Format: Kindle Edition | File Size: 720 KB | Release Date: July 2011 | Publisher: Self-Published | Obtained: Amazon.com"Silver Storm" [Raveneau Series, Book 1] by Cynthia Wright
My Book Summary : Devon has had the urge for adventure for as long as she's known, making plans for her best friend--Morgan--and her to sail the world once they were older. However, growing up Devon was enchanted with the ships that docked at the waterfront, especially that of one particular Captain--Andre--who was quite a few years older than her.
A few years later--when she was eighteen--she got to meet Andre. Yet it wasn't the greatest first meeting and afterwards they went their separate ways.
Another year later the Revolutionary War hits New London burning it to the ground and Devon--now nineteen--narrowly escapes with her life. Searching for a way to escape the British's clutches she goes with a sailor to Andre's ship in hopes that Andre will bring her to Morgan--her "fiancé"--who is currently in Virginia fighting in the war. Yet in her search to get to Morgan, Andre and Devon get closer than they ever thought. Will they become close enough so they'll find that they have more in common with each other then with anyone else? Or will they find that there is too much going on in their pasts to be able to get close to each other?
My Book Review : 4 out of 5 stars -- see a different side to the Revolutionary War while you follow the romance between a couple who love the sea. Andre seems to be a drool worthy hero who doesn't feel that any woman is capable of being faithful, especially when it comes to matters of the heart. Devon is a naive girl turned woman who makes friends easily, wishes she could do the things guys could do, and trusts other people very easily. Together they make a powerful duo, that bicker like crazy but fall into caring about one another more than they would have thought.
I loved the journey that Devon goes through, throughout this novel. Mostly I loved how no matter what happened to her she kept her "childlike innocence"--or a more accurate description would be that she was very optimistic about everything and thought the best about everyone--as she got older, even though it annoyed me at times.
I recommend this novel and series to anyone who likes historical romances!
Author's Novel Extras : Pinterest - Silver Storm "behind the book"
Author's Series Extras : About the Series | Pinterest - Inspiration | Pinterest - Tempest "behind the book"
Book Teaser(s) :
The Black Eagle was as bold as its captain. They would sail, meeting head-on whatever weather lay waiting for them.
Minutes grew to an hour. Raveneau scarcely spoke, and the rest of the crew carefully ignored Devon. She was reluctant to return to the cabin, although it was obvious that Raveneau expected her to do so. Mr. Lane's disapproving gaze seemed to burn holes in her back.
The seamen grew quieter as the sky darkened. Every now and then the captain would shout an order through his speaking trumpet and there would be a general scramble up and down the ratlines to reef the sails one by one as the wind increased. At last Raveneau seemed to remember Devon. When he turned to address her, she felt a twinge of alarm at the sight of his furrowed brow. She hadn't imagined that he was subject to such a human emotion as worry or fright.
"You'd better go below."
Devon sighed, pushing windblown curls out of her eyes. She was cold and more than a little scared; this was not the time to argue with Captain Raveneau. "All right, but I want to be kept informed. Don't you dare leave me below to sink with the ship!"
Raveneau's grin was involuntary. ~ within Chapter 7 - titled 'September 8, 1781'
They reached the tent headquarters of Comte de Rochambeau about noon, where a few stragglers reported that the ceremony was scheduled to begin at two o'clock and most of the troops had already left for the field.For more information on this book, series, and/or any other books by Cynthia, then please check out her website.
Raveneau seemed unsurprised to learn how perfectly he had timed their arrival. Descending from the carriage, he slipped into the dashing white coat of his French officer’s uniform and smoothed back his unpowdered hair. Then he untied his horse and called to Azalea and Devon to alight.
"There is bound to be a huge crowd," he informed them, "so I think it would be best for you ladies to walk."
"Are you going off without us?" Azalea demanded.
"I must join my regiment. Don't worry, the field is not far— just follow this street to the town outskirts. I'll be on horseback and easy to spot. Find a place near me, and I will come to you when the ceremony is over."
With a last jaunty smile, Raveneau bent to graze first Azalea's lips, then Devon's. He mounted his gray stallion in one graceful movement.
"A bientot!" he called, then galloped off.
Azalea and Devon looked at each other.
"I feel as though we've been jilted," Azalea declared, and the younger girl nodded agreement.
"That man is insufferable. He thinks he can get away with anything."
"I hate to say it, but he probably can." ~ within Chapter 13 - titled 'October 19, 1781'
