Book Review ~ "Swept to Sea" by Heather Manning

Swept to Sea by Heather Manning
My rating: 3.5 of 5 stars
Source: Received to Review
Genre: Historical Christian Fiction

Book Description: Lady Eden Trenton never wanted to leave her privileged existence in London—until her father invites a dangerous suitor into her life. Left with few options, Eden devises the best reprieve she can: escape. Chasing freedom, she stows away aboard a pirate ship, praying she will gain her independence in the colonies before she is discovered by the nefarious crew. 
Captain Caspian Archer has spent the last five years hardening his heart and searching to exact revenge for the event that tore his life to shreds. When he catches word that his enemy is residing in Jamaica, Caspian steers his ship toward the colonies in all haste. His plans soon change, however, when he discovers the young beauty hiding in his ship’s hold. 
Cut from the only lives they have known, Caspian and Eden are pulled together as each pursues a fresh hope upon the sea.

My thoughts: Eden's father is forcing her to marry an abusive man. The family needs the money, so she decides that it is time for her to run to the Caribbean to escape the marriage.

She stows away on a privateer boat, is discovered, and meets a complicated man. She is attracted to him, but afraid of men in general. The story deals with captain Caspian's efforts to prove that all men are not abusers. The captain has an adorable son, who factors into the story as comedy relief and adds a cute factor.

I really liked the characters of the book. There are great heroes and villains. Eden is a young lady who is kind and compassionate. She is great with Reed, the captains son. She has great friends who play a larger roll in the story than is apparent at first. Caspian is complicated. He is rough to garner respect and obedience from his crew. He is also gentle.

I found some of the dialogue and settings to be rushed and not well plotted. This is debut novel for this author, so I believe as she gains experience things will improve. Overall, I am impressed with the story and characters.

This book contains violence and kissing.

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Read an Excerpt

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"Hmmmm, what have we got here?" Caspian chuckled, tossing his baldric and weapons onto an armchair rather than putting them away. "Why, I do believe that I have a beautiful young lady hiding out under my desk. Now, is that not a strange occurrence, Reed?" Caspian asked. The child giggled, his eyes sparkling in amusement. "I daresay this has not happened to me before."
Lady Trenton's face flushed to a comely pink. She clambered to her feet, but tripped on her voluminous gown.
"Blast these skirts!" She muttered. Caspian chuckled at the word “blast” coming out of those pretty pink lips.
"Shame on you, Lady Trenton. A lady such as you should not use such loose language. Surely 'tis most improper." Caspian suppressed a grin at her reaction.
Lady Trenton gave him a deadly glare. The woman ceased struggling with her skirts and tried to rise quickly. In the process, she whacked her head against the corner of his desk.
After a moment of looking dazed, she crumpled to the floor in an unconscious heap. `
Caspian immediately sobered and stooped down to take her limp form in his arms.
After a second her head jerked up and she struggled against his grasp. Caspian gently laid the woman on his bed. She moaned and curled onto her side, mumbling something incoherent.

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