Arlem Hawk's debut novel is a well-written adventurous Regency-era romance set aboard a Royal Naval ship. I was captivated from the beginning right to the end, with not a dull moment or lapse in the story. This story is also so much more than just romance. It's about enduring under harsh circumstances while still maintaining integrity.

Georgana Woodall is the daughter of a Navy officer who is mostly at sea. She and her mother suffer under the psychological and physical abuse of her paternal grandmother. When Georgana is fourteen her mother dies, and her father, now a ship captain, whisks her away with him to sea once he discovers the abuse she has suffered at the hands of his mother. For three years she is disguised as his cabin boy, George. Lieutenant Dominic Peyton joins the crew and takes George under his wing, not realizing she is a girl until they start spending more time together.

What I loved most about this book is the character development. Georgana is a 17-year old girl who has lived a hard life both in London with her grandmother and on the ship, working hard as a cabin boy so that the crew would not suspect. She is quiet and meek, but strong and compassionate as she strives to do her part while experiencing the hardships of navy life and bloody battles with enemy ships. Dominic is full of life and love for the sea. He is loyal, kind and so likable with his grins that light up his face. I loved these two characters and how they show strength of character. How they fall in love with each other's personality, perseverance, and determination.

The author brought to life what it was like to live as a navy officer on a battleship in the early 1800s. I actually did research so that I could better envision the author's detailed description of the ship's parts and decks. (The author has Youtube videos where she discusses historical details, which I found very interesting.) She didn't romanticize this life but rather showed what it was like through the eyes of a young girl who slowly blossomed into a young woman experiencing the joys and pangs of first love. I think this novel would make a great action-adventure romance movie.

I am so impressed by this author's debut novel that she is now on my list of favorite authors of historical fiction. I can't wait to read her next book!

Thanks to NetGalley and Shadow Mountain Publishing for an egalley in exchange for an honest review.

Nothing like a snow day on Wednesday to wash floors, do laundry, and READ!! This Regency Romance set on the high seas definitely had me hooked. The characters of Georgana and Dominic were interesting and I liked that the chapters were told from both of their perspectives. This was my first Arlem Hawks read but it certainly will not be my last.






Publication Date 12/01/21
Goodreads review published 05/02/21
Review also on Instagram and Facebook

Today I finished a journey on the high seas during the Napoleonic Wars. There was love, mutiny, and battles with the French. I greatly enjoyed it.

Georgana Woodall is the daughter of a navy captain. While her father is away at sea, her and her mother suffer abuse from her grandmother. After her mother’s death, Captain Woodall discovers the abuse and takes Georgana away with him on his ship. The rules state that no women are allowed onboard, so he has Georgana disguise herself as a cabin boy named George. George has a rough time on the ship and is constantly bullied by the other boys. Lieutenant Dominic Peyton is new to the ship and doesn’t like seeing George bullied. He teaches him to stand up for himself. Georgana realizes that she likes spending time with Lt. Peyton, but he doesn’t know her as her true self. How will this secret be resolved especially when the ship finds itself embroiled in turmoil?

I greatly enjoyed this novel. I loved that it was a Regency Romance, but with a unique spin compared to other Regency Romance novels I have read. I love that it was set on a ship and involved high sea adventures. My family has been watching and enjoying Horatio Hornblower during COVID and this novel greatly reminded me of Horatio Hornblower. I sometimes get annoyed at the girl in the disguise story in books as it sometimes seems strange that they were in love the entire time. This story worked out perfectly in this case with their growing love making sense within the storyline. I enjoyed the intrigue with what was going on in the ship over the journey to Antigua. I would love to read more of this story, or another Regency story set on the high sea.

This story was a clean read and I enjoyed that. I also like how overall Georgana learned how to stand up for herself and to make sure that her life would be what she wanted it to be. It was an inspirational story.

Overall, Georgana’s Secret was a beautifully written story with great adventure, intrigue, and romance. I highly recommend it!

Book Source: Review Copy from Shadow Mountain for being a part of the Book Tour. Thank-you!

Georgana's Secret is one of *the* most romantic stories I've read in a while (and it's definitely among my top 10 favorites!). It's truly beautiful, from its gorgeous cover to the wonderful prose and story within its pages down to that delightful epilogue. It's a book that both made me want to devour it in one sitting while at the same time pause and take the time to savor pretty much every line since the author is that talented and fairly transports the reader into this novel's setting.

In this book, I loved getting to know both Ms. Georgana Woodhall and Lt. Dominic Peyton (and I'm so grateful the author gave us both their POVs!). I loved their conversations, their strength of character, the banter as well as the character growth (maybe this latter point was more in Georgana). Granted, it was really sweet and swoony to see how, slowly, their feelings started developing for one another and growing from caring and friendship to the stronger pull of attraction and the possibility of love.

Of course, not everything is rosy-eyed in this story, and I'm grateful to the author for that since it made everything that much more real. The story greatly benefits from the extensive historical research done on its behalf, and instead of dragging it down with all the minutiae, it serves to better illustrate to the reader what life at sea specifically entailed (from food to watches, cleaning, drills, battles, storms, and other dangers) to everyone aboard (from third-class ship's boys to lieutenants and even captains).

Overall, a marvelous Sweet Historical Romance that left me with the biggest grin on my face, and is sure to satisfy fans of this genre as well as the author. ~ 5+ stars

PS: thanks to this book, the phrase "Sound English cannon" will never fail to make me smile.

This was a wonderful masterpiece. I really enjoyed every minute of this story.

We follow a young cabin boy named George, or is it Georgeana, as she struggles to hid who she is on a ship full of men. The only one who knows her true identity is the captain, her father.

When George starts to have feelings for the new Lieutenant Payton, things start to take a turn for the worse on the ship. Action and adventure pursue and poor George struggles to survive.

With every turn of the story, I found myself rooting for George. Will she be able to hid her true identity and stay safe, or will she give in to those feeling and reveal who she truly is to Payton?

My review will be live on the blog, Book Confessions on 2-14-2021.

This was a really cute story! I liked that it was different than a lot of other regency romances. It was fun to watch the relationship between Georgana and Dominic develop and manage the suspense of her secret and life on a ship.

Outstanding book!! This proper romance takes place on a navy ship- which seems a highly unlikely place for a proper romance! I enjoyed becoming more familiar with ship terms and spent some time googling to become more informed.

Georgana Woodall escaped her abusive Grandmother by disguising herself as Goerge, a cabin boy, and serving her father- the captain of the ship. Spending 3 years on board, often being ridiculed by the other third class boys was more appealing to Georgana than being with her Grandmother or hidden away at a school because she knows her father loves her.

Lieutenant Dominic Peyton loves the sea and all that comes with it. He doesn't have time for or need women outside of his mother who he desires to support. As first Lieutenant, he sees George often and upon discovering the extent of the 3rd class boys' ridicule, teaches him to defend himself from the other boys. His strength and kindness are recognized by many aboard the ship. A letter from his Mother half way through the voyage changes some things for Dominic which made the second half of the voyage interesting!

The romance was swoon-worthy despite some obvious obstacles. Dominic and Georgana were both easy to like and relatable. The good and bad characters in the story (and those in between) had depth and growth. So many books have the men going off to fight on ships- I appreciated going with this time! I read this in a day- could not put it down and then I continued to think about it after I finished it. Cannot recommend highly enough to anyone who enjoys historical fiction, proper romances and just a good book!

I received a complementary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. All thoughts are my own.

I received an advanced reader copy from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
In this fun maritime tale, Georgana’s ship-captain father has hidden her away from her abusive Grandma on his ship. Georgana assumes the identity of George Taylor, a young ship’s boy, for three years. On what’s to be her last journey before she comes out in society, she meets Lieutenant Dominic Peyton. The two quickly form a bond at sea, but Peyton only knows her as a young boy. On their way to Antigua, Peyton slowly begins to unravel Georgana’s three-year secret, and the two begin to fall for one another.
I loved reading Georgana’s Secret. I love reading any nautical expedition, but this story was especially fun. While Georgana and Dominic’s romance fell a little flat in my eyes, the adventurous plot definitely made up for the main characters’ shortcomings. The secrets, the drama, the politics, the danger, the sorrow, every aspect of the plot was adventurous and all-around entertaining.
As the HMS Deborah crossed the Atlantic, the crew came across a couple of enemy ships. Several thrilling maritime battles ensued, pitting the crew against French privateers. These battle scenes were extremely well-written (and often anxiety-inducing). Oftentimes, I find it difficult to find battle scenes realistic, but I found the writing refreshingly accurate.
I also felt Hawks navigated maritime politics really well. The tenuous relationship between Lieutenant Peyton and the slighted Lieutenant Jarvis, as well as Jarvis’ relationship with the Captain was surprisingly well-developed and set up Jarvis’ attempted mutiny quite well. The battle scenes coupled with the ship politics definitely gave me Pirates of the Caribbean vibes. This is definitely a new favorite.

My Thoughts:

I love the unique story of Georgana.
As a young girl, and beginning to mature and develop, she became another person in order to be near her father and safe. She is uncomfortable in this role. She is bullied and abused because of this role. She is always on guard hoping her true identity will not be discovered. Her impersonation is difficult but required.
I am reminded of how difficult it is to try and be someone else in order to please another. I am reminded of men and women who are in relationships who pretend to be someone they are not. It is a burden and taxing. These issues are never deeply explored, but Hawks touches on them in Georgana’s story.

I love the character Dominic.
Lieutenant Dominic Peyton is a good son, and he is an officer in His Majesty’s Royal Navy. He is not looking for a romantic relationship. He believes it will detour him from life and career at sea. After boarding the HMS Deborah, he notices a cabin boy who is in trouble. It is interesting Dominic makes time to be compassionate and kind. I feel this is an admirable trait in a man who seems to be singularly focused on his career. But he is also a good son and treats his mother well. This is often a predictor of how a man will be in a relationship. Further, I feel a part of him knows the truth about Georgana.

I’d like to have read more about Georgana’s father. I know enough about him to be curious for further character development.

Another character who is an intriguing secondary character, Etienne. He is the ship’s doctor.

I love reading about life at sea, encounters with the enemy, duties for the crew, medical procedures onboard ship, emergency situations, and the relationships between the males.

Men can be friends with men. Women can be friends with women. Men and women can be friends. And all these relationships can happen without sex. It is possible. Romance doesn’t happen to two people because they are in a platonic relationship. Romance is a result of a mix of other factors. It is possible for a reader to wonder is there could have been a sexual relationship between Dominic and Georgana—Dominic thinking Georgana was a boy. I don’t know, that’s a far reach. I still believe a part of him knew her identity.

Source: I received a complimentary paperback copy/NetGalley e-book from Shadow Mountain. I am not required to write a positive review.

This was the first book I have read by this author. The setting is a British frigate sailing to the West Indies and back during the time of Regency England. On board is the Captain, a life-long sailor in His Majesty’s Royal Navy. His staff consists of George, Peyton, and Jarvis. George is the captain’s cabin boy, but really is the captain’s daughter in disguise. Dominic Peyton is the captain’s First Lieutenant, and most recent sailor to join the ranks of the RMS Deborah. Lastly, Mr. Jarvis the Second Lieutenant, known for chasing privateers and abusing anyone that stands in the way of what he wants. He was recently looked over for the position of First Lieutenant.

This story has it all: romance, battles, plagues, miracles, and mutinies. Although set in the past, the author deftly handles issues that resonate with the modern reader. The first is physical and mental abuse. The Captain brings his daughter on board disguised as the cabin boy to rescue her from his own mother. Georgana had spent years being abused both physically and mentally from her own grandmother. While the physical wounds had healed, the mental and emotional wounds were raw, leaving her own sense of self-worth diminished. Another modern theme is the physical and mental injuries caused by war. The author lightly but empathetically responds to this reality that so many young men and women face today. Lastly, I loved the message of girl power that the author sends to any girl or woman that may read this. In the end, the sweet girl is the one who saves the day!

I give this book 5 out of 5 stars because the author had well-developed characters (including the minor characters) and a well-developed plot. Arlem Hawks takes a somewhat predictable regency romance plot, and twists it—not into something different, but into something better!!

Thank you to the publisher, Shadow Mountain, for providing me with the NetGalley ARC for review; however, the opinions in this review are mine.

To escape her abusive grandmother, for three years Georgana Woodall has masqueraded as George Taylor, Boy Third Class, on H.M.S. Deborah, the Royal Navy vessel her father commands. For those three years she has lived with the fear that her secret could be discovered at any time, which would ruin her father's career and destroy her reputation completely. She has also endured bullying by the other boys due to her small stature and the perceived favouritism by Captain Woodall. By keeping her close and assigning her less dangerous duties, he is protecting his daughter the best way he can.

When Dominic Peyton joins the ship's company as first lieutenant, the kind-hearted and observant officer notes how George's treatment by the captain sets him apart from the other boys and contributes to his loneliness. Determined to change matters, Dominic befriends the timid George and gradually draws him out from behind his self-imposed protective barrier, taking him ashore when he learns the lad hasn't left the ship in the three years he's been onboard and even teaching him how to physically defend himself against the other boys. As their friendship develops, Dominic becomes more puzzled by the relationship between George and the captain, and eventually, with the seeds sown by his mother on his last shore leave, he puts all the clues together and realises that George is in fact a female. Dominic keeps this knowledge to himself. While his outward manner towards George doesn't change, his feelings for the eighteen year old Georgana certainly do. Unable to declare himself, Dominic continues to watch over Georgana, keeping her secret, but even he, as much as he tries, cannot keep her safe from the dangers of life in the Royal Navy or the actions of a vengeful fellow officer.

This is a superbly written romance that is also a wonderful piece of naval fiction. I found Arlem Hawks' portrayal of life onboard a Royal Naval ship totally believable. The small details she included made many of the scenes memorable. One of my favourites is Dominic teaching George the Sailor's Hornpipe, but I also enjoyed Dominic's joy in climbing the rigging or standing on the bowspirit. She also captures the chaos and confusion of a ship in battle and Georgana's dangerous role as a powder monkey.

Georgana's Secret is a very heart warming story, full of adventure, with a hero and heroine that definitely belong together. It is an excellent debut novel. A treat for Regency romance fans!

I was very excited to read this author's romantic adventure on the high seas. I'd read a few of her fairy tale retellings and enjoyed her writing style.

In Georgana's Secret, we find Georgana disguised as a cabin boy named George on her father's ship. She has escaped an abusive situation, but now must live her life with a very big secret. But when Lieutenant Dominic Peyton takes an interest in the "boy" things start to change. Suddenly her longing for freedom becomes more urgent when she dreams of maybe finding love. But can she take the risk?

I really enjoyed this detailed adventure romance. It had a little bit of everything---pirates, ship battles, illness, exotic destinations, and even a mutiny! Of course having all of those things made the pacing a bit uneven, but the detail and depth to the characters as they underwent all the trials made it easy to overlook that. I loved Dominic as our hero, his kind heart and tenderness toward Georgana is swoon-worthy. Georgana has a difficult time of it, trying to overcome a past and reach for a future. She was definitely a relatable character and I was rooting for her to get her happily-ever-after. I also loved the secondary characters, especially the French doctor aboard the ship. I would love to know more of his backstory! But the relationships among the crew and main characters were really well-done and give a perspective of life at sea in that time period that felt real. I will definitely be looking for more from this author!

Georgana’s Secret was lovely and interesting regency romance that revolved around Georgana Woodall and Lieutenant Dominic Peyton’s love story taking place at high seas aboard HMS Deborah. It was about Navy life, struggle and dangers of living on ship, standing up for yourself, letting go of past, finding self-confidence, compassion, caring for loved ones, friendship and love.

Writing was vivid, immersive, engaging, and steady paced. It was written in third person narrative from Dominic and Georgana’s alternative perspective. Plot was interesting filled with lots of emotion, adventure with well written secret identity and girl disguised as boy arc.

Prologue was sad that took me back to Georgana’s childhood in 1799. It described how difficult, Georgana and her mother’s situation was with controlling and abusing grandmother, how they cherished moments with her father whenever he returned for break and how difficult it was to say goodbye when he was called back for duty as Navy captain.

Eleven year later, Georgana was now living with her father on HMS Deborah disguised as a captain’s cabin boy named George Taylor for past three years, ever since her mother death, when captain Woodall discovered about his mother’s abusive treatment towards his only daughter. Life on ship was nothing like she dreamed as child. Being a ship boy in favour of Captain, able to dine with captain while captain invited officers to dine only occasionally, and had to do less work than others didn’t bode well with crew of ship and specially among rest of third-class boys who harassed her regularly. It was miserable for her to live alone with a burden of secret.

But things changed when Dominic Peyton arrived on ship as first lieutenant. When he witnessed George’s harassment, he immediately put a stop to it, offered him help, and took him under his wing. It made thing even worst for George but for the first time she felt she wasn’t alone, she found a friend in Dominic who taught her to defend herself, life on a ship became bearable and could feel hope and happiness in friendship of Dominic. But as she spent more time with him, it was becoming hard for her to disguise the girl she really was and hide her real feelings. She was convinced nothing would come out of all she felt for Dominic as Dominic’s first love was sea and she didn’t want another navy man in her life.

It was interesting to read Georgana and Dominic’s adventure on sea, to find out when Dominic would figure out George was a young lady, what would happen after that, what second lieutenant was planning and how crew of the ship would react on discovering George and captain’s secret.

Georgana was great character. I felt for her when I read her thoughts about her grandmother. Even after escaping clutches of her grandmother she couldn’t escape her stinging words that gave her nightmare. I agreed with her feeling about not her situation and thought on what was more terrifying, life with grandmother or lonely life on high sea with bullies. But I loved how care and compassion of Dominic brought change in her. Her dilemma on whether to tell Dominic her true identity or not and how he would react to it was genuine. I admire her love for her father and how she didn’t wish to burden her father or make him feel sad by complaining what she was going through on ship. I enjoyed reading her development from timid, meek and low self-esteemed girl to lady who proved to be strong, brave, and how she started believing in herself and her ability to do anything.

Dominic was lively, caring and compassionate man. His spirit and love for sea was infectious. I enjoyed reading his relationship with his mother. It was lovely he refused to accept promotion so he could provide more for her and collected little things from all his voyages. I loved how he noticed George wasn’t happy on ship, kept offering help and even tried to talk about it to Captain. I admired him for understanding and respecting Georgana and captain’s secret and Georgana’s wish about their relationship.

What I loved most was detailed description of HMS Deborah. It was interesting to read life at sea and challenge of convoy mission in era of Napoleonic war. Storm, disease, battle, insubordination, crew’s displeasure and even mutiny made story atmospheric. Romance gave light touch to it. It was slow and steady. I enjoyed reading Gergana and Dominic’s friendship, their growing relationship, strong bond, and conversations between them. They understood each other well and I loved how they cared for each other.

Twist and turns were good. Dominic discovering George’s identity and second lieutenant’s ill intentions were easy to guess but I couldn’t predict the battle before climax and how it affected characters and situation on ship. All scenes from climax to end were interesting to read. I loved how Georgana saved everyone’s life. I’m still confused about her father and Dominic’s last minute action but I’m glad things were wrapped up nicely with happy ending.

Overall, Georgana’s Secret was unique, engaging, and well written historical fiction and regency romance with high sea adventure and interesting characters.

Georgana is the daughter of a sea captain. He lived a majority of her life at sea, leaving her and her mother to stay with his verbally and physically abusive mother. When the abuse became severe enough for him to notice, Georgana's father secreted her away on his very own ship, turning her into a cabin boy for three full years.

Lt. Dominic Peyton takes care of his mother. He is also a lover of the sea and has taken this voyage in interim before deciding if he wants to take a captain position (which would keep him away from his mother longer than he would prefer and possibly be a financial burden on her.) He is on the voyage with Georgana and takes her (as cabin boy, George) under his wing. We watch as the inevitable discovery of her true identity and what it will mean to all those on the ship.

Super cute story. Extremely clean, fun story, fun characters, and an interesting look at what life on a boat that would see "action" on the seas would be like. I will for sure let my teenager read this one.

Thank you NetGalley and Shadow Mountain for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

This is not your typical Regency she-dresses-as-a-he story. Georgann Woodall is disguised as a boy by her father, a sea captain, so he can keep her safe on his ship where her abusive grandmother can't find her. For 3 years she works as a ship boy and attendant to her captain/father, her real identity unknown to the rest of the crew. That is, until 1st lieutenant Dominic Peyton is assigned to the same ship. Peyton takes the 'boy', George Taylor, under his wing and teaches the 'boy' how to defend himself against harassment by the other boys. As their friendship grows, Dominic makes the stunning deduction that 'George' is the offspring of Captain Woodall, and a daughter at that. Unknown to Georgann, he begins to have feelings for her while she believes his kindness is only pity for a tormented boy.
I loved this story, especially how Georgann's secret identity is slowed peeled away until she realizes that Lt. Peyton loves her. Their harrowing voyage includes a sea battle and mutiny that threatens to destroy the life that Georgann realizes that she truly wants.

We often only see Regency Romance in ballrooms and Mayfair - here we get to meet 2 people - who may not have ever met one another, but for the Heroine's need to seek freedom. Secret Identity - check - Romance at sea - check check. The writing is solid and keeps the reader engaged - you truly feel how Georgana is feeling through the pages. I love when i get a chance to read a book that breaks away from traditional Regency. It's nice to step away from the balls and house parties. It's such a beautiful story between 2 souls who find connection with one another. I'm excited to read more from this author.

Arlem Hawks has blown me away with her debut novel, Georgana’s Secret. Romance is my favorite genre, regardless of how many non-romance reviews are here on the blog. But, I know good romance, and this is it.

This novel tugs at all the emotional heartstrings. You have a young girl who has lived a life no child should ever live. Then, with things unfolding as they do, she ends up as a cabin boy catering to her ship’s Captain father. She then endures mistreatment from the crew. Thus leaving one bad situation for another.

When Dominic takes her under his wing, the story comes together. The reader knows that George is a girl that brings a few laughs as long as Dominic is clueless. I had a few good chuckles at Dominic’s expense.

This trope is not new to me. I expected a generic accidental feel of George’s bindings or what have you as the revelation. But, the reveal was much more brainy, and I loved it! Dominic is smart in addition to his brawn, and that the author used this method excited me.

One reason why I love historical romance novels is that I can experience a life that I otherwise couldn’t. Where else would I find myself on a frigate leading merchant ships to the Caribbean using a sextant? I mean, you can go anywhere with a good book, but historical romance has a little something extra. It makes me feel alive. Georgana’s Secret is so good that I never once believed I wasn’t aboard the Deborah.

I am pleased to award Georgana’s Secret a full 5 out of 5 stars. If romance is your thing, you definitely will not want to miss this one. Now, if I could find my own Dominic, we would be all set.

I love reading books in new and interesting settings, they instantly become engaging in and of themselves regardless of the storyline. While I've read a lot of books with brief mentions of sailing, I've not read many where the whole story is aboard a ship, and a navy ship at that. I loved how realistic Arlem Hawks portrayed life aboard a ship and that she didn't romanticize the less pleasant aspects of it. I really felt for Georgana's struggles and her feeling of isolation. I mean what girl wouldn't feel lonely being the only female around and a secret one at that. Dominic was like a breath of fresh air, his passion for the sea and life was so contagious. Their romance was sweet and slow burning, which was satisfying to read. There was just so much to love about this story, adventure on the high seas, secret identities, unexpected love. Arlem Hawks has done a wonderful job of this novel and I expect great things from her in the future.

Georgana Woodall lives on her Father's ship the HMS Deborah dressed as a young man, only her father and her know that fact. Until Lieutenant Dominic Peyton comes aboard their ship. This story has suspense, drama, danger, mutiny, twists, turns, and romance I enjoyed reading. This is a new Author to me. I received a copy of this book via Net Galey and am voluntarily leaving a review.

This Regency romance is endearingly adorable. Regency romances are so fun because they take place during a very small and somewhat bizarre period in history when so-called Mad King George III was deemed incapable of ruling the United Kingdom and his son and heir governed [defined loosely] as Regent in his place. Though the Napoleonic Wars with France were on everyone’s mind, even more important was a preoccupation with high society, especially among those who aspired to the “bon ton,” - French for “in the fashionable mode” - and there were a plethora of rules about how young men and ladies could behave, dress, and interact.

Georgana Woodall, 18, is flouting all the rules: in order to get away from her abusive grandmother, she disguised herself as a male named “George” and joined her father, a navy captain, on his ship as his cabin boy. She can’t hide her lack of toughness though, and the other boys on the ship harass her. First Lieutenant Dominic Peyton, compassionate and handsome (needless to add), is determined to mentor George to help him survive and gain the respect of the other boys.

Alas, Dominic is strangely drawn to George, and George can’t help but fall for Dominic.

It’s not at all as predictable as it sounds however; there are some surprising twists in store for readers, leading up to the delightful denouement.

Evaluation: I raced through this book; I loved the wonderful characters, warts and all, and watching them and their interrelationships evolve throughout the story.