Title: Trilogy 109: Sail Away
Author: Lee Rowan
Published in 2006 by Linden Bay Romance
Genre: Historical
ISBN: 978-1-60202-015-3 ebook
ISBN: 978-1-60202-014-6 paperback
The seventeen hundreds witnesses’ countries torn apart by corrupt governments and self-seeking sovereignties, but love prevails even with the threat of death.
America attempts to break away from Mother England that divides the new country in half. Yet, love still blossoms in the small town of Trenton, New Jersey, though uneasy with the threat of a Revolution. Soon to be Novia Scotia bound, Cynthia Lancaster is use to her father’s spontaneous travels. She longs to stay in one place but his business is on the seas transporting cargo from one coast to another. As for her pending betrothal to Evelyn Humbolt, well, Cynthia would rather marry her dining room table; a site more enjoyable. Even her grandmother agrees with her assessment of the man. However, when Captain Smith appears grandmother encourages Cynthia in commandeering the man for matrimony. Commander Paul Smith first meets Cynthia as he intervenes during a heated discussion between her father and two Patriots; haranguing her father about the high tea taxes that England charges Americans. He is engrossed by thoughts of her intelligent eyes and admiring her fearless spirit when aiding her father. At dinner Paul is dismayed to hear that Cynthia is to wed, but relieved to find she is not entirely in agreement with her choice of suitors. While on land Paul aims to court Miss Cynthia away from Evelyn Humbolt.
In 1792, France is brutally devastated by the surfacing of the new French Republic, but amidst this destruction two young people fall in love. Christopher St. John is sent to France to ensure his mother’s brandy cargo is shipped fully intact; the French Republic is taking merchandise to promote their war against King Louis. As he boards the Susanna, Christopher is greeted by his cousin Philip, who tells him of the cargo that will be returning with them from France; Monfort the maker of his mother’s favorite brandy. Christopher is looking forward to landing on French soil as his cousin assures him that loving from a French woman is a wonderful experience. Zoe Colbert believes she is going to die before she has lived. The New French Government is in chaos and people are sent to the guillotine in groups. Looking out the window that faces the street, Zoe watches two handsome Englishmen exit a carriage laden with luggage that stops in front of M. Monfort’s. Later that night while attending a theatre event, she asks Christopher to make love to her; knowing Zoe is a virgin he is gentle and patient. Unknown to Zoe, Christopher decides that he cannot leave her behind in Paris, as it is still defenseless against an uprising. Zoe is gone come morning. He will not leave Paris until he finds Zoe and brings her safely home to England.
His Majesty’s Frigate Calypso struggles to fend off the raging storm that sweeps Will Marshall and Dave Archer overboard. The two float to a remote island while hanging on to a chicken coop. As the two men clean their clothes of salt and sand, they set about making camp; finding crabs and seaweed for food while using a battered sail for shelter. Settling for the night both men are uncertain of the others feelings; cautiously approaching their sleeping together but both hoping that more can be shared under the fluttering sail. Using the isolation of the island, Will and David explore their love openly and without reserve, but what will they do once rescue? They will bare that burden when the time comes, until then they enjoy their new found freedom.
Sail Away brings three provocative short stories from Ms. Lee Rowan. A quick moving tale of early America, The Captain’s Courtship is set during the onset of the Revolutionary War. The characters are authentic to the period piece and very attractive. Cynthia’s grandma stands out as a intimidating woman with a frank manner that is overlooked due to her advance age; makes me long to be older. See Paris and Live is a simple romance but with a suspenseful plot as France is devastated by their Revolutionary War. Also, no one feels safe as people are sent to the guillotine for the most minor of infractions. The characters are vivid and refreshing as two young lovers come together in the midst of Paris’ turmoil. A fan of gay romance, Castaways is a nice surprise. The plot is sincere as two shipmates are blown overboard to find themselves stranded on a deserted island. The characters are alluring as they try to avoid their sexual feelings for one another; male loving is forbidden.
Published by Linden Bay Romance, Trilogy 109: Sail Away is a captivating historical romance anthology with varied plots. The short stories begin with a sweet, simple romantic interlude in The Captain’s Courtship, as See Paris and Live portrays a love almost lost, and then ends with Castaways’ illicit romance. Ms. Rowan’s energetic characters make the stories come alive as they face obstacles and trials to keep their love flourishing. The author has another book, Ransom, published through Linden Bay Romance also, that looks intriguing as well.
A dedicated reader,
Pamela Jenewein
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