I don't know, something about this just was...off.

SPOILERS BELOW. BEWARE.

The ending really irked me because Kate was about to accept another man's proposal but then hopped ship when Zeke came back. I don't blame her going back to Zeke since she loved him, but has Kate learned anything about leading men on? Seriously. This would have been Guy #4 (I think) that she did that to. Ugh.

2.5 Stars ( )

So, this is going to be fun.

Now, I enjoyed this, but only to a point. Yes, I know that Mrs. Hedlund's books get a bit kissy/focus on attraction a little too much for my tastes, I just really didn't like HOW much it happened in "Almost A Bride"

There were many things that I disliked...
- Kate agrees to marry several men and after getting engaged to them she would change her mind for no reason.
- she rushed into Zeke's room after he was hurt and she thought he was dying, he was wounded and his wounds were being cared for... With him undressed...
- she holds "courting" meetings where she meets with the men from the town to see if she wants to get to know them.
- Zeke pulls her into his lap and kisses her while on HIS BED when two guys come into his room.
- ALL THE WHILE SAYING NO to marrying him because he's turned his back on God.
- Zeke tells her he'll build a church but he's not trusting God completely yet.

I liked the beginning and the ending but the middle was really messed up, I just didn't find it to be historically correct with too many things that wouldn't have happened in that era. ( )

I was happy to see Zeke get his own book in Jody Hedlund’s Bride Ships series. Readers who have been following the series met him in the previous book (A Bride of Convenience) and learned a little of his backstory there. But not to worry is you haven’t read it, Almost a Bride does stand on its own.

Zeke and Kate are a good match. They know they are a good match, but they fight it for different reasons—some valid, some not so much. But they’re a great couple to end the series with.

While this book is shorter than the previous book, Hedlund still manages to include plenty of history and enough conflict outside of the romance to make it feel like an even quicker read.

Disclosure statement: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own. ( )

Kate Millington has no trouble getting engaged, but can't seem to go through with the wedding. After breaking it off with her latest fiance, she finds herself with no lack of suitors, but when she comes face to face with a friend from the past, the one man she wants is the one she can't have.

I was thrilled when I heard that Zeke's story would be coming so shortly after the previous book, and couldn't wait to dive back into the rugged beauty of British Columbia. Zeke is a man working to outrun his skeletons and the shame that he brought his family while working for the mills. He has done well for himself and done well, investing in multiple business ventures. He is passionate about supporting the workers, he isn't perfect, but he does what he can to support his community, and I liked that he was flawed.

Kate is hardworking and compassionate, she doesn't want to hurt anyone. I loved her friend Becca, and how protective she is of Kate. This book has some amazing supporting characters I especially loved Wendell and Mr. Peabody, who are a duo of men not suited for the rough life of gold miners, but are excellent in their own respective fields, and are great friends to Zeke.

An engaging read, I liked how it explored more about what happened after the gold mines were claimed up and how many people worked hard to make the boom towns a permanent place to reside. Kate and Zeke grow in their faith over the course of the book, learning to trust in God. A highly enjoyable read, with characters who will capture your heart and bring a smile to your face.

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

Jody Hedlund has brought to life a colorful slice of history in her series, The Bride Ships. Her masterful, realistic, and colorful characters and richly painted settings, along with poignant and imaginative stories, have captured my imagination and kept me entertained. I thoroughly enjoyed Kate Millington and Zeke Hart’s story of love and redemption, although I wanted to bump their heads together a couple of times.

This series is obviously well-researched, and the characters have been such fun to meet. I’ve enjoyed seeing previous characters pop up in later books. This is a standalone book, but the series is so fantastic you should do yourself a favor and read all of the books.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary book from the author. All opinions are my own. ( )