Hearts of Oak

Based on a true story, Hearts of Oak is a veritable adventure on the high seas. Just married, Marianne Templeman discovers to her astonishment her new husband Jem has been pressed into Nelson’s Navy while in a drunken stupor. Not willing to endure the humiliation to which her fellow villagers will certainly subject her, Marianne dons her brother’s clothing and signs herself up in search of the erring Jem. As ship boy “Matt Morris” Marianne finds herself in the middle of Horatio Nelson’s conflict with the French. Enduring the hardships of life at sea she is nevertheless determined to find her husband which in turn creates an adventure of her own.

Previously published as Girl on the Orlop Deck, Beryl Kingston skillfully recreates everyday life as a sailors in the Napoleonic Wars. The book is a fast-paced, well-written narrative with delightfully spirited characters. Additionally, Kingston’s extensive research portrays historically accurate events and battle scenes which successfully put the reader in the middle of the action. Hearts of Oak is recommended for lovers of historical fiction, maritime settings, and women’s literature.

Full disclosure- An ARC of this book was provided via NetGalley in return for this review.

Great read. The author wrote a story that was interesting and moved at a pace that kept me engaged. The characters were easy to invest in.

Hearts of Oak is based on true story and is well written. I enjoyed the characters and the story. I hope to read more from this author.

Cute storyline about spunky Maryanne going off to sea in 1803 to find her husband who joined the British Navy. Alternating chapters tell of each of their experiences aboard different ships. Reminds me of the historical romance novels of my youth without the bodice ripping pirates! Fun read.