Far Grander than Paradise by Barbara Blythe

ABOUT THE BOOK

Unconventional Zorinda Wemblish yearns for adventure and a life beyond her Norfolk, Virginia, home populated with narrow-minded people and a former suitor seeking to destroy her reputation.

Owner of one of the fastest clipper ships afloat, Captain Carris Trewellyn has two goals—make a profit and deliver his deceased brother’s children to their grandfather in the South Pacific as quickly as possible.

Zorinda’s and Carris’s worlds collide when his disobedient wards run away, seeking help from Zorinda, who is seeking passage to San Francisco. Once matters are sorted, Zorinda finds Captain Trewellyn intractable but aggravatingly attractive. Carris scorns attachment, although Zorinda is uncomfortably captivating. A mutual need to seek missing family members alters the course of their lives leading them to a South Pacific paradise. But the paradise hides deceit and betrayal, jeopardizing their faith—and their lives.

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MY THOUGHTS.....

I am so impressed by Barbara Blythe's creativity! I love the names of her two main characters, the exotic setting of a clipper sailing to the South Pacific in the mid 1800s, and the many historical details woven into her exciting plot. Zorinda Wemblish desires adventure, but she's blissfully unaware of what is ahead. An overbearing ship captain, young twins longing for family, and illegal drug trade can only mean one thing: something's gotta give!

I especially enjoyed the vibes between Zorinda and Captain Carris Trewellyn. Would their deep animosity turn into deeper emotions of another kind? Could Zorinda show the Captain that his energetic niece and nephew only needed love and assurance?

This new-to-me author kept me "swiping the screen" to see what was coming next. I was totally engaged with the romance, adventure, and history, but there was also an inspiring theme of forgiveness and redemption.

I received a complimentary digital ARC. There was no obligation for a positive review. I am voluntarily sharing my thoughts.

My rating: 4 of 5 stars 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Bitten by the writing bug in sixth grade, Barbara was further encouraged in middle and high school. Upon graduation from Old Dominion University, she worked in banking for 25 years, then became an administrative assistant with a local school system. Life events altered Barbara’s priorities—unfinished manuscripts ended up in a file cabinet for many years. In 2023, a year after retirement, she was contacted by a member of a local ACFW group. After joining, out came her unfinished manuscripts with hopes of bringing to life fascinating historical stories.

Barbara’s priority is to honor God and share her Christian faith with those who read her books. Her stories are faith-driven, entwining actual historical events with her characters who discover love in spite of all that threatens to drive them apart.

Previously published novels are: Fire Dragon’s Angel, Ransom for Many, and Dance of Life.

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