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On Starlit Seas
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.
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.
448 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2016
30 people are currently reading
249 people want to read
About the author
Sara Sheridan
46 books431 followersBorn in Edinburgh. I'm a complete swot - love books always have! Currently obsessed with late Georgian/ early Victorian culture, the subject of several of my novels, and with 1950s Britain for my Mirabelle Bevan murder mystery series set across the UK - and even one in Paris. Occasionally write tie-in books for historical dramas on TV, children's picture books and short stories, mostly for charitable causes.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
January 31, 2018
interesting historical fiction novel based on a true character maria graham (nee Dundas) and her travels from south america and to england and the background of the chocolate trade and the journey from brazil with the captain henderson.
July 29, 2018
Ceniona szkocka pisarka Sara Sheridan przybliża postać globtroterki, pisarki i ilustratorki Marii Graham, wypełniając białe pola jej życiorysu w powieści historycznej „Na gwiaździstych morzach”.
Sara Sherdian połączyła prawdę historyczną z fikcją literacką tak, że nie sposób odnaleźć dzielących ich granic. To niezwykła sztuka, kiedy opowieść dotyczy prawdziwej postaci, jako że dzieje Marii Graham są na tyle niedopowiedziane, tak już odległe, a jednocześnie na swój sposób pasjonujące i inspirujące także dla współczesnych kobiet. Pisarka pokazuje kobietę, która nie bała się przekraczać konwenansów, umykać ustalonym zasadom, trzymając się jednak praw, które pozwoliły jej zachować swoją pozycję, szacunek w środowisku i powszechne uznanie. To jedna z tych cichych bohaterek, które nawet jeśli jeździły na amazonce, nawet jeśli w dżungli nie wychodziły z długich sukni, gorsetów i rękawiczek, to przyczyniły się do przetarcia szlaków wszystkim kobietom, które przyszły po niej i postanowiły z odwagą przemierzać świat.
„Na gwiaździstych morzach” to unikatowa mieszanka historii, fikcji, miłości, intrygi i… smakowitej czekolady.
Sara Sherdian połączyła prawdę historyczną z fikcją literacką tak, że nie sposób odnaleźć dzielących ich granic. To niezwykła sztuka, kiedy opowieść dotyczy prawdziwej postaci, jako że dzieje Marii Graham są na tyle niedopowiedziane, tak już odległe, a jednocześnie na swój sposób pasjonujące i inspirujące także dla współczesnych kobiet. Pisarka pokazuje kobietę, która nie bała się przekraczać konwenansów, umykać ustalonym zasadom, trzymając się jednak praw, które pozwoliły jej zachować swoją pozycję, szacunek w środowisku i powszechne uznanie. To jedna z tych cichych bohaterek, które nawet jeśli jeździły na amazonce, nawet jeśli w dżungli nie wychodziły z długich sukni, gorsetów i rękawiczek, to przyczyniły się do przetarcia szlaków wszystkim kobietom, które przyszły po niej i postanowiły z odwagą przemierzać świat.
„Na gwiaździstych morzach” to unikatowa mieszanka historii, fikcji, miłości, intrygi i… smakowitej czekolady.
July 25, 2016
What a delight! The pure richness of words wrapped by the cover of On Starlit Seas allowed me to be swept away on a magical, epic voyage that simply took my breath away. From Cacoa beans in Mexico, to Fry’s Chocolate manufactory in Bristol, and the filthy London back streets knocking on society’s finest door, On Starlit Seas is delicious story featuring smuggling, blackmail and adventure, where the path of two people with differing destinies seemed fated to cross.
Widowed Maria Graham, a Naval Captain’s wife and English lady of respectable birth and intellect, sought passage home during a turbulent time of in South America’s history. Being used to travelling to exotic places with her husband before his passing she continued to do so alone. She has found acclaim as an author after documenting her experiences, much to the interest of her publisher who eagerly anticipated her newest manuscripts from his offices in the chillier climes of London.
A rarity in the 1800’s, a woman author (she’s not fictional) would inevitably lead to mockery by her male peers, but Maria Graham was not the sort of lady you would meet every day. In fact she was a breath of fresh air – lead by her determination to observe the world and everything in it.
After discovering there were no passenger or Naval ships available to provide a suitable escort for Maria, as they were commissioned to carry out more important tasks, her quest to find a suitable means home became an interesting proposition. She had to deliver her new manuscripts to her publisher and collect supplies for her new position as governess to a young princess and although she might be accustomed to dealing with rugged escorts on her many journeys, trudging along on horseback through difficult terrain, nothing would prepare her for Captain Henderson, a gentlemanly rogue if ever there was one!
From the moment they met at the port, no matter what he seemed to do, he caused repeated insult or offence. Frustratingly, her position means she cannot admit to being intrigued by his rugged exterior and the mysteries of his inherited cargo, not to mention his unusual boat and the crew that complimented it! The surprising nature of their affinity leads to endearing moments throughout.
The Captain took a step away from polite society when his was a boy of twelve to join his father’s business, and despite his best efforts his rough edges show. He’s used to his own company and another class of lady altogether and his unintentional confusion surrounding these matters is met with some distain from Maria Graham as she graces the deck of the Bittersweet.
Although fiercely independent, she is grateful for the advantages her status has afforded her. If only she could put aside the inhibitions reining her in for just a moment, and if only he can stop being so innocently devilish, and presumptuous, then things could be very different on the perilous journey ahead where they will meet some very unsavoury characters indeed. Their difficulties also lead to the heart of society which shows its disapproval at the slightest whiff of impropriety, and neither wishes to rock that particular boat (excuse the pun).
The many flavours of the characters are further enhanced by the places they encounter. I was especially intrigued by the regular consumption of chocolate throughout, which is sipped from a cup rather than eaten in a block. Its innovations and practices lead Fry’s Chocolate to be woven into the intricacies of a grand plot, as are the hints of improvements to conditions for the plantation workers with the hint of a ‘fair trade’ cacoa bean.
On Starlit Seas is a magnificent and captivating read, blended to perfection.
(I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.)
Widowed Maria Graham, a Naval Captain’s wife and English lady of respectable birth and intellect, sought passage home during a turbulent time of in South America’s history. Being used to travelling to exotic places with her husband before his passing she continued to do so alone. She has found acclaim as an author after documenting her experiences, much to the interest of her publisher who eagerly anticipated her newest manuscripts from his offices in the chillier climes of London.
A rarity in the 1800’s, a woman author (she’s not fictional) would inevitably lead to mockery by her male peers, but Maria Graham was not the sort of lady you would meet every day. In fact she was a breath of fresh air – lead by her determination to observe the world and everything in it.
After discovering there were no passenger or Naval ships available to provide a suitable escort for Maria, as they were commissioned to carry out more important tasks, her quest to find a suitable means home became an interesting proposition. She had to deliver her new manuscripts to her publisher and collect supplies for her new position as governess to a young princess and although she might be accustomed to dealing with rugged escorts on her many journeys, trudging along on horseback through difficult terrain, nothing would prepare her for Captain Henderson, a gentlemanly rogue if ever there was one!
From the moment they met at the port, no matter what he seemed to do, he caused repeated insult or offence. Frustratingly, her position means she cannot admit to being intrigued by his rugged exterior and the mysteries of his inherited cargo, not to mention his unusual boat and the crew that complimented it! The surprising nature of their affinity leads to endearing moments throughout.
The Captain took a step away from polite society when his was a boy of twelve to join his father’s business, and despite his best efforts his rough edges show. He’s used to his own company and another class of lady altogether and his unintentional confusion surrounding these matters is met with some distain from Maria Graham as she graces the deck of the Bittersweet.
Although fiercely independent, she is grateful for the advantages her status has afforded her. If only she could put aside the inhibitions reining her in for just a moment, and if only he can stop being so innocently devilish, and presumptuous, then things could be very different on the perilous journey ahead where they will meet some very unsavoury characters indeed. Their difficulties also lead to the heart of society which shows its disapproval at the slightest whiff of impropriety, and neither wishes to rock that particular boat (excuse the pun).
The many flavours of the characters are further enhanced by the places they encounter. I was especially intrigued by the regular consumption of chocolate throughout, which is sipped from a cup rather than eaten in a block. Its innovations and practices lead Fry’s Chocolate to be woven into the intricacies of a grand plot, as are the hints of improvements to conditions for the plantation workers with the hint of a ‘fair trade’ cacoa bean.
On Starlit Seas is a magnificent and captivating read, blended to perfection.
(I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.)
February 5, 2018
Čitajući komentare na ovu knjigu, pronađem da su ustvari mnogi likovi iz knjige bili stvarne ličnosti. Glavna junakinja, Maria Graham je bila poznata spisateljica, koja je putujući po svijetu, pisala knjige u kojima je detaljno opisivala znamenitosti, prirodu i društvo zemlje u kojoj se zatekla. Istražujući njenu biografiju, naišla sam na podatak da je Maria napisala čak 15 knjiga, od kojih je svaka posvećena nekoj od zemalja : Indija, Brazil, Španija i Čile koje je sama posjetila i svoje zapise potkrijepila izuzetnim znanjem iz biologije i botanike. Hrabra i odvažna žena koja je ostavila trag u historiji jednoga naroda.
Priča počinje Marijinom selidbom iz Čilea u Brazil, nakon smrti njenog muža, odakle brodom putuje u Englesku, kako bi dostavila rukopise svome izdavaču za dvije nove knjige. Kapetan broda, kojim putuje, i Maria su glavni likovi priče, koji se zbližavaju tokom putovanja, a nakon njihovog dolaska u London, pratimo kako kapetan izlazi na kraj sa opasnim krijumčarima, u isto vrijeme pokušavajući se zbližiti s Marijom.
Priča obiluje divnim opisima njihove nostalgije prema rodnom gradu, Londonu, te korisnim historijskim činjenicama o krijumčarenju i uzgoju kakaovca u tom periodu. Međutim bilo mi je jako teško povezati se s glavnom junakinjom, koja je prikazana kao jaka i hrabra žena, i tu opis njene ličnosti prestaje. Svako njeno razmišljanje o osjećanjima i ljubavi vrlo brzo prekidaju misli o ugledu koji treba sačuvati, kako bi i dalje ostala cijenjena spisateljica. Bilo je zamorno čitati o ženi koja je spremna kršiti društvene norme zbog nauke i karijere, ali ne i zbog ljubavi. Kapetan je, s druge strane čovjek koji je zbog ljubavi prema Mariji postao bolji čovjek. Divno opisan lik čovjeka koji se može nositi sa krijumčarima koji ga namjeravaju ubiti, a u isto vrijeme biti preplavljen osjećajem ljubavi prema jednoj ženi, i nostalgije prema rodnom gradu. Njihov susret na brodu, na samom kraju knjige, u potpunosti je iskristalizirao moje mišljenje o likovima, kada Marija vidjevši da se kapetan promijenio i postao pravi gospodin, ipak nada da će zanemariti svoje manire, i biti bar na minut onaj stari, kojeg je svaki put odbila. Sama priča je bila jako malo fokusirana na osjećanja likova, a mnogo na njihove karijere i ono što su svima pokazivali svojom vanjštinom.
Solidna priča, s bar jednim likom koji ćete zavoljeti čitajući ovu knjigu, kojoj se ne bih vraćala ponovo.
Priča počinje Marijinom selidbom iz Čilea u Brazil, nakon smrti njenog muža, odakle brodom putuje u Englesku, kako bi dostavila rukopise svome izdavaču za dvije nove knjige. Kapetan broda, kojim putuje, i Maria su glavni likovi priče, koji se zbližavaju tokom putovanja, a nakon njihovog dolaska u London, pratimo kako kapetan izlazi na kraj sa opasnim krijumčarima, u isto vrijeme pokušavajući se zbližiti s Marijom.
Priča obiluje divnim opisima njihove nostalgije prema rodnom gradu, Londonu, te korisnim historijskim činjenicama o krijumčarenju i uzgoju kakaovca u tom periodu. Međutim bilo mi je jako teško povezati se s glavnom junakinjom, koja je prikazana kao jaka i hrabra žena, i tu opis njene ličnosti prestaje. Svako njeno razmišljanje o osjećanjima i ljubavi vrlo brzo prekidaju misli o ugledu koji treba sačuvati, kako bi i dalje ostala cijenjena spisateljica. Bilo je zamorno čitati o ženi koja je spremna kršiti društvene norme zbog nauke i karijere, ali ne i zbog ljubavi. Kapetan je, s druge strane čovjek koji je zbog ljubavi prema Mariji postao bolji čovjek. Divno opisan lik čovjeka koji se može nositi sa krijumčarima koji ga namjeravaju ubiti, a u isto vrijeme biti preplavljen osjećajem ljubavi prema jednoj ženi, i nostalgije prema rodnom gradu. Njihov susret na brodu, na samom kraju knjige, u potpunosti je iskristalizirao moje mišljenje o likovima, kada Marija vidjevši da se kapetan promijenio i postao pravi gospodin, ipak nada da će zanemariti svoje manire, i biti bar na minut onaj stari, kojeg je svaki put odbila. Sama priča je bila jako malo fokusirana na osjećanja likova, a mnogo na njihove karijere i ono što su svima pokazivali svojom vanjštinom.
Solidna priča, s bar jednim likom koji ćete zavoljeti čitajući ovu knjigu, kojoj se ne bih vraćala ponovo.
March 14, 2025
On Starlit Seas gives a fascinating glimpse into the world of chocolate trading and smuggling in the 1820s in a richly detailed story.
One of the main characters is Maria Graham, the widow of a ship's captain, who has lived in Chile and Brazil and is making her way home to England. Most unusually for the time, she is travelling alone. Even more unusually, she is very independent and a published author. At a time of unrest in the Americas, there are few ships to make her journey on and she travels on the Bittersweet, which is under the command of Captain James Henderson. Add in a group of gentlemen (and I use the word very loosely!) involved in a smuggling ring under the cover of a bridge club, the seedy underworld of London and you have a epic tale of adventure and love.
It was the author's attention to detail which struck me as I was reading. In the first few chapters we are taken deep into the Brazilian jungle and on to the bustling port of Natal. Sara Sheridan made the heat, dirt and danger of the jungle feel all too real and brought the busy port to life. I could easily imagine the port where the fishermen sang as they mended nets, the juicy fresh mangoes were tasted and trade deals were negotiated. Sara Sheridan was just as skilled at describing life on board ship and the dangers found in London where outwardly respectable wood-panelled clubs hid underhand and dangerous dealings.
Maria Graham is a fascinating character, not least because she was a real person. She published several books about her travels and in this novel is bringing two more manuscripts to her publisher in London. This was at a time when women's opinions and intelligence was not valued or even recognised by the majority of men. Maria was prevented from speaking to The Royal Society about her discovery of a way to measure earthquakes
I haven't even touched upon the chocolate business part of the story where we read about more familiar names such as the Fry family, or what was happening with the gentlemen of the bridge club, or much about Captain Henderson who is an important character in his own right. As you can see, there's a lot going on in this book. It's a book to lose yourself in as you enter a world of smuggling, chocolate, adventure and love in the 1820s.
One of the main characters is Maria Graham, the widow of a ship's captain, who has lived in Chile and Brazil and is making her way home to England. Most unusually for the time, she is travelling alone. Even more unusually, she is very independent and a published author. At a time of unrest in the Americas, there are few ships to make her journey on and she travels on the Bittersweet, which is under the command of Captain James Henderson. Add in a group of gentlemen (and I use the word very loosely!) involved in a smuggling ring under the cover of a bridge club, the seedy underworld of London and you have a epic tale of adventure and love.
It was the author's attention to detail which struck me as I was reading. In the first few chapters we are taken deep into the Brazilian jungle and on to the bustling port of Natal. Sara Sheridan made the heat, dirt and danger of the jungle feel all too real and brought the busy port to life. I could easily imagine the port where the fishermen sang as they mended nets, the juicy fresh mangoes were tasted and trade deals were negotiated. Sara Sheridan was just as skilled at describing life on board ship and the dangers found in London where outwardly respectable wood-panelled clubs hid underhand and dangerous dealings.
Maria Graham is a fascinating character, not least because she was a real person. She published several books about her travels and in this novel is bringing two more manuscripts to her publisher in London. This was at a time when women's opinions and intelligence was not valued or even recognised by the majority of men. Maria was prevented from speaking to The Royal Society about her discovery of a way to measure earthquakes
I haven't even touched upon the chocolate business part of the story where we read about more familiar names such as the Fry family, or what was happening with the gentlemen of the bridge club, or much about Captain Henderson who is an important character in his own right. As you can see, there's a lot going on in this book. It's a book to lose yourself in as you enter a world of smuggling, chocolate, adventure and love in the 1820s.
October 16, 2017
I don't know why but i expected this to be a romance novel. It dissapointed me when Maria and James parted.
April 5, 2024
Pošteno me namučila stilom, radnjom i na kraju bezveznim završetkom 🤔
August 10, 2025
Burde nok skjønt at det var litt for mye romantikk her, sjokoladebitene var interessante men også action-plottet hadde en merkelig og litt hastig avslutning. Generøse tre stjerner fordi det er morsomt å skrive om historiske damer som faktisk har levd og gjorde uvanlige ting!
December 1, 2018
I feel mean giving only 2 stars because really the potential was worth more than that. This is my second attempt to read it, the first I gave up after about 20%.
This is not a high-action sea adventure, nor a compelling love story (thankfully not a bodice ripper), and with a fairly large cast who we're introduced to very quickly, it was hard to get into it.
On the second attempt I persevered and was rewarded with a well written, well laid out plot, with interesting characters surrounding the history of the modern chocolate industry.
Why it lost those 3 extra stars:
I didn't realise that the MC Maria Graham/ Dundas was actually a real person (author's note at the end). No problem with that, but the author then wove a slow burning love story around her and the ship captain which was entirely fictitious. I don't mind not having a HEA, but when Maria and the captain went their separate ways, it felt as if there were two loose ends. Perhaps the story would have had more impact if Maria had been written based on Maria Graham's life instead.
The addition of Richard fry (apparently one of the Fry sons of the famous chocolate manufacturers), I'm not sure whether he was a real person or not, but I felt his character was a bit pointless in the plot. He appears at about the 60% mark and he messes about a bit, joins up with the captain and his whole reason for being part of the story was to save him. Once that's happened, he just disappears off stage.
Too many characters, as I mentioned above. I have read many novels of various genres recently (trying to spread my wings a bit), and the main problem they have shared is that they have a cast worthy of a film. Maybe they have all been written with the big screen in mind, but as a reader, it's not only confusing trying to keep up with them all, it also dilutes the story. The plot was essentially about Maria Graham and her travels back to England, and James Henderson a captain who wants to turn his life around. Good so far. But then we have a completely superfluous edition of the Fry family, including the parents and other brothers; not to mention the inner workings of the bad guys.
The promise in the title of it being a sailing adventure, turns out that only a small proportion of the story takes place at sea. The majority is actually in London.
Overall, a good well written read, it just lacked a bit of cohesiveness and oomph. Though it is not entirely to my taste, I can think of some people who would enjoy this immensely.
This is not a high-action sea adventure, nor a compelling love story (thankfully not a bodice ripper), and with a fairly large cast who we're introduced to very quickly, it was hard to get into it.
On the second attempt I persevered and was rewarded with a well written, well laid out plot, with interesting characters surrounding the history of the modern chocolate industry.
Why it lost those 3 extra stars:
I didn't realise that the MC Maria Graham/ Dundas was actually a real person (author's note at the end). No problem with that, but the author then wove a slow burning love story around her and the ship captain which was entirely fictitious. I don't mind not having a HEA, but when Maria and the captain went their separate ways, it felt as if there were two loose ends. Perhaps the story would have had more impact if Maria had been written based on Maria Graham's life instead.
The addition of Richard fry (apparently one of the Fry sons of the famous chocolate manufacturers), I'm not sure whether he was a real person or not, but I felt his character was a bit pointless in the plot. He appears at about the 60% mark and he messes about a bit, joins up with the captain and his whole reason for being part of the story was to save him. Once that's happened, he just disappears off stage.
Too many characters, as I mentioned above. I have read many novels of various genres recently (trying to spread my wings a bit), and the main problem they have shared is that they have a cast worthy of a film. Maybe they have all been written with the big screen in mind, but as a reader, it's not only confusing trying to keep up with them all, it also dilutes the story. The plot was essentially about Maria Graham and her travels back to England, and James Henderson a captain who wants to turn his life around. Good so far. But then we have a completely superfluous edition of the Fry family, including the parents and other brothers; not to mention the inner workings of the bad guys.
The promise in the title of it being a sailing adventure, turns out that only a small proportion of the story takes place at sea. The majority is actually in London.
Overall, a good well written read, it just lacked a bit of cohesiveness and oomph. Though it is not entirely to my taste, I can think of some people who would enjoy this immensely.
June 11, 2017
I blame myself for not reading the publicity blurb carefully enough, I knew the book had some romance, but had hoped it would be more about the adventures of an independent Georgian women pursuing her career as a writer rather than just concentrating on her romantic dilemmas. In the end, her story just ‘peters out’ and I begun to wonder why the author bothered.
As for the sub plot with Henderson and the Smuggling ring, I got so frustrated that an experienced Captain who was quite capable of killing was so pathetic when it came to dealing with the men who had tried to kill him on more than one occasion. In the end this sort of worked out, although none of the plots really had decent endings.
I really enjoy the author’s Mirabelle Bevan stories and hoped Maria was going to be an equally strong heroine but this wasn’t to be.
As for the sub plot with Henderson and the Smuggling ring, I got so frustrated that an experienced Captain who was quite capable of killing was so pathetic when it came to dealing with the men who had tried to kill him on more than one occasion. In the end this sort of worked out, although none of the plots really had decent endings.
I really enjoy the author’s Mirabelle Bevan stories and hoped Maria was going to be an equally strong heroine but this wasn’t to be.
August 26, 2020
I loved this book. A story that takes me to faraway places and set in history is my favourite kind of novel and this didn’t disappoint. Sara Sheridan has the talent to deliver great characters and an enthralling plot. You can tell that it’s well researched, which gives you confidence in the story but it doesn’t ever bore you with too much information. Maria Graham was a real person which makes her adventures all the more fascinating and I particularly liked the cameo roles given to other real people from history. It takes real skill to pull off this combination of fact and fiction. Well done!
March 11, 2025
📚 Book Review:
On Starlit Seas by Sara Sheridan
⭐⭐⭐⭐💫
On Starlit Seas is another absorbing, atmospheric read from Sara Sheridan.
Firstly I absolutely loved the main character Maria and enjoyed following her throughout the book. She’s an actual historical character who I’d not heard of before so it was fascinating to find out more about her, chocolate smuggling and Brazil’s war for independence. It’s always a joy to read about independent, strong ladies especially in past times when the odds were more stacked against them and I loved how Maria stands up for herself against the norms of society. She doesn’t let anyone get in the way of her dreams which is very admirable both in the book and her achievements in real life.
I though the book had a great pace to it and there always seemed to be something happening to keep me reading. The author has done a great job of setting the scene and I often felt like I was really there experiencing the heat of the jungle at one moment and the rigidness of English society in the next. The story has a bit of everything in it war, adventure, ship voyages and romance which worked really well in the story. I loved learning more about the period as I didn’t know much about the beginnings of the chocolate trade or the gangs that existed purely for smuggling. The book is based around real events and I liked that the author has been able to fit her story inside of what actually transpired which I thought was very clever. I always love being able to google real life historical figures whilst reading so I can find out more about them but in this case I suggest not doing this until after you’ve read the book as it does cause some spoilers.
The ending was really well done and I found myself cheering for how everything turned out. I do wish one aspect of the ending was slightly different but unfortunately real life events means that it wouldn’t have been possible to end any other way.
If you are a fan of vivid, exciting historical fiction then I highly recommend this book.
On Starlit Seas by Sara Sheridan
⭐⭐⭐⭐💫
On Starlit Seas is another absorbing, atmospheric read from Sara Sheridan.
Firstly I absolutely loved the main character Maria and enjoyed following her throughout the book. She’s an actual historical character who I’d not heard of before so it was fascinating to find out more about her, chocolate smuggling and Brazil’s war for independence. It’s always a joy to read about independent, strong ladies especially in past times when the odds were more stacked against them and I loved how Maria stands up for herself against the norms of society. She doesn’t let anyone get in the way of her dreams which is very admirable both in the book and her achievements in real life.
I though the book had a great pace to it and there always seemed to be something happening to keep me reading. The author has done a great job of setting the scene and I often felt like I was really there experiencing the heat of the jungle at one moment and the rigidness of English society in the next. The story has a bit of everything in it war, adventure, ship voyages and romance which worked really well in the story. I loved learning more about the period as I didn’t know much about the beginnings of the chocolate trade or the gangs that existed purely for smuggling. The book is based around real events and I liked that the author has been able to fit her story inside of what actually transpired which I thought was very clever. I always love being able to google real life historical figures whilst reading so I can find out more about them but in this case I suggest not doing this until after you’ve read the book as it does cause some spoilers.
The ending was really well done and I found myself cheering for how everything turned out. I do wish one aspect of the ending was slightly different but unfortunately real life events means that it wouldn’t have been possible to end any other way.
If you are a fan of vivid, exciting historical fiction then I highly recommend this book.
March 29, 2025
Naval widow Maria Graham is determined to live outside the confines that Georgian society would place on her. She has travelled extensively in South America and is a published writer. Returning to London to deliver her latest manuscript she finds passage on a ship captained by James Henderson. Henderson and his crew have a special delivery to make but when the Captain finds a secret he decides that he needs to change his life around. As attraction between Maria and Henderson grows so the distance to London shortens.
Reading this novel I found it a very gentle romance with a bit of social conscience thrown in. There are references to societal norms and to abolitionism which lift it above the being a merely saccharine sweet story and there is the subplot about smuggling and the taste for chocolate in development. however when I'd finished I read the endnotes and discovered that Maria Graham was an actual person which fascinated me. Sheridan has taken an episode in Graham's life and woven her novel around that, it's complete fiction but is grounded and I like that!
Reading this novel I found it a very gentle romance with a bit of social conscience thrown in. There are references to societal norms and to abolitionism which lift it above the being a merely saccharine sweet story and there is the subplot about smuggling and the taste for chocolate in development. however when I'd finished I read the endnotes and discovered that Maria Graham was an actual person which fascinated me. Sheridan has taken an episode in Graham's life and woven her novel around that, it's complete fiction but is grounded and I like that!
April 12, 2025
I went to a talk by the author a few weeks ago and was so impressed I thought I had better try her books even though they are not the sort of books I would normally read.
This book is set in 1823 and features a fictionalised version of Maria Graham (a real person who was well travelled and wrote many books). Maria travels from Chile to Brazil and then seeks a sea captain who can take her back to England. There is a bit of romance on the voyage with Captain Henderson but Maria is very conscious of her reputation. On arrival in England Henderson has to decide whether to pay the excise duty on his cargo or attempt to smuggle it in. Henderson then has to deal with the investors who had hoped to make a bigger profit by avoiding excise duty. Things turn quite violent at this point.
The author is a good writer who creates a fascinating picture of Georgian Bristol and London. I enjoyed this although some parts of the story were a bit too sentimental for my taste and I will certainly look for more books by this author.
This book is set in 1823 and features a fictionalised version of Maria Graham (a real person who was well travelled and wrote many books). Maria travels from Chile to Brazil and then seeks a sea captain who can take her back to England. There is a bit of romance on the voyage with Captain Henderson but Maria is very conscious of her reputation. On arrival in England Henderson has to decide whether to pay the excise duty on his cargo or attempt to smuggle it in. Henderson then has to deal with the investors who had hoped to make a bigger profit by avoiding excise duty. Things turn quite violent at this point.
The author is a good writer who creates a fascinating picture of Georgian Bristol and London. I enjoyed this although some parts of the story were a bit too sentimental for my taste and I will certainly look for more books by this author.
May 21, 2024
A well crafted piece of historical fiction. There is much to sweeten the reader here .. from learning about the cocoa trade, the beginnings of chocolate making in England, to the manners and behaviour expected from individuals in various classes as well as the trading and smuggling of the time.
The author creates worlds which have a sensory life away from the page .. from Chile to Brazil and then to Bristol/Cornwall and onto to London. There are ships, back streets and meeting rooms, ladies drawing rooms, formal rooms in grand houses and the ports of each place .. all filled with elements of danger .. it could be a matter of societal misbehaviour and loss of reputation or a threat of physical violence and loss of life.
And then there are the real historical individuals so well characterised and woven into a very possible fiction.. here I have learnt of a talented woman, Maria Graham, with a resilience of will that is worthy of both this story and of greater acclaim.
The author creates worlds which have a sensory life away from the page .. from Chile to Brazil and then to Bristol/Cornwall and onto to London. There are ships, back streets and meeting rooms, ladies drawing rooms, formal rooms in grand houses and the ports of each place .. all filled with elements of danger .. it could be a matter of societal misbehaviour and loss of reputation or a threat of physical violence and loss of life.
And then there are the real historical individuals so well characterised and woven into a very possible fiction.. here I have learnt of a talented woman, Maria Graham, with a resilience of will that is worthy of both this story and of greater acclaim.
January 18, 2019
Krenimo redom- prvih 100str su bile sačuvaj me Bože i sakloni. Međutim, i pored ogromne želje da odustanem, nastavila sam. Narednih 100 mi nisu teško pale, al je Maria počela da mi ide na živce samo tako.
Da je kompletna knjiga napisana u stilu stranica 201-300 bilo bi baš super.
Maria mi je i dalje išla na živce, al je svakom procitanom stranicom njena situacija kod mene bila sve gora i gora. Toliko se borila da je prihvate i cijene barabar sa muškarcima i pristajala na razne kompromise, ali nije ni razmišljala o kompromisu kad je kapetan u pitanju.
A kapetan, da nije njega, vjerovatno bi svako batalio ovu priču koja je krcata predugim opisima nekih glupih mrlja na zidu.
Jesu li moja očekivanja previsoka, ne znam...ali više od 3 zvjezdica sigurno ne zaslužuje.
Da je kompletna knjiga napisana u stilu stranica 201-300 bilo bi baš super.
Maria mi je i dalje išla na živce, al je svakom procitanom stranicom njena situacija kod mene bila sve gora i gora. Toliko se borila da je prihvate i cijene barabar sa muškarcima i pristajala na razne kompromise, ali nije ni razmišljala o kompromisu kad je kapetan u pitanju.
A kapetan, da nije njega, vjerovatno bi svako batalio ovu priču koja je krcata predugim opisima nekih glupih mrlja na zidu.
Jesu li moja očekivanja previsoka, ne znam...ali više od 3 zvjezdica sigurno ne zaslužuje.
September 26, 2019
Trebalo mi je dosta vremena da pročitam ovu knjigu, čak sam mislila i odustati te sam počela čitati druge knjige. Međutim, izdržala sam do kraja i zapravo, nije toliko loša. Negdje napola se poboljša ili sam se ja prilagodila i našla zajednički jezik s radnjom.
Jasno mi je da je knjiga mješavina biografije Marije Graham i fikcije, ali mene lično nije pretjerano oduševila. Možda su mi očekivanja bila previsoka. Knjiga obećava priču o nezavisnoj ženi iz 19. stoljeća, čokoladi i putovanjima, što su moje omiljene teme. I onda, magija se nije desila, nisam s uzbuđenjem okretala strane nego me je obuzelo uzbuđenje kad sam vidjela da sam pri kraju s čitanjem ove knjige.
Jasno mi je da je knjiga mješavina biografije Marije Graham i fikcije, ali mene lično nije pretjerano oduševila. Možda su mi očekivanja bila previsoka. Knjiga obećava priču o nezavisnoj ženi iz 19. stoljeća, čokoladi i putovanjima, što su moje omiljene teme. I onda, magija se nije desila, nisam s uzbuđenjem okretala strane nego me je obuzelo uzbuđenje kad sam vidjela da sam pri kraju s čitanjem ove knjige.
April 28, 2021
Volim kakao, cokoladu i sve sto ima veze s tim, tako da je radi toga prva zvjezdica. Druga je zbog opisa radnje s mladim Fryem, tu je bilo napeto i zanimljivo. Sve ostalo je mix svega i svacega, da bi na kraju Maria i kapetan posli svatko svojim putem, nije bas kraj kakvog sam prizeljkivala. Puno vike nizasta..
August 14, 2025
I listened to this as an audio book for my book group. I found it really long and a bit tedious. I liked the Fair Botanists so I was disappointed with this book. I believe a shorter version has been released.
January 6, 2018
Didn't finish. Couldn't get into the story or have any empathy/engagement with the characters
February 4, 2019
Couldn’t get into it. Gave up by chapter 5.
December 31, 2021
What was worse? The story, the writing, or the editing?
January 31, 2025
The story is picking up the pace at some point, then it kind of goes slowly again until the end where a lot is happening. Overall a nice casual reading, but nothing too profound.
August 22, 2025
4.5 stars
November 1, 2016
On Starlit Seas is Sara Sheridan's fictionalised account of the journey from Brazil to London made by celebrated writer and historian Maria Graham. The novel opens with Maria working on an equation to measure earthquakes - an equation that male scientists of the day would ignore entirely (purely because she was a woman).
But this story is not the main part of the novel. Maria is on the way to deliver her manuscripts to her publisher John Murray in London and finds passage on the Bittersweet, captained by Captain Henderson, who is involved in smuggling chocolate. Chocolate is a very important part of this novel and plays a role in Maria and the Captain's developing friendship
'[Henderson] talked about cacao, describing its outlandish appearance, the cracking of the pods when they were ripe, and how the beans might be roasted and winnowed, the nibs removed. Maria fetched her sketches from the Brazilian Highlands and..... they pored over them as he identified the wild and cultivated cacao and she showed him the most unusual flowers she had come across during her stay.'
Will Maria be able to help Henderson become more of a gentleman and a more honest trader? Will she let their growing love win out over the obvious unsuitability of their match? Will Maria's work ever become accepted by the male scientists and writers of the day?
Maria Graham is a woman of significant achievements who we should know more about and one of the great things about this book is the (fictionalised) light it shines onto her life. The novel is an excellent evocation of a time when it was difficult for women to break into the men's worlds of adventure, literature and science. It's also an adventure story and a beautifully told tale of impossible love held back by the complicated etiquette of the day.
But this story is not the main part of the novel. Maria is on the way to deliver her manuscripts to her publisher John Murray in London and finds passage on the Bittersweet, captained by Captain Henderson, who is involved in smuggling chocolate. Chocolate is a very important part of this novel and plays a role in Maria and the Captain's developing friendship
'[Henderson] talked about cacao, describing its outlandish appearance, the cracking of the pods when they were ripe, and how the beans might be roasted and winnowed, the nibs removed. Maria fetched her sketches from the Brazilian Highlands and..... they pored over them as he identified the wild and cultivated cacao and she showed him the most unusual flowers she had come across during her stay.'
Will Maria be able to help Henderson become more of a gentleman and a more honest trader? Will she let their growing love win out over the obvious unsuitability of their match? Will Maria's work ever become accepted by the male scientists and writers of the day?
Maria Graham is a woman of significant achievements who we should know more about and one of the great things about this book is the (fictionalised) light it shines onto her life. The novel is an excellent evocation of a time when it was difficult for women to break into the men's worlds of adventure, literature and science. It's also an adventure story and a beautifully told tale of impossible love held back by the complicated etiquette of the day.
May 11, 2025
Sara Sheridan does a great job on bringing to our attention, lesser known females who have played a part in our rich history. It always leads me to looking up more about these people.
In this case it is Maria Graham, a writer of travel and children's books. Of course not new nowadays, but this is the turn of the 19th Century and a woman did not have that sort of role. As a naval wife, she spent a lot of time abroad, seeing very little of her husband but kept herself occupied with her writing and travel. From Italy, to Chile and when widowed, Brazil.
When the opportunity to become tutor to a young princess presents itself, she needs a passage back to London but who will take her. A Naval widow and one who has a lot to say for herself.
It is on this journey that Sheridan shares with us and the life she experiences on board and when she gets back to London. All tied up with intrigue, disputes and a lack of respect for women in any sort of role other than that of wife and or mother.
This is a fascinating tale of a real woman who with the backdrop of the cocoa trade makes for an fascinating story and an education told so well by one of my favourite authors.
In this case it is Maria Graham, a writer of travel and children's books. Of course not new nowadays, but this is the turn of the 19th Century and a woman did not have that sort of role. As a naval wife, she spent a lot of time abroad, seeing very little of her husband but kept herself occupied with her writing and travel. From Italy, to Chile and when widowed, Brazil.
When the opportunity to become tutor to a young princess presents itself, she needs a passage back to London but who will take her. A Naval widow and one who has a lot to say for herself.
It is on this journey that Sheridan shares with us and the life she experiences on board and when she gets back to London. All tied up with intrigue, disputes and a lack of respect for women in any sort of role other than that of wife and or mother.
This is a fascinating tale of a real woman who with the backdrop of the cocoa trade makes for an fascinating story and an education told so well by one of my favourite authors.
October 15, 2017
just beautiful - I really loved this book, them main characters are just so - well - admirable. Disarmingly honest and thoroughly decent. The poise, grace, courage and independent intelligence of Maria, the strength, compassion and capability of captain Henderson....they would make a great couple....if only things were different. The story moves effortlessly from the rich exotic world of south America and life on board ship to the stinking slums and neatly ordered upmarket streets of London. The story, slow to start, soon gets moving and there is plenty of action and intrigue. A very satisfying read.
And, don't forget the 'other' character in the story, darkly exotic, rich and smooth, you can just about taste and smell the words on the page. This is the story of chocolate. I feel the author must have eaten - or rather drunk - a large quantity of chocolate as research for this book. Do not attempt to read without a large bar of high-quality chocolate by your side, preferably Brazilian.....Does anyone know where I can get hold of some wild beans??
And, don't forget the 'other' character in the story, darkly exotic, rich and smooth, you can just about taste and smell the words on the page. This is the story of chocolate. I feel the author must have eaten - or rather drunk - a large quantity of chocolate as research for this book. Do not attempt to read without a large bar of high-quality chocolate by your side, preferably Brazilian.....Does anyone know where I can get hold of some wild beans??
August 27, 2016
Really enjoyable escape from reality which will have you rooting for both the main characters, dying to know more about a brave and fascinating woman and having serious chocolate cravings! :-)
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