After twelve years of marriage to English explorer James Cook, Elizabeth has yet to spend an entire year with her husband. In their house by the Thames, she moves to the rhythms of her life as a society wife, but there is so much more to her than meets the eye. She has the fortitude to manage the house and garden, raise their children, and face unbearable sorrow by herself―in fact, she is sometimes in thrall to her own independence.

As she prepares for another homecoming, Elizabeth looks forward to James’s triumphant return and the work she will undertake reading and editing his voluminous journals. But will the private life she’s been leading in his absence distract her from her role in aid of her husband’s grand ambitions? Can James find the compassion to support her as their family faces unimaginable loss, or must she endure life alone as he sails off toward another adventure?

My Thoughts:

I found it hard to write down what I felt about this story, it took me a few days to find the words. This story surprised me by being so much more than a story, Elizabeth is a woman that is understandable and relatable, she is so much more than a seaman’s wife, all the things she has had to put up with and deal with by herself makes her character so honest. It is a story that makes you think how you would cope in her situation and I really warmed to her. I look forward to more books by Anna.

I received an ARC copy of this book for an honest review.

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