It is an inspirational romance, so while there is ample sexual chemistry between Arabella and Peter, things remain relatively chaste. The books are connected by the theme of bride ships rather than by characters, so the reader can jump into the series anywhere. Historical Novel Society: The Runaway Bride is Hedlund’s second book in The Bride Ships series.Tender moments of light sensuality infuse this inspirational romance with delectable heat. Period details, such as relations with local Native Americans and a smallpox epidemic, help immerse readers in the story’s 1862 world of cultural, class, and gender injustices. Hedlund has a knack for creating unlikely yet alluring matches, and her portrayals of the conflicted natures of Arabella and Pete expertly embody the all-too-familiar dissonance of trying to live up to others’ expectations versus summoning the courage to follow one’s own passions in work and love. Booklist (Starred Review): The Runaway Bride is an uplifting and well-crafted second installment in Hedlund’s Bride Ships series (A Reluctant Bride, 2019).Will she have the wisdom to make the right decision or will seeking what’s right cost both her and Peter everything? Intent on helping the girl, Arabella leans on Peter’s advice and guidance. 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.Īs Arabella begins to overcome her fears, she discovers someone in dire need–a starving girl abandoned by her tribe.

Peter Kelly is the town’s baker and has worked hard to build a thriving business. Lieutenant Richard Drummond is a gentleman in the Navy and is held in high esteem. Vying for her hand are two very different men. 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. Wealthy Arabella Lawrence flees to British Columbia on a bride ship still wearing the scars of past mistakes.

The runaway bride jody hedlund