ALMOST A BRIDE, the fourth and final book in my bride-ship series, releases in just a few days (on Tuesday August 25)!
You may (or may not!) know that three out of the four books in the series released this year. The Runaway Bride came out in March. A Bride of Convenience released in June. And now Almost a Bride releases next Tuesday, August 25.
One question that has cropped up is: How in the world did you manage to write three books in such close succession? Are you superwoman? Do you write really fast? Or maybe you skimp on the editing?
While I wish I could say I was superwoman, no, sadly, I am not. Very much not.
And no, I don’t write really fast either. I usually plod along, eking out a daily word count with sweat and tears.
Skimp on editing? I’m a perfectionist. It’s not within my genes to skimp on anything. In fact, over the years I’ve become more obsessive about editing my books, not less.
So then, how did I manage to write three books in such close succession?
Actually, I didn’t crank them out one after the other. The truth is, I write most of my projects at least eighteen months ahead of publication. Because of that, I have more flexibility with release dates. And in this particular case, my books were ready and my publisher had openings for them this year. It made sense to release them in quick succession, especially because I have other projects—like The Fairest Maidens YA series—waiting in the wings.
The other truth is, I tend to set high goals for myself and then push myself to achieve them. Sometimes that makes my life slightly crazy, but I’ve also entered a season where I have more time to devote to my writing career. It also helps that I’m really organized and self-disciplined. 🙂
All that to say, after a lot of hard work, I’m pleased to see the bride-ship books making their way into readers’ hands as well as touching their hearts.
Today (and throughout the weekend), to celebrate the final book in the series, I’m giving away two copies to two different readers: your choice of ANY book in my bride-ship series.
Have you read any of the books in the bride-ship series yet? If so, which one is your favorite so far? If not, which one would you most like to read?
a Rafflecopter giveawayJody Hedlund
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Sandi says
I have read all three. I would say the first was my favorite, I liked Mercy. I am really looking forward to enjoying book 4!
Suzanne Sellner says
I have read your first two bride books and enjoyed them; I would love to get my hands on books 3 and 4.
Anna Brooke says
I haven’t read any of them but I’m willing to give them a try! They sound like good books!
Elizabeth Litton says
I haven’t read any yet, but I think A Bride of Convenience sounds great! I enjoy that type of story trope. However, when I start this series I will begin with the first book, because I hate reading a series out of order.
Kay Garrett says
I’ve not had the privilege of reading any of the bride ship series YET, but I would love too. I would start with the first book in the series, A Reluctant Bride, and then continue on through the whole series. Sounds like a wonderful series and one I would greatly enjoy having the opportunity to read.
Sadie says
I read the first one and have been waiting anxiously to read the next one!
Cheryl Hart says
I loved A Reluctant Bride.
It shined a light on the women from the slums of London who were desperate for food, boarding, and employment. They endured the long and treacherous journey on the ship for hope of a better life at their destination.
Sonnetta Jones says
I haven’t read of the books as of yet. They are on my TBR.
Joanne K says
I’ve read the first two books and am waiting to get the next two from my library!
Roxanne C says
I recently got books 1 and 3 but have not read them yet. I sometimes wait until I have most of a series before I begin reading. So book 2 is on my “need to buy” list. I look forward to start reading The Reluctant Bride, especially since my maternal ancestors were loggers.
Patty says
I’ve read the first two books in the series, and enjoyed them both! Not sure if I enjoyed one more than the other.
Becky D. says
I’ve read the first 2 books, out of order… Runaway Bride is my favorite so far. Yet, I liked Mercy’s character so much I had to read the 1st book, too. Looking forward to finishing up the series. It does amaze me how you can get so many books out in quick succession. Thanks for explaining the breakdown! 🥰📚
Betty/ Strohecker says
I already won The Reluctant Bride and have the other two, so it’s someone else’s turn. Even with your explanation, I am still amazed at how much you produce! Continued blessings on you and your writing career.
Joyce says
I have read the first book “A Reluctant Bride” and really enjoyed the story. I had never heard of these brides being sent to Canada so that was enlightening. I want to read the rest of the series but just haven’t done so yet. Thanks for taking me away from my world for a few hours. I love reading!
Patti H says
I haven’t read any of the brideship series. They’ve been on my wishlist forever. I’d love to start with the first book and work through the series.
Margaret viss says
I have read The Reluctant Bride and am looking forward to the rest of the series.
Kim says
All were great reads, but my favorite thus far is A Bride of Convenience.
Czerepinski Donna L says
A Bride of Convenience is the book I would like to read.
Danielle says
I have read all 4 and I think Runaway Bride is my favorite, but they’re all so good!
Kathleen Burnop says
I just picked up Reluctant Bride & The Runaway Bride from the Library & I am excited to read them both.
Vickie L Couturier says
I havent read any of these yet but looking forward too soon
Vickie L Couturier says
shared on facebook
https://www.facebook.com/vickie.couturier/posts/10157385189287050
Megan says
I’ve only read the first two of the Bride Ship series so far, and I enjoyed both of them sooo much! I think The Runaway Bride was my favorite so far though because I really enjoyed the growth of Arabella’s character, and Pete was so swoony! Thank you for the chance to win a book of yours Jody!
Lucette says
Oh my favorite was A Bride of Convenience! I loved Zoe and Abe’s story. I can wait to read Zeke and Kate’s story.
Erin Stevenson says
I thought I couldn’t love anything more than the first book in this series…until I read the 2nd one, and then the 3rd. Can’t wait to read this final one!
Allysia says
Really loving this series!! 🙂
Lori Smanski says
Welcome today Jody. This series is has been on my list to buy. I would love to start with book One. I read your series The Orphan Train and fell in love with the sisters. Thank you for writing christian books that we fall in love with.
Lori Smanski says
I shared in pinterst
Lori Smanski says
I shared on FB
Mia says
So difficult to pick a favorite!! I’ve loved all three <3
Bailey says
I really liked the journey with Mercy, but I also really enjoyed all of the baking with Arabella.
Ola Norman says
I can’t decide which is my favorite. I liked all of them. Looking forward to the new one.
ReviewsByErin says
I’ve read the first three books! The first one was my favorite. 🙂 The newest one is next on my TBR list!
Lynette says
I just purchased A Reluctant Bride. Can’t wait to read it!
Terressa T says
I’ve read the first one and really enjoyed it! I’d love to read all of the others.
Teri DiVincenzo says
These books look so fantastic, but I haven’t read any yet. I’d love to have the last 2 especially! I also have been pinning on Pinterest, so you can find it on my Book Nook board on terirose22
Betsy Tieperman says
Such a fantastic series! I have read two of them and am most interested to read this latest release, Almost a Bride.
Judy says
I have read all three of the books but I would say my favorite is The Runaway Bride. I would love very much to have this latest book of yours.
Brenda Murphree says
This is a hard choice because I have read them all and been on your launch team. I think I will pick A Reluctant Bride just because I loved when Mercy was on the ship coming over. But of course I loved them all.
Brenda Murphree says
I’m replying here and hoping you can see it. I shared on FB, Twitter, Pinterest & Instagram.
Linda Dreher says
I have not read any of your books yet but would want to start with the Reluctant Bride.
Aimee says
I’ve read them all! Do I have to pick a favorite? I think each time I read one it’s my new favorite. 🙂 I’ve really loved them all.
Connie Porter Saunders says
I’ve read the first 3 and currently reading a digital copy of Almost a Bride. This is a wonderful series and I can’t choose a favorite. Thanks for your giveaway!
Connie Saunders
cps1950(at)gmail(dot)com
Jennifer K says
I’ve read them all. They are all great!
Charlotte says
I have the 2nd book, but am waiting until I purchase the first book to read it. I think I will have to get the 3 I don’t have and binge the series.
Jen says
I am reading the Runaway Bride right now. Number 3 is on the end table waiting to be read. Of course I am excited to receive Almost A Bride next.
Each of your books is a favorite and I have eagerly read all of you books since the lighthouse series.
Perrianne Askew says
I just finished the 3rd book in the series! I think I liked He Runaway Bride the best. I enjoyed Arabella’s story and I absolutely love her name.
Joan Arning says
I am on book 4 now! I think I liked A Reluctant Bride best but they have all been good!
Joan Arning says
I pinned!
Lisa says
I so much enjoy your books. Looking forward to seeing how you end this series!
Rachel says
I loved Bride of Convenience, but am planning on reading all four!
MJSH says
Enjoyed the first book the most. I’ve read all four so far but only own three.
Erika Luther says
I have never read them. I want to read them all.
Linda May says
I haven’t read any yet so I’d be thrilled to receive any paperback you would be interested in sending me. Thanks for your great generosity.
Mimi says
I’ve read the first three. Book 1 was from the library so I don’t have that one in my collection yet…yet!
Lynn Brown says
I have not read any so far. Thanks for the chance.
Bookworm Lisa says
I think my favorite was Bride of Convenience. I loved the marriage for the sake of a child aspect. Plus, I half fell in love with the baby.
Kathy Phillips says
I have read the first three, but the one that captured my heart the most was the first book, A Reluctant Bride. I couldn’t get enough of the relationship between Mercy and Joseph. Plus, the setting was so believable and interesting!
Kristin Kozusko says
Love them all and all of your books!
Rob says
I am enjoying this series so much, an area of history I didn’t know much about : would love to complete the series with Book 4, Almost a Bride.
Suzanne Sellner says
I commented before that I’ve read and enjoyed books #1 and 2 in this series, but I haven’t read #3 and 4 and would like to do so. I also shared about book #4 and the giveaway on Facebook.
Kathy Johnson says
Amazing giveaway! I have not read any of this series yet, so would welcome any one of them! Thanks!!
Hannah Corner says
I have read the first one of your series and cannot wait to read the rest! I loved the storyline and the characters. So unique!
Susan Heim says
Unfortunately, I haven’t read any of these books yet, so I would love to start with the first one, “A Reluctant Bride”!
Julie Quinn says
I BINGED READ the first 3 in the Bride Ship series this week!! ❤️ My favorite was “A Bride of Convenience.”
Julie Quinn says
I BINGE READ the first 3 in the Bride Ship series this week!! ❤️ My favorite was “A Bride of Convenience.”
Caryl Kane says
Since I’ve not yet read this series, I’d begin with book one.
Shared giveaway on Pinterest, Facebook and IG.
Lelia (Lucy) Reynolds says
I would love to read them all. On my wish list.
Abigail Harris says
I’ve read the firsst three, I am so looking forward to reading the fourth!
Abigail Harris says
Shared on Pinterest!
Abigail Harris says
Shared on Facebook!
Trixi says
I haven’t read any of these yet, but I’d start with the first one 🙂
Thank you for the giveaway chance, Jody! I love your books.
Trixi says
I shared on Pinterest and Facebook!
Trixi says
I also shared on Instagram!
Sylvia says
I’ve read each book in this series and loved them all! If I had to pick a favorite, I’d choose The Runaway Bride. I loved Pete and Arabella!
Sylvia says
The one I don’t have a paperback copy of yet is A Reluctant Bride, and I can’t wait to add it to my collection!
Hesper Fry says
I would like to read the first book in the series, A Reluctant Bride.
NANCY says
I haven’t read these books but The Runaway Bride would be my choice.
Adriann Harris says
Hi Jody,
Thanks so much for this wonderful opportunity to win a copy of one of your fantastic stories. My very favorite story in this series is The Runaway Bride. From page one Arabella captured my heart and continued to pull at its strings throughout the book. I wanted this story to continue forever.
Rachael de Klerk says
Congratulations on the new release! This whole series sounds amazing, and I can’t wait to get started (I have book on on my e-reader, but haven’t had time to read it yet). Book 2 would naturally be next on the list🤗.
Jenny Sutphin says
I’ve read all three, so far, and I’m looking forward to the final book! A Bride of Convenience has been my favorite so far.
Sandy Klocinski says
I have not read any of the books in the bride ship series. I would most like to read A Bride of Convenience
Dezi A says
I haven’t read any books in that series. I’ve read many other books by Jody though. Can’t wait to start reading this series!
Donna Graham says
Haven’t read any of the bride series books yet. I would like to start.
Looks like my kind of stories.
Lori Smanski says
I shared on pinterest
Lori Smanski says
I shared on FB today
Elly says
I haven’t read any of them yet, but I’m looking forward to doing so!😃
Cathy says
I have read the first two – interesting and educational stories. I would enjoy reading the rest of the series.
Christine M says
I have read the first three! My favorite so far is A Bride of Convenience! 🙂
Christine M says
Oh and I shared about the giveaway on Pinterest!
MS Barb says
No, haven’t read any of these books…would like to read “Reluctant Bride”
Penny Knowlton says
I haven’t read any of the books in the series yet. I would like to read The Runaway Bride.
Joan Kurth says
I have only read the first two so I am ready to read the last two!
Rebecca A Reed says
I have read only the first installment in the series, but I loved it. I would like to read them all, so number 2 is next on my list. I really enjoyed the Canadian frontier setting.
Stacey Ulferts says
I have only read Almost a Bride but I have A Reluctant Bride on my Kindle so The Runaway Bride would be my pick!
Robert Young says
No, not yet.
Kimberly Miller says
I haven’t read any these books. I would pick Runaway Bride.
Leanne says
I haven’t read any of the books yet but they are on my TBR list. So I would pick Reluctant Bride.
Hannah says
My favorite was definitely Joseph and Mercy!
Emogene N Oliver says
I don’t have any of this series but looking forward to getting them and reading each one.
Mallori N. says
I would most like to read “A Bride of Convenience.”
beth shepherd says
I have not but would love to start them. Thank you
Michelle H. says
The book sounds great. I want to read the “Reluctant Bride” the most.
Trish says
I can’t wait to read all of them! I think I’m looking forward to reading A Bride Of Convenience the most- the plot sounds really intriguing. I definitely getting around to reading and owning these- one way or another!
Sandy Klocinski says
Pinned to pinterest
Sandy Klocinski says
Shared on Facebook
Lori Smanski says
I shared on pinterest
Lori Smanski says
shared on FB this sunday
Sherry Moe says
I’ve read The Reluctant Bride and The Runaway Bride. I really enjoyed The Reluctant Bride. Not only was it very interesting but also informative. I had no idea about the bride ships. I plan on reading the last two books pretty soon.
Kirsten Perkey says
I have read all books this series…..I liked Bride of Convenience the most!
Beth Glass says
I have not yet read your series, but I would love to read Almost a Bride😊.
Buddy Garrett says
I haven’t read any of the books. I would like to read A Reluctant Bride.
Philip Lawrence says
I have not read any yet but I would most like to read the BRIDE CONVENIENCE one.
Gloria says
The Runaway Bride was my absolute favorite!! I can’t wait to read the latest!!
Cassandra D says
I would love to read Almost a Bride.
Jean says
Ooh I just made it entering this contest. 😊
I read 2 of the books in this series!
Jennifer H. says
No, I have not read any of these books.
Phyllis Bullock says
I haven’t read any of them yet but want to read them all!