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A new world. A new hope. An unexpected love.
What life awaits these brides?

With the cotton mills closed and hunger rampant in Manchester, England, Willow Rhodes’s family encourages her to join the bride ship bound for the Pacific Northwest, where she is assured of employment. Willow agrees to go with the hope that eventually she can save enough money for her family to join her.

Rebellious knuckle-boxing champion Caleb Edwards loves Willow more than life itself. But Willow has been adamant that she sees him as a friend and nothing more. Unable to watch her sail away, Caleb uses his prize money to pay for passage to Vancouver Island to be with Willow.

After arriving, Willow finds work as a maid and Caleb is a farmhand on the same property. As Caleb struggles to keep his feelings for Willow from growing, he’ll do anything for her, even take the blame for a theft to keep her safe. As the crime catches up to them, they’re forced to make choices that could finally rip them apart forever.

303 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 13, 2024

499 people are currently reading
649 people want to read

About the author

Jody Hedlund

104 books4,710 followers
Jody Hedlund is the best-selling author of over fifty books and is the winner of numerous awards. She writes sweet historical romances with plenty of sizzle. Find out more at jodyhedlund.com.

Jody lives in central Michigan with her husband, five busy children, and five spoiled cats. When she’s not penning another of her page-turning stories, she loves to spend her time reading, especially when it also involves consuming coffee and chocolate.




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5 stars
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117 (18%)
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30 (4%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 100 reviews
Profile Image for Deanne Patterson.
2,414 reviews119 followers
February 14, 2024
If you've enjoyed Jody Hedlund's The Bride Ships series then I also suggest her newest series, Bride Ships: New Voyages.
The Rhodes family are locals in Manchester, England, after trying so hard to stay all together they are resigned to sending their daughter Willow to join the bride ship bound for the Pacific Northwest. She'll work until she earns the money to send for the rest of her family.
She'll miss her family greatly, but she'll also miss her best friend, Caleb Edwards. When he joins her on her journey, she is shocked and how he earned the money to do so leaves her even more shocked.
I really enjoyed reading Willow and Caleb's story and seeing how he is ready to go to the next step past friendship. Willow is so protective of Caleb and he of her. They have been friends for so long, each one being afraid to take the next step towards a romance for fear of the other not wanting that and losing that special friendship. I just wanted to tell them both, to just take that chance you could open a new world of possibilities.
The author so vividly paints the scenery of the interaction between the characters you can almost hear them taking. Great character development. This marriage of convenience story is not rushed, the characters have had a lot of time to develop their feelings from friends to lovers. This is something the author does well, developing her characters. The secondary characters feel important too and I wouldn't be surprised to see any of them in future books.
I enjoyed this uplifting and positive faith filled book and greatly look forward to reading more in this series.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.
Profile Image for Readingintheweehours.
319 reviews45 followers
February 13, 2024
I received an advance copy. The opinion shared here is my own. :)

I’m a huge fan of the Bride Ships series and it’s fun to see this add on series. Willow and Caleb are a sweet friends-to-lovers/marriage of convenience relationship. Caleb follows Willow across the ocean to keep her safe (and ensure he isn’t forever parted from her). He’s a protective hero. She has loved him, but is afraid to ruin the relationship.
Lots of crackling chemistry. Some of my own dreams show up in this story - starting anew, a little plot of land in a remote beautiful space. The good stuff :)

As a content caution, this is closed door, however the character’s inner thought life (while not graphic) may be much for some readers and is brought up semi-often. Levels are similar to some of the Colorado cowgirls series.
Profile Image for Sylvia.
531 reviews53 followers
January 31, 2024
I was so excited to hear Jody Hedlund was writing more Bride Ships stories, and Finally His Bride did not disappoint! With an all-new cast of characters and new adventures, readers will fall in love with this story of love, hardship, and understanding. As always, Hedlund writes spot-on romance! The story is swoony yet realistic. I have never regretted picking up one of Hedlund’s novels; I highly recommend all of her books, and Finally His Bride is a great place to start! I’m looking forward to more in this series. 4.5/5 stars

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Profile Image for Brittany .
2,885 reviews209 followers
February 14, 2024
If you love a good friends to more romance, Finally His Bride is a good choice for you. Willow and Caleb are the best of friends. They clearly both love each other, yet they are both scared of letting themselves show the other one that their feelings are deeper than friendship. They each have their own reasons for this and one good and clear conversation between the two of them would clear things up. However, their fears really guide and control them in this story and they both have to learn to be brave and trust that God has good planned for them together.

Caleb and Willow’s story eventually becomes a marriage of convenience tale, which ramps up the romantic tension a lot. Caleb does his best at this point to let Willow know that he truly loves her and wants to have a real marriage with her, but Willow still struggles to feel worthy of anyone. She is afraid that she will mess things up and lose Caleb’s friendship.

I really loved the chemistry between these two characters and loved that Caleb did everything possible to always be there for Willow. He still occasionally made decisions that confounded Willow and made her second guess his true feelings, but no matter what, Caleb showed his love for Willow in so many ways throughout the book. I’m looking forward to reading more books in this series.

(4.5 stars)

I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

You can read this review on my blog:
https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...
Profile Image for Laura Miller.
Author 3 books46 followers
February 13, 2024
Finally his Bride kicks off a new series for Jody Hedlund. I love Jody’s wonderful historical fiction stories and this one was no exception. I was pulled into the adventure from the very first page and enjoyed every minute I spent reading it.

Caleb and Willow have been best friends for years; each harbors a secret attraction for the other. When Willow has the opportunity to take a bride ship to Vancouver Island to help support her family, Caleb can’t stand to see her go, so he finds a way to join her to keep her safe.

Jody Hedlund is a master at telling stories and this book was vivid, lively and just jumped to life.
Finally His Bride combines two of my favorite tropes; friends to lovers and marriage of convenience. I haven’t read too many friends to lovers in a historical setting so reading this book by Jody was a real treat. Caleb and Willow are determined to stay friends only because they think that is what the other one wants although everyone around them can see they are crazy about each other. Their chemistry and attraction for each other was undeniable and this created the perfect amount of tension as they tried to ignore their true feelings. Caleb and Willow are wonderful and likable characters with great depth to their back stories. Willow struggles with her self worth and doesn't think she can be enough for someone like Caleb. I love how the two of them were always there for each other despite the miscommunication. Even when they spent time apart to get a handle on what they were feeling they always found a way back to each other. You could feel the sparks flying at their first kiss. Poor Caleb was going to burst if he didn't get that kiss soon. The story was beautiful, heartfelt, and intriguing from beginning to end. I absolutely loved it and highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys historical romance. I can’t wait for the next installment in this series.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Faith.
2,201 reviews
February 6, 2024
Willow Rhodes sets sail from England with the hopes of her family for a better life, along with her childhood friend Caleb Edwards.

They quickly find that starting out in the new world won't be easy, in this sweet friends-to-lovers romance. Willow struggles with self-doubt, and feelings of unworthiness, I liked how she made friends with others on the ship, and how she was always looking out for Caleb. Willow and Caleb have known each other for years, and they unknowingly make each other better. I liked their solid, deep-rooted connection.

Engaging with likable characters, this story made for an excellent start to the continuation of this enjoyable series. Romantic, with themes of faith and commitment.

Overall, a fun read the combines two favorite tropes, friends-to-lovers and marriage-of-convenience!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Profile Image for Faith Marshall.
346 reviews16 followers
February 17, 2024
Oh the bliss of it. What perfect words from the novel to describe how wonderful the book was!

Author Jody Hedlund crafted a beautiful world and well-built characters. The scenery--whether of a beach or mountains--was gorgeous, and the characters were so vivid I almost saw them with my eyes instead of my mind. The inner conflicts of the main female protagonist, Willow, and the main male protagonist--Caleb--were carefully crafted into the book, and something was always happening. You have to love that Caleb writes poetry, that there's a map at the beginning, and the side characters Daisy and Juliet... who I have a feeling will be in this series' next novels!

For the characters, the book wasn't always "bliss". They went through hard times, there was turmoil and confusion, and they had harsh physical injuries. But this showed Jody Hedlund's good writing all the more as, in my mind, I ached for the protagonists and begged for them to make the right choice. I cannot get over her good writing overall, from how Jody had a quick-moving plot to how she gave the characters' perspectives sharp contrast, which made me mentally beg for them to understand each other, rooting for them all the more.

I have to admit the novel was too intimate (or “spicy” and "steamy"). Don’t get me wrong–I like the tender callous of his finger around her wrist, her heart speeding up, or him feeling her hair. But laying down and being pressed against other’s bodies, or herself briefly imagining her body on top of his? I had to skim over those parts, and others. Again, the physical part of romance wasn’t bad overall, but now and then, it was too much--at least, for me.

All the same, the romance was very sweet, and from character development to plot layout, the novel was incredibly well-written. I found myself almost seeing the characters and the scenery surrounding them, and my heart would ache and cheer for Willow and Caleb, always on their side. Although this is a new series, I'd say this is Jody Hedlund's finest Bride Ships book yet! 4.5/5 stars!
Profile Image for Bailey.
1,201 reviews14 followers
April 20, 2024
Finally His Bride is a lesson in how your life can be altered by a change of perspective. Willow and Caleb have been best friends for years. Willow has encouraged Caleb when he was knocked down, and Caleb has protected Willow when things went awry. The conditions where they live in England are deplorable, so to help her family, Willow gets on a bride ship to find work in the new world and send money home to her family. With nothing holding him back, Caleb buys passage on the same ship so he can look out for Willow and find a better life. Willow and Caleb are both in a heavy state of denial about their feelings for each other. Caleb doesn’t feel worthy of Willow, and Willow is paralyzed by the thought of doing something that would push Caleb away forever. Despite this, they can hardly deny their growing feelings any longer, especially when trouble arises in their new positions, and they must forge a new path together. Set in the beautiful scenery of untouched natural wonders, this story brings you along as Willow and Caleb find their way to a better life and to each other. For most of the book, I did have the perspective that Caleb was constantly having to save Willow from one little mishap or another. The best part was when Willow went to speak to her friend Juliet because Willow knew that Juliet would only speak the truth. Willow doubts her value, but Juliet says don’t you see what you have already done. You did all these things on your own throughout the story. See your value. See your worth. Needing help now and then does not diminish you. This completely altered my perspective of the tale. It forced me to see everything Willow did with new eyes and appreciate how far we had come. After this, Willow gets a new perspective when she learns that losing love would be a lot worse than losing friendship. Caleb finds that he can stop trying to be a good man and accept the good man that he already is. These subtle yet monumental shifts lead these two to a romantic and hopeful happily ever after. After such an enjoyable read, I can’t wait to see what other new voyages lie ahead. I received an advanced reader copy from the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Monica M.
22 reviews2 followers
February 2, 2024
I received an advanced copy of this book but my opinions are my own.

I have read many of Jody’s books. I thoroughly enjoy them all. This one included. It doesn’t disappoint.

I love the new cast of characters. They are sweet, relatable and a joy to get to know. Their hardships and tolls make them relatable and interesting.

I can’t wait for the next book in this series.
Profile Image for Life of Literature.
414 reviews24 followers
February 7, 2024
What a great start to a new series! As is characteristic for Jody Hedlund, she once again pens a fantastic romance novel full of clean but sizzling passion without sacrificing great character development and interesting history. This novel contains several romance tropes, the foremost being the slow development of friends to lovers. Did I sometimes want to shake Willow for not recognizing that Caleb was in love with her? Yes! But I did think their relationship developed very realistically, and I appreciated that the author didn’t rush their chemistry. The elements of danger added welcome complexity to the plot and I also enjoyed the fascinating history of the bride ships. I am eagerly anticipating the next novel in this new series! Highly recommended.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
540 reviews3 followers
February 26, 2024
I was surprised and disappointed. This is a very good author, and parts of this novel was very very good,
when it was good.

However, there were so many times I felt like I had somehow made a mistake, and had chosen just a steamy secular novel...
so much so, I went back to Amazon,
and looked for what this novel was listed as...
yes, it said 'Christian'!

Well it was 90% 'Christian lite'.
There were some Christian applications that were wonderful,
but they were few and far between.

What was not skimped on,
was the lustful thoughts
( in detail that I found uncomfortable).

If I wanted to read steamy lustful obsessive thoughts ,
of the main character,
I would read sexy secular romance novels.

I instead read 'Christian' novels for a plethora of Christian content.
I am not opposed to 'love'
even kisses...
but I don't really enjoy reading
sexy lustful content.

There were some interesting aspects
about the time period etc.
and,

when the small parts of Christian content
was in the novel, it was good...
but even then,
it was often short and.... short.

Profile Image for Anne Wise.
395 reviews9 followers
April 9, 2025
Not my favorite in this series. I felt like the characters just weren’t realistic enough. Like they had more 20th century notions and ideas and it kinda threw me off.
Profile Image for Carolyn Bryant.
914 reviews79 followers
January 22, 2024
Finally His Bride, which launches the Bride Ships: New Voyages series, is a well-written, entertaining historical Christian romance read. As a big fan of the first Bride Ships series, I was looking forward to this one. I was not disappointed! The attention-keeping plot, encased in a beautifully sketched Pacific Northwest setting, moves at a steady pace with some surprises along the way. The characters are expertly crafted and memorable. The romance is sweet but at times a little “steamier” than I prefer in my reading. The realistic historical aspect is informative as well as entertaining. I enjoyed this story and look forward to the next book in this series.
I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher with no obligation to write a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Kara.
221 reviews26 followers
February 15, 2024
Finally His Bride was a miss for me. I really liked the premise of it, but when I read it, there were several elements that just didn't mesh with my reading preferences.

What I found to be most consistently frustrating was the constant implementation of the miscommunication trope. If you like stories that use that plot device, you will probably love this book. If you're like me and persistent miscommunication (or deliberate choice NOT to communicate) between couples in literature irritates you, I would recommend skipping it. So many obstacles that the couple in this story face could have been overcome much more easily, or even avoided entirely, if they had just been upfront and honest with each other.

***THIS PARAGRAPH CONTAINS SPOILERS***
One plot element that really didn't sit well with me was the way that Caleb and Willow's wedding came about. I felt that their friends coerced them, especially Willow, into marriage. Although it was clear to everyone that they loved each other, Willow in particular was also very adamant that she was not ready for marriage. While their friends were certainly within their rights to deny Willow and Caleb permission to live under one roof while they were unmarried, it was wrong of them to push Willow into marriage when she was very clearly not ready for it. The friends were presented as being right in this matter, and that made me feel uncomfortable. Marriage should only occur with free will and voluntary consent, and for a marriage that came out through pressure from friends to be presented as right and good in a Christian novel feels problematic to me.

Finally His Bride has a compelling plot and certainly does not lack romance. There are plenty of swoony scenes, and my negative experience is clearly an anomaly - I see that most other readers have really enjoyed the book so far, and perhaps you will, too. However, if you're turned off by plots driven by miscommunication and literary marriages that are not entirely voluntary, you would be better off reading one of Jody Hedlund's many other works.

Thank you to Just Read Tours for giving me a complimentary copy of the book to read. My review reflects only my honest opinion.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Alyssa Amey Madjeski.
311 reviews21 followers
January 21, 2024
Returning to Jody Hedlund’s Vancouver in Bride Ships: New Voyages was like wrapping myself in a beloved blanket that had been packed away at the start of cold weather. Long-awaited, much anticipated… his book was everything I hoped it would be and more. It was everything I loved about the original series- interesting characters, lovely chemistry, and so much more- with brand new faces and stories waiting to be told. I’m so thankful for Sunrise Publishing giving us as readers the opportunity to go back to a favorite setting and series!

I loved meeting Willow and Caleb in this book. I’m a sucker for childhood friends to lovers stories because that’s MY trope. When my best friend expressed interest in me, my first reaction was Willow’s- but he’s like my brother! And then, will a relationship wreck our friendship? Like Willow, I learned I shouldn’t have worried, because best friends make the best husbands!

I loved the growth I saw in both Willow and Caleb as the story progressed. Willow struggling with her self worth and overcoming those voices telling her she’s not good enough. And Caleb trying not to be defined by the way he’s always seen himself and letting God show him he can be a good man with the courage to stand up to his demons.

I obviously can’t wait for the rest of this series!

I received a complementary copy of this book from the author and publisher. I was not asked to leave a positive review. My opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Molli.
47 reviews
February 28, 2024
I love Jody's books/writing, so much so that I own almost all of her books. But this one just wasn't my favorite, and I think a lot of it had to do with Willow. She just came across as needy and incompetent the entire time. I know a big part of the story was for her to overcome those personal struggles, but I was kind of annoyed with her the entire time.
The storyline with her and Caleb was sweet and I think everyone loves the 'best friends turned lovers' troupe. It did both me that she was THAT blind to how he felt and then just wouldn't accept his feelings. Again, I know that was part of her struggle, just my opinion!
Profile Image for Beth.
468 reviews1 follower
March 30, 2024
I am all for friends to more and even the marriage of convenience trope is growing on me, but this story just didn't suck me in.

I liked Willow and Caleb and their friendship was very sweet. I enjoyed the historical aspect of the story as well!

However, it took me a good 40% of the way (yes, I was reading on my kindle) through this novel to really find an interest in the story. Even after that, Willow's back and forth denial of her feelings for Caleb didn't feel...realistic? Maybe that's not the right word, but I found myself increasingly frustrated with her throughout the last third of the novel.

It did conclude well though and I enjoyed the set up for the next book of the series!
Profile Image for Elizabeth Carpenter.
55 reviews
March 26, 2024
Phew. It’s done. Honestly, giving this book two stars is generous. A pet peeve of mine in romance books is the inability to communicate. And unfortunately for me, that was the whole plot of this book. 300 pages of lack communication. However, there was one or two cute scenes. Hence the two stars.
Profile Image for Kyliegh.
323 reviews2 followers
April 1, 2024


I love Jody, but this wasn’t my favorite. The couple couldn’t communicate at all and it was frustrating. To the point that I almost dnf’d a couple of times. Willow lied so many times about her feelings and led Caleb on, then got mad when he wanted more than friendship.
Profile Image for Kristen.
92 reviews1 follower
May 27, 2024
I normally love Hedlund’s work, but the reasoning for the two main characters not to be together was the dumbest plot I’ve ever read. And the ending was equally as bad. Hopefully the next installment will be better!
Profile Image for Tressa (Wishful Endings).
1,831 reviews195 followers
February 20, 2024
3.5 Stars

FINALLY HIS BRIDE is about a man who has been pining for his best friend for years unbeknownst to her, and a woman who is trying to save her family by travelling across the ocean to a new life. Together they face the challenges of being immigrants, finding work and holding true to themselves. Fans of historical romance and this author will find some enjoyment in this story.

I liked the opening of this story where the heroine and hero were introduced as well as the heroine's family and what transpires to get them both on a ship to immigrate. I also liked how Willow finds two close friends in other women travelling with her. Caleb was a constant in this story. He was determined to watch over Willow and also earn his own keep. I really liked his character with the mix of brawn and grit along with the softness he has for Willow and her family. Willow is a sweet young woman who is doing her best to provide for herself and earn enough to bring her family over from England. She was full of integrity and kindness, and also a hard worker. It was rough for both of them to work all day, every day, doing back-breaking work as servants. I liked how close they were and that was a strong friendship between them before any romance blossomed. I also really liked the conclusion of the story that had a bit of a climax, but ended sweetly.

My only complaints about this story was the naivety of the heroine and some drama that rubbed me wrong. Willow felt really young and naive for having grown up in the slums of England and working in the mills. She would have been privy to a lot of different people, situations and relationships. I could understand her being in denial about some things but it felt like she was completely oblivious a lot more than she should have been, including to marital relations even though she was the oldest in a large family and with her background. She also seemed very trusting, which also didn't ring true to her background. She could have been innocent and street smart, but she wasn't at all. It also seemed that she and Caleb were also oblivious to their reputations. There was some drama between the two of them that was unnecessary and that part mixed with the rest rubbed me wrong in this story. I think Willow needed to have more depth and be consistent to her background. I think too, I just have fairly high expectations for this author so I was expecting more.

In the end, was it what I wished for? This was a sweet story of hardship, friendship and unexpected dreams. There are threads of faith, perseverance and romance. An overall heartfelt read.

Content: Some non-descriptive violence, innuendo and references to marital relations off page.
Source: I received a complimentary copy through JustRead Publicity Tours, which did not require a positive review. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Sally.
907 reviews40 followers
February 15, 2024
Even after the Bride Ship trilogy was released by a major Christian publishing house in 2019-2020, Jody Hedlund knew she had more stories to tell on the theme. The first result was an independently published title in the second half of 2020.

Now, after a period of almost four years, Hedlund has returned to the subject with the first in the Bride Ships: New Voyages series. The series will be a little different in that at least one other author will take the reins for future titles. For this first title, however, Hedlund has the sole writing credit.

Unless Finally His Bride is the first romance title you’ve come across, you’ll know to expect the usual Happily Ever After. If this is the first, where have you been? And no, I’m not going to apologize. Because a book like this is not so much about the ending as it is about the journey.

The narrative begins in 1963, which is in the middle of the American Civil War. Due to Union blockades of the southern states, British cities relying on imports of cotton are in dire financial straits. The mills aren’t as busy as they should be, and the millworker families are suffering. Willow’s parents encourage her to board a bride ship bound for western Canada. She can find work there and perhaps save up enough for passage for the rest of the family.

Hedlund does well to describe the darkness of Manchester and the comparative wild openness of the Vancouver and Salt Spring Islands. Willow and Caleb’s characters are fleshed out enough that I could react to them; at times I wanted to shout at Willow, feeling that she came across as childish and immature. Willow’s first employers confused me, but I have a feeling we’ve not seen the end of them. And I’d have liked to have known more about the runaway slaves Willow and Caleb meet.

My main gripe with Finally a Bride is that it was too short, or at least it felt like it. I read an electronic copy, but one major book seller says the paperback version has 286 pages while another states there are 324. I have the print copy of another of Hedlund’s recent releases which is under three hundred pages, so perhaps this is standard length for her writing, and I’ve forgotten. But there are several sections that begin with an indication that several months have passed since the previous paragraph, and I found myself wondering what had happened during that time.

Still, Finally a Bride has enough to keep a reader interested, especially since it since it sets up a mystery to be continued in future novels. His Treasured Bride comes out in April, and I hope the new author does Hedlund’s series justice.

Disclaimer: Although I received an electronic copy of this book from the author, the opinions above are my own.
Profile Image for Sabrina Trejo.
248 reviews21 followers
December 2, 2024
This first book in the newest Bride Ships series was so good!
Normally friends-to-lovers isn’t my favorite trope, but I thought this was done so well.
After knowing each other and being best friends for years you’d think the road to love would be easy for Willow and Caleb. But nope! It’s a rocky, tension-filled, explosive chemistry, adventurous road for these two to finally find their happily ever after.
The bond these two share reminded me a lot of my husband and I. Simply knowing a person so well is a true comfort and they quickly and irreplaceably become your safe place, your home. I adored how Caleb and Willow were that rock for each other. In every single way they lifted the other and were always supportive and looking out for the other. I just genuinely enjoyed these two so much (and don’t even get me started on their combustible chemistry!).
And once again getting a glimpse of BC was a great part of this story. You discover new lifestyles and lands in this book, which made it very exciting.
And as much as I love Willow and Caleb, I absolutely loved the other characters! Getting small nuggets of info about previous “brides” and getting to know new people was fascinating. Isaac, Jonas, Elijah, Frannie, Daisy, and Juliet were just so fun and added so many different things to this story.
I can’t wait for the next book!
1,287 reviews13 followers
February 11, 2024
It’s time to set sail on a new bride ship adventure. Bride Ships, New Voyages is a new series with new adventures of finding life and love in the beautiful northwest.
Another wonderful new series from Jody Hedlund. This first book is the story of Willow Rhodes, a young adult woman, whose family is struggling, they have been hit hard by the reduction of cotton mills in England. Her family believes the best option for her is to join a bride ship to have a chance at happiness. She of course is scared to go, doesn’t want to leave her family, but especially doesn’t want to leave her best friend Caleb. They have known each other since they were children. Caleb has been in love with Willow for sometime, but does not want to repeat his father’s example. He made up his mind he would not marry, besides she only wants friendship. But how can he let her go to an unknown land with no one to protect her.
The story is full of drama, tension, trials, misunderstandings, friendships, Faith, strength, and slow build romance. The characters are well defined and a joy to read. The plot is intriguing and compelling. It is a slow build romance with a lot of drama to hold your attention. It is a first book in the series so it is a standalone story. There is a blurb about book 2 that will follow some of the same characters. I’m excited to read Daisy and Isaac story, and to find out about the buried treasure!
Profile Image for Shannon AnneShirley_and_me.
58 reviews3 followers
February 25, 2024
A new world. A new hope. An unexpected love. What life awaits these brides?👰🏻‍♀️

Finally His Bride by Jody Hedlund

Series: Bride Ships: New Voyages 1
Publisher: Sunrise Publishing
Release Date: February 13, 2024
Genre: Historical Romance

👰🏼‍♀️Finally His Bride is the first book in the new Bride Ships series, New Voyages. Vancouver Island provides the perfect backdrop for this historical romance that hits the friends to more and marriage of convenience tropes.

👰🏽‍♀️In this beautiful story, friendship between Caleb and Willow evolve from childhood friends, to protectant, to love. Both main characters are well developed and you feel a sense of compassion for both in what they are struggling with internally. The hardship that they both have had to go through in their lives makes it easier to accept how they can’t fully give into their feelings. This is a closed door romance but it is not without some moments of spicy tension

I enjoyed the side characters as well. I really hope they show up in the future books in the series.

Having never read any of the other Bride Ship books, I am looking forward to following this series.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion
Profile Image for Jeanette Fallon.
793 reviews16 followers
February 13, 2024
Willow and Caleb are the best of friends.  They both couldn't imagine being apart from each other.  Willow didn't want to leave her home, her family and Caleb.  Her parents insisted she leave the next day on a ship bound for the Pacific Northwest.   It was her best chance to have a better life.

Caleb made sure Willow wouldn't be alone on this journey even if he had to break a promise to her.


A willow tree bends its branches towards water.  It is resilient.  It adapts to its environment.  Willow does what she needs to.  She is stronger than she knows.  She can survive.  She could survive without Caleb.  But did she want to??


I was frustrated that Caleb and Willow didn't recognize or verbalize their true feelings for each other.  They both were frightened of the change it would bring to their relationship if acknowledged.  Can you imagine what could have been lost if it wasn't?


There were quite a few characters  that I loved.  Jonas, Isaac and Frannie were my favorites.  They risked all to help Caleb and Willow out.


I was extremely pleased to see that there will be a continuation of this series, Bride Ships : New Voyages.
Profile Image for Emily.
514 reviews16 followers
February 16, 2024
This is not my first time reading Jody Hedlund’s books. I have read the Waters of Time series. Finally His Bride (Bride Ships: New Voyage), was well written and rich in vocabulary. The storyline caught my attention and drew me in.

The character development was interesting. There was a lot to unpack between the unsaid feelings that Willow and Caleb had. Learning some of Caleb’s past helped understand some of his root anger issues. Willow had a lot of growing to do.

The relationship between Caleb and Willow was a little overwhelming. The four books I have read that Jody Hedlund has written really boarder on that line of closed-door romance. Though nothing is written about, the lustful feelings of Caleb are a little bit much. It kind of felt uncomfortable at times and skimmed some sections.

The storyline was fairly good. It was easy to follow. Being a Canadian, I appreciated the setting. I could truly envision the scenes, as I have been to Vancouver Island before.

The historical aspect was pretty great. We have been learning about the 1700/1800s in school this year, so I have been really enjoying stories based on this time period. It was interesting think about how people were treated as immigrants. Not having a lot of money, they were often given bad jobs with a really bad pay. If Willow didn’t have Caleb, she would almost have been stuck at the Mann’s house. With such a little wage, how else would she earn a way in this place.

I did really appreciate Jody’s Hedlund use of scripture and prayer to point us back to God. It really drew the reader back to the whole point of our life and reminder that we need to rely on God. I always appreciate when Christian Fiction points us back to our creator.


*I was given a copy of the book for personal review from the author. This is my person thoughts and reflections.
3 reviews1 follower
February 19, 2024
When I started Willow and Caleb's story, I thought it, "It's going to be very formulaic. I can guess what's going to happen." But there was a twist that took me by surprise. I know other reviews have given that plot twist away, but it is what kept me reading. Although I wish it had come a little sooner in the story.

I was thoroughly intrigued by the history behind why they decided to go to America. And I thought the characters' backgrounds and the plot were well though out. Nothing "just happened." Although I was not bored reading it, I did think the story lagged a little in the middle when they were at the farm, and the characters were in denial just a bit long for my taste.

That being said, I love Jodi's books and eagerly await the next book in the series.

I was given an advance copy of this book. The opinions expressed are entirely my own.
Profile Image for Melissa.
345 reviews13 followers
February 14, 2024
I loved Jody Hedlund’s first series of bride ship novels. They contained romance, adventure, and historical background that grabbed my attention from the first page of book one to the final page of book four. I was so excited to hear that there would be a new series of Bride Ship novels. My excitement was rewarded with Finally His Bride, the first book in the new series. I loved the strength and conviction of the heroine, Willow, and the loyalty and protectiveness of the hero, Caleb.

This marriage of convenience and best friends to lovers story has all of the things I loved about the first series – the romance, adventure, and history, but also includes an ongoing mystery introduced in this book that will carry on to subsequent stories. This book can be read without reading the first series of novels. The characters and settings are new and fresh. I will definitely be reading more of the novels in this series.

I was given a copy of this book by the publisher. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Audrey Colman.
Author 3 books63 followers
March 19, 2024
Oh, Jody has done it again. I’ve got a book hangover.

Anyone who picks up this book, will absolutely, 100% fall in love. Best friends to lovers, and marriage of convenience, with a little bit of mystery thrown in!? (How did I not know this one was an MOC!?)

I can’t count the number of times I wanted to shake Caleb and Willow and tell them “for Pete’s sake, tell him/her you love them!”

I don’t want to spoil anything. . . but, oh, my heart. I loved the poetry that Caleb wrote. The treasures that he gave to Willow, the way she saved them over time. And the glass bottles at the wedding, absolutely amazing!

Go read this one!


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