Book Summary (Amazon): Wealthy Arabella Lawrence flees to British Columbia on a bride ship still wearing the scars of past mistakes. 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.
Vying for her hand are two very different men. Lieutenant Richard Drummond is a gentleman in the Navy and is held in high esteem. Peter Kelly is the town's baker and has worked hard to build a thriving business. 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.
As Arabella begins to overcome her fears, she discovers someone in dire need--a starving girl abandoned by her tribe. Intent on helping the girl, Arabella leans on Peter's advice and guidance. Will she have the wisdom to make the right decision or will seeking what's right cost both her and Peter everything?
My thoughts...It took me a few chapters to really get into this second story in the Bride Ships series, but as the tension began to build I could hardly put it down! In the first book, the heroine was fleeing poverty in order to have a better life for herself. A lot of book one was set on the ship voyage over. This book begins as the upper class Arabella is coming off the ship and beginning her life in a new land, looking for a husband of her status. Part of the tension was learning Arabella's story, particularly what she endured before boarding the bride ship, and how that impacted her as she formed relationships in her new home. Even though Arabella's choices frustrated me at times, her character went through a beautiful transformation. As she saw her worth through God's eyes, and put her trust in Him to love and protect her, it freed her up to make choices based on truth as opposed to what the world told her was right. Even though Pete (Peter Kelly) finds himself in a variety of tempting and trying situations, he relies on his young faith in God to guide him through. The spiritual journey portrayed by both characters was encouraging and inspiring. And last, but not least, the fantastic (clean) romantic scenes did not disappoint! It was the icing on the cake! I have really enjoyed this series and look forward to the next two books that are coming soon!
*I was given a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed are mine alone.*
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