Across the Star-Kissed Sea by Arlem Hawks

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Book Review of Across the Star-Kissed Sea by Arlem Hawks

Although I love going to the ocean and could sit there all day and listen to the waves crashing, feel the sand between my toes, and enjoy the salty breeze, I have no desire to sail across the sea on a boat. No thank you. Land is my friend. May Byam disagrees with me. In Across the Star-Kissed Sea by Arlem Hawks, May chooses to board a ship and sail away from the land. She and I will need to agree to disagree on that one! Keep reading to see how she fares on her journey.

Blurb:

When May becomes a lady’s maid at sea, she’s hoping for an innocent adventure but instead must navigate rough waters, deadly combat, and unexpected love.

Mediterranean Sea, 1811
May Byam grew up following her father to his work at the ropemaking factory and listening to her uncle’s tales of life aboard a Royal Navy ship. After tragedy and scandal shatter her family, May is desperate to escape the shame that follows her. Despite her mother’s pleadings against it, May signs on as a lady’s maid to the young wife of a naval captain. If she’s going to run, she may as well do it in honor of her late uncle and cousin and where there is food, shelter, and perhaps even adventure. But the frosty reception she receives from the ship’s clergyman makes her feel far from welcome.

Heartbroken young Chaplain Elias Doswell returns to a harsh life at sea, but preaching to disinterested sailors isn’t the escape he’d hoped for—until a captivating young woman boards the ship. However, a case of mistaken identity ensures that he starts off on the wrong foot with the newly hired lady’s maid, who clearly wants nothing to do with him. But the close quarters of the ship forces the pair together, and May begins to see a side of the handsome clergyman she didn’t expect. As they struggle to navigate their deepening feelings, the danger of war with the French looms on the horizon, threatening their lives—and their love.

My Book Review:

Across the Star-Kissed Sea is such a cute book. I thoroughly enjoyed it. I have read several books by Arlem Hawks, and she has a fun and inviting writing style that draws you into her world and keeps you there. She uses wonderful descriptions that allow the reader to feel like she experiences the story along with the characters.

I truly loved getting to know the main characters in this book. May Byam knows what she wants and will do pretty much anything to get it, even if it puts her in difficult situations. I may or may not be a rule follower, so I sometimes struggled with this character. Some of her actions are cringey and way too bold for my rule-following self. However, I could use a little more boldness in certain situations so maybe I’ll take a lesson from May.

Chaplain Elias Doswell also escapes to sea, but for a different reason. He’s running away from something that can’t really be escaped from. It’s a good effort, though. He is kind, caring, patient, long-suffering, and definitely needs to trust in and love himself more. He has so much to offer, but he isn’t able to see it because he only sees his faults.

I love the relationship between May and Elias. It can be a bit frustrating at times, because of incorrect assumptions and the inability to let go of past mistakes, but it’s also sweet. They have good chemistry, and I like how well they know each other and how they’re able to help and complement each other. Despite the awkwardness of their first meeting, they are able to get past it and turn their relationship into something much more meaningful.

Across the Star-Kissed Sea is not just a love story, though. Oh no! It’s full of action and adventure as well. The sea has many dangers: storms, mutiny, enemy ships, angry captains, secrets, and much more! It’s never a dull moment on the Marianne! Don’t be fooled by the beautiful and serene cover art—this book is much more than a calm, sweet love story.

If this is your first time reading an Arlem Hawks book, you’re in for a treat! If not, you know what a fun adventure you’re embarking on. I enjoyed Across the Sta-Kissed Sea! It’s entertaining, a bit cringey at times (Oh, May!), full of surprises, and so fun. It’s a great addition to Arlem Hawks’ collection, and I highly recommend it!!