chosen by The Times as one of the best historical fiction books of the year (Oct 2025)
THE ENCHANTING NEW HISTORICAL NOVEL BY THE AUTHOR OF THE 2022 WATERSTONES SCOTTISH BOOK OF THE YEAR, THE FAIR BOTANISTS.

Readers love Sara Sheridan's evocative historical novels .
'I loved this book from start to finish. So interesting to read about women back in the 1800s being independent and finding their own way in what was mostly a man's domain!' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
'Did not want to put this down but did not want it to end. Another fabulous read transporting you back in time, bring on the next one quickly please!' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
'I was totally floored by this! SO interesting at every point!' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Celebrated writer and historian Maria Graham must make the treacherous voyage from Brazil to London to deliver her latest book to her publisher. Having come to terms with the loss of her beloved husband, Maria is now determined to live her life as she pleases, free from the smothering constraints of Georgian society.

For a woman travelling alone it's a journey fraught with danger, and as civil war rages around her, the only ship prepared to take Maria belongs to roguish smuggler Captain James Henderson. Onboard, all is well until Maria makes two shocking discoveries - the first a deadly secret, the second an irresistible attraction to the enigmatic captain.

With Henderson on a journey of his own and determined to finally put his life of crime behind him, he and Maria grow ever closer. But can Henderson escape his illicit past or will the scandalous secret he's hiding ruin them both?