Book Release & Giveaway!

ByJody Hedlund
118 Comments

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?

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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.

118 Comments

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

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

  4. 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. 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.

  7. 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.

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

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

  23. 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. 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. 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!

  27. 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.

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

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

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

  37. 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. 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.

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

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

  40. 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. 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

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

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

  56. 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!

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

  61. 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!

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

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

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

    Shared giveaway on Pinterest, Facebook and IG.

  68. 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.

  69. 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!

    1. 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!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  96. 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!

  101. 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.

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

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