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Book Release & Giveaway!

August 21, 2020 By Jody Hedlund

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 giveaway

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Jody Hedlund

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Award-winning author Jody Hedlund makes her home in central Michigan with her husband and five children. When she's not busy with her family, she loves to read and consume large amounts of chocolate and coffee.
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Comments

  1. Sandi says

    August 21, 2020 at 3:30 am

    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!

  2. Suzanne Sellner says

    August 21, 2020 at 5:51 am

    I have read your first two bride books and enjoyed them; I would love to get my hands on books 3 and 4.

  3. Anna Brooke says

    August 21, 2020 at 6:08 am

    I haven’t read any of them but I’m willing to give them a try! They sound like good books!

  4. Elizabeth Litton says

    August 21, 2020 at 6:19 am

    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.

  5. Kay Garrett says

    August 21, 2020 at 6:51 am

    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.

  6. Sadie says

    August 21, 2020 at 6:56 am

    I read the first one and have been waiting anxiously to read the next one!

  7. Cheryl Hart says

    August 21, 2020 at 7:04 am

    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.

  8. Sonnetta Jones says

    August 21, 2020 at 7:06 am

    I haven’t read of the books as of yet. They are on my TBR.

  9. Joanne K says

    August 21, 2020 at 7:13 am

    I’ve read the first two books and am waiting to get the next two from my library!

  10. Roxanne C says

    August 21, 2020 at 7:25 am

    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.

  11. Patty says

    August 21, 2020 at 7:26 am

    I’ve read the first two books in the series, and enjoyed them both! Not sure if I enjoyed one more than the other.

  12. Becky D. says

    August 21, 2020 at 7:41 am

    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! 🥰📚

  13. Betty/ Strohecker says

    August 21, 2020 at 7:51 am

    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.

  14. Joyce says

    August 21, 2020 at 8:29 am

    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!

  15. Patti H says

    August 21, 2020 at 8:30 am

    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.

  16. Margaret viss says

    August 21, 2020 at 8:48 am

    I have read The Reluctant Bride and am looking forward to the rest of the series.

  17. Kim says

    August 21, 2020 at 9:31 am

    All were great reads, but my favorite thus far is A Bride of Convenience.

  18. Czerepinski Donna L says

    August 21, 2020 at 9:37 am

    A Bride of Convenience is the book I would like to read.

  19. Danielle says

    August 21, 2020 at 10:39 am

    I have read all 4 and I think Runaway Bride is my favorite, but they’re all so good!

  20. Kathleen Burnop says

    August 21, 2020 at 10:47 am

    I just picked up Reluctant Bride & The Runaway Bride from the Library & I am excited to read them both.

  21. Vickie L Couturier says

    August 21, 2020 at 10:58 am

    I havent read any of these yet but looking forward too soon

  22. Vickie L Couturier says

    August 21, 2020 at 11:02 am

    shared on facebook
    https://www.facebook.com/vickie.couturier/posts/10157385189287050

  23. Megan says

    August 21, 2020 at 11:06 am

    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!

  24. Lucette says

    August 21, 2020 at 11:37 am

    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.

  25. Erin Stevenson says

    August 21, 2020 at 11:37 am

    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!

  26. Allysia says

    August 21, 2020 at 11:46 am

    Really loving this series!! 🙂

  27. Lori Smanski says

    August 21, 2020 at 11:58 am

    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

      August 21, 2020 at 12:00 pm

      I shared in pinterst

  28. Lori Smanski says

    August 21, 2020 at 12:02 pm

    I shared on FB

  29. Mia says

    August 21, 2020 at 12:04 pm

    So difficult to pick a favorite!! I’ve loved all three <3

  30. Bailey says

    August 21, 2020 at 12:26 pm

    I really liked the journey with Mercy, but I also really enjoyed all of the baking with Arabella.

  31. Ola Norman says

    August 21, 2020 at 12:29 pm

    I can’t decide which is my favorite. I liked all of them. Looking forward to the new one.

  32. ReviewsByErin says

    August 21, 2020 at 12:29 pm

    I’ve read the first three books! The first one was my favorite. 🙂 The newest one is next on my TBR list!

  33. Lynette says

    August 21, 2020 at 12:35 pm

    I just purchased A Reluctant Bride. Can’t wait to read it!

  34. Terressa T says

    August 21, 2020 at 12:39 pm

    I’ve read the first one and really enjoyed it! I’d love to read all of the others.

  35. Teri DiVincenzo says

    August 21, 2020 at 12:40 pm

    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

  36. Betsy Tieperman says

    August 21, 2020 at 12:44 pm

    Such a fantastic series! I have read two of them and am most interested to read this latest release, Almost a Bride.

  37. Judy says

    August 21, 2020 at 12:57 pm

    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.

  38. Brenda Murphree says

    August 21, 2020 at 12:59 pm

    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

      August 22, 2020 at 4:58 pm

      I’m replying here and hoping you can see it. I shared on FB, Twitter, Pinterest & Instagram.

  39. Linda Dreher says

    August 21, 2020 at 1:12 pm

    I have not read any of your books yet but would want to start with the Reluctant Bride.

  40. Aimee says

    August 21, 2020 at 1:15 pm

    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.

  41. Connie Porter Saunders says

    August 21, 2020 at 1:29 pm

    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

  42. Jennifer K says

    August 21, 2020 at 1:29 pm

    I’ve read them all. They are all great!

  43. Charlotte says

    August 21, 2020 at 1:37 pm

    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.

  44. Jen says

    August 21, 2020 at 1:40 pm

    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.

  45. Perrianne Askew says

    August 21, 2020 at 1:50 pm

    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.

  46. Joan Arning says

    August 21, 2020 at 2:03 pm

    I am on book 4 now! I think I liked A Reluctant Bride best but they have all been good!

  47. Joan Arning says

    August 21, 2020 at 2:06 pm

    I pinned!

  48. Lisa says

    August 21, 2020 at 2:09 pm

    I so much enjoy your books. Looking forward to seeing how you end this series!

  49. Rachel says

    August 21, 2020 at 2:22 pm

    I loved Bride of Convenience, but am planning on reading all four!

  50. MJSH says

    August 21, 2020 at 2:39 pm

    Enjoyed the first book the most. I’ve read all four so far but only own three.

  51. Erika Luther says

    August 21, 2020 at 2:47 pm

    I have never read them. I want to read them all.

  52. Linda May says

    August 21, 2020 at 2:57 pm

    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.

  53. Mimi says

    August 21, 2020 at 2:59 pm

    I’ve read the first three. Book 1 was from the library so I don’t have that one in my collection yet…yet!

  54. Lynn Brown says

    August 21, 2020 at 3:17 pm

    I have not read any so far. Thanks for the chance.

  55. Bookworm Lisa says

    August 21, 2020 at 3:25 pm

    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.

  56. Kathy Phillips says

    August 21, 2020 at 3:33 pm

    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!

  57. Kristin Kozusko says

    August 21, 2020 at 3:34 pm

    Love them all and all of your books!

  58. Rob says

    August 21, 2020 at 4:51 pm

    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.

  59. Suzanne Sellner says

    August 21, 2020 at 5:00 pm

    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.

  60. Kathy Johnson says

    August 21, 2020 at 5:00 pm

    Amazing giveaway! I have not read any of this series yet, so would welcome any one of them! Thanks!!

  61. Hannah Corner says

    August 21, 2020 at 5:09 pm

    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!

  62. Susan Heim says

    August 21, 2020 at 5:32 pm

    Unfortunately, I haven’t read any of these books yet, so I would love to start with the first one, “A Reluctant Bride”!

  63. Julie Quinn says

    August 21, 2020 at 6:50 pm

    I BINGED READ the first 3 in the Bride Ship series this week!! ❤️ My favorite was “A Bride of Convenience.”

  64. Julie Quinn says

    August 21, 2020 at 6:51 pm

    I BINGE READ the first 3 in the Bride Ship series this week!! ❤️ My favorite was “A Bride of Convenience.”

  65. Caryl Kane says

    August 21, 2020 at 7:08 pm

    Since I’ve not yet read this series, I’d begin with book one.

    Shared giveaway on Pinterest, Facebook and IG.

  66. Lelia (Lucy) Reynolds says

    August 21, 2020 at 7:17 pm

    I would love to read them all. On my wish list.

  67. Abigail Harris says

    August 21, 2020 at 8:16 pm

    I’ve read the firsst three, I am so looking forward to reading the fourth!

    • Abigail Harris says

      August 21, 2020 at 8:33 pm

      Shared on Pinterest!

      • Abigail Harris says

        August 21, 2020 at 8:33 pm

        Shared on Facebook!

  68. Trixi says

    August 21, 2020 at 8:51 pm

    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

      August 21, 2020 at 9:06 pm

      I shared on Pinterest and Facebook!

      • Trixi says

        August 22, 2020 at 10:49 am

        I also shared on Instagram!

  69. Sylvia says

    August 21, 2020 at 8:53 pm

    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

      August 21, 2020 at 8:55 pm

      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!

  70. Hesper Fry says

    August 21, 2020 at 9:15 pm

    I would like to read the first book in the series, A Reluctant Bride.

  71. NANCY says

    August 21, 2020 at 10:58 pm

    I haven’t read these books but The Runaway Bride would be my choice.

  72. Adriann Harris says

    August 22, 2020 at 1:38 am

    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.

  73. Rachael de Klerk says

    August 22, 2020 at 2:43 am

    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🤗.

  74. Jenny Sutphin says

    August 22, 2020 at 4:44 am

    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.

  75. Sandy Klocinski says

    August 22, 2020 at 4:46 am

    I have not read any of the books in the bride ship series. I would most like to read A Bride of Convenience

  76. Dezi A says

    August 22, 2020 at 5:27 am

    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!

  77. Donna Graham says

    August 22, 2020 at 6:24 am

    Haven’t read any of the bride series books yet. I would like to start.
    Looks like my kind of stories.

  78. Lori Smanski says

    August 22, 2020 at 7:53 am

    I shared on pinterest

  79. Lori Smanski says

    August 22, 2020 at 7:55 am

    I shared on FB today

  80. Elly says

    August 22, 2020 at 10:36 am

    I haven’t read any of them yet, but I’m looking forward to doing so!😃

  81. Cathy says

    August 22, 2020 at 11:28 am

    I have read the first two – interesting and educational stories. I would enjoy reading the rest of the series.

  82. Christine M says

    August 22, 2020 at 12:16 pm

    I have read the first three! My favorite so far is A Bride of Convenience! 🙂

    • Christine M says

      August 22, 2020 at 12:20 pm

      Oh and I shared about the giveaway on Pinterest!

  83. MS Barb says

    August 22, 2020 at 1:11 pm

    No, haven’t read any of these books…would like to read “Reluctant Bride”

  84. Penny Knowlton says

    August 22, 2020 at 2:33 pm

    I haven’t read any of the books in the series yet. I would like to read The Runaway Bride.

  85. Joan Kurth says

    August 22, 2020 at 2:34 pm

    I have only read the first two so I am ready to read the last two!

  86. Rebecca A Reed says

    August 22, 2020 at 2:42 pm

    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.

  87. Stacey Ulferts says

    August 22, 2020 at 2:58 pm

    I have only read Almost a Bride but I have A Reluctant Bride on my Kindle so The Runaway Bride would be my pick!

  88. Robert Young says

    August 22, 2020 at 4:16 pm

    No, not yet.

  89. Kimberly Miller says

    August 22, 2020 at 5:17 pm

    I haven’t read any these books. I would pick Runaway Bride.

  90. Leanne says

    August 22, 2020 at 5:35 pm

    I haven’t read any of the books yet but they are on my TBR list. So I would pick Reluctant Bride.

  91. Hannah says

    August 22, 2020 at 5:39 pm

    My favorite was definitely Joseph and Mercy!

  92. Emogene N Oliver says

    August 22, 2020 at 5:57 pm

    I don’t have any of this series but looking forward to getting them and reading each one.

  93. Mallori N. says

    August 22, 2020 at 6:32 pm

    I would most like to read “A Bride of Convenience.”

  94. beth shepherd says

    August 22, 2020 at 6:33 pm

    I have not but would love to start them. Thank you

  95. Michelle H. says

    August 22, 2020 at 6:38 pm

    The book sounds great. I want to read the “Reluctant Bride” the most.

  96. Trish says

    August 22, 2020 at 7:53 pm

    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!

  97. Sandy Klocinski says

    August 23, 2020 at 4:45 am

    Pinned to pinterest

  98. Sandy Klocinski says

    August 23, 2020 at 4:47 am

    Shared on Facebook

  99. Lori Smanski says

    August 23, 2020 at 7:08 am

    I shared on pinterest

  100. Lori Smanski says

    August 23, 2020 at 7:10 am

    shared on FB this sunday

  101. Sherry Moe says

    August 23, 2020 at 1:32 pm

    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.

  102. Kirsten Perkey says

    August 23, 2020 at 4:11 pm

    I have read all books this series…..I liked Bride of Convenience the most!

  103. Beth Glass says

    August 23, 2020 at 6:03 pm

    I have not yet read your series, but I would love to read Almost a Bride😊.

  104. Buddy Garrett says

    August 23, 2020 at 7:03 pm

    I haven’t read any of the books. I would like to read A Reluctant Bride.

  105. Philip Lawrence says

    August 23, 2020 at 7:04 pm

    I have not read any yet but I would most like to read the BRIDE CONVENIENCE one.

  106. Gloria says

    August 23, 2020 at 7:42 pm

    The Runaway Bride was my absolute favorite!! I can’t wait to read the latest!!

  107. Cassandra D says

    August 23, 2020 at 8:50 pm

    I would love to read Almost a Bride.

  108. Jean says

    August 23, 2020 at 9:01 pm

    Ooh I just made it entering this contest. 😊
    I read 2 of the books in this series!

  109. Jennifer H. says

    August 23, 2020 at 9:44 pm

    No, I have not read any of these books.

  110. Phyllis Bullock says

    August 25, 2020 at 4:48 pm

    I haven’t read any of them yet but want to read them all!

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