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Close to the Wind
Georgiana da Silva is catapulted out of the Victorian drawing rooms and into a world of danger when she escapes her fiendish fiance to engage in a mad dash across the world to save her brother before an unknown assassin can find him. Meanwhile, Captain Harry Trent is setting sail for New Zealand. With a mission to complete and the law on his heels, he's got enough trouble of his own without further complications. Thrown together, unable to trust anyone, Georgiana and Harry are intent on fulfilling their missions despite the distractions of the other. But liberty comes at a price and the closer they get, the more they must question the true cost of being free.
Masquerades, deceptions and subterfuge—and that's just on the heroine's part.
Masquerades, deceptions and subterfuge—and that's just on the heroine's part.
305 pages, Paperback
First published August 29, 2013
6 people are currently reading
461 people want to read
About the author
Zana Bell
11 books15 followersZana Bell grew up in Harare, Zimbabwe and studied English Literature at the University of Cape Town. After travelling for several years doing a wide range of jobs, she immigrated to New Zealand where she now lives with her family and cats in a small harbourside community.
She began writing, just for the fun of seeing whether she could actually complete a novel and immediately became hooked. Research is her primary love and writing gives her an excellent excuse to be obsessive or just plain nosey. She enjoys writing in a variety of genre but has a particular fondness for all things historical.
She began writing, just for the fun of seeing whether she could actually complete a novel and immediately became hooked. Research is her primary love and writing gives her an excellent excuse to be obsessive or just plain nosey. She enjoys writing in a variety of genre but has a particular fondness for all things historical.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
August 1, 2019
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If you like Victorian historical romance intertwined with sailors on the sea, then this would be a good choice!
This book is entertaining and a quick read filled with action, adventure, deceit, and mystery. Is anyone who they claim to be?
Blurb from Publisher:
Georgiana da Silva is catapulted out of the Victorian drawing rooms and into a world of danger when she escapes her fiendish fiancé to engage in a mad dash across the world to save her brother before an unknown assassin can find him. Meanwhile, Captain Harry Trent is setting sail for New Zealand. Thrown together, unable to trust anyone, Georgiana and Harry are intent on fulfilling their missions despite the distractions of the other.
Masquerades, deceptions and subterfuge—and that's just on the heroine's part.
Captain Harry Trent is a morally outstanding hero on an epic quest. The charming and feisty Georgiana da Silva brings an abrupt change to his plans. Will they trust their new relationship and learn to trust each other or live behind a veil of pretense?
“[A] heady mix of romance and adventure, with plenty of twists in the tale . . . A perfectly indulgent cozy read.” —The Bookbag
This was a clean read, is able to stand on its own, and delivers a H.E.A.
.
If you like Victorian historical romance intertwined with sailors on the sea, then this would be a good choice!
This book is entertaining and a quick read filled with action, adventure, deceit, and mystery. Is anyone who they claim to be?
Blurb from Publisher:
Georgiana da Silva is catapulted out of the Victorian drawing rooms and into a world of danger when she escapes her fiendish fiancé to engage in a mad dash across the world to save her brother before an unknown assassin can find him. Meanwhile, Captain Harry Trent is setting sail for New Zealand. Thrown together, unable to trust anyone, Georgiana and Harry are intent on fulfilling their missions despite the distractions of the other.
Masquerades, deceptions and subterfuge—and that's just on the heroine's part.
Captain Harry Trent is a morally outstanding hero on an epic quest. The charming and feisty Georgiana da Silva brings an abrupt change to his plans. Will they trust their new relationship and learn to trust each other or live behind a veil of pretense?
“[A] heady mix of romance and adventure, with plenty of twists in the tale . . . A perfectly indulgent cozy read.” —The Bookbag
This was a clean read, is able to stand on its own, and delivers a H.E.A.
.
February 16, 2014
Setting: 1868 England
Steam Factor: Mild
Eager to marry and escape living with her aunt, Georgiana da Silva is shocked to learn the real reason her cousin wants to marry her. Then also comes the knowledge that her brother's life is in danger, so Georgiana seeks out a way to reach him in New Zealand. So the only way to do that is to disguise herself as a boy and attempt to sail with Captain Harry Trent. And although he turns her away, circumstances happen to lead her to accompany him anyway and soon Georgiana is fitting right in with the sailors on board. Yet...the Captain senses that "George" is not being completely honest with him. Georgiana soon discovers the actions that precipitated Harry's leaving England may be connected to the very people she is well acquainted with. So does this make him a Hero or a villain?
No swashbuckling pirates here, but instead the well used "she dresses as a boy" to get on the ship theme. But it was very well done, and a wonderfully entertaining tale all around. Our Heroine Georgiana meets some interesting characters as she and our Hero Captain Harry travel halfway around the world. I enjoyed her journey as she found the life she truly wanted and the Hero himself finds the love he never believed was possible. A great book for those who like a combination of romance, mystery and high seas adventure!
Steam Factor: Mild
Eager to marry and escape living with her aunt, Georgiana da Silva is shocked to learn the real reason her cousin wants to marry her. Then also comes the knowledge that her brother's life is in danger, so Georgiana seeks out a way to reach him in New Zealand. So the only way to do that is to disguise herself as a boy and attempt to sail with Captain Harry Trent. And although he turns her away, circumstances happen to lead her to accompany him anyway and soon Georgiana is fitting right in with the sailors on board. Yet...the Captain senses that "George" is not being completely honest with him. Georgiana soon discovers the actions that precipitated Harry's leaving England may be connected to the very people she is well acquainted with. So does this make him a Hero or a villain?
No swashbuckling pirates here, but instead the well used "she dresses as a boy" to get on the ship theme. But it was very well done, and a wonderfully entertaining tale all around. Our Heroine Georgiana meets some interesting characters as she and our Hero Captain Harry travel halfway around the world. I enjoyed her journey as she found the life she truly wanted and the Hero himself finds the love he never believed was possible. A great book for those who like a combination of romance, mystery and high seas adventure!
September 25, 2013
Georgiana da Silva secretly performed as an actor(not actress), living under the care of her aunt in a Victorian mansions,after both her parents died and her brother gone to New Zealand to strike his fortune on the gold fields. She was engaged to be married to her cousin, but discovered a shocking secret urging her to join a ship to New Zealand, disguised as a young boy. She had to safe her brother's life.
Captain Harry had a secret of his own and a reason to flee England in a hurry. He did not have time to properly get to know the young boy begging him for a job on his ship, working for his passage. The year is August 1868.
With her skills as actress, as well as a trained circus acrobat, and now known as George Miller, Georgia knew how to stay safe under disguise. It worked for a while. But, as someone predicted, she would become a young woman born to be a trial and a tribulation, a companion and a joy, and she had no intention of proving the prediction wrong. In fact, they all got more than they would bargain for.
The voyage promised to be the usual long one around Africa, the dangers big, the adventures guaranteed. And there were plenty of them! Alas, they both would reach New Zealand, but not exactly as they planned, and not finding what they were after, as well as anticipated, when arriving. They would have to make difficult choices.
**********
A great relaxing historical romance, filled with adventure, constant excitement and intrigue. Well-plotted and executed. Yes, this book is a chic-lit thrill that won't disappoint!
Captain Harry had a secret of his own and a reason to flee England in a hurry. He did not have time to properly get to know the young boy begging him for a job on his ship, working for his passage. The year is August 1868.
With her skills as actress, as well as a trained circus acrobat, and now known as George Miller, Georgia knew how to stay safe under disguise. It worked for a while. But, as someone predicted, she would become a young woman born to be a trial and a tribulation, a companion and a joy, and she had no intention of proving the prediction wrong. In fact, they all got more than they would bargain for.
The voyage promised to be the usual long one around Africa, the dangers big, the adventures guaranteed. And there were plenty of them! Alas, they both would reach New Zealand, but not exactly as they planned, and not finding what they were after, as well as anticipated, when arriving. They would have to make difficult choices.
**********
A great relaxing historical romance, filled with adventure, constant excitement and intrigue. Well-plotted and executed. Yes, this book is a chic-lit thrill that won't disappoint!
October 8, 2013
I really enjoyed this heroine. She's a lady who knows what she wants and isn't afraid to head out an attain it, even if it requires her to be poor, lose status, dress as a boy, or even give up love. She also fights for those she loves and strives to be by her brother's side when he needs her.
She never picks up a sword or a pistol and finds herself in distress more than once, but she's strong.
In a nutshell, you have a former circus performer now orphaned and jilted by her fiancee (in a way) and she runs away dressed as a boy and works for her passage as a crew member from England to Portugal (she's aiming for New Zealand), gets shot, have to change disguises a time or two, picks up a few beaus, wins a couple hands of cards, and just overall is the funnest lass I've ran into in a book in a while.
And she falls in love...but she fears the man she is in love with is going to kill her brother, whose side she is trying to reach in time...so in a way, there's a race. Who will reach him first? Can she trust Harry the handsome captain? How will he react when he discovers she's a woman and what will he do with her?
Full review: http://wwwbookbabe.blogspot.com/2013/...
She never picks up a sword or a pistol and finds herself in distress more than once, but she's strong.
In a nutshell, you have a former circus performer now orphaned and jilted by her fiancee (in a way) and she runs away dressed as a boy and works for her passage as a crew member from England to Portugal (she's aiming for New Zealand), gets shot, have to change disguises a time or two, picks up a few beaus, wins a couple hands of cards, and just overall is the funnest lass I've ran into in a book in a while.
And she falls in love...but she fears the man she is in love with is going to kill her brother, whose side she is trying to reach in time...so in a way, there's a race. Who will reach him first? Can she trust Harry the handsome captain? How will he react when he discovers she's a woman and what will he do with her?
Full review: http://wwwbookbabe.blogspot.com/2013/...
December 21, 2017
"Tonight she’d shattered his defenses . Now all she had to do was storm his scruples, the last stronghold of his heart."
So here I go...I was attempting to fulfill two requirements for two different reading challenges in one book. I went searching for an historical romance which takes place in New Zealand. To my happy surprise I found this author and this book. I am always up for something new to read so I dug right in.
Now I must qualify that my tastes in romance whether lighter and sweeter to dark and savory need to have the realistic element of sexual attraction and chemistry. Even the chaster writings of Jan Austen build this delishous chemistry/anti-chemistry with perhaps a few well placed kisses and touches or even mischievous banter with lingering, longing stares. This is the number one ingredient in a good romance that takes your mind and heart away in your imagination.
This author can write very well; e.g. the characters in the plot explored in relation to what has gone before to shape them as they are now moving through the story. There is some intrigue incorporated into the story-line. Actually there is quite a lot of moving pieces in place throughout the story. While some may be entertained with the intrigue, I felt the heat, the urgency, the emotions of overwhelming love and desire were largely missing until perhaps the last chapters of the book.
The heroine, Georgina, was a passionate albeit naive young woman who never fit in with English society. She was bored with it. The hero, Captain Trent was a world-traveled sea-captain, half rake and half gentleman. If you ask me, too much gentleman even when no one was looking. I needed romantic interplay far earlier in the read to invest myself in all the machinations of the plot. I needed more real love and not the stifled and stilted, prudish, honorable heavily censored human emotion this story portrayed.
I suppose this would be a great story for young girls, but I think even young girls would prefer the hero and heroine at least kiss a little earlier so they (the little girl readers)too can stay interested. This holding back device did not add to the suspence...it made the hero look fussy and well silly. I need a man from the present or the past overcome with his passion and desires, even love, to damn the consequences and go fo it. Why make Captain Trent an overly honorable prude worrying about consequences that even our heroine could give a hoot about?
Seriously judgmental is the fact that Captain Trent would not make love to Georgiana because if he didn't survive, he wished she could go to her eventual husband unsullied...seriously??? If this heroine is such an adventurer, whether she had a lover before or not...would it really matter. If it did really matter, is that the man for her. Oh this sounds like someone's values overblown and not just a requirement of the times. Come on this character was an actress...what were their reputations like back then?
Then our Georgiana becomes entirely liberated. She doesn't pine away for her love...who can blame her? She just shared a couple passionate (I think) kisses from him. Suffice it to say this author does not seem very comfortable writing about passion or so I gather from this book. Georgina decides she wishes to be an actress. She does not want to be a genteel lady at all. See...the both of them could have been sharing disreputable love making way before everything happened...
One last point, in situations where death was looming...isn't it preferable to love, kiss and make love with your beloved before you die. I realize that for those of us less ruled by love's passion, this story is perfectly fine. I repeat it is well written. I just could not invest much of myself in the story because I could not recognize my own heart's ways in any of the character's actions.
May 26, 2014
I love historical romance novels set in unusual locations and this book ticked all the right boxes. With the resourceful heroine disguising herself as a boy to work on board a ship bound for New Zealand, there is plenty of adventure, and her unusual abilities added extra enjoyment. She’s not your average young miss and her past has made her more resilient than most. The hero – captain of the ship – is perfect and you find yourself falling in love with him as soon as he appears on the page. He has his own secrets and I couldn’t wait to find out his story. There was intrigue and mystery, fear of a potential murderer and the mixed joy and terror of a long ocean voyage. Once the protagonists reach New Zealand, I found it fascinating to read about a time and place of which I knew nothing. I really felt I was there! Highly recommended.
February 18, 2022
I loved this book - the perfect historical fiction novel! Full of adventure, plot twists, romance and strong, talented and spunky male AND female characters. Set in the late 1800’s it follows Georgiana’s unconventional journey from England to New Zealand during the gold rush. Thoroughly enjoyed!
May 22, 2018
I'm a bit fussy with my historical romance. This one didn't do it for me but I did enjoy the story. A little rushed at the end and ended in a nice tidy little package. Too tidy maybe for me. I need a lot more romance and steam in my historical stories. Nevertheless, it's a 3.1 star.
January 25, 2014
"It doesn't seem fair that New Zealand should have quite so many beautiful corners tucked away..." (Close to the Wind by Zana Bell)
I love a great historical romance, so when I was offered Close to the Wind for review I jumped at the chance; I can't say I've ever read a historical that is partially set in little old New Zealand!
The story starts off in 1860’s England with our heroine blissfully unaware of the turmoil and danger that is about to turn her already far from perfect world upside down.
In her haste to escape the grip of an overbearing aunt and a deceitful and dangerous fiancée, Georgiana disguises herself as ‘George’ and secures a position aboard a ship sailing to New Zealand in the hopes of finding and saving her sick brother. And so under the watchful, albeit blind-to-the-ruse eye of Captain Harry Trent, ‘George’, for the most part fits in to life at sea. But it’s not long before trouble finds our hapless heroes and things are again thrown awry.
Becoming ‘Georgiana’ again, our heroine tries to fend for herself and while thinking herself a master of disguise and cunning, takes on yet another persona in the hopes of throwing off the fiends on her trail.
Not knowing who to trust, yet falling victim at every turn, ‘Sarah’ finally makes her way to New Zealand to again find herself in the middle of another misunderstanding, another scuffle, and another change back to ‘Georgiana’ (are you keeping up, it’s confusing I know!) and finally sharing some tender moments with Harry. And then it’s all tied up into a tidy little bow with happily-ever-afters for everybody.
Close to the Wind is well written as far as grammar and punctuation etc go, but I found it hard to get into because I felt I was being told what to see rather than sinking into the story and feeling the journey. I enjoy heroines with lots of spunk and quick wit, but I didn’t feel that from Georgiana, I found her to be rather dull; her loyalty to her brother proving to be her one redeeming quality. I also felt let down by the lack of New Zealand in the story. If you’re going to use the tag line “Love, Passion and Adventure in 1860s New Zealand” on the cover, then you might want to make more use of its beauty and its people because other than a few phrases mentioning the mountains, the lack of decent roads, and the lightweight wooden buildings, there really isn’t much more detail. There’s no mention of the Chinese population that worked the mines or the Maori (indigenous people of NZ) that would have also been living in and around the surrounding countryside in which Harry and Georgiana traveled.
Overall, for me the book was a slow paced, thinly veiled historical read with a touch of light romance.
A good read if you’re not going to get hung up on the lack of depth or details, but Close to the Wind was not the swashbuckling adventure I was hoping for.
3.5 Stars
I love a great historical romance, so when I was offered Close to the Wind for review I jumped at the chance; I can't say I've ever read a historical that is partially set in little old New Zealand!
The story starts off in 1860’s England with our heroine blissfully unaware of the turmoil and danger that is about to turn her already far from perfect world upside down.
In her haste to escape the grip of an overbearing aunt and a deceitful and dangerous fiancée, Georgiana disguises herself as ‘George’ and secures a position aboard a ship sailing to New Zealand in the hopes of finding and saving her sick brother. And so under the watchful, albeit blind-to-the-ruse eye of Captain Harry Trent, ‘George’, for the most part fits in to life at sea. But it’s not long before trouble finds our hapless heroes and things are again thrown awry.
Becoming ‘Georgiana’ again, our heroine tries to fend for herself and while thinking herself a master of disguise and cunning, takes on yet another persona in the hopes of throwing off the fiends on her trail.
Not knowing who to trust, yet falling victim at every turn, ‘Sarah’ finally makes her way to New Zealand to again find herself in the middle of another misunderstanding, another scuffle, and another change back to ‘Georgiana’ (are you keeping up, it’s confusing I know!) and finally sharing some tender moments with Harry. And then it’s all tied up into a tidy little bow with happily-ever-afters for everybody.
Close to the Wind is well written as far as grammar and punctuation etc go, but I found it hard to get into because I felt I was being told what to see rather than sinking into the story and feeling the journey. I enjoy heroines with lots of spunk and quick wit, but I didn’t feel that from Georgiana, I found her to be rather dull; her loyalty to her brother proving to be her one redeeming quality. I also felt let down by the lack of New Zealand in the story. If you’re going to use the tag line “Love, Passion and Adventure in 1860s New Zealand” on the cover, then you might want to make more use of its beauty and its people because other than a few phrases mentioning the mountains, the lack of decent roads, and the lightweight wooden buildings, there really isn’t much more detail. There’s no mention of the Chinese population that worked the mines or the Maori (indigenous people of NZ) that would have also been living in and around the surrounding countryside in which Harry and Georgiana traveled.
Overall, for me the book was a slow paced, thinly veiled historical read with a touch of light romance.
A good read if you’re not going to get hung up on the lack of depth or details, but Close to the Wind was not the swashbuckling adventure I was hoping for.
3.5 Stars
September 26, 2013
I loved so many things about this book! It begins in England in 1868, when 19-yr-old Georgiana overhears her fiancé and his business partner discussing some shady business. Because of what she hears, Georgiana decides that she must get to New Zealand immediately and check up on her brother, who went down there in search of gold.
Then comes one of my favorite tropes: girl masquerading as boy! On a ship, no less! Harry is the dashing captain of a swarthy crew, wanted by the law, off to New Zealand on the slim chance that it will help his fortune. Georgie talks her way onto the ship at the last minute posing as a young lad. She was raised in the circus, oddly enough, and wins over her crewmates with high climbs, somersaults, and impersonations.
Before that gets old, Georgie’s gender is revealed and Harry tries to abandon her in Madeira and get her on a ship back to England. Georgie is not one to let anyone else decide what she should do, though, so of course she doesn’t follow Harry’s orders. Then things get almost madcap as both Georgie and Harry journey on under assumed identities, speaking to each other in public only as propriety allows.
But, when no one’s around, every now and then Harry calls her Georgie, and I swooned. Swooned, I tell you! It’s such a great setup, with each of them knowing just enough about each other to build a connection. Harry is so strong and brave and handsome, and at one point when he comes to the rescue I got a giddy thrill, and I felt like I was watching The Goonies — even though it was nothing at all like The Goonies — because it was heroic with a knowing wink. Harry has a gorgeous sense of humor.
The plot heads to Capetown, then New Zealand. There’s a bad guy, or two. It’s all very exciting. I was put off by Georgie’s immaturity at times, because even when Harry was trying to keep her safe, she felt that she knew better. It’s a happy book, though, so the results of her impetuous decisions were mostly serendipitous.
The only way to end a book like this is with things wrapped up in a tidy bow, and that is delivered. I was surprised by Harry’s resolution, so things weren’t overly predictable. I would have liked more heat with the romance, though. Maybe a little more angst, more longing, more innuendo-filled glances. As it is, their feelings were suppressed for so long that the acknowledgement comes late in the story, and there’s no sex. Which is fine, but I would not have minded some descriptions of Harry in the throes of passion, not one little bit.
Rating: A-
This review originally posted on Red Hot Books: http://redhotbooks.com/2013/09/review...
Then comes one of my favorite tropes: girl masquerading as boy! On a ship, no less! Harry is the dashing captain of a swarthy crew, wanted by the law, off to New Zealand on the slim chance that it will help his fortune. Georgie talks her way onto the ship at the last minute posing as a young lad. She was raised in the circus, oddly enough, and wins over her crewmates with high climbs, somersaults, and impersonations.
Before that gets old, Georgie’s gender is revealed and Harry tries to abandon her in Madeira and get her on a ship back to England. Georgie is not one to let anyone else decide what she should do, though, so of course she doesn’t follow Harry’s orders. Then things get almost madcap as both Georgie and Harry journey on under assumed identities, speaking to each other in public only as propriety allows.
But, when no one’s around, every now and then Harry calls her Georgie, and I swooned. Swooned, I tell you! It’s such a great setup, with each of them knowing just enough about each other to build a connection. Harry is so strong and brave and handsome, and at one point when he comes to the rescue I got a giddy thrill, and I felt like I was watching The Goonies — even though it was nothing at all like The Goonies — because it was heroic with a knowing wink. Harry has a gorgeous sense of humor.
The plot heads to Capetown, then New Zealand. There’s a bad guy, or two. It’s all very exciting. I was put off by Georgie’s immaturity at times, because even when Harry was trying to keep her safe, she felt that she knew better. It’s a happy book, though, so the results of her impetuous decisions were mostly serendipitous.
The only way to end a book like this is with things wrapped up in a tidy bow, and that is delivered. I was surprised by Harry’s resolution, so things weren’t overly predictable. I would have liked more heat with the romance, though. Maybe a little more angst, more longing, more innuendo-filled glances. As it is, their feelings were suppressed for so long that the acknowledgement comes late in the story, and there’s no sex. Which is fine, but I would not have minded some descriptions of Harry in the throes of passion, not one little bit.
Rating: A-
This review originally posted on Red Hot Books: http://redhotbooks.com/2013/09/review...
April 30, 2018
Not my usual era of books to be honest as referring back in time with no real references doesn't leave me with much knowledge about the scenes depicted in this book, although I did find this book a really good enthralling read the scenes were described so clearly it took you back to the time it was set, the emotions so clearly depicted in the writing of the author, the twists and turns of the story captured my interest and easily held my attention, was well worth going out of my comfort zone to give this book a chance :) will be looking into more books by this particular author
Close to the wind, well for me this was a re-read as I'd completely forgotten the story and found the book again, I'm glad to say that I did forget the story I loved rediscovering it all over again. The twists and turns, the extra storylines entwined, the drama the action the whole adventure drew me in and spat me out in one sitting. I loved the journey on the ship with the captain then another journey on land which lead into a lot more than was expected, the romance in this story was a slow burner not insta-love and I have to say I enjoy that more as a reader.
Georgia, as first I thought her character was flitsy and nothing really special but as the book went on and we discovered more of her life and saw more of her characteristics shined through, I slowly started to fall in love with her and I am so glad at how the story played out, it was an unusual plot line but a great one.
Harry, was standoffish and kept to himself at first and was quite abrupt but you started to see flashes of sympathy care and respect towards Georgie especially on the first boat journey, after their exploring on land and on boats I have to say I loved the way they interacted and love the way he thought he would change who Georgie was. The way he tried to command her and yet she still done what she wanted and what she felt was right.
Overall I again enjoyed this read and the journey they both took within the book really made me feel that I had travelled it too, I didn't want it to end.
Close to the wind, well for me this was a re-read as I'd completely forgotten the story and found the book again, I'm glad to say that I did forget the story I loved rediscovering it all over again. The twists and turns, the extra storylines entwined, the drama the action the whole adventure drew me in and spat me out in one sitting. I loved the journey on the ship with the captain then another journey on land which lead into a lot more than was expected, the romance in this story was a slow burner not insta-love and I have to say I enjoy that more as a reader.
Georgia, as first I thought her character was flitsy and nothing really special but as the book went on and we discovered more of her life and saw more of her characteristics shined through, I slowly started to fall in love with her and I am so glad at how the story played out, it was an unusual plot line but a great one.
Harry, was standoffish and kept to himself at first and was quite abrupt but you started to see flashes of sympathy care and respect towards Georgie especially on the first boat journey, after their exploring on land and on boats I have to say I loved the way they interacted and love the way he thought he would change who Georgie was. The way he tried to command her and yet she still done what she wanted and what she felt was right.
Overall I again enjoyed this read and the journey they both took within the book really made me feel that I had travelled it too, I didn't want it to end.
November 10, 2013
I'm not usually a huge fan of historical fiction unless it's the Tudors and Stuarts era of British History, although I'm happy to give them a try. This book was set in the 1860's in the UK, Madeira, South Africa and New Zealand. The travel aspect of the novel obviously intrigued me.
This story could have virtually been true to life. Having researched family trees and being a keen genealogist, I have come across similar tales of heroism. It was thoroughly well researched if that is the case.
Georgiana escaped her controlling Aunt and devious fiance, and set sail across the seas to see her Brother who's life she felt was in danger. She needed to warn him before others got to him and in fact ended his life.
I loved Georgiana. She was portrayed as a courageous and headstrong young girl who was not going to let anything or anyone stop her from getting from the UK to New Zealand in order to save her Brother. She makes some great friends along the way and also some hidden enemies. The author introduces us to several people in the book but all at different stages so you don't get confused as to who is who, as you do in some books, where I've found myself having to re-read pages. The characters are all so vastly different and you can picture them so clearly.
Georgiana's journey was exciting and I loved the descriptions of the Countries and their citizens that she visited along her way. I could picture the streets of Madeira and the lovely Consuela.
The scrapes Georgiana got herself into were amusing at times and it was as though she had no fear of anyone or anything.
I was almost sad when the book came to an end, as I wanted to see where life would take her next and whether she would meet up with her new friends she made along the way.
This was a very well written tale of travel and adventure.
I was given this book by the publishers in exchange for my honest review.
This story could have virtually been true to life. Having researched family trees and being a keen genealogist, I have come across similar tales of heroism. It was thoroughly well researched if that is the case.
Georgiana escaped her controlling Aunt and devious fiance, and set sail across the seas to see her Brother who's life she felt was in danger. She needed to warn him before others got to him and in fact ended his life.
I loved Georgiana. She was portrayed as a courageous and headstrong young girl who was not going to let anything or anyone stop her from getting from the UK to New Zealand in order to save her Brother. She makes some great friends along the way and also some hidden enemies. The author introduces us to several people in the book but all at different stages so you don't get confused as to who is who, as you do in some books, where I've found myself having to re-read pages. The characters are all so vastly different and you can picture them so clearly.
Georgiana's journey was exciting and I loved the descriptions of the Countries and their citizens that she visited along her way. I could picture the streets of Madeira and the lovely Consuela.
The scrapes Georgiana got herself into were amusing at times and it was as though she had no fear of anyone or anything.
I was almost sad when the book came to an end, as I wanted to see where life would take her next and whether she would meet up with her new friends she made along the way.
This was a very well written tale of travel and adventure.
I was given this book by the publishers in exchange for my honest review.
September 27, 2013
A real swashbuckling romance for true escapists. It has everything a good love story needs - a likeable feisty heroine, a handsome dashing hero full of angst and charm and smouldering good looks, a mystery and rather gripping background story, lots of danger and many subtle innuendoes and snatched chaste kisses.
We first meet Georgiana as she is climbing a tree back to her bedroom after sneaking out of the home of her unloving Aunt - to follow her hobby as a stage actress! and this sets the tone for her adventures throughout the book. Upon discovering her beloved brother may be at deaths door and under threat in New Zealand where he went to take part in the gold rush, she dashes off to save him and escape her life of dull boredom.
To enable her to gain passage on a ship she uses her acting skills to disguise herself as a boy and gets herself taken onboard ship as a cabin boy where surprise surprise the ships captain is - well why don't you have a guess? Do you think he's old and plug ugly with a wooden leg? No he's tall dark and handsome and oh so desirable - ahh the stage is set for love to begin to weave its spell.
A lot of the story is set on board ship and although we do eventually reach New Zealand there isn't really a great deal about it which was a little disappointing, however its a lovely romantic read and as is so ofet the case with the lovely romances at Choc-lit although the storyline could be rather predictable, the super characters and fizzing sense of adventure lift it out of the run of the mill and elevate it from nice to delightful.
Although highly implausible it's told with such aplomb we are swept away by the glamour and excitement and left in no doubt whatsoever that all the unlikely happenings, coincidences and adventures could quite easily have taken place and the whole book feels like a very satisfying warm hug.
We first meet Georgiana as she is climbing a tree back to her bedroom after sneaking out of the home of her unloving Aunt - to follow her hobby as a stage actress! and this sets the tone for her adventures throughout the book. Upon discovering her beloved brother may be at deaths door and under threat in New Zealand where he went to take part in the gold rush, she dashes off to save him and escape her life of dull boredom.
To enable her to gain passage on a ship she uses her acting skills to disguise herself as a boy and gets herself taken onboard ship as a cabin boy where surprise surprise the ships captain is - well why don't you have a guess? Do you think he's old and plug ugly with a wooden leg? No he's tall dark and handsome and oh so desirable - ahh the stage is set for love to begin to weave its spell.
A lot of the story is set on board ship and although we do eventually reach New Zealand there isn't really a great deal about it which was a little disappointing, however its a lovely romantic read and as is so ofet the case with the lovely romances at Choc-lit although the storyline could be rather predictable, the super characters and fizzing sense of adventure lift it out of the run of the mill and elevate it from nice to delightful.
Although highly implausible it's told with such aplomb we are swept away by the glamour and excitement and left in no doubt whatsoever that all the unlikely happenings, coincidences and adventures could quite easily have taken place and the whole book feels like a very satisfying warm hug.
October 22, 2014
Rating should be two and a half stars.
Georgiana de Silva flees England for New Zealand in search of her brother, Thomas. She disguises herself as a boy and gains passage on a ship working as a deck hand. Captain Harry Trent takes her/him under his wing, but Georgiana fears Harry may not be the honest upstanding man he appears to be.
This book is perfect for readers who enjoy romance novels. While the underlying story is interesting and both the male and female protagonist are likeable the focus of this novel was primarily on the romantic feelings they have (or don't have) for each other.
The pacing was too slow for my tastes, the author spends a fair amount of time revealing Georgiana's feelings. I would have enjoyed the story more if the details about the character's travels to New Zealand had been more fleshed out and if there had been a greater focus on the backstory and murder involving Captain Harry Trent.
There were some interesting twists and turns and I really did enjoy the ending but there were also those flip-flops of emotion and certainty the characters feel, that are too quickly reversed, that I never care for. And some purely silly moves that don't follow logic but give the story greater tension. I did like that despite all the romance the story was rather chaste.
I listened to the audio book and enjoyed the narration by Scarlett Mack. This is the second book I've purchased with the whispersync for voice application and I love that feature. I find it makes audio books much more affordable.
Fans of romance novels will likely enjoy this novel, they are the intended audience. I prefer my fiction heavy on the historical and light on the romantic. Though if Zana Bell ever turns her hand to writing less romantic fiction I would try her again.
Georgiana de Silva flees England for New Zealand in search of her brother, Thomas. She disguises herself as a boy and gains passage on a ship working as a deck hand. Captain Harry Trent takes her/him under his wing, but Georgiana fears Harry may not be the honest upstanding man he appears to be.
This book is perfect for readers who enjoy romance novels. While the underlying story is interesting and both the male and female protagonist are likeable the focus of this novel was primarily on the romantic feelings they have (or don't have) for each other.
The pacing was too slow for my tastes, the author spends a fair amount of time revealing Georgiana's feelings. I would have enjoyed the story more if the details about the character's travels to New Zealand had been more fleshed out and if there had been a greater focus on the backstory and murder involving Captain Harry Trent.
There were some interesting twists and turns and I really did enjoy the ending but there were also those flip-flops of emotion and certainty the characters feel, that are too quickly reversed, that I never care for. And some purely silly moves that don't follow logic but give the story greater tension. I did like that despite all the romance the story was rather chaste.
I listened to the audio book and enjoyed the narration by Scarlett Mack. This is the second book I've purchased with the whispersync for voice application and I love that feature. I find it makes audio books much more affordable.
Fans of romance novels will likely enjoy this novel, they are the intended audience. I prefer my fiction heavy on the historical and light on the romantic. Though if Zana Bell ever turns her hand to writing less romantic fiction I would try her again.
November 25, 2013
Close to the Wind by Zana Bell is an adventure that begins in England in 1868 when a nineteen-year-old Georgiana da Silva overhears her fiancé Jasper discussing a plot to murder her beloved brother Charlie, who is prospecting for gold in New Zealand.
She flees her aunt’s home in Victorian England, vowing to reach Charlie before his killer does. Masquerading as a young lad, Georgie, she persuades her way on board a ship, Sally, which is sailing for New Zealand, intending to work as a cabin boy. The captain of the ship is the spirited Harry Trent, who is a fugitive from the law. He is also determined to reach New Zealand, hoping to make his fortune there.
When Georgie’s gender is revealed Harry tries to abandon her in Madeira, but she is not someone to give in easily. Soon Georgiana and Harry discover mutual attraction for each other but they are not willing to surrender to their passion without accomplishing the tasks they had set out for. Trailed by nameless enemies, the voyage continues to their final stop in Dunedin.
Much of the story is set on board the ship. The journey is a long one around Cape Town, Africa, offering plenty of dangers, intrigue, drama, adventures and misadventures. Zana Bell has skillfully crafted a passionate romantic adventure. The narrative is comfortable, the 19th-century gold rush is maddening, and the characters are convincing and likeable. If you love high sea adventures, this one is for you. All in all, Close to the Wind is a delightfully enjoyable read!
She flees her aunt’s home in Victorian England, vowing to reach Charlie before his killer does. Masquerading as a young lad, Georgie, she persuades her way on board a ship, Sally, which is sailing for New Zealand, intending to work as a cabin boy. The captain of the ship is the spirited Harry Trent, who is a fugitive from the law. He is also determined to reach New Zealand, hoping to make his fortune there.
When Georgie’s gender is revealed Harry tries to abandon her in Madeira, but she is not someone to give in easily. Soon Georgiana and Harry discover mutual attraction for each other but they are not willing to surrender to their passion without accomplishing the tasks they had set out for. Trailed by nameless enemies, the voyage continues to their final stop in Dunedin.
Much of the story is set on board the ship. The journey is a long one around Cape Town, Africa, offering plenty of dangers, intrigue, drama, adventures and misadventures. Zana Bell has skillfully crafted a passionate romantic adventure. The narrative is comfortable, the 19th-century gold rush is maddening, and the characters are convincing and likeable. If you love high sea adventures, this one is for you. All in all, Close to the Wind is a delightfully enjoyable read!
July 16, 2014
I was a little hesitant to read this book because I really didn't know what to expect. I figured it would be your typical girl tries to do boy things but I will say that it definitely is not! This book is fantastic and pulls you in right from the beginning. The story is amazing and throughout the whole book, you get great visuals of the people and the places and you feel like you're right there along with them the whole time! It's not your typical book at all, it's a girl who does things that she shouldn't because she's a girl but she goes a long way in proving that girls can be just as good as boys and fools alot of people into thinking she is a boy in some parts of the book. I love how her looks are not over the top beautiful but at the same time it goes to show that she is beautiful inside and out even though she's not your typical model type girl. I love how it's also not your typical 'fall in love' book either, of course there are people who fall in love in the book, but it's also a story of a man who never gets tied down who ends up falling in love without meaning to and to me that's the best kind of love there is! It's also about a girl who is innocent enough despite the things she does and has done but the adventures and travels show her the real world and she learns and grows into a woman from all that she has experienced.
I will definitely be recommending this book to my friends and I cannot wait to pick up more books by Zana Bell because her writing is just fantastic and she pulls you into adventures and worlds that you can literally see and feel!
I will definitely be recommending this book to my friends and I cannot wait to pick up more books by Zana Bell because her writing is just fantastic and she pulls you into adventures and worlds that you can literally see and feel!
April 12, 2014
I love pirates. I mean, I REALLY love pirates so this epic swashbuckling adventure was always going to be my cup of tea but the book if so crammed full of incident, romance and strong characters that I can’t imagine anyone not enjoying it.
To save her brother from being assassinated for his fortune made in the gold rush in New Zealand, Georgiana De Silva escapes her home, dresses like a boy and charms her way into the crew of a pirate ship in a bid to warn him. Taken under the wing of the brave and handsome captain Harry Trent she quickly puts her life of stuffy English ballrooms behind her and relishes the freedom of her adventure. But both Harry and Georgie have secrets that they keep close to their hearts and when their fates seem tied together, they must decide whether they can trust one another.
This is a fun, hearty story that gripped me from the off with its scores of cunning disguises, heroes and villains, sticky situations, restricting corsets and ripped shirts. Georgie is a fun-loving and irrepressible heroine who craves the independence so often barred from women of her era and Harry is just my sort of hero – a pirate with morals and a heart – what’s not to love?
Reviewed by Nikki Mason on behalf of BestChickLit.com
To save her brother from being assassinated for his fortune made in the gold rush in New Zealand, Georgiana De Silva escapes her home, dresses like a boy and charms her way into the crew of a pirate ship in a bid to warn him. Taken under the wing of the brave and handsome captain Harry Trent she quickly puts her life of stuffy English ballrooms behind her and relishes the freedom of her adventure. But both Harry and Georgie have secrets that they keep close to their hearts and when their fates seem tied together, they must decide whether they can trust one another.
This is a fun, hearty story that gripped me from the off with its scores of cunning disguises, heroes and villains, sticky situations, restricting corsets and ripped shirts. Georgie is a fun-loving and irrepressible heroine who craves the independence so often barred from women of her era and Harry is just my sort of hero – a pirate with morals and a heart – what’s not to love?
Reviewed by Nikki Mason on behalf of BestChickLit.com
September 25, 2013
What does a woman do who wants to travel to the other side of the world do when it's the 1800's and she is like I said a woman....I am not gonna spell it out but you guessed right. Well I hope you did, she is honorable after all. Naughty readers. Lol
Anyhow, Georgiana is to marry her cousin, yay?...not so yay after all. Her brother is in New Zeeland and she is, different, yes very different cos of her upbringing. She was a bit of fresh air (again I will not say anything cos I am horrid that way with teasing).
Harry is a captain who is in a spot of trouble and has some secrets from his past. If you expect some whirlwind love story then no, this is not it. They become friends, they become angry, they become friends again, they want each other and after a long long time they actually do fall in love. But the road there is long and rocky. As it should be, no insta love here.
I actually liked the ship part the most :) I blame it on a certain tv-show I watched many years back.
If you want slow-building romance and a bit of suspense at the end then this is the book for you
Anyhow, Georgiana is to marry her cousin, yay?...not so yay after all. Her brother is in New Zeeland and she is, different, yes very different cos of her upbringing. She was a bit of fresh air (again I will not say anything cos I am horrid that way with teasing).
Harry is a captain who is in a spot of trouble and has some secrets from his past. If you expect some whirlwind love story then no, this is not it. They become friends, they become angry, they become friends again, they want each other and after a long long time they actually do fall in love. But the road there is long and rocky. As it should be, no insta love here.
I actually liked the ship part the most :) I blame it on a certain tv-show I watched many years back.
If you want slow-building romance and a bit of suspense at the end then this is the book for you
July 15, 2014
I can't believe I found this gem for free iTunes
I wasn't expecting much, free books that are good are like finding a needle in a haystack but this particular book was the needle
Loved it from cover to cover
Only negative comment is that I thought Harry was a strange name for a sea captain/earl but I guess back in the day it was probably a grand old name
I loved georgie, strong female character that stayed strong and was not pushed around by all the men she as surrounded by is a very rare thing in the book world, loved loved loved her, best heroine ever. She actually made the species proud. A lot of books have snivelling weak heroines that get a backbone in the last 1/4 of the book but georgie was strong from the very first page and continued to be so to the very last, no matter why the author threw at her. Needless to say she was my favourite character in the book
I wasn't expecting much, free books that are good are like finding a needle in a haystack but this particular book was the needle
Loved it from cover to cover
Only negative comment is that I thought Harry was a strange name for a sea captain/earl but I guess back in the day it was probably a grand old name
I loved georgie, strong female character that stayed strong and was not pushed around by all the men she as surrounded by is a very rare thing in the book world, loved loved loved her, best heroine ever. She actually made the species proud. A lot of books have snivelling weak heroines that get a backbone in the last 1/4 of the book but georgie was strong from the very first page and continued to be so to the very last, no matter why the author threw at her. Needless to say she was my favourite character in the book
April 19, 2014
I loved every minute of this book - it was the sort of book I would read whenever I could - sneaking 5 mins here and there - it was fast moving and had a clever plot with a good twist at the end. Having just read the Luminaries I enjoyed the NZ gold / early settlers theme. I will definitely read her next book and suggest to friends they read this!!
March 21, 2014
Fabulous novel set in New Zealand in gold rush times. A must read.
August 3, 2014
It will swash your buckles.
May 4, 2025
What a great book! I loved Harry and Georgie; they are such fun, challenging and interesting protagonists. The story has several twists and turns I didn't see coming, but the ending was lovely, as you would want/expect with a romance. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this!
June 1, 2017
A fun romance filled with adventure and strong female characters. It was highly enjoyable and I could not put it down. It was well worth only getting three hours of sleep!
June 11, 2014
'A new world looped within a perfectly circular horizon, under the command of an autocratic captain whose smile could stop her breath.'
It's 1868 and Georgiana da Silva overhears a conversation involving her fiancé Jasper that prompts her to flee from her home and undertake a daring journey to try and save her brother Charles from death. She hadn't been in love with her fiancé, just fond of him, grateful and accepting, after all, he'll take her away from life with her aunt. Now she has discovered what is going on, that Charles may be in grave danger, she escapes and finds her way onto a ship bound for New Zealand, where her beloved brother is now, in the goldfields.
Captain Harry Trent is getting ready to set sail for New Zealand. He has his own aims on arrival and is allegedly sought by some who believe he has committed a crime. The paths of these two headstrong individuals cross and they are destined to continue overlapping as they both pursue their own agendas. It becomes increasingly difficult though, for either of them to ignore the mutual attraction and admiration they feel.
I read this novel on holiday, and I found it enjoyable and good fun; an entertaining historical adventure on the high seas that I could escape into. The New Zealand aspect appealed to me as it's a place I love, although it's well into the novel before the drama actually takes place there; I'd have loved more time with that as the backdrop, although I did enjoy the time at sea with the crew, and the other destinations that were mentioned. I liked Georgiana, she is feisty, determined and courageous, an admirable female character when considering the period, unafraid, keen in fact, to leave behind the role society would have her play. I liked her plan for successfully getting aboard Harry Trent's ship though I knew it wouldn't last forever.
The interaction between Harry and Georgiana was nicely done and I enjoyed the dialogue between them. There's mystery too, in trying to discover the truth about what happened back in England, the matter which Harry is implicated in. Yes, there were times when the plot could have moved a bit faster or been a bit tighter, but then the resolution couldn't happen too early as the tension as to what would happen to the two of them, and whether they were in fact at cross purposes, rightly needed to last further into the novel. I liked that there was a lot more than just romance to the story.
Overall Close to the Wind offers escapist reading with fun and excitement, there's a lot to enjoy, a strong heroine, a handsome captain, a plot with drama, deception, romance, intrigue, travel and adventure.
3.5 stars
It's 1868 and Georgiana da Silva overhears a conversation involving her fiancé Jasper that prompts her to flee from her home and undertake a daring journey to try and save her brother Charles from death. She hadn't been in love with her fiancé, just fond of him, grateful and accepting, after all, he'll take her away from life with her aunt. Now she has discovered what is going on, that Charles may be in grave danger, she escapes and finds her way onto a ship bound for New Zealand, where her beloved brother is now, in the goldfields.
Captain Harry Trent is getting ready to set sail for New Zealand. He has his own aims on arrival and is allegedly sought by some who believe he has committed a crime. The paths of these two headstrong individuals cross and they are destined to continue overlapping as they both pursue their own agendas. It becomes increasingly difficult though, for either of them to ignore the mutual attraction and admiration they feel.
I read this novel on holiday, and I found it enjoyable and good fun; an entertaining historical adventure on the high seas that I could escape into. The New Zealand aspect appealed to me as it's a place I love, although it's well into the novel before the drama actually takes place there; I'd have loved more time with that as the backdrop, although I did enjoy the time at sea with the crew, and the other destinations that were mentioned. I liked Georgiana, she is feisty, determined and courageous, an admirable female character when considering the period, unafraid, keen in fact, to leave behind the role society would have her play. I liked her plan for successfully getting aboard Harry Trent's ship though I knew it wouldn't last forever.
The interaction between Harry and Georgiana was nicely done and I enjoyed the dialogue between them. There's mystery too, in trying to discover the truth about what happened back in England, the matter which Harry is implicated in. Yes, there were times when the plot could have moved a bit faster or been a bit tighter, but then the resolution couldn't happen too early as the tension as to what would happen to the two of them, and whether they were in fact at cross purposes, rightly needed to last further into the novel. I liked that there was a lot more than just romance to the story.
Overall Close to the Wind offers escapist reading with fun and excitement, there's a lot to enjoy, a strong heroine, a handsome captain, a plot with drama, deception, romance, intrigue, travel and adventure.
3.5 stars
October 8, 2013
Close to the Wind by NZ author Zana Bell is an entertaining historical romance that spans the globe, from England to our Aussie neighbour, New Zealand. Georgiana da Silva is not your typical heroine in this genre, as while her peers are perusing ball rooms for a potential husband, Georgiana sneaks out at night to act in the theatre. Her childhood in the circus doesn’t quite prepare her for the life of a Lady, but her Aunt is determined to find her a husband and make her fit the bill.
When Georgiana overhears her fiancé Jasper talk of a plan to murder her brother Charles and inherit his gold, she flees, claiming she’s run away to the circus. Instead she poses as a young boy and snags a job on a ship with Captain Harry Trent. Her attraction to him is almost instantaneous, though for obvious reasons must be concealed. I enjoyed reading about Georgiana’s (a.k.a George) escapades on the boat, how she fooled so many men and how she was so easily able to fall into the role of a young lad. Harry just sees George as a little brat and when it comes to his love life he has no serious plans to settle down as he believes sailing is no life for a woman.
The viewpoint is mainly in Georgiana’s perspective though there are sporadic scenes throughout the story that gives us a glimpse of Harry’s thoughts and feelings. I must admit, I did feel that Georgiana was a ‘boy’ for a little too long which meant the romance was prolonged with Harry not developing feelings for her until much later in the story (when she’s a woman again!).
Once Georgiana’s identity is discovered, Harry is not pleased. A ship full of men is no safe place for a Lady- not that Georgiana cares. Even though he tries to extricate himself from her, their paths continue to cross as they are both set on getting to New Zealand. Georgiana to see her brother Charles and Harry to clear his name for a murder he didn’t commit. Georgiana seemed to lose some of her personality once she was a ‘woman’ again as the confines of being a Lady didn’t quite fit with her desire to be an actress and entertain. So, I was happy when these aspects of her personality began to re-emerge later in the story and that Harry was accepting of this.
There’s plenty happening in Close to the Wind with a race across the globe with two infuriatingly endearing characters plus a surprise twist at the end. An enjoyable historical romance with an amusing hero/heroine duo who are just as wild as they are contained; I do recommend this one to fans of the genre.
When Georgiana overhears her fiancé Jasper talk of a plan to murder her brother Charles and inherit his gold, she flees, claiming she’s run away to the circus. Instead she poses as a young boy and snags a job on a ship with Captain Harry Trent. Her attraction to him is almost instantaneous, though for obvious reasons must be concealed. I enjoyed reading about Georgiana’s (a.k.a George) escapades on the boat, how she fooled so many men and how she was so easily able to fall into the role of a young lad. Harry just sees George as a little brat and when it comes to his love life he has no serious plans to settle down as he believes sailing is no life for a woman.
The viewpoint is mainly in Georgiana’s perspective though there are sporadic scenes throughout the story that gives us a glimpse of Harry’s thoughts and feelings. I must admit, I did feel that Georgiana was a ‘boy’ for a little too long which meant the romance was prolonged with Harry not developing feelings for her until much later in the story (when she’s a woman again!).
Once Georgiana’s identity is discovered, Harry is not pleased. A ship full of men is no safe place for a Lady- not that Georgiana cares. Even though he tries to extricate himself from her, their paths continue to cross as they are both set on getting to New Zealand. Georgiana to see her brother Charles and Harry to clear his name for a murder he didn’t commit. Georgiana seemed to lose some of her personality once she was a ‘woman’ again as the confines of being a Lady didn’t quite fit with her desire to be an actress and entertain. So, I was happy when these aspects of her personality began to re-emerge later in the story and that Harry was accepting of this.
There’s plenty happening in Close to the Wind with a race across the globe with two infuriatingly endearing characters plus a surprise twist at the end. An enjoyable historical romance with an amusing hero/heroine duo who are just as wild as they are contained; I do recommend this one to fans of the genre.
February 13, 2014
Originally posted on: http://lauraslittlebookblog.blogspot....
Sorry to use such a clichéd phrase, but this really was a brilliant swashbuckling adventure! Zana Bell had me completely lost to to the world of the 1800's and I truthfully did not want to leave.
Georgina da Silva (love that surname!) is due to marry her cousin Jasper. She has no problem with this, as she feels lucky that she will not become the spinster she believes she is destined to become. However, an overheard conversation reveals Jasper's true nature and intentions to Georgina and she now knows that her brother Charles is in serious danger. Knowing that she must make it to New Zealand before the unknown assassin does, she escapes, leaving Jasper to believe that she has run away to join the circus. This is when Georgiana and Harry's lives collide, with Harry taking her onboard as one of the crew, and unbeknownst to him as a boy and not her true self. Harry also has his own reasons for escaping to New Zealand, with the law at his heels he cannot afford any distractions, but a bond is forming between the two of them as they both head out on their dangerous quests.
Georgiana was such a fantastic female character. She was headstrong, smart and incredibly brave. I like a strong female character as we are not damsels in distress and Georgiana proves this to us greatly by leaving the 'safe' world of her Aunts home to climb aboard a ship full of rough sailors, in her quest to save her brother. As we get to know Georgiana, we know she is cut out more for adventure than being stuck in drawing room and I was completely enthralled by her character. Harry Trent, Georgiana's captain also adds some spice to this story. A handsome captain, Harry also has an element of mystery about him. Why is he running away to New Zealand? And why isn't he being honest with the crew about it? It has Georgiana and us questioning his true motives and us wanting to believe the good in him rather than the bad.
I particularly enjoyed the scenes on the ship. Georgiana manages to keep up her masquerade as a boy without the crew once suspecting a thing. She is treated just like one of the men and being a newbie and a 'young lad' made to do lots of the gruesome jobs, but not once does she complain. I was sad to leave the ship as I think Georgiana was and I was eager to read on to what would happen.
A fantastic tale full of adventure, romance and mystery, a truly brilliant read from Zana Bell!
Sorry to use such a clichéd phrase, but this really was a brilliant swashbuckling adventure! Zana Bell had me completely lost to to the world of the 1800's and I truthfully did not want to leave.
Georgina da Silva (love that surname!) is due to marry her cousin Jasper. She has no problem with this, as she feels lucky that she will not become the spinster she believes she is destined to become. However, an overheard conversation reveals Jasper's true nature and intentions to Georgina and she now knows that her brother Charles is in serious danger. Knowing that she must make it to New Zealand before the unknown assassin does, she escapes, leaving Jasper to believe that she has run away to join the circus. This is when Georgiana and Harry's lives collide, with Harry taking her onboard as one of the crew, and unbeknownst to him as a boy and not her true self. Harry also has his own reasons for escaping to New Zealand, with the law at his heels he cannot afford any distractions, but a bond is forming between the two of them as they both head out on their dangerous quests.
Georgiana was such a fantastic female character. She was headstrong, smart and incredibly brave. I like a strong female character as we are not damsels in distress and Georgiana proves this to us greatly by leaving the 'safe' world of her Aunts home to climb aboard a ship full of rough sailors, in her quest to save her brother. As we get to know Georgiana, we know she is cut out more for adventure than being stuck in drawing room and I was completely enthralled by her character. Harry Trent, Georgiana's captain also adds some spice to this story. A handsome captain, Harry also has an element of mystery about him. Why is he running away to New Zealand? And why isn't he being honest with the crew about it? It has Georgiana and us questioning his true motives and us wanting to believe the good in him rather than the bad.
I particularly enjoyed the scenes on the ship. Georgiana manages to keep up her masquerade as a boy without the crew once suspecting a thing. She is treated just like one of the men and being a newbie and a 'young lad' made to do lots of the gruesome jobs, but not once does she complain. I was sad to leave the ship as I think Georgiana was and I was eager to read on to what would happen.
A fantastic tale full of adventure, romance and mystery, a truly brilliant read from Zana Bell!
October 18, 2013
"It doesn't seem fair that New Zealand should have quite so many beautiful corners tucked away...." (from Close to the Wind)
The year is 1868. This is the story of Georgiana da Silva, living with her Aunt, and betrothed to Jasper. But she soon overhears a conversation that turns her world on its head. Her brother Charlie is, it seems, terribly ill in New Zealand, and based on what she has heard, she determines to flee to his bedside, as he could be in mortal danger - it is the time of the Gold Rush, and Jasper and his cronies certainly have a plan to make the gold theirs.
From England, she leaps aboard the 'Sally', disguised as a young lad. First land stop is Funchal, where she beings to bond with handsome Harry, the captain in command of the rather rickety ship, and now the dance of romance can begin. On to Cape Town, and the final stop, via Christchurch, is Dunedin. Oh, the vagaries of true love, handsome men, whose muscles ripple and whose bodies are as 'taut as a drawn bow'. Horses, adventure, rakish pursuers, swashbuckling fights and fisticuffs, blind alleys, and villains who are rotten to the core - the story, as it moves along, is told with aplomb. Formulaic in plot progression, it nevertheless offers a comforting, feel-good factor as our heroine marches forward with determination and sharp thinking.
Georgie is a charming and feisty heroine, Harry is a morally upstanding beau. Much of the novel takes place on the high seas, but offers delightful vignettes of period life in Madeira and South Africa, as well as the final destination of New Zealand. On the cover of our copy, it does says 'Love, Passion and Adventure in 1860s New Zealand', which is actually rather misleading, as arrival in the country only happens about three-fifths of the way into the book.
The year is 1868. This is the story of Georgiana da Silva, living with her Aunt, and betrothed to Jasper. But she soon overhears a conversation that turns her world on its head. Her brother Charlie is, it seems, terribly ill in New Zealand, and based on what she has heard, she determines to flee to his bedside, as he could be in mortal danger - it is the time of the Gold Rush, and Jasper and his cronies certainly have a plan to make the gold theirs.
From England, she leaps aboard the 'Sally', disguised as a young lad. First land stop is Funchal, where she beings to bond with handsome Harry, the captain in command of the rather rickety ship, and now the dance of romance can begin. On to Cape Town, and the final stop, via Christchurch, is Dunedin. Oh, the vagaries of true love, handsome men, whose muscles ripple and whose bodies are as 'taut as a drawn bow'. Horses, adventure, rakish pursuers, swashbuckling fights and fisticuffs, blind alleys, and villains who are rotten to the core - the story, as it moves along, is told with aplomb. Formulaic in plot progression, it nevertheless offers a comforting, feel-good factor as our heroine marches forward with determination and sharp thinking.
Georgie is a charming and feisty heroine, Harry is a morally upstanding beau. Much of the novel takes place on the high seas, but offers delightful vignettes of period life in Madeira and South Africa, as well as the final destination of New Zealand. On the cover of our copy, it does says 'Love, Passion and Adventure in 1860s New Zealand', which is actually rather misleading, as arrival in the country only happens about three-fifths of the way into the book.
October 5, 2013
Although Georgiana da Silva is not passionately in love with her cousin Jasper, she has agreed to marry him knowing that this is the only way that she can escape from her Aunt - a woman who has just about endured her and her brother since their parents died. When Georgie discovers that Jasper's intentions are not what they seem, she has to escape. She is determined to travel across the world, to be by the side of her beloved brother in New Zealand.
And so the adventures begin. Georgie manages to secure a passage, disguised as a boy and using the skills she learnt from her trapeze artiste parents. Captaining the ship is the dashing, if a little dangerous Harry Trent; on the run from the law and certainly not interested in taking on any more complications. Harry is not the only love interest during Georgie's journey, she is rescued by the delightful Tom Mellors, a man who is instantly smitten by her.
This is a story of adventure, of pirates and a good old-fashioned romance. Georgie is young and quite innocent, but also tough and resilient. She finds it difficult to be completely honest, she worries about getting to her destination, she's often confused about her feelings. Despite this, she's an endearing character, well formed and her interesting background adds another dimension to her character.
Close To The Wind is a fun read, it has a dash of suspense, a great plot, a good splash of romance and a great cast of characters.
And so the adventures begin. Georgie manages to secure a passage, disguised as a boy and using the skills she learnt from her trapeze artiste parents. Captaining the ship is the dashing, if a little dangerous Harry Trent; on the run from the law and certainly not interested in taking on any more complications. Harry is not the only love interest during Georgie's journey, she is rescued by the delightful Tom Mellors, a man who is instantly smitten by her.
This is a story of adventure, of pirates and a good old-fashioned romance. Georgie is young and quite innocent, but also tough and resilient. She finds it difficult to be completely honest, she worries about getting to her destination, she's often confused about her feelings. Despite this, she's an endearing character, well formed and her interesting background adds another dimension to her character.
Close To The Wind is a fun read, it has a dash of suspense, a great plot, a good splash of romance and a great cast of characters.
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