Book Review: Georgana's Secret

 

I was very excited to read this author's romantic adventure on the high seas. I'd read a few of her fairy tale retellings and enjoyed her writing style.

In Georgana's Secret, we find Georgana disguised as a cabin boy named George on her father's ship. She has escaped an abusive situation, but now must live her life with a very big secret. But when Lieutenant Dominic Peyton takes an interest in the "boy" things start to change. Suddenly her longing for freedom becomes more urgent when she dreams of maybe finding love. But can she take the risk?

I really enjoyed this detailed adventure romance. It had a little bit of everything---pirates, ship battles, illness, exotic destinations, and even a mutiny! Of course having all of those things made the pacing a bit uneven, but the detail and depth to the characters as they underwent all the trials made it easy to overlook that. I loved Dominic as our hero, his kind heart and tenderness toward Georgana is swoon-worthy. Georgana has a difficult time of it, trying to overcome a past and reach for a future. She was definitely a relatable character and I was rooting for her to get her happily-ever-after. I also loved the secondary characters, especially the French doctor aboard the ship. I would love to know more of his backstory! But the relationships among the crew and main characters were really well-done and give a perspective of life at sea in that time period that felt real. I will definitely be looking for more from this author!

You can get your copy here

Here's the back copy:

1811, HMS Deborah

Georgana Woodall dreams of freedom—freedom from her past and freedom from her secret. She has been living on her father’s ship for years, disguised as a cabin boy named “George.” But hiding her true self is becoming more difficult, and she yearns to break free of her life on the sea.

Lieutenant Dominic Peyton has no time in his life for love, not with his dedication to His Majesty’s Royal Navy claiming his full attention. Determined to prove himself to his new captain, he strives to be an exemplary officer and leader. When he sees the captain’s cabin boy being harassed by the crew, he immediately puts a stop to it and takes the boy under his wing.

Georgana quickly loses her heart to Dominic’s compassion and care, but needing to maintain her disguise as a cabin boy, she is convinced nothing can come of her affection.

Georgana’s Secret is about two hearts yearning to find a safe harbor, and possibly, a lasting love.