August 9, 2021
In the pleasing third installment of the Ladies of the Lake series (after Forever My Own), a couple more at home on a ship than on land must navigate their romance. In the post–Civil War era, Elise Wright grew up on her father’s schooner, the Mary Elise, working alongside her mother as a cook, laundress, and mender for the ship’s crew. After her mother dies and her sister leaves for a life of privilege with wealthy relatives, Elise continues to take care of her father and his men, considering herself married to the ship. Nick Carter, disowned by his father for refusing to go into the family textile business, has worked his way up to be captain of his own ship. But after a poor decision leads to the death of most of his crew, Nick is wracked with guilt and shame until Elise’s father gives him a second chance as first mate. Nick and Elise feel an immediate attraction, but when a treacherous sailor enters the crew and challenges Nick’s authority and tumultuous weather throws the ship into disarray, their faith, commitment, and resolve are challenged. Peterson enlists a few unsavory characters, the uncertainty of the seas, and the underlying class separation between those who work on ships and those who serve them to add depth to this sweet romantic tale. Peterson’s fans will love this.