High Risk, High Seas, and High Adventure
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Source: Review Copy from Publisher
TYPE OF NOVEL: Regency Romance
THE PREMISE: Living with the shrill disapproval and disparaging manner of her grandmother became such an untenable situation that for the last three years Georgana has been hiding on board her father’s naval ship disguised as a lowly cabin boy. And just when she knows her time out at sea must soon come to an end, Georgana is befriended by a compassionate and charming lieutenant…
MY THOUGHTS:
This exhilarating premise of disguise, secrets, and grave risk had me riveted from the very first page. I was immediately endeared to Georgana and sympathetic towards the impossibly hard situation she and her father are in. Captain Woodall is playing a very dangerous game and there is some tension brewing amongst his crew about his disengaging style of command and reclusive demeanor. Add to that the peril of being on a naval ship out at sea in the middle of the Napoleonic Wars and you have one incredibly riveting tale!
All the characters in this story are exceptionally well-drawn. I adored both Georgana and Dominic Peyton, the new first lieutenant on board who is quick to observe “George’s” friendless plight and is determined to help “him.” Their scenes together and the gentle turns their relationship takes were so incredibly heartwarming to witness. I loved seeing Georgana slowly overcome her external and internal adversaries. And I completely fell in love with the kind, patient, and fervent Dominic Peyton – whether it is the sea, his mother, or someone else he loves whole-heartedly. But I also enjoyed seeing the challenging characters in this story – the bully who torments George, the unruly second lieutenant who frequently crosses the line of insubordination, and the captain who is conflicted, fearful, and flawed.
Another element of this story I greatly enjoyed was the portrayal of life in the Royal Navy in 1811. Arlem Hawks provides vivid details about the living conditions and various duties of everyone on board from third class ship boys to the sailing master and surgeon. And it was equally fascinating to observe the various day-to-day occurrences of drills, ship sightings, port arrivals, and illness. With so many eloquent and descriptive scenes, I felt like I traveled on board the ship myself and experienced this tale first hand.
Georgana’s Tale is a skillfully-composed story that is half Regency romance and half swashbuckling adventure! I highly recommend this story for its inspiring depictions of overcoming impossible situations, sweeping adventures on the high seas, and rewarding romance!
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Our sincere thanks to Laurel Ann of Austenprose for inviting us to take part in this lovely blog tour!
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This is going to have to be high up in the TBR! Shadow Mountain once again has it although and at top of their game. Thank you for the review.
Yes! I’m so grateful! I love Regency Romances – hope you get the chance to read this one soon!
OMG! That cover!
I like the idea of grown-up Georgiana stories. Definitely adding this one to my TBR!
Isn’t gorgeous? I love it too!
Actually it isn’t related to P&P – similar name for the heroine though – Georgana.
Looks like such an intriguing read—a great mix of historical fiction and romance. Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Meredith!
Yes! I loved the blend! It was perfectly balanced.
This looks like an excellent book! I shall put it on my Wishlist!
It was! I hope you get the chance to read it soon!
Beautiful cover! Nice to see Georgana in a different light.
It is! This character isn’t one familiar to us – similar name to Georgiana Darcy, but this story is actually not related to P&P.
I knew the spelling was different. Guess I should have read more closely–thanks. 🙂
What a great review, Meredith! I love the cover. Another gets added to my ever growing TRP.
Thank you, Shelley! I’m so glad this one catches your interest!
So this book is unrelated to P&P as it is Georgana NOT Georgiana. It does sound interesting but I always wonder in stories like this how you can discount a woman’s menses? Improbable.
Correct. Not related to P&P. I think those things too, Sheila. I think in this situation it could have been worked out since Georgana was bunking with her dad in his private quarters and not amongst the crew. And maybe this is a stretch, but as a cabin boy for the captain maybe part of Georgana’s duties were to see to any laundry needs?
Thank you for your lovely review, Meredith. I am so glad you enjoyed. Swashbuckling romance is just what we need right now.
So true! Thank YOU for the opportunity to read and review this lovely story! I am so glad I did!
This sounds really great, another one to add to the ever-growing TBR pile. Thanks for your thoughtful review, Meredith. 🙂
For sure! It is one I think you will definitely enjoy!
Oh my, this sounds very promising! Looking forward to reading it. This author is new to me. Thank you Meredith for the great review.
I am so glad you are interested in this story, Michelle. It is new author for me too – I’d love to read more from her.
Oh what an interesting book! I just finished C P Odoms Determonation and am looking into what to read next…this sounds lovely.
And I love the cover. I always see R P Jones as Capt. Wentworth !
My mine keeps reverting back the name to Georgiana Darcy… even though the spelling is different! That’s what happens when you read to many P&P stories!
The cover is beautiful and I’m looking forward to reading it.