Historical drama, sensual, intended for 17+ readers.
London, 1806: “I have a cabin booked on the ‘Cambray’ bound for the Southern Seas,” he announces mere hours before they are to be joined as one in the sight of God and Mama and Papa and her very best friend Deborah.
Hester had fallen in love with him at first sight, but that was before she knew his true character. Now his ridiculous prank has forced them into a marriage neither wants. Worse, he intends to set sail immediately after the ceremony leaving her to endure – alone – the pity of so-called friends. Not likely!
Luke is astounded when she insists on sailing with him though she is literally green before they board the ship.
The voyage will be long and arduous – all he can do is insist she constantly drink to replenish the loss of liquid and wrap her in blankets against the cold air.
Yet against all odds they become friends on the ship and when they arrive in Tahiti and set up home. Their friendship deepens in a culture far different than they had known, and becomes abiding love as they experience more joy than either had thought possible, more grief than either could bear alone.
(More of Hester and Luke appears in “Drums”)
The Southern Seas Series tells the stories of people who find themselves – for all sorts of reasons – on remote coral islands in the 1800’s. They include single men, husbands and wives, daughters and sons, adventurers, seafarers, missionaries, traders, teachers, botanists, artists, beachcombers.
In “Who is He?” an artist is attracted by Polynesia’s vibrant light – but hadn’t expected to bring a wife along with him.
“A Perfect Wife for Peregrine Winthrop” is about a young man who relies on the opinion of others rather than choosing the perfect wife for himself. He quickly rues his foolishness.
“Unexpected Hero” is about a man and a woman who have been acquainted forever but really meet only when tragedy has him sail to her aid.
“Drums” tells the story of a destitute teacher who witnesses the slaughter of a man she has never met yet agreed to marry while a man thanks God for his wife’s betrayal.
“The Mistake” will be published soon. It tells the story of Joshua who blithely believes he and vivacious Susannah are destined to live happily ever – until she makes a mistake he is unable to forgive.
