Publisher's Synopsis
From the author of The Fair Botanists, Waterstones Scottish Book of the Year 2022 Celebrated writer and historian Maria Graham must make the treacherous voyage from Brazil to London to deliver her latest book to her publisher. Having come to terms with the loss of her beloved husband, Maria now has renewed hope for the future and is determined to live her life as she pleases, free from the smothering constraints of Georgian society. For a woman travelling alone it's a journey fraught with danger, and as civil war rages around her, the only ship prepared to take Maria belongs to roguish smuggler Captain James Henderson. Onboard, all is well until Maria makes two shocking discoveries - the first a deadly secret, the second an irresistible attraction to the enigmatic captain. With Henderson on a journey of his own and determined to finally put his life of crime behind him, he and Maria grow ever closer. But can Henderson escape his illicit past or will the scandalous secret he's hiding ruin them both? On Starlit Seas is a breathtaking and compelling story of passion, secrets and escape. "A story as rich and velvety as the chocolate at its heart... A joy to read." MARY CHAMBERLAIN (author of The Dressmaker of Dachau) "This is a novel to take one seamlessly from exotic places to shadowy underworlds and polite drawing rooms, in order to revel in an emotionally charged and socially challenged Victorian romance, coupled with the cliff-hanging jeopardy of Brazilian and London low-life... Five stars with extra phosphorescence!" JOANNA HICKSON (author of The Tudor Bride)
