Discerning Grace (The White Sails Series Book 1)

Name: Discerning Grace (The White Sails Series Book 1)
Rating: 4.545454502105713 (44 reviews)

Emma Lombard

Feb 2021 · The White Sails Series Book 1 · Emma Lombard

4.5

44 reviews

Ebook

370

Pages

Eligible

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About this ebook

Slow-burn historical women’s fiction with a splash of romance—think: the love child of books like Bridgerton mixed with Pirates of the Caribbean.

As the first full-length novel in The White Sails Series, DISCERNING GRACE captures the spirit of an independent woman whose feminine lens blows the ordered patriarchal decks of a 19th century tall ship to smithereens.

Wilful Grace Baxter, will not marry old Lord Silverton with his salivary incontinence and dead-mouse stink. Discovering she is a pawn in an arrangement between slobbery Silverton and her calculating father, Grace is devastated when Silverton reveals his true callous nature.

Refusing this fate, Grace resolves to stow away. Heading to the docks, disguised as a lad to ease her escape, she encounters smooth-talking naval recruiter, Gilly, who lures her aboard HMS Discerning with promises of freedom and exploration in South America.

When Grace's big mouth lands her bare-bottomed over a cannon for insubordination, her identity is exposed. The captain wants her back in London but his orders, to chart the icy archipelago of Tierra del Fuego, forbid it. Lieutenant Seamus Fitzwilliam gallantly offers to take Grace off the fretting captain's hands by placing her under his protection.

Grace must now win over the crew she betrayed with her secret, while managing her feelings towards her taciturn protector, whose obstinate chivalry stifles her new-found independence. But when Grace disregards Lieutenant Fitzwilliam's warnings about the dangers of the unexplored archipelago, it costs a friend his life and she realises she is not as free as she believes.

DISCERNING GRACE is historical women's fiction that will appeal to fans of Claire Fraser from Outlander and Demelza Poldark from Poldark—in other words, fans of feisty historical female leads. It is a B.R.A.G.Medallion Honoree.

The White Sails Series complete collection box set features one sassy heroine aboard a ship full of sailors. Prepare for historical romance full of strong alpha males with a trace of vulnerability, superstitious sailors, epic sea adventures that take you from the cobbled streets of London to a tall ship setting, and ultimately a happy ending.

If you love a man in uniform, strong women who don’t like being told what to do, fated mates, and happily-ever-afters, hop aboard the boxset of The White Sails Series:

- Discerning Grace

- Grace on the Horizon

- Grace Arising

- Christmas at Gilly Downs

Also available as audiobooks narrated by Siobhan Waring.

Ratings and reviews

4.5

44 reviews

Patrick Webb

May 20, 2021

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book in exchange for a fair review. CW: Sexual Assault Ms. Lombard's debut novel does not leave one lacking. I loved reading Grace's story and following her throughout her adventures at sea and in love. The historical detail in "Discerning Grace," adds to the story's enjoyment. You can tell that Ms. Lombard has done her research, such as through the use of naval terminology and the historical accuracy of the story. I loved seeing Grace and Seamus' romance bloom, along with the obstacles that get in their way. They have a strong chemistry, and I appreciate seeing both on equal terms. Grace doesn't let society's expectations of women keep her from not having agency. Please not the above content warning, though know that Ms. Lombard handles it respectfully (and the scenes do not go to extremes, though the threat of it may still be too much for some readers. Please read at your own discretion). Another note on the CW: the topic is not brushed aside either. We see the characters dealing with it in a realistic way, that gives the characters (along with the reader) time to breath. And the main instigator of it gets their comeuppance. If you enjoy romance and historical fiction, "Discerning Grace" is for you.

1 person found this review helpful

Texas Texan

May 17, 2024

Discerning Grace - I listened to the audiobook first, then read the book. I found both interesting, intriguing and immersing. It has been decades since I read a book of this genre that had proper language and almost proper actions for the time period and setting. Grace was a bit too modern with her thoughts and actions, and spot on with her poor decisions at times. I enjoyed the fact that the focus was actually on her learning her ship duties and pulling her weight. The support characters are well developed. The romance was not in the unrealistic, silly style, but rather realistic, slow maturing. Some of Seamus and Grace's thoughts and actions annoyed me but overall the story was time pleasantly spent. Audiobook: Narrated by Siobhan Waring. Length: 10 hrs 35 mins. I listened while traveling using old school technology, the speaker of my Motorola phone. No Bluetooth or earbuds. The narrator did an excellent job with all the characters, and I enjoyed ... See BookBub for rest of review.

Diana Miller

July 26, 2022

I lost interest at the mention of natives their possible treatment, bow against gun and explanations to know proprietary. This book is well written enjoyable to read but...

About the author

Emma Lombard was born in Pontefract in the UK. She grew up in Africa—calling Zimbabwe and South Africa home for a few years—before finally settling in Brisbane Australia, and raising four boys. Before she started writing historical fiction, she was a freelance editor in the corporate world, which was definitely not half as exciting as writing rollicking romantic adventures. Her characters are fearless seafarers, even though in real life Emma gets disastrously sea sick. DISCERNING GRACE is the first book in The White Sails Series. It is a 2021 B.R.A.G. Medallion Honoree.

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