Beloved Castaway

Fairweather Keys #1

by Kathleen Y'Barbo

Isabelle Gayarre, fleeing a life of servitude, refuses to be owned by anyone, yet soon finds her heart in danger of being possessed by the godless Captain Josiah Carter. Can Isabelle trust him to help her escape without losing her heart? Josiah Carter, running from demons of his own, is stirred by the presence of the beautiful woman seeking refuge on his ship. Realizing that a runaway slave can never be his, legally or otherwise, a storm begins to brew within. Will their love ever reach a safe haven, or is it doomed to wreck upon the jagged reefs of the Fairweather Keys?

Genres: Christian Fiction, Christian, Historical Fiction, Historical Romance, Romance, Christian Romance, Fiction

297 pages, Paperback

First published November 1, 2007

About the author

Publishers Weekly bestselling author Kathleen Y’Barbo is a multiple Carol Award and RITA nominee of more than one hundred novels with almost two million copies in print in the US and abroad.

A tenth-generation Texan and certified paralegal, she has been nominated for a Career Achievement Award as well a Reader’s Choice Award and is the winner of the Inspirational Romance of the Year by Romantic Times magazine.

To connect with her through social media, check out the links on her website at www.kathleenybarbo.com.

Reviews

[Margaret Chind · Rating 4 out of 5]

As the way things turned out, I was able to read Beloved Captive, book #2 of the Fairweather Keys Series before I read this book #1. So, in starting the story I knew somewhat of what to expect with the plot and the outcome. However, that did not deny my experience even the tiniest bit. I still am shocked and amazed and the twists and turns the plot took through out. Especially, at the growth in which the characters were able to grow as individuals and persons in Christ.

The story is about three women setting out to change a wrong. Each life is extremely different and the path taken is similar but unique. It is also a story about a man and his father learning about how forgiveness is a two-way street. Kathleen Y'Barbo is definite a treat in the written word and I cannot wait to read more of her imagination, including the third in the Fairweather Keys Series coming out next year.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was not what I was expecting (I was thinking more stranded on an Island type thing) but not bad. The romance was light, the characters interesting, and the faith element strong. Why not five stars? I just came to the end and really couldn't decide if I really liked the story or if it was a waste of my time. Weird, I know. I normally have strong opinions one way or another on books.

[Loraine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although this is the first in one of Y'Barbo's older series, I thoroughly enjoyed it. With lots of action, a swoon worthy hero, a desperate heroine, and an island full of "wreckers" in the Carribbean during the 1830's as three women escape from problems in New Orleans. They didn't know godless Josiah Carter; but as the story progress, not only does Josiah meet and find a personal relationship with God but he also finds a new life. Each of the three women find a solution to what they are fleeing from and a new start on life.

I look forward to reading books 2 and 3 in this series.

[Sandra Stiles · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am so happy that I was able to read and review this book. I loved it like I expected I would. The twists and turns in this book kept me reading from beginning to end. The love story was not gaudy or over done. It was a love that could only be brought about and shaped by the hands of God. We have Josiah Carter on the run from his father. Why? His father, the Reverend Carter is a hard man and Josiah has taken his young brother and runaway with him. He has no use for God after what he has seen in his father.

Isabelle Gayarre was born into slavery and was sold to Reverend Carter. At the same time her half sister Emilie refuses to let her leave alone so she accompanies her. Escaping with these three women is Violet Dumont who is promised to Andre Gayarre a very cruel and violent man. Once they have escaped they are hunted by Andre. Their ship catches fire before they leave New Orleans, then springs a leak and they manage to make it to Fairweather Key. Here is where things take their biggest twist and the reason I recommend this book be read. I look forward to reading Beloved Captive and Beloved counterfeit the Sequels to this book. This is an author I will most definitely keep my eye on.

[Kathryn Sneed · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first time reading a book by Kathleen Y'barbo and I thought it was pretty good! The beginning was a bit confusing at first and I think it just needed a bit more background story although some things are explained at the very end.

Isabelle is a slave and she is trying to run away from a life she has known her whole life. She finds Josiah, a man also running away although he is running away from his father. As Captain of the ship the Jude, he decides to take Isabelle, her sister Emilie, and Viola a young woman running away from her intended a man-intent on hurting her to England. Before they can even embark on their journey to England, the ship catches on fire and the entire ship and its passengers have some decisions to make. As the ship finally sets upon its course, Isabelle tries to fight her growing attraction for Josiah knowing that she is a slave and cannot ever be with him. As the ship starts to sink from damage from the fire, Josiah tried his best to land the boat into the Florida Keys. After landing all passengers must decide what they will do with their lives. Will they stay in the Keys or will they move on? Will Isabelle ever be free to marry Josiah?

I enjoyed reading this story and was a bit surprised by what Isabelle finds out in the end. I also enjoyed seeing such strong Christian faith in Isabelle and the other characters.

[BlueJeansAndTeacups · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book and found it to be fast paced. The ever constant presence of the Lord throughout the story was very comforting to me, especially has I am reading it while in the thick of the COVID-19 pandemic. I honestly do not recall where I got this book as it is (c)2007, but most likely from my friend who keeps me well stocked in her used books. There is urgency, high seas drama and interesting historical details concerning the laws of concubines (female slaves /mistresses). I would recommend this book & all opinions are my own without expectation or compensation.

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

The title of the books sounded so familiar, although there's a new cover on it, so I wasn't sure I'd read it before. I got into it and, nope, it sure didn't sound familiar - well, not until I was about 60% of the way through. I had read it before, and I really liked it then too. The subtle changes in the characters towards the light. The faith that kept holding on in others when things looked terribly wrong. And then the ending, what a surprise - I didn't remember that!

Clean read.

[Anita · Rating 3 out of 5]

Historical and Christian romance se in New Orleans and the florida keys of the early 1800’s - three young women seek passage to England on a broken down ship with a dashing captain of dubious past. The ship is nearly burned before it leaves port, chased and wreaked, all the while the Lord is working miracles.

[Morgan's Endless Bookshelf · Rating 4 out of 5]

The theme of redemption was very strong throughout this book, with Josiah, his father, and even Isabelle's father to some extent. I really loved the twists at the end. And Isabelle's self-sacrifice at the end? So good! There were a few mentions of what happens to female slaves often, but nothing overly descriptive.

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

My rating system

5- Gush/Absolutely Loved
4- Low Love/High Like
3- Like
2- Meh
1- Dislike/Hate

If it is a .5 star I round up

4 Stars

A really good Christian Historical romance fiction novel.

[Ruth Jessen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ahhh the twists and turns!!

Early Americana, slavery, ships, storms, and a surprise ending that is crazy awesome unbelievable. A redemption story at it a finest!

[Sharon Teagarden-king · Rating 3 out of 5]

enjoyable

[Cathy Bickerstaff · Rating 4 out of 5]

While I prefer Kathleen Y'barbo 's more lighthearted works, this is an excellent book with intriguing characters and plot twists.I definitely recommend it, and will be reading Fairweather Keys 2.

[Kimberly · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wish I could have given this book 2.5 stars, but since I can't, I rounded down. If I'd felt strongly enough about it, I would have rated it three stars. As it is, I may rethink my rating and bump it up, who knows?

If one can get through the first seventy pages of this book, the rest of it isn't too bad. The writing style at the beginning of the book was odd, I couldn't get into it. The second half of the book was much stronger and much more cohesively written. It did seem as though the author tried to cram too much into the story; perhaps she had a page limit? I don't know, but plotlines got a little jumbled up because of this. The relationships among the captain and the ladies, the families of the ladies, the love between the Captain and Isabelle, it was all a bit of a mishmash.

At the beginning of the novel the reader is lead to believe that Isabelle is going to be more than a slave to Hezekiah Carter, a mistress perhaps? But once the reader is actually introduced to Hezekiah, we learn that he is a deeply faithful, albeit harsh and alienating towards Josiah, man who has remained faithful to his wife for thirty-some years.

Isabelle and Emilie's father is introduced at the beginning of the book, but then his character kind of falls by the wayside, as does the character of Mama Dell. The exit of Mama Dell was handled a bit unsatisfactorily. What did she have to do with the raising of Isabelle? What was Isabelle's childhood actually like? Those are questions that are alluded to now and then, but never really addressed.

The character of Josiah was also a bit strange at the beginning of the novel. He is completely barbarous to the ladies before and after they board the ship and acts insanely by tossing Isabelle's trunk and belongings around, but he's not really an antagonist, so what's with the crazy act?

And what of the random side story involving Viola and Andre? What a bizarre subplot. He follows the ship and then is killed? The point of that was? I understand that he was brutal to Viola, but I felt that that situation wasn't written with enough depth to be satisfactory. I actually felt that way about a good deal of the book. I enjoyed it, but I wished that there was more to it. If Y'Barbo had just spent a little more time on the backstories of the characters, written with a little more depth and really pulled the stories together more fluidly, this book would have been stupendous.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Now this is my kind of historical fiction book! The romance in Beloved Castaway totally rocked! And the kisses were to die for--very well written. There is nothing more exciting than a forbidden love story, and this book has it all. Even some edgy stuff. The heroine's mother was quadroon and from New Orleans and thus she was born a slave. The hero was the captain of the ship she sailed on. The way the hero treated her initially (not knowing about her heritage) made me cringe, but then things turned around. This story truly inspired me like Christian fiction should.

I won't give away the storyline, but this was also a deeply spiritual book. It shows the power of living the way Christ commands us to, and the effect this way of right-living has on non-believers. And the ending has the absolute coolest twist I've ever read. But don't read the last chapter first, or you will ruin the book. You don't want to miss this treat, so don't cheat yourself out of a great experience.

My last thought... The cover is pretty but also kind of dark, so it isn't one I would normally pick up in a store to read. But the story within it's pages will brighten your day, so take a chance on this one. Trust me, if you love romantic tension and some awesome Christian fiction with sizzle, this novel will definitely float your boat.

[Joleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was surprised while reading Beloved Castaway! In the beginning there's a bit of confusion about fellow slave, Mama Dell, and her intentions toward our main character, Isabelle -- whether she was really trying to help her and protect her or whether she was jealous and manipulated Isabelle because she could. That was never really resolved in my mind, but just trying to figure it out was interesting.
The rest of the book, once she was freed from Mama Dell was about Isabelle finding her identity, after having no idea who her father was, nor who had purchased her. She was escaping and fearful, but at the same time learning confidence and developing her own loving character.
Like Mama Dell, Captain Carter was an enigma as well, but we got to see his true personality come through, as the very Word of God he turned his back on comes alive through Isabelle.
There is so much to this book, and it is so well written that I could hardly put it down. Surprises all the way through we're entertaining. And I LOVED the way it ended. Such a surprise!
I'd never read anything by Kathleen Y'Barbo before, but I will no doubt read more. Great story teller. Unfortunately the next book, which covers Isabelle's sister, is not published for Kindle.

[Anita · Rating 2 out of 5]

Isabelle Gayarre is a runaway slave (with blonde hair and green eyes) who is running away from being sold as a plantation owners mistress. Josiah Carter is running away from God, and his own father. The christian theme was a little over bearing, The characters seemed to change really fast, there wasn't alot of time dedicated to development,and the plot was murky at best. It was just ok.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed book. It presented a fresh, unique approach to the themes of freedom and slavery. The romance was intense and realistic. To understand this book, go to Kathleen Y'Barbo's website, where she has the original first chapter available for download. It explains a lot that was hard to pick up with out it.

[Gwendolyn Gage · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Beloved Castaway" is just the kind of historical romance I loved as a teenager--danger, escapes, rescues, slavery, and secrets. The author is plot-strong, and knows how to keep a story moving! The dialogue and writing style did get in the way of my enjoyment, but I was invested enough to find out what happened to the characters. :-)

[Kalyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a lot better than the first one I read of hers, and I loved that it was set in the Florida Keys! Shipwrecks, mysterious pasts, and a budding romance made this one a delight. I do wish though that the writing flowed better - still a little choppy in some parts.

[Catherine Richmond]

The strength of this story is consistent period language used in dialogue and narrative. Background about the wreckers, those who rescued people and cargo from wrecked ships, was interesting. I would have liked to know more about Isabelle's life before she met Josiah.

[Carrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received it for Christmas and had it finished on December 26. I've re-read it since and loaned it to my mom (I think). Very good story and setting.

[Cws]

YA Y'Ba

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty entertaining. I usually enjoy a novel that takes place on the high seas. This lacked the usual danger, but it was an overall fun read.

[Mackenzie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book 1 of 2

[Marcie Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

Three women are on the run together, but for different reasons. How can they escape and not be found out? Lots of twists and turns in this book which I enjoyed reading.

[Edna Peterson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Romance

this story was no different than dozens of others.

clean language.
it would have been better with some historical facts included. nothing learned

[Sandy Duke · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have a love/hate relationship with books like this that keep you rushing through pages right up to the very last page. OK. So it's mostly a love...

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. I am looking forward to reading the rest of the series.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

it took me awile to read this book, not sure why! it was good, I just couldn't seem to get into it! :/