Jody Hedlund has done it again. A Reluctant Bride is, by far, my favourite read this summer and I'm so excited for book #2 in March 2020.
Following the Tynemouth, a ship chartered to bring 60 women to 1860's British Colombia and help establish the settlement under British rule through marriage, Hedlund chooses to focus readers through the eyes of Mercy and Joseph.
Mercy is an amazing protagonist and really highlights Hedlund's skill as both author and researcher. While Mercy is definitely a character readers can empathize with and root for, Hedlund is respectful of the social and economic setting Mercy would have grown up in and the effects it would have on her worldview. This adds layers of drama and tension that, I felt, gave the book a much stronger rhythm and urgency when appropriate. I appreciated that Mercy has to wrestle through her long established views on worth, class, and self while reminding readers just how difficult it can be to break free from those old perspectives.
Adding to the strength was Joseph, who provided his own contrast and similarity to Mercy as he wrestled with the expectations of class and upbringing affecting how he approached and interacted with his world. I particularly enjoyed how Joseph's greatest rival is his own worldview and the chance that gave Hedlund to allow the character to grow over the course of the book.
I was also impressed with how Hedlund worked faith into her plot and into the characters lives. Unlike some stories, the inclusion of faith felt natural and the questions the characters had about faith and God felt real given the struggles they had been facing and the mentors or lack thereof they had to guide them. I appreciate when faith is a natural outcome of character development in the genre.
Honestly, I cannot recommend this book. When I look back at some of my favourite fiction in the last five years Jody Hedlund is always near the top for her deep and heartfelt characters and willingness to focus on the historical areas that are often overlooked in the genre.
4.5 out of 5 stars.
"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc."
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