A Reluctant Bride

A Reluctant Bride (Bride Ships #1)
By Jody Hedlund
Published by Bethany House
Release date: June 4, 2019

Although her life in London is extremely difficult, Mercy Wilkins has done the best she can. But when her mother loses her job, making it impossible to feed all members of the family, Mercy leaves home so that one of her younger siblings won't have to. Her sister Patience, who has already gone to the workhouse, convinces Mercy to go to the Columbia Mission Society in order to immigrate to Canada for work. Although she's reluctant to go, with no other option--other than marriage, and Mercy has vowed never to marry or have children--she does just that, only finding out after she has started her journey that the women aren't immigrating to find jobs; they're to become brides for men in Canada. Determined to find a recourse other than marriage, Mercy spends her time on the ship caring for the others and assisting the ship's doctor, Joseph Colville.
Joseph's aunt and his peers have long expected him to settle into his place among the gentry, but Joseph can't bear the thought. So instead of staying in England to take his place among the aristocracy and manage his estate, he signs on as the doctor on a ship bound for Canada. He's prepared to enjoy his journey to a new land; he's NOT prepared for the feelings he develops for Mercy. Beautiful inside and out, Joseph can't help but come to care for her, but with Mercy determined not to wed and with the differences in their classes, Joseph doesn't know what to do about his feelings for her.

Jody Hedlund is such a fantastic author, with an amazing ability to pull you right into the story alongside the characters. I wouldn't think reading a book that takes place largely on a ship would be so interesting--I mean, they're pretty limited in what they can do and what sort of action there can be--and yet, Hedlund made Mercy and Joseph's story so engrossing that I couldn't put it down. I was really drawn in by Mercy's character--so sweet and pure, rather than embittered by the harsh life she's endured, and I liked how Joseph was a bit of a prodigal initially but came to want to follow the path God wanted him to follow. Another terrific book from Hedlund!
4.5 stars.
I read an ARC provided by the publisher/author. All opinions are my own.

The Number of Love

The Number of Love (Codebreakers #1)
By Roseanna M. White
Publisher: Bethany House
Release date: June 4, 2019

Margot De Wilde loves her work as a codebreaker for England's intelligence network during WWI. Numbers are her life, something she has always been able to depend on, figure out, and follow. But when tragedy strikes, even her beloved numbers can't help her make sense of life.
Drake Elton first meets Margot when he takes his sister Dot to her new job as a secretary for the codebreakers. He's intrigued by Margot, who is different from other women, and he's pleased that she and Dot, who struggles with anxiety, become friends. His work as an agent in Spain keeps him from getting to know her better--but when he is injured and returns to England to recover, he quickly finds that Margot is the girl for him. But how can he get Margot, who cares only for numbers, to realize that following her heart isn't a bad thing?

Loved it. I loved the setting--seeing the British codebreaking going on during WWI was really interesting, and I loved how Margot was right in the middle of it. Margot cracked me up; I loved her no-nonsense, straightforward approach and how she would hold her own whenever she was challenged. I also liked watching her journey to see beyond numbers. Drake was great as well; I liked how sweet he was in trying to court Margot, really thinking about what she would like, and how he supported her and how he would push just enough but not too much. I really, really enjoyed it. 5 stars.

I read a copy of the book via #NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

Upon My Heart Forever--Blog Tour and Giveaway!

Upon My Heart Forever
By Amber Lynn Perry

Book description:
 When Clara Moore learns of her brother's unthinkable scheme—to take her to England and force her into a hasty marriage—she knows she must escape New York. But when she finds out who has accepted the job of taking her to Boston, she almost rethinks her own hurried plan. For the handsome man who comes to her aid is none other than her former love, Ethan Barrik. He left her heart in shambles six years before. Can she trust him a second time? Ethan Barrik is no stranger to struggle. But tracking the enemy, and war-time spying are nothing compared to the pain of regret. Ready at last to leave his past behind, he accepts one final job for a friend, only to discover the person he's really helping is the woman he still loves. Despite her ire, he knows he must make every attempt to make it right—and hope she will find a way to forgive him and give their love another chance.

My thoughts:
This was a very good historical novella. The author did a great job of conveying the characters' emotions and keeping the plot moving. Really enjoyable.
I read an ARC provided by the publisher. All opinions are my own.


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Tour Schedule

May 6th - Heidi Reads / The Bibliophile Files

May 7th - Katie’s Clean Book Collection / Wishful Endings

May 8th - My Book a Day / Singing Librarian Books

May 9th - Literary Time Out / Getting Your Read On

May 10th - Peggy Urry

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