Beth Powning

I truly, truly enjoyed this novel. Having read another of Powning's books, I had an idea of what to expect from her writing, but this one was really exceptional. I often read during my daily commute, and this was a story that had me wishing the train took a lot longer to get me to my destination, so I would be able to keep on reading!

The story centres around Azuba Bradstock, a New Brunswick woman who dreamed of following the man she loved to sea. While this did eventually happen, and indeed show more the stories of their adventures encompassed the majority of the book, she began by waiting on shore for sporadic visits from her husband, until a scandal involving another man prompted Azuba's husband to bring her and their daughter abroad.

This is an engrossing tale of love, jealousy, tragedy and loss that covers the globe and describes life at sea and its inherent danger and loneliness. I didn't feel that the return of Walton's character was really necessary, but in all other ways this was a fantastic read. show less

The Sea Captain's wife is Azuba Bradstock, a young woman living in New Brunswick in the 1860s. She misses her husband, Nathaniel, on his long sea voyages and longs to be with him. She is worried that their daughter, Carrie, will never really know her father.

A perceived scandal involving Azuba and the local minister convince Captain Bradstock to take his wife and young daughter with him on his next voyage, albeit with reluctance on his part. Most of the novel takes place as Azuba adjusts to show more life on a ship full of men, and to her husband's ongoing anger at her.

The writing is excellent, the story flows well and the characters are well drawn. What I especially like is that, in addition to all that, this is a book that has left me with something to think about. I am still reflecting on what it is we really want in life, and how getting what you want doesn't always make you happier. I'm thinking about the institution of marriage and how it used to mean a commitment that seems to be lacking so often today. I loved the way Azuba grew, personally, in this story; how her experiences marked what she thought as well as what she did.

Thank you to the Early Reviewers program for this wonderful book, which I think would be a wonderful book club selection because of the many issues that Azuba and her life could spark discussions on. show less

I just finished this book and it's one of those that will be resonating through my brain for a long time. So I'm not sure I can do justice to it but I'll try.

Kate's husband, Tom, died of a heart attack a year and 3 months before this book starts but Kate is still grieving. Kate lives in a big house in a small town in New Brunswick but she was born and raised in Connecticut. Recently, Kate has been given a collection of hatboxes that contain letters and other items that came from her show more grandparents' house. By reading through these letters, Kate learns things about her family but also learns about the grieving process. Then, into her life, comes Gregory who used to live near Kate and Tom when their children were little. Gregory is also dealing with the loss of a loved one as his son disappeared while climbing in the Rockies and his body was found the next year. As Kate and Gregory work through their grief Kate also works in her garden, which is described in luscious detail. The writing is lush and full-bodied and demands slow enjoyment.

This is that rare book that makes you feel like you are right in the house or the garden or at the seashore with Kate. Beth Powning should be celebrated from coast to coast. show less

I adored this book. I breezed through this book in just over a week (a very short time for me). Normally, I read to fall asleep at night but this book kept me up! This was for me a cautionary tale about being careful what you wish for.

Azuba dreamed of marrying a sea captain and becoming a seafaring family but was disappointed when her life didn't turn out as she expected. However, through a perceived indiscretion by the community and her family, she got what she wished for! Two years of show more harrowing adventure and drama on the high seas follow. Suddenly she finds herself longing for home.

The one challenge that this book presented was all of the nautical language. However, there is a glossary in the back that proved very useful.

There were moments in my book where I found myself holding my breath waiting to find out how things will turn out. Books like this don't come along that often. I also have a particular affinity for this book as it was set in my home province of New Brunswick and this very accomplished author also comes from there. I would highly recommend putting this on your TBR list. show less