It is 1820 and a young, female sea captain sets sail aboard the schooner Destiny bound for the sugar plantations of Cuba and then on to the Baltic for iron. Political intrigue and mystery dog the voyage, and those who underestimate the captain's skill and business acumen do so at their peril.
This is historical, nautical fiction with a fresh new take. Destiny’s Gold author Pamela Grimm has created an indomitable female character and a storyline that keeps you guessing. Pamela combines her love of maritime history with experience as a commercial and recreational captain to bring to life the golden age of merchant sailing ships in the person of Captain Jane Thorn and her loyal crew.
Excerpt
“All right, men,” she began, “we are finally off and you made a good job of it in the end. I should like to thank you all for signing on. We mean to make a lucky and profitable venture of this trip and see you all home with your skins whole and your pockets fat.”
At this, a cheer went up from the men and Jane had to wave her hands to quiet them. She continued, “We are bound for Cuba as our first port of call. We have a contract to pick up sugar, and will see to loading some for ourselves as well. That should give you something extra in your pay packet if we get a good price.” Another cheer interrupted her speech, and Jane waved again to settle them so she could finish.
“We have heard there may be fever in Havana, so we will make quick work of the cargo when we are there. I fear we may need to limit shore leave if the epidemic is raging, but I aim to make it up to you on the other side. Dawkins and Galsworthy here can be counted on to see you right with the work, and Cookie will keep your bellies well filled. Do your work, do it well and swiftly, and we will all arrive home by and by with gifts for our sweethearts and money to put in the bank.”
Professional Reviews
Great Story—Couldn’t Put It Down!
I enjoyed it from start to finish. It was clearly well researched with the sailing knowledge based on a wide breadth of experience.
Based on the memoirs of a Pearl Harbor survivor. Letters from two pen pals take the reader on a journey into the past, a past where nightmares came true, and when hatred reigned.
A delightfully rare Historical Novel. 85% a biography of a spy, musician, mother and her neice trapped behind German lines in World War I. This background led to a diplomatic post in World War II. Aged 92, Vera disclosed her past life one year before