Julie Wright has just released her new Regency Romance novel, “A Captain for Caroline Gray.” If you enjoy Regency-era stories set on the high seas and love clean romance novels, this book might be just what you’re looking for. The novel has already received excellent reviews, including a starred review from Booklist. Let’s dive into this captivating new story.
Official Book Description
In Regency London, Caroline Gray is experiencing her third unsuccessful season in society. With no marriage proposals and her family’s finances dwindling, Caroline’s outspoken nature and unconventional ideas haven’t won her many suitors. Faced with no other choices, she decides to take a one-way trip to India with the Fishing Fleet, where a family friend’s son awaits as her potential match. Returning home isn’t an option if the arrangement doesn’t work out.
Captain Thomas Scott, who commands one of the Fishing Fleet ships, enjoys the thrill of the open sea. He regularly transports young English women to India to find husbands, though he can’t quite understand why families marry off their daughters to strangers so far away. The trips are usually uneventful, but that changes during a dinner conversation with Caroline on their first night at sea. Caroline’s bold political opinions shock the conventional gentlemen at the table, but Captain Scott finds her courage and beauty intriguing.
As Caroline becomes an outcast among the passengers due to her forthright behavior, she unexpectedly finds an ally in Captain Scott. Though an arranged marriage awaits her in India, an undeniable attraction grows between them. Caroline must decide whether to follow her mother’s wishes and marry a man she’s never met or take the bold step of following her heart.
Excerpt from “A Captain for Caroline Gray”
“Seasickness has two stages,” Captain Scott said as he strolled over to Caroline, his jacket flapping in the breeze. “First, you fear you’ll die. Second, you fear you’ll live.”
“I’m not seasick,” Caroline replied.
“Then why are you leaning over the edge like that?”
“I was looking at the water.”
As he came closer, their gazes met. He quickly looked down. “You know it’s pitch-black out there without the moon. It’s better to look up and enjoy the stars.”
She looked up. “Ursa Major,” she whispered, feeling a wave of sadness. She traced the stars with her eyes, remembering how her parents would point out constellations to her and her sister, Josephine.
With her father deceased and her mother and Josephine out of reach, Caroline pondered whether becoming the family spinster would have been so bad. Yet, she realized her decision to seek new connections and love might be the right one.
“Do you know all the constellations or just Ursa Major?” Captain Scott asked.
Shifting her gaze back to him, she replied, “I know many, but not all. Some aren’t visible from the northern hemisphere.” Realizing her tone sounded academic, she quickly redirected the conversation. “What brings you out from your wheelhouse, Captain?”
“The needs of the ship are my responsibility, not just the wheelhouse,” he said. “Besides, stretching my legs and admiring the stars helps me remember their beauty, beyond their navigational use.”
She was surprised by his sentiment and even more so when she realized he was looking at her, not the stars. He quickly diverted his gaze. “Are you apprehensive about traveling to India?” he asked.
“I find the prospect of a new adventure exciting,” Caroline admitted. “I enjoyed traveling with my parents as a child. What about you, Captain? Has life at sea been adventurous, or were you ever hesitant about your career?”
“Sailing is the family business. My father would have punished me if I’d chosen otherwise,” he said, surprising her with his candor.
“Does the adventure suit you, or does it make you nervous?” she asked.
“Initially, I was apprehensive, especially with new routes. Now, my schedules are steady, and my routes vary little. My concerns are more for others embarking on new journeys, unaware of what lies ahead.”
She frowned, confused. “Surely you don’t worry about me, Captain Scott.”
Tightening his grip on the railing before releasing it, he gave a quick bow. “I’ve intruded on your stargazing long enough. Good night, Miss Gray.”
She curtsied in return. “Good night, Captain Scott.”
Author Bio
Julie Wright wrote her first book at fifteen and has penned over twenty novels since. She’s a Whitney Awards winner for best romance and received a Crown Heart award for “The Fortune Café.” Julie lives with her husband, three kids, one dog, and various fish, frogs, and salamanders. She enjoys writing, reading, hiking, and watching her husband cook. Her pet peeve? Mayonnaise.
