Description
Chicago, October 1929—Kellan O’Roark is running on borrowed time. Having handed over his cousin’s incriminating bootlegging ledger to the police, Kellan must vanish before the mobster exacts revenge. Kellan secures work aboard the SS Wisconsin, a steamer headed for Milwaukee despite his fear of the water.
Desperate to return to her family’s Wisconsin farm and ailing father, Sadie Dawning attempts to travel alone, only to be nearly kidnapped. Kellan steps in and offers to smuggle her aboard the Wisconsin. A decision which turns nearly fatal when an autumn storm capsizes the ship.
Washed ashore and presuming Kellan dead to evade his cousin, the pair arrive at Sadie’s family farm, only to find the new storms brewing on land. Caught between duty, a dangerous past, and a budding love, Kellan and Sadie must rely on their newfound faith in each other and renewed faith in God to weather the growing storm.
ageelettie –
I know it’s a cliche, but this one really was a page turner. There I was, sitting in bed, telling myself “just one more chapter.” The only problem? Every time I finished a chapter I thought “Well, I just have to see what happens next!” Needless to say, this one kept me up way past my bedtime. Kellan and Sadie had such an interesting dynamic, a bond formed through a near-death experience that had them questioning their own connection to each other. That bond made for complex feelings and motivations that gave the story a unique framing. I really enjoyed the focus on redemption and regret, as well as sacrifice and happiness. Both dichotomies were written with a deft hand from the writer. Over all, 4 stars.
I received a complimentary copy of this book as part of the launch team. All opinions are my own.
bloomingwithbooks –
Shipwrecked Faith
Dawning Sisters #1
By Danielle Grandinetti
Sadie Dawning left home to escape, though she justified as a means to help save the family farm. But when she receives word that her father is unwell, she drops everything to return to her Wisconsin home, leaving Chicago behind. But things don’t go quite right, starting with having to escape Chicago by being rescued by a perfect stranger and then being smuggled out of the city!
Kellan O’Roark is desperate to escape Chicago and his older cousin’s nefarious deeds. He has one chance to make good his escape and help bring Tiernan to justice, but when he sees Sadie in danger, he does what no one else will; he steps in to help.
This book is the first in a new series by the author, and I totally loved it and can’t wait for book two to be released. I loved how the author brought the characters to life and made them relatable, people I was rooting for to succeed. I loved how Sadie’s faith meant so much to her being, though incidents from the past had shaken her. And Kellan, my heart ached for him and the childhood he had after losing his parents. His feelings of worthlessness and the guilt he felt over what he had done for and now to his cousin so defined him.
My favorite part of this book was how it brought actual historical events to life in a way that history books and class never did. And living in Wisconsin, this added an extra touch in my opinion. Highly recommend to teens and up.
I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations. All thoughts expressed are my own.
malory0505 –
This is definitely A MUST READ!!! I loved how redemption, salvation, and the importance of God’s love was intertwined throughout the book. The setting and backdrop was historically awesome, and I enjoyed reading as they persevered through all the trials and mishaps! Not to mention the danger! I am looking forward to rest of the books in the series! I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions and thoughts in this review are completely my own.
unconventionaloutcast –
On the brink of the Great Depression, Sadie and Kellen find themselves joining together against all odds to save family, home, and even each other!
This is a sweet story rich with themes of family bonds, perseverance, and trusting God even through the midst of storms.
Full of tender romance, changing family dynamics, suspenseful moments, and hope, this is a delightful story to enjoy!
I received a complimentary copy of this book, but all opinions in this review are entirely my own.
kewkew34 –
Shipwrecked Faith is the first book I’ve read by Danielle Grandinetti, and let’s just say, I am now a fan and can’t wait to read more of her books. This book is the first in her new Dawning Sisters historical romance series, and it is awesome. I definitely wished I didn’t have to put it down, and would have finished it a lot sooner if it wasn’t for it being graduation season.
We see this story from multiple points of view, but the main characters are Sadie Dawning and Kellan O’Roark, who meet when Kellan saves Sadie from two dangerous men in Chicago. Sadie is on her way home to her family after receiving a concerning telegram when these men attempt to kidnap her. Kellan is trying to disappear because he turned over incriminating evidence against the cousin who took him in after his parents died. Kellan puts his own dire circumstance in more jeopardy to save Sadie and help smuggle her aboard the ship he secured work on so he could leave Chicago.
We also see Sadie’s sister Marjorie’s point of view, who I have to say I was not a huge fan of at first because of her complaining attitude toward her sister. I’m happy to say my feelings changed as the story progressed and I got to know her more. Additionally, we get occasional glimpses of Tiernan’s point of view. He is the cousin Kellan is running from. Knowing Tiernan’s thoughts really does increase the suspense and tension, because the reader knows for sure that there is additional danger on the way.
I love that this story takes place at the very beginning of what comes to be known as the Great Depression and contains other real life events. We see how Black Tuesday is sort of overshadowed by the sinking of the S.S. Wisconsin in the area were this story takes place. The concern is there, but they seem far away while the characters are dealing with their own personal problems.
Sadie and Kellan and the Dawning family are wonderful characters who I was quite invested in. I was really concerned for Sadie and Kellan’s well-being, as well as the family’s with all that they were dealing with. But I loved the strong faith that holds them up and encourages them. We are reminded how God is working in all circumstances. And though I am usually not a huge fan of quick romances, I do love Sadie and Kellan’s relationship, and how they depend on and encourage each other, even though they only just met.
This is an awesome beginning to a series and I can’t wait to read the second book. I’m hoping we get to see more of Sadie and Kellan and an update on the family. I’m really curious to see who Marjorie ends up with.
I received an e-copy of this book as a member of the review team and was not required to write a favorable review. These are my own honest thoughts.