instagram: @kf_booksandhooks; Facebook: @WriterKathleenFuller; Twitter: @TheKatJam.

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    Reviews for A Reluctant Bride

    4.5/5

    47 ratings15 reviews

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    • 5/5
      This book told of hardships received from those they loved & how they overcame them. It was a very good book!
    • 5/5
      Inspired by true events during the 1800s, A Reluctant Bride takes place on the Tynemouth, a bride ship sailing from England to provide brides for the colonies’ miners. The author does an impeccable job of portraying the conditions of those on board and displays the environment of women in the slums of London who were so desperate for food, boarding, and employment they were willing to endure the treacherous journey and uncertain outcome.I instantly sympathized with Mercy Wilkins. Her gentle heart is apparent, and she is humble and engaging. The physician onboard, Lord Joseph Colville, is unconventional, looking past social differences and expectations. Both of these characters are strong in their own ways and teach each other so much. I like how their attraction slowly builds, making it feel authentic. This story holds an abundance of history, and the slow-building romance is swoon-worthy. With themes of finding your worth, following the path God has for you, and persevering through hardships, this is an edifying and satisfying historical read. I can’t wait to read the future books in The Bride Ships series.Author: Jody HedlundPublisher: Bethany House Publishers Series: The Bride Ships Book 1Pages: 352First Line: “Hang on a little longer, my lamb.”Source: I received a complimentary copy from the publisher and was under no obligation to post a positive review.
    • 3/5
      “The sins of the father are to be laid upon the children.”This was a very difficult book for me to read. It deals with all sort of abuse -mental as well a physical abuse, a nearly forced marriage and lies on too of lies, theft etc.The characters are pretty much unlikable no matter what sort of horrors they have encountered in their lives. I expect something a little different than this sort of horror when I read an Amish novel. Granted, the Amish have just as much horror in their lives as the non-Amish do - but I expected to have been engaged and riveted in this book, not horrified; wanting to hit these people. This book really has no conclusion except for Sadie and Aden finally consummating their marriage. Therefore you will have to buy the following books to find out what happens with the bigger plot line.
    • 5/5
      I highly recommend this powerful and captivating story by Kathleen Fuller. She never fails to present a well-written book with great character development and fresh ideas and themes.Amish fiction is typically filled with faith, great cooking, and strong family values. However, you will find the author has dug deeper into the subject matters of today’s world to show that no one, not even the Amish, is exempt from Satan’s pull when we allow him to creep into our hearts and lives. Although it is a work of fiction, this book serves as a strong reminder of the reality of the pain endured by many who are victims of; mental and physical abuse, deceitfulness, misrepresentation by church leadership, alcoholism, and hidden secrets.As difficult as those subjects are, I admire how Ms Fuller handles them with sensitivity, grace, and skill. You will find them coupled with kindness, forgiveness, trust, grace, and second chances, bringing to life the goodness of God even in the worst of circumstances.Thank you to the publisher, Thomas-Nelson, for the opportunity to review this work of Christian fiction.
    • 4/5
      A Reluctant Bride by Kathleen Fuller is the first book in her An Amish of Birch Creek series. Sadie Schrock is sixteen years old (in the very beginning) living in Birch Creek. It was her turn to go get ice for their family store. On her way home she encounters Sol Troyer. He is always pushing himself at Sadie and she keeps rebuffing him. Sol drags Sadie into the cornfield and insists upon a kiss (and then he will let her go). Aden, Sol’s brother, tries to intercede, but he is unsuccessful (and then he leaves Sadie). Sol gets very fresh so Sadie knees him where he is most vulnerable. Sadie runs home (and tells no one).Six years later Sadie is devoted to working in her parent’s store, Schrock Grocery and Tools. Her mother keeps trying to get her to find a man and get married. Her two sisters, Abigail and Joanna want to go to the singing that evening, but their mother will not let them go unless Sadie goes with them. Sadie eventually agrees to go and then wishes she had not when she finds out it is being held at Bishop Troyer’s (Sol and Aden’s father). Sadie cannot stand being there for very long especially when Sol shows up. Soon, though, the unthinkable happens. Sadie’s parents and Joanna are in a buggy accident (a car hit them). Her parents are both gone and Joanna is severely hurt. Joanna will need weeks of rehabilitation (Abigail will stay with a relative near the rehab center to help Joanna). When Sadie goes over the finances for the store, she finds out that they do not have much money. She will need help from the community fund to pay the hospital bills (which is what it is for). When Sadie goes to ask Bishop Troyer, the bishop refuses to give her the money (sounds suspicious). Bishop Troyer sees this as a golden opportunity (he is up to something). He tells Sadie that she has to marry his son, Sol. Thankfully, Aden intervenes (you will have to read the book to find out how). They are married within days.Aden and Sadie are going to have to find a way to live together. Sadie will have to forgive Aden for what happened six years previously. Can these two find a way to overcome the past and move forward to their future? Then they find out why the bishop wanted them to marry (I do not want to spoil it for you). Then there is the issue of Sol. Why does Sol drink? There is a lot going on in A Reluctant Bride, but it all ties together. I give A Reluctant Bride 4 out of 5 stars. For me this was a hard book to read because of the bullying (brought up bad memories). It is a nicely written book and I like the ending. One thing I am noticing lately in many Christian and Amish fiction books is the problem of lack of communication. People keep storming off or stewing about an issue instead of talking about it (or praying about it). I received a complimentary copy of A Reluctant Bride from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The review and opinions expressed are my own.
    • 5/5
      Really enjoyable book. Kept you wondering what was going to happen next.
    • 5/5
      When offered the opportunity to escape hunger and poverty in London, care giver Mercy Wilkins agrees to join the first bride ship to British Columbia. On board she learns to assist wealthy and titled ships surgeon, Joseph Colville, in treatment of patients. They have to fight against their own feelings and society’s prejudice.A Reluctant Bride is the first book in The Bride Ships series by Jody Hedlund, and I listened to an audio edition published by arrangement with Baker Publishing Group. The plot is set in the poorest part of London 1862. We follow Mercy Wilkins as she tries to take care of her small siblings. Life seems a constant fight for survival, so when Mercy gets the opportunity to join the bride ship voyage to Vancouver Island, she accepts. On board she meets Baron of Wiltshire and ships surgeon Joseph Colville. Mercy learns to assist him in treatment of patients. They both fight against the mutual attraction they feel and know they come from different worlds, which makes a relationship between them unacceptable in the eyes of society. Main character is child caregiver and nursing assistant Mercy Wilkins who thinks she is going to British Columbia to find employment. That she has to marry upon arrival has escaped her notice. I find her a very kind and impressive character who manages to care for others when she has so little herself. She is my favorite character of this story.Supporting character Reverent William Richard Scott acts as chaperone for the brides on the trip. He is patronizing and demeaning, taking his position way too seriously. He was my least favorite of the story. His character will probably haunt me for a long time. I found the character development of this story fabulous.The vivid description of evergreen trees, sandy beaches and wildlife on Vancouver Island, I found were fantastic in all 3 books. I thoroughly loved the entertaining writing style, dialogue and vibe which make this series one of my absolute favorites. I can’t wait for the release of installment #4. My favorite part was the romance between Mercy and Joseph. During the voyage they live through hardship and become friends. The closeness increases. The plot has a distinct spiritual element and Mercy and Joseph pray for help with processing their grief. Mercy has not felt God’s nearness in her struggle to survive in London’s slums. She tries to pray, but feels she is not quite able to. Joseph is running from God and his grief. Nothing seems to have meaning and he prays to God to show him the next step. Fans of Jody Hedlund are sure to love A Reluctant Bride. Readers of historical romance fiction will enjoy it too. Similar authors to explore might be Julie Klassen or Elizabeth Camden. All opinions in this review are my own.Conclusion: This is the first book in the captivating series about young English women going to British Columbia to help populate the colony. I thoroughly loved the entertaining writing style, dialogue and vibe which make this series one of my absolute favorites. I can’t wait for release of installment #4. Rating: 5 stars / 5Main reasons: exiting plot, vivid writing, fabulous characters
    • 4/5
      Title: A Reluctant Bride (The Bride Ships #1)Author: Jody HedlundPages: e-bookYear: 2019Publisher: Bethany House PublishersMy rating is 4 out of 5 stars.Mercy Wilkins is a young woman living in the slums of London in 1862. Mercy’s older sister has left home for the workhouse because there isn’t enough money to feed her. Mercy is next in line and has no prospects for a job other than the workhouse as well. She has seen the toll it has taken on her sister and wants to avoid that, but what can she do? She has no money and no work experience. She just knows she wants to do something to help others. Her sister has heard of a missionary society that is sponsoring women to travel to British Columbia. Mercy sees this as her chance to have a job at the end of the journey. She doesn’t want to leave her sister behind but has no choice if she wants to survive. She doesn’t realize until the ship has sailed that she is expected to choose a husband upon arrival. Mercy has no intention of marrying as she has seen the resulting heartache and too many mouths to feed in her own parent’s example.Joseph Colville is a doctor and a member of the aristocracy. He has spent the last several years running from his grief at the loss of his family. He travels on various ships to distant ports as a ship’s doctor. When he is home in London while awaiting a new ship assignment, he works at a clinic in the poorest area of the city. He meets Mercy there but has no idea they will be meeting again in the near future. He and she work together to help the sick aboard ship and a romance begins. Mercy doesn’t want to lose her freedom by marrying, and she knows she is not of the same social standing as Joseph. It wouldn’t be proper for him to marry her, even if she was willing. Her heart is troubled. What can she do?The story was a bit slow in parts, but I understand this first book has to set the tone, place in history/time, background, etc. I would have liked more information about Joseph’s background. I thought the descriptions of Mercy and her family’s lives were poignant and heartbreaking. I can’t imagine the desperation to be willing to leave your home, family and country for an unknown land, people, culture and future. Mercy’s compassion for others in the midst of her own hardships was stunning. I really enjoyed the Author’s Note, too. Book two in the series is set to be released in March 2020, and I will be reading it for sure!Note: The opinions shared in this review are solely my responsibility.
    • 5/5
      Wow! Just wow! This book is beautifully written and captured me from the beginning. It is a lovely love story about learning to trust and recognize love, overcoming social expectations, and the plight of the poor. This is a story that I don't think I will be able to emotionally let go of for a while.As I read about the living conditions in London during the middle nineteenth century and the conditions on the boat for the poor, I started to think of my own ancestors who made the journey during that time period. I am sure that they traveled in steerage and lived in the less desirable areas. I am filled with greater gratitude for them and the sacrifices they made for themselves and ultimately for me. This book is filled with history and doesn't sugar coat life for the people during that time period.Jody Hedlund chose fictitious characters and put them in situations that really happened. I couldn't help but love the characters, the setting, and the time period. This book entertained me while opening my eyes to history. If you love romance and history, this is a book that I would highly recommend. It does contain kissing and Christian themes.Source: I requested a copy from Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
    • 5/5
      I could not go through what Mercy did. She gave up everything and still kept her sweet helpful nature. She had people looking down on her just because of where she was born, but did not let that stop her. She was able to find the best in her circumstances and I loved how it all turned out. Mercy finds herself on a bride ship as she is trying to get out of a bad situation. While on the voyage over, she finds herself helping others, a carry over from her previous life. She was able to make the long voyage from London to British Columbia more bearable for many on the ship. I really enjoyed this book and look forward to the next one in the series.
    • 5/5
      What an enjoyable story from beginning to end the author held me spell bound, and then I didn’t want to leave.We get and up-close look at the poverty that was prevalent in1860’s London, England, and the difference between the classes, and see the constant death because of the conditions. Times and people so desperate for food and any comfort that they are willing to leave and travel to the unknown, or leave on a bride ship to the Canadian North West.I am excited that there are more books in this series to come!I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Bethany House, and was not required to give a positive review.
    • 5/5
      “Our whole lives are going to be filled with challenges, and our job is to keep growing and seeking after what God has next for us.” Jody Hedlund ranks among the top Christian fiction authors in my book, and “A Reluctant Bride” is the perfect illustration of why. Her writing impeccably integrates plot, history, characters, and setting to create a stunning journey that sweeps the reader into the story right from the first page and stays in mind long after the last. A seamless coalescing of elements breathes life into each chapter, both informing and resonating with the reader. Fans of such authors as Connilyn Cossette, Tessa Afshar, and Kate Breslin will not want to miss out on Jody Hedlund’s own repertoire, and “A Reluctant Bride” is an excellent starting point. Based on a true story, “A Reluctant Bride” opens in London, England, in May of 1862. While she keeps the narrative clean, Hedlund does not shy away from the gritty details, which is so important not only in maintaining historical accuracy but also for the sake of appreciating the characters’ perspectives and drawing contemporary parallels. This is Dickens’ London, with its rampant disease and strife, its destitute population, and its permeating hopelessness. It is this milieu from which the aptly named Mercy Wilkins emerges, a tenderhearted young woman forced to make her way in the world apart from her family and the life that she has always known. Encountering Lord Joseph Colville, a physician running from the pain of his past, the two would seem to be polar opposites. However, circumstances draw them together and cause them both to examine their lives. One of the best aspects of this novel is the fact that the main characters’ faith is not deeply rooted to begin with but grows and matures throughout their journey as a result of their struggles. Moreover, all of the characters are three-dimensional and authentic, with plausible motivations. Two of the secondary characters, Miss Lawrence and Mrs. Moresby, particularly intrigued me. Given the time period, concerns regarding women’s propriety and social class disparities pervade the story. How Mercy responds reflects her subservient upbringing and serves as a call to action for readers today: “Don’t get stuck thinking you don’t matter or you’re not important enough. God didn’t create some people to be better than others. He created everyone to have equal value.” Infused with a strong faith component, “A Reluctant Bride” encompasses several prevalent themes. The romance is swoon-worthy yet clean, and it does not fall into the typical formulaic patterns of so many love stories but rather embodies a stirring complexity. The story encourages readers to challenge the status quo in a world where compassion and loving one’s neighbor goes against the grain. Helping the downtrodden and putting others before oneself reap eternal rewards and can change the world, one person at a time. As Joseph ponders, “Would not the world be a better place if a man simply lived in humility and loved his brother or sister as himself, regardless of one’s birth?” Most importantly, “A Reluctant Bride” emphasizes surrendering everything to God, a habit that requires continual practice and that brings true peace and contentment. For a thought-provoking, inspiring, soul-stirring read, look no further than Jody Hedlund’s “A Reluctant Bride.” I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author and the publisher and was not required to post a positive review. All opinions are my own.
    • 5/5
      There are so many reasons that I love this book. The history fan in me loved learning, for the first time, about the bride ships that transported young women to become the brides of strangers. These journeys from England to Vancouver Island and British Columbia in the 1860s were often filled with dangerous storms, overwhelming hunger, devastating illness, and they always held the uncertainty of what was waiting at the end of the trip.The romantic part of me swooned at the overwhelming attraction between Mercy Wilkins and Joseph Colville. I was touched by Mercy's sweet nature and her nurturing abilities and no one deserved to be named Mercy more than her. Joseph Colville answered to both Dr. Colville and Lord Colville and I admired his dedication to helping everyone regardless of their social status. I also appreciated that he wasn't a lady's man and actually valued and respected women. But most of all, I loved this story of a young, poverty-stricken young woman who felt that she would never escape the slums of London. As I read of the living conditions during this time, I was appalled but I also couldn't help thinking that these same situations still exist and there are young women today who never have hopes of a better way of life. As a very young girl Mercy received kindness and support from a doctor who chose to treat the people in her London slum and it was through him that she first learned about a Higher Power. "Whenever Dr. Bates talked about God, she didn't know how to respond. He spoke as if God truly cared about her. Yet, if God cared, she hadn't felt it, hadn't felt His nearness, hadn't felt His directing her. If anything, she'd always felt as though her life hadn't mattered." As Mercy endures this long journey from England she begins to experience romantic feelings for Dr. Joseph Colville. She starts to understand that she is worthy of respect and love and she realizes that she herself has also been judgemental about people. She finally understands that she "was as guilty of making assumptions about the wealthy as they were of forming their views about the poor. She'd do well to stop rushing to judge and instead see beyond the surface to the real person."A Reluctant Bride allows us to witness Mercy and Joseph's ability to work through their painful pasts and to make plans for their futures. It also shows their Christian growth and reaffirms the ultimate fact that we are all equal in God's eyes. Yes, I am a fan of both this book and of author Jody Hedlund and I highly recommend A Reluctant Bride. I look forward the next book of The Bride Ships series!I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher and I was not required to write a positive review
    • 5/5
      “Though her hair was damp and unkempt, face smudged and weary, her garments soggy and splattered with all manner of filth, for a reason he couldn’t explain, she had grown more beautiful and not less.”What an incredible journey! Jody Hedlund is well-known for her beautifully written historical fiction and this beginning of a new series about bride ships will surely delight her fans and garner more followers. The story sets out in Victorian London where squalor, poverty, and hopelessness abound and moves across the oceans to Vancouver Island (British Columbia) where untainted beauty and new opportunities await. Truly this story enveloped me completely and had me right there next to Mercy and Joseph as they battled the darkness of London, the trying and emotionally confusing voyage across the different oceans and waterways, and the uncertainty in a new world.Mercy, in her sweetness and goodness, is instantly lovable. Though meek by practice in her world of poverty, she has a fire and persistence that allow her to keep loving those around her and tend to the sick with gentleness and care. She’s been beaten down by the difficulties of life yet still holds on to her desire to help others in their suffering. Joseph is a privileged peer who has chosen to become a physician and finds himself at home serving others. But he’s running away from responsibility because of his deep-seated wound of having lost his family at a young age. Separated by class and so much more, their friendship is unlikely and frowned upon, especially since she’s unwittingly become one of the prospective brides on a bride ship to Vancouver Island and he’s the ship’s surgeon. Yet their like-mindedness in caring for the sick and their shared life experiences bring them together and their relationship unfolds ever so sweetly. This book is a must-read for all fans of historical fiction. I received a copy of the book from Bethany House Publishers and was under no obligation to post a positive review. All comments and opinions are solely my own.
    • 5/5
      Inspired by true events during the 1800s, A Reluctant Bride takes place on the Tynemouth, a bride ship sailing from England to provide brides for the colonies’ miners. The author does an impeccable job of portraying the conditions of those on board and displays the environment of women in the slums of London who were so desperate for food, boarding, and employment they were willing to endure the treacherous journey and uncertain outcome.I instantly sympathized with Mercy Wilkins. Her gentle heart is apparent, and she is humble and engaging. The physician onboard, Lord Joseph Colville, is unconventional, looking past social differences and expectations. Both of these characters are strong in their own ways and teach each other so much. I like how their attraction slowly builds, making it feel authentic. This story holds an abundance of history, and the slow-building romance is swoon-worthy. With themes of finding your worth, following the path God has for you, and persevering through hardships, this is an edifying and satisfying historical read. I can’t wait to read the future books in The Bride Ships series.Author: Jody HedlundPublisher: Bethany House Publishers Series: The Bride Ships Book 1Pages: 352First Line: “Hang on a little longer, my lamb.”Source: I received a complimentary copy from the publisher and was under no obligation to post a positive review.