At a glance
A Reluctant Bride
Christian Historical Romance
A Reluctant Bride
Book 1 of the The Bride Ships series
352 pages · First published 2019
In the poverty-stricken slums of Victorian London, Mercy Wilkins has spent her life caring for others while struggling to survive herself. When an opportunity arises to sail to British Columbia aboard a ship carrying prospective brides, she reluctantly accepts, hoping to build a better future for herself and eventually help her younger sister. Wealthy aristocrat and physician Joseph Colville boards the same vessel as its surgeon, hoping to escape the grief of losing his family. As Mercy assists him in tending the passengers, their growing friendship blossoms into an attraction neither expected, but the rigid boundaries between their social classes threaten to keep them apart. With dozens of eager bachelors awaiting the ship's arrival, Mercy must decide whether to accept the future others have planned for her or risk following her heart. Perfect for readers who love forbidden romance, journeys to distant shores, and courageous heroines, this hopeful historical novel explores love, belonging, and the possibility of a new beginning.
Paired for this story
Jump to the pours ↓Shalott Lavender Fog + Gin and Tonic
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No surprises at chapter twelve
Content notes
Extreme poverty, hunger, and harsh living conditions in Victorian London; serious illness and the death of an infant; grief following family deaths; class discrimination and degrading treatment of impoverished women; pressure on women to marry for economic security; family separation; illness and distress among ship passengers.
Alcohol-Free Pour
Shalott Lavender Fog
Fragrant Earl Grey, lavender, and vanilla offer a gentle taste of home as Mercy leaves Victorian London behind and discovers unexpected love aboard a ship bound for a new life.
What you'll need
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.How to mix it
- Stir lavender syrup and vanilla into hot Earl Grey. Add steamed milk and spoon a little foam over the top.
- Garnish: Small culinary lavender sprig, optional.
- Glassware: Mug.
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Mug ↗Cocktail Pour · 21+
Gin and Tonic
For adults of legal drinking age. Please drink responsibly.
A crisp, botanical Gin & Tonic evokes Mercy's British roots and the uncertain voyage that carries her toward an unexpected new life.
What you'll need
- 2 oz gin
- 4 oz tonic water ↗
- 1 lime wedge ↗
- Ice
Shop the spirits 21+Search Total Wine for Gin · 21+ ↗
How to mix it
- Fill a highball glass with ice. Add the gin, then gently pour in the tonic water. Stir briefly to combine. Squeeze the lime wedge over the drink and add it to the glass.
- Garnish: Lime wedge.
- Glassware: Highball glass.
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Highball glass ↗Set up the bar cart
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