Setting Sail: Upon the Isles of the Sea

by Grace Elliot

1849. Industrialization has gripped the British Isles, and the working class faces hardships of backbreaking labor, meager wages, and tight-fisted landlords. In England, Edward Morgan loses his young family to ravaging sickness. In Ireland, Lauryn Kelly endures injury amidst a devastating famine. In the coal mines of Scotland, Ewen McAllister and his wife, Bess, mourn the deaths of two infant daughters and the wretched future that faces their two living children. Life in the motherland runs dark with discouragement and despair and many question the hand of God in allowing such misery. But hope soon shines its welcome beacon. Lauryn gains fresh opportunity as lady-in-waiting to an English noblewoman. The McAllisters find their thirst for eternal truth fulfilled in the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. And Edward, lonely and heartbroken, finds the courage to leave his past behind. Driven by the dream of creating a new life in the South Sea colonies, this small group becomes part of the surging tide of immigrants leaving Britain. Facing the perils of life at sea, their lives become inextricably intertwined as they make their journey to a new home. In this sweeping epic, author Grace Elliot skillfully enters the lives of her characters to tell a breathtaking story of renewed life.

356 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 1, 2014

About the author

Grace Elliot leads a double life as a veterinarian by day and author of historical romance by night. She believes that intelligent people need to read romance as an antidote to the modern world.
Grace lives near London and is housekeeping staff to five cats, two teenage sons, one husband and a bearded dragon.

Reviews

[Kammie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author shares the terrible circumstances that many English, Scottish, and Irish working class lived in the mid 1800's. It is interesting how different characters learn about the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. The voyage to New Zealand includes setting up school while on board, Sunday Sermons, a stow away, and tragedy. The author makes you feel like you really get to know the characters.