mariedixon's review against another edition
3.0
I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for a review. What attracted me to the book in the first place was its subject matter - I didn’t know that England had shipped women over to BC to be married and I thought it made for a compelling premise, and it does. However, I found most of the characters shallow and unlikeable, including the main character, Charlotte who, despite being 21, conducts and speak as if she were 40.
By focusing on a upper-class woman instead of on a woman of more modest means, I think the author lost a great opportunity to turn her good novel into a great one. Her upper-class characters are villainous to the point of caricature and the various scandals attached to them are rushed and overused. I’d much rather have read an entire novel focusing on Sarah, a secondary character who befriends Charlotte on the way over.
The language is a bit stilted at the beginning, but the flow gets better as the book progresses, but I expect that more editing should take care of that prior to publication.
By focusing on a upper-class woman instead of on a woman of more modest means, I think the author lost a great opportunity to turn her good novel into a great one. Her upper-class characters are villainous to the point of caricature and the various scandals attached to them are rushed and overused. I’d much rather have read an entire novel focusing on Sarah, a secondary character who befriends Charlotte on the way over.
The language is a bit stilted at the beginning, but the flow gets better as the book progresses, but I expect that more editing should take care of that prior to publication.
fadedbookmarks's review against another edition
4.0
This is such a beautiful tale of a life I hardly knew existed long ago. I loved this and how I found myself often putting myself in Charlottle and Harriet's shoes. There were parts that we painfully sad and I felt deeply for the character in question, but this was only due to how realistic the events in this book were. There were moments of racism and lots of misogynistic men, fitting of this time frame. It was quite interesting watching it all unfold and I found it pleasantly surprising that this book don't end how I had planned.
The story flowed wonderfully and made reading this book easy, aside from just the content leaving me curious to find out what happens. Charlottle was so realistic and with many misfortunes on her path, but I adored her and understood her motives and how deeply they were based on the time she lived in. I do find that I was a little bothered by how things just continued to go wrong, but as I think about it, I wonder if life was just simply that way in that time. Houses catch fire, people pass from now simple illnesses, addiction to medicines not quite understood.
Thank you so much for the wonderful opportunity to read this book! I absolutely loved the trip to the past and would happily do so again, if she wrote any further novels. Thank you.
The story flowed wonderfully and made reading this book easy, aside from just the content leaving me curious to find out what happens. Charlottle was so realistic and with many misfortunes on her path, but I adored her and understood her motives and how deeply they were based on the time she lived in. I do find that I was a little bothered by how things just continued to go wrong, but as I think about it, I wonder if life was just simply that way in that time. Houses catch fire, people pass from now simple illnesses, addiction to medicines not quite understood.
Thank you so much for the wonderful opportunity to read this book! I absolutely loved the trip to the past and would happily do so again, if she wrote any further novels. Thank you.
diamondhope's review against another edition
4.0
I loved that this book used an unknown/infrequently discussed part of Canadian history. O really enjoyed reading it.
siobhanward's review against another edition
adventurous
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
This was a solid read, but it could definitely have used better pacing. The first two thirds of the book covered Charlotte's life in England and then her life on the ship, so her life in North America wound up squeezed into just around 100 pages. I think with the number of challenges that the author threw in Charlotte's way, a longer book was needed. It seemed like all these challenges kept piling up and everything was against Charlotte and then BAM everything solved itself and the book ended.
The idea was cool and I enjoyed a lot of the book - typically when the pacing is off in a book, I find that the book should be its current length or shorter, but in this case, I wouldn't have wanted to take any time from either England or the ship, but I would have liked the portion in North America to be longer.
Definitely a solid debut - I'm curious about what Howard writes next and will definitely consider reading it!
The idea was cool and I enjoyed a lot of the book - typically when the pacing is off in a book, I find that the book should be its current length or shorter, but in this case, I wouldn't have wanted to take any time from either England or the ship, but I would have liked the portion in North America to be longer.
Definitely a solid debut - I'm curious about what Howard writes next and will definitely consider reading it!
paperbacktreasures's review against another edition
5.0
Charlotte Harding is a woman ahead of her time with ideals and a mind for independence that a lady of her position in society ought not to have. When a party thrown by her sister and brother-in-law ends in a traumatic event that is twisted by the words of a callous man, Charlotte has no other choice but to leave the only world she has ever known, and journey to Vancouver from London to attempt to save face for her sister and brother-in-law.
First off, thank you so much Netgalley, Edelweiss+, and Simon and Schuster for an advanced copy of this book. I also want to fore-warn readers that there are scenes in the book that may be triggering to some people.
Let's talk about Charlotte. Leslie Howard has written such a beautiful, strong and amazing character for us to fall in love with. Charlotte is exactly the type of lady that I hope I would have been, had I lived in her time. Headstrong, with a temper, and not quite who society expects her to be. She does her best to fit in for her sister’s sake, but nothing can ever make someone with a brain, follow rules that have no common sense.
The beginning, the end, and a little in between. There were so many pieces of this book that made my heart soar, and then broke it into a million pieces. There were also parts that felt as if they would never end. I promise that if you push through those draggy spots, you will not be disappointed.
I would definitely recommend, if you are a fan of historical fiction with strong female characters, that you pick up a copy of this book when it hits the shelves. I will definitely be purchasing a copy of my own as it is one that I will want to read again.
First off, thank you so much Netgalley, Edelweiss+, and Simon and Schuster for an advanced copy of this book. I also want to fore-warn readers that there are scenes in the book that may be triggering to some people.
Let's talk about Charlotte. Leslie Howard has written such a beautiful, strong and amazing character for us to fall in love with. Charlotte is exactly the type of lady that I hope I would have been, had I lived in her time. Headstrong, with a temper, and not quite who society expects her to be. She does her best to fit in for her sister’s sake, but nothing can ever make someone with a brain, follow rules that have no common sense.
The beginning, the end, and a little in between. There were so many pieces of this book that made my heart soar, and then broke it into a million pieces. There were also parts that felt as if they would never end. I promise that if you push through those draggy spots, you will not be disappointed.
I would definitely recommend, if you are a fan of historical fiction with strong female characters, that you pick up a copy of this book when it hits the shelves. I will definitely be purchasing a copy of my own as it is one that I will want to read again.
jaded618's review against another edition
5.0
This novel was beautifully written from beginning to end! It begins in 1862, by introducing us to Charlotte, a 21 year old who is living with her older, married sister Harriet and her husband. She is being pressured to marry well and is being encouraged by Charles (her brother in law) to try to get in good graces with a man in high social standings and has many connections. After a party where things go very poorly with this man, rumors about Charlotte start spreading, this along with other mishaps, cause Charles to send both Charlotte and Harriet away on a Brideship heading to North America.
This novel does well to transition from events before the voyage, to the voyage and then after. Charlotte is a strong, independent woman who has been discouraged by others to think and do things on her own, due to her social obligation to marry well and and fall into society. During her voyage, she meets the lower class women who are going to North America for a chance to work or find husbands, she feels more kin towards them and cares about their treatment. Without giving too much away, she finds her passion on the ship in helping people and works to build a life for herself after they get to land.
The ending of this book was exactly what I was hoping for! It had closure, and was believable to the reader.
Thank you @Netgalley and @SimonandSchuster publishing for providing me with a free ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review!
This novel does well to transition from events before the voyage, to the voyage and then after. Charlotte is a strong, independent woman who has been discouraged by others to think and do things on her own, due to her social obligation to marry well and and fall into society. During her voyage, she meets the lower class women who are going to North America for a chance to work or find husbands, she feels more kin towards them and cares about their treatment. Without giving too much away, she finds her passion on the ship in helping people and works to build a life for herself after they get to land.
The ending of this book was exactly what I was hoping for! It had closure, and was believable to the reader.
Thank you @Netgalley and @SimonandSchuster publishing for providing me with a free ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review!
tinybibliophile's review against another edition
3.0
Synopsis: In 1860s England, Charlotte is considered a spinster in her 20s as she has no dowry and no real prospects of marriage. After a disastrous event with a man at a party that could wreck her family’s reputations (particularly her sister’s) , she is being forced to leave England on the bride ship to the New World and start a new life.
Thank you Netgalley and Simon & Schuster for the advanced copy for my honest review!
My Review:⭐️⭐⭐.5 / 5 stars
Charlotte’s journey is heartbreaking - so alone in the world, and only because she is a woman without a dowry and without an ability to get a real job because of her place in society. I was so irritated reading about her sister who is insufferable… this turn of event seemed to be the best thing to ever happen to Charlotte and her future - she was able to regain her freedom in a way and there was a few extremely sad moments that made me so emotional - and took me by surprise. Some parts really dragged, and I started to lose interest here and there. - This was an informative read about this time in Canada - but I wish there was more to Charlotte’s relationship with John. It was ok - but not my favorite!
Thank you Netgalley and Simon & Schuster for the advanced copy for my honest review!
My Review:⭐️⭐⭐.5 / 5 stars
Charlotte’s journey is heartbreaking - so alone in the world, and only because she is a woman without a dowry and without an ability to get a real job because of her place in society. I was so irritated reading about her sister who is insufferable… this turn of event seemed to be the best thing to ever happen to Charlotte and her future - she was able to regain her freedom in a way and there was a few extremely sad moments that made me so emotional - and took me by surprise. Some parts really dragged, and I started to lose interest here and there. - This was an informative read about this time in Canada - but I wish there was more to Charlotte’s relationship with John. It was ok - but not my favorite!
hammock_and_read's review against another edition
4.0
This gave insights into a time period and event I didn't know about with England sending women to BC to marry. It also seemed well researched about the English side and the local Canadian side. Charlotte was born into high society but life throws some twists at her that she and her sister get sent to BC, to try again. You will love Charlotte how is the helper on the ship and wants to do right by the locals once in Canada.
The ending was rushed and wish it had a couple more chapters at the end of the "setting" Canada part of the story. Also, would have been nice to learn more about the lower class girls and not have so much of the high society parts.. This book was well written and enjoy the main character so much! I can't wait to read more of Leslie Howard's books!
Thank you to Netgalley and Simon & Schuster Canada for a copy in exchange for an honest review.
The ending was rushed and wish it had a couple more chapters at the end of the "setting" Canada part of the story. Also, would have been nice to learn more about the lower class girls and not have so much of the high society parts.. This book was well written and enjoy the main character so much! I can't wait to read more of Leslie Howard's books!
Thank you to Netgalley and Simon & Schuster Canada for a copy in exchange for an honest review.
tinybiblio's review against another edition
3.0
Synopsis: In 1860s England, Charlotte is considered a spinster in her 20s as she has no dowry and no real prospects of marriage. After a disastrous event with a man at a party that could wreck her family’s reputations (particularly her sister’s) , she is being forced to leave England on the bride ship to the New World and start a new life.
Thank you Netgalley and Simon & Schuster for the advanced copy for my honest review!
My Review:⭐️⭐⭐.5 / 5 stars
Charlotte’s journey is heartbreaking - so alone in the world, and only because she is a woman without a dowry and without an ability to get a real job because of her place in society. I was so irritated reading about her sister who is insufferable… this turn of event seemed to be the best thing to ever happen to Charlotte and her future - she was able to regain her freedom in a way and there was a few extremely sad moments that made me so emotional - and took me by surprise. Some parts really dragged, and I started to lose interest here and there. - This was an informative read about this time in Canada - but I wish there was more to Charlotte’s relationship with John. It was ok - but not my favorite!
Thank you Netgalley and Simon & Schuster for the advanced copy for my honest review!
My Review:⭐️⭐⭐.5 / 5 stars
Charlotte’s journey is heartbreaking - so alone in the world, and only because she is a woman without a dowry and without an ability to get a real job because of her place in society. I was so irritated reading about her sister who is insufferable… this turn of event seemed to be the best thing to ever happen to Charlotte and her future - she was able to regain her freedom in a way and there was a few extremely sad moments that made me so emotional - and took me by surprise. Some parts really dragged, and I started to lose interest here and there. - This was an informative read about this time in Canada - but I wish there was more to Charlotte’s relationship with John. It was ok - but not my favorite!
jessi_reads's review against another edition
3.0
The Brideship Wife is a captivating historical debut novel about two sisters who are forced to embark on a voyage from England all the way to Victoria, BC after their status in society is jeopardized. It's based on a forgotten chapter in history of the british "brideships". I loved this novel and would definitely recommend! It was so interesting to learn about some local history I'd never heard of before.