21. A Captain for Caroline Gray

A Captain for Caroline Gray. Julie Wright. 2021. [March] 336 pages. [Source: Review copy]

First sentence: The ball had been a disaster. Certainly, Caroline Gray’s dance card had been filled respectably, if not entirely, and the conversation had not been dull. And the food—oh, the food. Caroline had loved every creamy morsel. The entire neighborhood admired the Prescotts’ cook. In truth, Caroline hadn’t even realized how disastrous the ball had actually been until the next morning when her mother entered her bedchamber before the maid had even arrived to light the fire. “Get up,” her mother said, pulling down the coverlet that Caroline had embroidered herself.

Premise/plot: Bluestocking Caroline Gray is finding it difficult to find a husband in England. She does truly want to marry and have children. She just wants a husband who wants a wife who has thoughts and opinions of her own, who wants a wife who is curious and eager to learn and mature. She doesn't think it's too much to ask for...but luck hasn't been on her side. Now her time is running out, she has one last opportunity but it comes with RISK: to set sail to India to meet a young man. She's not alone in her mission, there's literally a half dozen to dozen women voyaging to India to husband hunt. 

Caroline Gray's passage is being sponsored by her potential mother-in-law. Mrs. Barritt has been keeping an eye out for a suitable young lady to send to her son for approval...he is a captain. 

But is he THE CAPTAIN in the title?!?!?! Or could the Captain of the PERSISTENCE be 'the one?'

My thoughts: 2021 apparently has been the year for me reading books set on ships! (Fortunately this one doesn't involve a ship wreck!) 

I enjoyed this clean historical romance. It is told from the perspective of the Captain AND from the perspective of Caroline. I liked both perspectives. I liked the development of the relationship--there was nothing instant about it. The obstacles came both from within and without. Communication was key and it wasn't always easy. One of the themes was forgiveness. 

© 2021 Becky Laney of Becky's Book Reviews