Heidi Reads...: Review: Georgana's Secret by Arlem Hawks

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

A Regency romance on the high seas.

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.

My Review

This book kept me enthralled from start to late-night finish. Georgana is used to rough men and even rougher women, so Dominic was like a ray of sunlight in her life. I loved his enthusiasm for the sea and his work, and his kind encouragement to George. Life on a wartime frigate was well-described without being overwhelmed by details. The author skillfully brought the setting to life and I felt like I was on the ship with the crew. It was easy to connect with the emotions of Georgana and Dominic, and the friendship they form is natural for a boy and his mentor, easily developing into more as they learn more of each other's secrets and deepest feelings. The relationships they have with their family and other members of the crew rounded out the story well and brought additional layers and growth. While the pace is steady in the first part of the book, by the end I found myself quickly turning pages as the intensity of the action and plot increased. Highly recommend to fans of Carla Kelly, historical fiction, and Regency romance. Definitely one of my favorites of 2021!

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.

About the Author

Arlem Hawks began making up stories before she could write. Living all over the Western United States and traveling around the world gave her a love of cultures and people and the stories they have to tell. With her travels came an interest in history, especially the history of her English heritage. When she isn't writing, Arlem is baking her characters' favorite foods, sewing Regency dresses, learning how to play the tin whistle, and water coloring. She lives in Arizona with her husband and two children. Having previously published four historical romance novellas, Georgana’s Secret is her debut novel.

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Advanced Praise:

“Fans of sweet love stories as well as readers who fondly remember those marvelous old traditional Signet Regencies will quickly succumb to the siren song of Hawk’s expertly crafted novel, which delivers the perfect blend of Jane Austen-smart romance and Patrick O’Brian flavored seafaring adventure. Teen romance readers will cheer on the plucky heroine as she finds the courage to forge her own path in life and love.”

-Booklist, starred review

“Hawks crafts a spellbinding tale featuring rich characters and raw emotions set against the atmospheric backdrop of sea life in all its danger and beauty. Georgana is a tough protagonist holding her own in a world dominated by men, while Peyton’s charm and sensitivity marks him as a true gentleman. A hidden identity, flirtation, and treachery make for a rousing tale to captivate lovers of historical romances.”

-Publishers Weekly

Join the virtual blog tour of GEORGANA’S SECRET (Proper Romance Regency), Arlem Hawks’ highly acclaimed debut historical romance novel January 11 – February 14, 2021. Over forty-five popular blogs specializing in historical romance, inspirational fiction, and Austenesque fiction will join in the celebration of its release with excerpts, spotlights, and reviews of this new Regency-era novel set aboard a Royal Naval ship.

BLOG TOUR SCHEDULE:

Jan 11 My Jane Austen Book Club

Jan 11 Austenprose — A Jane Austen Blog

Jan 12 Wishful Endings

Jan 12 Lu Reviews Books

Jan 13 Lady with a Quill

Jan 13 Timeless Novels

Jan 14 Reading is My Superpower

Jan 14 The Bibliophile Files

Jan 15 Randi Loves 2 Read

Jan 16 The Christian Fiction Girl

Jan 17 Nurse Bookie