Unemployed mill worker Zoe Hart jumps at the opportunity to emigrate to
British Columbia in 1863 to find a better life and be reunited with her
brother, who fled from home after being accused of a crime. Pastor to miners in the mountains, Abe Merivale discovers an abandoned baby during a routine visit to Victoria and joins efforts with Zoe, one of the newly arrived bride-ship women, to care for the infant. While there, he's devastated by the news from his fiancee in England that she's marrying another man.
With mounting pressure to find the baby a home, Zoe accepts a proposal from a miner of questionable character after he promises to help her locate her brother. Intent on protecting Zoe and frustrated by his failed engagement, Abe offers his own hand as groom. After a hasty wedding, they soon realize their marriage of convenience is not so convenient after all.
...my thoughts...
After 114 days the Robert Lowe arrived in Victoria Britsh Columbia on January 12, 1863. Thirty-eight brides were on board, all unemployed cotton mill workers. A sharp contrast from the Tynemouth, the first Columbia Mission Society brideship, which combined an equal number of wealthy middle-class gentlewomen and poor laborers. The miners who were anxious for the brides to arrive wouldn't mind a bit to marry any one of the women on board.
Zoe Hart was beyond ready to land. She was glad to be shut of the oppressive life she left behind in Manchester and eager to begin her search for her long lost twin brother Zeke. Zeke left a few years before under a cloud that no longer existed. The opportunity was tremendous to have a fresh start. I liked Zoe's character from the start.
"Heard Captain Verney saying there's hundreds of fellas on the shore"...
"All I need is one," Zoe Chimed in. The right one."
"Handsome?"
"Aye a handsome fella and a good kisser."
Her personality was entertaining and all the time caring for others. My heart went out to her several times in the book but she is one woman who is true to herself and those she meets. If she could take care of every child on their own or others in need she would have. If her husband viewed her as just a convenience, so be it. Her goodness was a breath of fresh air in her new home town of Yale and she fast became a favorite.
Abe Merivale wasn't looking for a bride and with nearly two more years left for his position as a missionary with the Church of England, it wasn't feasible. He would go home, marry Lizzy and one day become a bishop. It was all laid out for him. Until, he met Zoe. Zoe, who wanted to rock the boat and keep Violet, an orphaned native baby. Nothing would stand in her way, and Abe, in an absent minded misunderstanding moment, married her.
Jody Hedlund, in her wonderful style, has created a story that has a few bends in the road to this marriage. Zoe was so unexpected in her role as the wife of a clergyman. It shows that life is so unexpected and often the best laid plans are best set aside so that one can hear God's own plans, which are often the best of what could be imagined. I recommend A Bride of Convenience for all who love historical Christian fiction. Once again, the research is impeccable and this era of settling the west is very intriguing. The brave women who traveled from England down around South America and up the Pacific truly have a place in our history.
To check out my reviews of Jody's Bride Ships Series check out my blog posts:
A Reluctant Bride
The Runaway Bride
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