This novel intrigued me because…

It’s part of the “Proper Romance” collection which Edenbrooke by Julianne Donaldson–one of my favorite books ever–is a part of.
It reminds me of Persuasion with the hero being a Navy officer. I was intrigued by the setting on a ship and all I could learn about Navy life.
I’m always game for a clean, beautiful Regency romance.
I really enjoyed this novel. The protagonists are both on difficult life journeys yet they bring hope and love into each other’s lives. The action is intense, almost shockingly violent at times, but gives a unique view of life in His Majesty’s Navy. The love story is absolutely fantastic! I loved the slow, comforting way their relationship builds and how passionately they fall for each other with lives and reputations threatened. This is a unique historical romance that widens the scope of the genre in beautiful and meaningful ways.

I appreciated the twist on a classic Regency historical setting. Usually we are in London or the English countryside. But this gives us classic Regency England with a twist. There are a lot of allusions to life in the Royal Navy during this time period in books set during this time. Jane Austen even has a navy hero protagonist in Captain Wentworth (I love Persuasion!) But I haven’t read a book that is actually set on a Navy ship for the majority of the novel. All the details about life in the navy (the good, the bad and the ugly) were fascinating: Dominic’s love of the sea, the ship, the water, the wind, cramped living conditions, spread of disease, battles with French ships, rats (YUCK!), mutiny, stops along the way, royal officer ranks, injury and death. It was fascinating to learn so much about life on the boat. I was impressed that inside this very masculine world, Hawks could create a strong, feminine heroine.

I loved the journey Georgana goes on in this novel. To begin, I wasn’t really impressed by her. She seemed too timid, too scarred from her abusive past, and so obviously not a good fit to life on a navy boat (even in disguise). I was honestly surprised everyone didn’t know she was a woman; it felt so obvious! But when she means Peyton, she starts to find her confidence. She sees herself as worthy of love and belonging and strength. She celebrates who she is and even finds joy in her circumstances. I loved that. Some of my favorite scenes are when she is free to be herself (usually with Peyton around) like at the secret beach on Antigua or dancing behind the mast. These moments showed her potential to find happiness and to not be controlled by her grandmother. Be aware, the abuse she suffered from her grandmother was severe and the memories and reminders of that abuse are intense. Yet I love that Georgana is able to move forward. She makes friends with some of her bitterest enemies, she sacrifices for those she loves, and even finds the strength to save them all. In the end, I admire Georgana and the woman she becomes.

Dominic is a fantastic protagonist and perfect compliment to Georgana. He strong and a good leader. He cares about others from his mother to his fellow officers and shipmates. I love how kind he is and how he inspires loyalty because he gives it. He begins the novel in love with the sea. But I adored how Georgana sweeps him into a more passionate and beautiful love. He cares so deeply for her and always strives to help her be the best she can be. Even though she doesn’t suspect that he knows her secret. I loved that he helps her overcome her horrible Grandmother’s abusive hold on her. He celebrates what makes her special and strong. I love their love story. It seems as unlikely a love story as many a historical romance. How can they possibly be together when she is pretending to be a cabin boy who never wants to return to the sea and he is certain he will only ever love the sea? The twists and turns are surprising and agonizing. But in the end, they are determined to find a way.

The action is intense and exciting throughout the novel. From the battles with the French ships to the attempted mutiny to their contrasting experiences in Antigua, I never know what to expect. I loved the different sides of the sea that Hawks gives her readers. We see the ocean at her worst with men fighting and dying. And we see her at her best breaking down simple sand walls and searching for mementos in the water. I felt my journey was similar to Georgana’s in how she views the sea. At first, I wasn’t enthusiastic about this setting. But as the story progresses and we are introduced to the different perspectives of the sea, I began to see why it draws Peyton in so. I could see why Georgana spends hours simply drawing waves. And I could see how it can hard to say goodbye.

The writing is quite lovely and the descriptions of life on the water are superb. I loved the descriptions of the waves and the color of the water contrasting with the smells and sights of the powder monkeys during a battle. I smiled at the detail of the collection of mementos from the sea that Peyton brought his mother. I felt the anguish and despair with Georgana when she seemed to lost everyone she loved. And I nearly cried tears of joy when she finally finds a place to call home with her true love.

Beautiful romance with the right amount of tension and passion. We know that our two star crossed lovers will find a way to be together. But the many twists and turns that come their way kept me guessing all along the way. Grateful to receive an ARC and to read this unique and enjoyable historical romance!

I really enjoyed this book! I loved the timing of when certain characters figured out or were told Georgana's secret. I also liked that there was plenty of action and adventure. The characters were well-developed and well-written! This made for a very unique regency romance. Would recommend to fans of the genre and also fans of historical fiction!

It's always great to add another sweet and chaste romance novel to the list of what I can recommend to library patrons.
A female protagonist, Georgana Woodall, spirited away by her captain father from her abusive grandmother, tries to keep her identity hidden and hold her own against a rough-and-tumble crew of men and boys. The male protagonist, Dominic Peyton, a fair, charming and honorable lieutenant, takes it upon himself to mentor "George" to stand up for himself. Eventually Peyton rifling through the personal effects in his trunk and coming across some old newspapers, with lists of lost ships and obituaries of dead crew members, has him suspect "George" is not who he seems. All these things take place within the juxtaposition of a confined ship sailing across a vast, endless and at times very dangerous ocean, for several months on this particular journey. A slow build that nevertheless creates romantic tension and leads to a satisfying ending.

Thanks to NetGalley for a copy of Georgana's Secret by Arlem Hawks.
"Georgana's Secret" is a clean Regency romance from their Proper Romance collection. It differs from many Regencies in that it takes place on the high seas of a British Navy frigate rather than in ballrooms and Hyde Park. It was interesting to learn more about the British Admiralty in 1810+ and life on a frigate during that time while patrolling the oceans and directing convoys of merchant ships. The romance between George and Dominic grew organically and naturally. The character were written well with much depth. The book seems to be researched intensely with few inaccuracies. George's interactions with the other cabin boys was written quite well and was very emotionally rewarding. My only issue with the book was that I felt that it was a bit slow moving in the middle but I believe that was a fault in this reader and possibly not the book. I had an urge to read ahead. I would recommend it for those who enjoy the Regency period and perhaps are looking for something a bit different . It would also work well for young adult readers who enjoy the writings of Georgette Heyer in that it is Proper Romance and thus more appropriate for their reading than some of the current romances available. I had read every Georgette Heyer romance by the time I was a sophomore in High School. All in all , I would rate it a 3.5-4.

What do you imagine when you hear about the naval vessels during the Napoleonic Wars? This book has it all: drama, sea battles, sword fights, insubordinate officers, peril, standing up for what is right, and love.

The setting of the ship for a historical romantic adventure was unique and well done. Ms. Hawks' pacing of the book was excellent and makes you feel like you are right there. This book had the feel of Horatio Hornblower with the added dimension of the courageous Georgana Woodall. Watching Georgana believe in herself and help save the day was so exciting! I loved the book and highly recommend reading it.

Thank you to NetGalley for an ebook arc. I was not required to write a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Georgana’s Secret by Ariel Hawks was the very first book I chose to read for 2021. There has been an amazing growth and popularity for the readership of Regency romance as of late and I really wanted to read more of this genre this year. I am so glad I did, since I devoured this book over the holiday weekend - loving the characters and the exciting story of how Georgana’s disguise as George was discovered while a budding romance ensued. Georgana’s character stayed with me long after I read the book. Her strength and determination really showed how she was a woman well ahead of her time and one of my favorite heroines in recent reads.

Haws wrote a spellbinding proper Regency romance story set in the high seas 1811. I thought this was a fun read where a young woman, Georgana Woodall disguised herself as the Captain’s cabin boy ‘George’ to sail with his father, the Captain of the ship to escape her abusive grandmother whom she had to live with when her mother passed away. Leaving one abusive situation was quickly replaced by another, among the ships’ crew who was jealous of George’s favor with the Captain. Lieutenant Dominic Peyton witness to the bullying by some members of the crew takes George under his wing teaching self defense and survival skills while in the ship. What happens next is a sweet and tender romance as Dominic discovers Georgana’s secret.

I thought the writing was immersive and rich in accurate historical detail. I think young adult readers will really enjoy this sweet story and amazing well written characters. The reality and hardship of life in the ship made me flinch and broke my heart for how a young woman chooses to remain in hiding to be with her father enduring all the abuse, rather than being in London society at the time. I really appreciated how Hawks wrote Georgana’s character so well into the story.

I really loved and enjoyed this book.

Every so often I read a romance that just resonates so much with me. And right now, I can't stop thinking about this one.

There was so much to love about this book that I think--no--I know I'm going to miss something. First and foremost, however, I'd be remiss if I didn't laud the writing of this story.

Ms. Hawks pulled me into this story so quickly and kept me enthralled. These two characters; Georgana and Dominic were such good people. Lovely, passionate, and such a joy to read about.

The romance in this was slow-building (as Dominic thought Georgana was actually "George" for quite some time), but once we got there--it was well worth the wait.

And, the ocean--well, quite simply, I love it. So, having a story take place on the seas, during a time when sailing encompassed bug-ridden meals and hardly clean water--there was so much detail and excitement in this.

These characters, and their struggles, were so captivating and realistic. I wish I could read more about them, honestly. And I can't wait to read more from Ms. Hawks.

Thank you for the opportunity to read and review this wonderful book!

This book kept me enthralled from start to late-night finish. Georgana is used to rough men and even rougher women, so Dominic was like a ray of sunlight in her life. I loved his enthusiasm for the sea and his work, and his kind encouragement to George. Life on a wartime frigate was well-described without being overwhelmed by details. The author skillfully brought the setting to life and I felt like I was on the ship with the crew. It was easy to connect with the emotions of Georgana and Dominic, and the friendship they form is natural for a boy and his mentor, easily developing into more as they learn more of each other's secrets and deepest feelings. The relationships they have with their family and other members of the crew rounded out the story well and brought additional layers and growth. While the pace is steady in the first part of the book, by the end I found myself quickly turning pages as the intensity of the action and plot increased. Highly recommend to fans of Carla Kelly, historical fiction, and Regency romance. Definitely one of my favorites of 2021!

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.

To escape the guardianship of her abusive grandmother, eighteen-year-old Georgana disguises herself as a boy and serves on her father's ship. She falls in love with Dominic, the first lieutenant, but can't reveal her identity. When he discovers the truth, will he return her love? Or will circumstances tear them apart?

This is a sweet adventure romance, without much passion but with an undercurrent of longing. The pace is a little slow early in the book, but it becomes much more exciting later on.

Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received.

You know those books you miss the second you're finished? This is one of them.

Each time I talk about this book in person, there aren't even words. I just sigh and clutch my chest because MY GOODNESS, what a delicate and tender little love story this turned out to be.

The tension is written so well. The storytelling is rich with emotion and historical details. And these characters are wonderful! Georgana is stronger than she ever believed possible and Dominic is kind and patient.

I can't recommend this one highly enough, especially for fans of clean Regency romances.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. All of my expressed opinions are mine.

I know the year has just started, but any book I read in 2021 has a lot to compete with if it’s going to knock Georgana’s Secret out of my list of best books of the year!

It’s been three years since Georgana Woodall has taken refuge on her father’s ship disguised as a ship’s boy. Each day she must fight to protect her identity; however, the alternatives of returning to her abusive grandmother’s home or having her reputation ruined are unacceptable. But when a new first lieutenant, Dominic Peyton, takes a special interest in Georgana, it will take everything she has to protect both her secret and her heart.

Arlem Hawks’ novel will be one I reread in the not too distant future. It’s beautifully written with immersive descriptions that make you feel like you’re at sea with her delightful cast of characters. From main characters such as Georgana and Peyton to side characters such as Jarvis and Fitz, Hawks’ has created a cast full of realistic, engaging characters that had me rooting for them through every page. My only disappointment with this book was that it had to end because I loved every minute I spent reading it.

I really enjoyed this charming and unique story. The characters were so well written and had wonderful depth. I look forward to reading more from this author in the future.

I really liked George/Georgana as a character. So often these days, people think a strong female character has to be physically strong and tough, but that’s ridiculous. Not only that, but it’s kind of misogynistic in a way because it’s basically saying that, for a woman to be strong, she has to be physically strong like a man. That just ain’t so, my friends. Women can be strong in many ways. Yes, we can be physically strong, but we can also be emotionally strong. This girl disguised herself as a boy for THREE YEARS on a ship in the 1800s. Do you know how hard that would be on you? Imagine having to hide the periods! I think I’d be discovered in about two days. Georgana is resilient. She faces scrutiny from the men and boys on the ship every day but finds ways to make it more bearable, such as by drawing. And it’s not just the men. Her grandmother was horrible, as well. Her whole life consisted of finding ways to protect herself before she ever set foot on a ship. In the end, she saves the whole crew with her wit and courage! This girl is a force to be reckoned with, and Hawks did a great job with her character.

Now onto Dominic. He is such a good hero. He faces his own struggles in this novel as he tries to figure out how he wants to live the rest of his life while still being there for his mother—and later Georgana. He’s steadfast, a good person in general, and strong leader who cares about those under his command and protection. He’s literally willing to die for Georgana and her father, even when he doesn’t think he has a future with her. Overall, he’s just so sweet toward her, both when he thinks she’s a boy and when he knows she’s not.

My only qualm—and it’s a tiny one!—is that I didn’t like how Georgana’s father acts toward her before the end of the novel. It seemed out of character to me, and it felt a little jarring. But hey, we can’t like everything.

1811: Georgana is the daughter of a ship captain. She has travelled with him on his ships for the past three years, since she came of age, in the disguise of a boy named George. The crew thinks that George is an orphan and a distant relative of the captain, but she doesn’t have the respect of the other men and boys. Dominic is a lieutenant on the ship. His mother wants him to get a promotion to captain, but he refused the promotion so that he can have more consistent work and support his mother. His mother has heard of Georgana, the captain’s daughter, and wants Dominic to find out more about her because she wants him to get married. Dominic is drawn to George when he sees him being bullied by the rest of the crew. They spend time together, and Georgana can’t help but fall for Dominic. However, she needs to maintain her disguise as a cabin boy to protect the ship and her father’s position.

This was a very slow burn romance. There was a lot of tension with Georgana’s secret. I held my breath every time someone came close to figuring it out. At the same time, I was rooting for Georgana and Dominic to get together and for him to figure out that she was really a girl in disguise.

I was a little lost when it came to the description of the ship and all the work they did on it. Most of the story was set on the ship, except for a couple of chapters. I’m not familiar with the terms that were used so I couldn’t follow the parts where there was a lot of technical terminology used.

I liked this regency romance.

Thank you Shadow Mountain for providing a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This is the story of a sea captain who takes his daughter, disguised as a boy, onto his ship to get her away from an abusive grandmother. The daughter/boy is forced to work as a cabin boy and encounters the other shipmates, some who are kind and some who are not so kind.
I received a digital ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Overall, I think the reason I did not like this book was that it was pitched as a romance novel. However, I found that to be a mischaracterization. This book is fundamentally about the relationship both main character’s have with sailing. The possibility of romance is only mentioned around halfway through the book, and it doesn’t become seriously relevant until the last few chapters. I went into the book with different expectations than I may otherwise have had.

Meet the two main characters: Georgana and Dominic. Georgana’s father is the captain of the ship they are sailing aboard. After witnessing his mother abusing Georgana in the immediate aftermath of his wife’s death, Georgana’s father decides to disguise her as a young boy and take her aboard his ship. Meanwhile, Dominic is a Lieutenant serving under Georgana’s father for the duration of the voyage. While he was good enough to be recommended for a promotion to Captain, Dominic knows that this brings the potential for more money with a lot more job insecurity. Since his main priority is providing for his mother, he decides to remain a Lieutenant to continue making a steady income.

One day aboard the ship, Dominic witnesses Georgana (disguised as George) in a fight with another boy on board. This sets in motion the rest of the plot. Dominic feels bad for George, who he has been told is serving on the ship as a favor to George’s father who died at sea some years ago. Dominic takes it upon himself to provide George with self-defense lessons, something he cannot reason the Captain not providing for George already. These lessons serve to help the two deepen their relationship. After several battles, multiple injuries and illnesses, and important secrets revealed, the two decided that they are interested in pursuing each other and get married. The novel ends with an epilogue where Dominic decides to accept a second promotion to Captain, and Georgana accompanies him aboard as his wife.

While I liked the characters, my main problem was with the slow burn romance. I wish there had been more mention of the romance before halfway through the book, especially with how much interaction the characters had. Additionally, I would have preferred more focus on the relationships in general in the book, rather than so much emphasis placed on the daily life of sailors. I also felt that the relationship between Georgana and her father could have been more fleshed out. For example, she seems to have a bit of trauma surrounding the fact that his long absences at sea meant that she was verbally and physically abused by her grandmother. This relationship strain isn’t really dealt with.

All in all, I think someone could really enjoy this book if they are:

1. Interested in books about sailing and learning more about early 19th century sailing.
2. Aware that the romance is not the central theme of the novel.

Georgana’s Secret is the standalone regency romance debut by Arlem Hawks, published by Shadow Mountain Publishing. Napoleonic Wars are raging and Navy captain’s daughter Georgana Woodall has been removed from her abusive grandmother’s care and is in disguise as a cabin boy on Her Majesty’s Navy vessel Deborah headed for Antigua. First Lieutenant Dominic Peyton takes cabin boy George under his wing. Through the dangerous French attacks on the vessel, they become close. Dominic suspects something is up with the little cabin boy and there seems something strange about his family background.

Main character Navy Captain’s daughter is Georgana Woodall. I feel desperately sorry for her having been exposed to her grandmother’s violence most of her life and is bullied by the other ship mates. But throughout the story she finds impressive strength and compassion within herself and she is my favorite of this story.

Supporting character First Lieutenant Dominic Peyton seems a light hearted and happy person in total control of who he is and what his future holds. He seems to have slightly liberal views on propriety which impresses me. Events on the convoy mission challenge his view of life.
This story reminds me of a movie favorite of mine, Master and Commander, which has similar setting aboard a British Navy vessel during Napoleonic Wars. I can’t remember having read any plot which deal with the combination of romance and nautical warfare quite like this. I know we are only at the beginning, but this unique story just might turn out to be one of my favorites this year.
The beautiful writing intrigued and enthralled me. Descriptions were so vivid I felt transferred to the ship. It was hard to take a break to get some sleep. I just had to find what would happen next with Georgana and Dominic. I loved that there even was light hearted, amusing dialogue in places. It’s been a long time since a character has engaged me like Georgana. She seemed a well developed character with the perfect blend of human and believable. So relatable she could have lived next door.

A little surprise gem was included as Georgana and Dominic enjoyed a little escape to a faraway beach in Antigua where they got to be alone together (Georgana being George). This part I felt was particularly well written and was my absolute favorite of the story.

I am really excited to see what Arlem Hawks comes up with next and
anyone who enjoys a great regency romance set at sea will love this.
Similar authors to explore might be Sarah E. Ladd or Ronda Gibb Hinrichson. Thank you to Shadow Mountain Publishing, Arlem Hawks and NetGalley for this opportunity to share my honest review. All opinions are completely my own.

Conclusion: This beautifully written, thoroughly engaging regency about Georgana who hides as a sailor trying to stay away from her violent grandmother, when she meets a man whose only love is the sea.

I loved Georgana’s Secret!

This book had me on an emotional rollercoaster wanting to stay up all night. I ended up hiding in my room to finish it, and I’m not even sorry I ignored all my responsibilities.

It has the perfect amount of action and adventure with a sweet, non traditional love story.

After the death of his wife, Captain Woodall whisks his daughter to his ship to hide her from his abusive mother. Georgana Woodall is able to stay under the radar disguised as a cabin boy for three years. Until Dominic Peyton.

Lieutenant Dominic Peyton hates leaving his mother on shore, but he feels the siren call for the sea he loves. The sea is the only wife he would ever need. Until he meets someone whose siren call is even louder.

I love a good, strong heroine. I also loved how unique this story was. I have enjoyed Arlem Hawks’ novellas, and I had really looked forward to reading this book when I first heard about it. It certainly lived up to my expectations! I look forward to reading more from Hawks.

“Only one person seemed unaffected by the ocean’s wrecking grasp. Someone who laughed into the wind and smiled through the mists. Georgana groaned, burying her face into her shoulder. She was not falling for Lieutenant Peyton. She wasn’t.”

Captain Frederick Wentworth: bold, self-confident, and passionate. At fifteen, I thought him boring, far preferring Mr. Darcy’s distant, sophisticated persona. Now at twenty-five, I find that Wentworth, Jane Austen’s final hero, has captured my attention. As I sit here and type this, I ask myself ‘What’s changed?’ For one, Wentworth has energy–vibrancy–that leaps off every page. There is no brooding silence or long caution with him. A man of action, he strides through life with a joie de vivre and a strong sense of compassion for those he encounters. Now that I look at this list, I wonder at my ability to ignore this very worthy hero for years! Before I crack open my copy of Persuasion for a re-read, let me introduce you to a novel starring Captain Wentworth’s equal in character and bravery. In Georgana’s Secret, Arlem Hawks’ debut Regency novel, readers meet a hero and heroine bound irrevocably to each other and the sea’s mercurial waves.

Dominic Payton loves the ocean. It is his life, career, and passion. Despite his mother’s growing pressure to look for a wife, he knows that few women would be willing to live an unconventional, often dangerous life on a Navy frigate. To care for his single mother–and because life isn’t worth living away from the sea–Dominic accepts a promotion to become HMS Deborah’s newest lieutenant. Under the guarded eye of Captain Woodall, Dominic begins to prove his knowledge and skill. Yet it is the role of friend that quickly becomes the most challenging; George Taylor, Captain Woodall’s skittish young cabin boy, is greatly in need of a confidante…and pugilistic mentor.

Georgana Woodhull has a secret. Three years ago she vanished from Society and her abusive grandmother’s power. While Society at large believes her to be locked within the shadows of her ancestral home, she instead treads the boards of the HMS Deborah as a lowly, stoop-shouldered cabin boy for her father. The dark humor at her situation hasn’t escaped her–before her mother’s death three years prior, the sea ruled her dreams. It was a wild freedom that ever called to her. Now, all she longs for is a fresh start on land.

George stopped before she got to their things and cocked her head. “You said that was the second-best way to enjoy the sea. What is the best?”

Dominic pocketed the sea glass and caught up his shoes. “Standing on the bowsprit of a frigate in the open ocean.”

George frowned. “In the middle of a gale?”

His lips twitched at her exasperation, “I wouldn’t have it any other way.” (Location 1719)

After the carefree and kind Dominic Payton defends her from a bully and then forces her to learn the best way to throw a punch, Georgana discovers that the sea can bring more than disaster: it can bring love. For his part, Dominic finds the mysterious George baffling. Just as his own search to find out George’s real identity reveals the shocking truth, danger arrives on board in the form of mutiny and enemy ships. As they navigate their newfound love and the challenges of battle, will they survive unscathed, if at all?

From its gorgeous cover to its poetic descriptions of nature, Georgana’s Secret is a beautiful addition to the Regency genre. Yet this novel contains more layers than simply being a work of art. Its snappy dialogue and unpredictable storyline lend something new and fresh to the Twelfth Night trope of a woman disguised as a man, as well as the age-old struggle between heart and dreams. Our heroine leans heavily towards pragmatism and our hero towards lively optimism, and the unique push/pull of their romance was one that I enjoyed immensely. The way in which this story was resolved was both devastatingly romantic and intensely practical. Not to mention humorous!

The only thing that I wish was handled differently was Georgana’s cruel grandmother. The scenes with her verbal and physical abuse–though few and far between–are potent and dark. By the end of the novel, I couldn’t decide if she was meant to be Georgana’s over-dramatic impetus for change or a frighteningly realistic example of an abuser. Because I know that it takes victims extreme courage to face their abusers, I wish there was more resolution for Georgana in this area, both to show her own bravery and to help inspire readers.

With its stirring romance and powerful vision of life at sea in the Regency-era, Georgana’s Secret hits all the marks for a five-star read. Yet it is Hawks’ attention to the small details–a lace headband, a name mentioned offhandedly in a letter, the feel and sound of a ship in battle–that steers readers into deeper waters, giving them the feeling of being immersed in a fully crafted, vividly realistic world. Don’t miss this captivating read in this January season of snowed-in days and new beginnings!

This book was AMAZING! I loved everything about this book. Both main characters were fantastic and the plot was realistic, exciting and clean. Once I started reading it I could not put it down (I left my poor kids to fend for themselves).
This author did an amazing job with the details of a life on board a ship and the battle scenes were so descriptive I could picture myself there! I absolutely recommend this book.