Aboard Providence

Uncharted Beginnings #1

by Keely Brooke Keith

In November 1860, Marian Foster joins a group of Virginia families who are sailing away from America to form a new settlement off the coast of Brazil. As an amateur botanist, Marian eagerly anticipates exploring a new land. She boards Providence confident in the group’s plan, but during the voyage, her heart is drawn to Jonah Ashton, the secretive and sullen ship’s physician.

Jonah Ashton is determined to finish medical school before rumors of Southern rebellion erupt into all-out war. When family obligation forces Jonah to take a voyage aboard Providence, he plans to escort his family to their new settlement in South America and then return home. While aboard Providence, Jonah is beguiled by Marian’s optimistic spirit and finds himself in uncharted territory. Soon Jonah makes a startling discovery that changes everything, but will it change his heart?

Get swept away on a journey of faith, sacrifice, and God’s unfailing provision in this inspirational story reviewers are calling “a captivating, well-researched, and deftly written tale.” Read Aboard Providence today and embark on an unforgettable voyage.

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

272 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2017

About the author

Keely Brooke Keith is the author of the beloved Uncharted series—inspirational frontier-style fiction with a slight sci-fi twist.

Born in St. Joseph, Missouri, Keely was a tree-climbing, baseball-loving 80s kid. After a 15-year career as a homeschool teacher, she now enjoys exploring the hidden gems of small-town America on road trips with her husband. Wherever the journeys take her, Keely always returns to her hilltop home south of Nashville, Tennessee, where she dreams up stories about a hidden land.

Join Keely’s email list at keelykeith.com/sign-up so you will always know when the next Uncharted book is available.

Reviews

[Katie (hiding in the pages) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've enjoyed every book in the "Uncharted" series, but I've always been a little curious about how the people got here and why they really came. I wanted to know more about their journey and their history. Backing up a little, if you haven't read this series, it's about a group of people who came to this land down south (by Antarctica maybe?) in the 1800s and have been a hidden, secret, and self-sufficient society every since, amid the future society's turmoils and wars. The series takes place in the not-so-distant future, but this book answers my questions. It starts in late 1860 and tells the stories about the settlers of this society.

True to this author's style, "Aboard Providence" is written in a very engaging way--and it's a full-length novel. There are numerous characters and families, but I never feel confused and overwhelmed by them. The book progresses in a natural way and the pacing is very consistent. Emotions and feelings are fleshed out well and the reader is able to connect with the characters easily.

Jonah has plans to become a doctor and has a little more schooling left. He is hesitant to leave, but his family convinces him to go with them. He has a plan that will allow him to do both, but as the journey progresses, he realizes that his plan may not work out. How could you not feel despair over that? He's a solid character and the underlying rock on the story. Marian is a selfless, loving, and positive character--one that you can't help but to adore. She's trapped between wanting to follow her own dreams to make a life of her own and her demanding, needy mother.

This book takes the reader on a wonderful journey, not only aboard the ship, but emotionally. I always look forward to a new release by this author and I'm never disappointed.

Content: mild romance; mild peril and adventure.

*I received an ARC from the author with no obligation to review. All thoughts and opinions are completely my own.*

[Sydney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Aboard Providence is of the adventure of eight families that leave America to find a new home and settle in South America away from the brewing War Between the States. Aboard the ship are many men and women of different trades so they can help each other survive. After being at sea longer than intended, four months, they finally reach land. But is all they hoped it would be? This riveting novel is filled with diverse and wonderful characters that go on a journey to a new world. But it is not only a journey to a new land, it for some it is also a journey of the heart. Keith has written a story that will pull readers in and keep them wondering what will happen next. This is also the type of story that will cause readers to reflect on their own lives. I would recommend this novel to readers that enjoy historical, adventure, and romance.

Series: Prequel to the Uncharted Series
Genre: historical, romance, adventure, Christian
Publisher: CrossRiver Media Group
Publication date: October 20, 2016
Number of pages: 222

Content Rating: PG
Book Rating: 4 stars

Other books in the series:
1-The Land Uncharted (Uncharted #1)
2-Uncharted Redemption (Uncharted #2)
3-Uncharted Inheritance (Uncharted #3)
An Uncharted Novella-Christmas with the Colburns

An e-review copy of this novel was provided by the author and CelebrateLit. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are my own.

[Sam B · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a prequel to the Uncharted series by the same author.

I liked this book. It was interesting to get a glimpse into the founders journey and understand why they decided to leave America for this grand adventure.
Jonah was an interesting character. His conflicted views on his father's decision felt really realistic has it couldn't have been easy to leave everything behind.
I also loved how this book was able to show the reader how the Land got it's name and how the settlers discovered the amazing power of the gray leaf tree.

I've only read the first book in the Uncharted series and I'd say that this book can be either be read before or after the main series. It doesn't seem to give away any main spoilers!

Thanks to the author for providing me a copy of the book. It did not affect my review.

[A Holland Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to get to read this historical fiction by new to me author Keely Brooke Keith. I enjoyed getting to know each of the characters in this book. It was nice how they were all so close and leaned on each other getting ready for their long voyage and change in their life. Jonah did not want to go to South America and had every intention of bowing out and then due to an accident he decides that he should go on the voyage. The voyage was a little stressful to say the least. The author did such a good job in describing it that I could almost feel the waves and the sea water hitting me in the face. I can't imagine the feelings when they got lost at sea. In those days there was no coast guard to rescue you. With all the danger, emotions, and adventure you will not want to put this book down.

[Renee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've read all the Uncharted series and it was a delight to go back in time to see how it all started. If you haven't read the Uncharted series, then this book is the perfect place to start, and if you have read them, them you'll love this chunk of Uncharted history following the ancestors as they settled The Land.

This would appeal to people who enjoy sweet, clean historical Christian adventure romance with a hint of magic. I listened to the audiobook. The narrator was fabulous and well matched to the story. I reviewed a complimentary copy.

[Lynda · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I selected this book to read, Keely Brooke Keith was a new author to me; I enjoy historical fiction and the cover drew me in. After reading it, though, I find myself very interested in continuing the series for which this novel serves as a prequel. I enjoy her writing style and the premise and plot development make for intriguing reading that holds the attention throughout.

The novel’s premise is unique in that a group of like-minded believers, an entire church body, decide to sail to a new place to escape the coming conflict of the Civil War, planning to build a society based on peace and Biblical principles. But through the many twists and turns of unforeseen events, things turn out a bit differently than the explorers plan. How they handle it and the exceptional land they eventually discover, with many uncommon characteristics, form the backdrop for an unfolding romance and a series of books.

The spiritual thread is also somewhat different in that the people who undertake the journey are almost exclusively part of that one church, though that does not mean conflict is absent, especially as plans change given various circumstances. Serving one another sacrificially is beautifully portrayed, though, as is forgiveness, and living together in unity by submitting to one another in love. Given our current political climate in this election year, the premise was refreshing and enjoyable reading.

How we determine our worth is another prominent theme—does it come from a piece of paper? Our family’s approval? Our accomplishments? Or is there a deeper meaning behind our striving for success? And how do we define that success, or does someone else do it for us? I appreciate that the author allows me to form my own conclusions along with the characters who struggle with those same questions.

I enjoyed the characters in this book, especially Marian and Jonah, though both frustrated me at times. They are flawed characters, which makes them more relatable, and I enjoyed the developing romance between them, too. Their differing goals make the relationship a struggle in some points but the resolution worked well with the storyline and I believe it will lead into the series nicely.

I think this book will have a crossover appeal to readers of both historical fiction and futuristic or sci-fi genres because it has both here; though decidedly more historical in this volume, the novels that come later concentrate more on the future and what the Land becomes as time passes. I have no reservations to recommend it to readers of either type of books, especially those who like their fiction to come from a Christian worldview regardless of its setting.

I received a free copy of this book through Celebrate Lit but no compensation for this review. I was not required to write a favorable one and the opinions expressed are both honest and my own.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was swept into "Aboard Providence" by Keely Brooke Keith from the first sentence of the book " Jonah Ashton held two letters, one in each hand, as if the gravity of their messages bore physical weight and his open palms were the pans of Lady Justice's scale." Now doesn't this make you want to read this book and see what the two letters are about.

"Above Providence" is a story about families who planned on going to South America and starting a new colony but end up somewhere else and one passenger doesn't want to be on the ship.

"Aboard Providence" by Keely Brooke Keith is part of "The Land Uncharted Series". I think anyone that likes clean romance stories and likes to escape real life through reading would enjoy this novel. Even though "Above Providence" isn't the first book in the series the reader can read it first and not feel like they missing facts from the first three books in the series ( I can say this because I haven't read them but I was not confused by not having important facts from the other books). But, after reading "Above Providence" I have added the other books to my to be read list.

Like all good stories, "Above Providence" has romance, adventure, and mystery, like where are all the guns disappeared too and why, and when explained will have you feeling just a little sad if you are like me.

I really liked all the characters in this story and wanted a happy ending for all but all I will say about the happy ending is some was and some wasn't, just like in real life. But love was shown in the novel between all the characters and forgiveness as well. I will say Sarah and Marian are my favorite characters, Sarah because she is a sweet five old who adores her Uncle Jonah and Marian because she is a perfect example of unselfishness.

I have given "Above Providence" five stars because they are characters you can believe in.

I was given a complementary copy by the author and Celebrate Lit. The opinions expressed are my mine.

[Chastity Ray · Rating 4 out of 5]

I truly enjoyed Aboard Providence. I got a little lost with all the talk about ships and how their pully systems and sails worked but it didn't distrace me enough to keep me from enjoying the story. I could sense Jonah's inner struggle to want to do the right thing not only by his family, but by himself. He's not completely sure what the right thing is but it's quickly becoming apparent he cannot please everyone. His struggle is one we all face, how to do the right thing and figure out what the right thing is? Marian is stuck between a rock and a hard place. Trying to do right by her mom and wanting to forge a path all her own. I loved how she followed her passion and didn't care too much about what people thought of her. She was determined to make her mark. I fell in love with the caracters and the story line. I found myself getting sucked in the story for hours at a time. I hope you will give Aboard Providence a change and strike out on your own adventure.
*I was provided a free copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

[Keely Keith · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Uncharted series has a past…

The Uncharted storyline begins in the 21st Century in a hidden land that was settled in the 1860s by Americans. Throughout the Uncharted books, the characters refer to their founders’ history. Soon after the release of The Land Uncharted, readers expressed their desire for more. Why did the founders leave America in 1860? How did they plan the group migration? Where did they believe they were going? How did they establish what is now a fascinating culture?

I too was drawn by the founders’ story. When I set out to write it, I enjoyed fleshing out the mystery of how the founders arrived in the Land and what it was like for them, not only for the characters who wanted that adventure, but also those who didn’t. I became swept away on a journey of faith, sacrifice, and God’s unfailing provision.

The result is Aboard Providence (CrossRiver Media, 2016).

Join the founders as they embark on their voyage to an uncharted land.

[Joyful · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jonah Ashton is determined to finish medical school before the Southern rebellion erupts into an all-out war. Yet his career is in danger due to accusations of wrongdoing. He goes home to Virginia to say goodbye when he learns his father plans to join a group of families who are sailing away from America to form a new settlement. However, when his dad is hurt in an accident, Jonah accompanies them as the ship's physician. He plans to escort his family to their new settlement in South America and then return to Pennsylvania to clear his name. He doesn't count on getting lost at sea and falling in love with Marian Foster. He makes a startling discovery that changes everything, but will it change his heart? I was given a copy of. This book, but it is my choice to review it.

[Iola · Rating 4 out of 5]

Aboard Providence is the first book in a series of prequels to Keely Brooke Keith's Land Uncharted series. If you've read one or all of the books in that series (three novels and a Christmas novella), then you'll absolutely want to read Aboard Providence - no matter what I have to say about it. Spoiler: I thought it was excellent!

If you haven't read any of the Land Uncharted series, you have a treat in store. I don't want to tell you anything more about the series because that might be a spoiler for this novel (kind of like if you'd never seen The Empire Strikes Back, you wouldn't get the significance of the bratty Anakin Skywalker character in the first movie in the Star Wars saga).
Aboard Providence starts in 1861, and Jonah Ashton's father has just ordered him home to Virginia from medical school in Philadelphia. Dr Joseph Ashton has a long-held dream of emigrating to South America, to escape the trouble he believes is coming to Virginia (and as readers, we know he is right. Trouble is coming, in the form of the Civil War). Dr Ashton has assembled eight families for the trip, and he insists Jonah come with them.

Jonah isn't so sure--there are accusations against him at college, and he's only months away from achieving his lifelong dream of graduating from medical school. He wants to stay and fight the accusations and finish school, not be seen as a runaway. But he's also intrigue by his childhood schoolmate Marian Foster, who has grown into a lovely young lady, one he'd like to know better.

Marian is looking forward to this new adventure (as are all the other immigrants). Her hobby is botany, and she is looking forward to finding new plants to study, and especially to see if any can be used for medicinal purposes.

Reading this novel as someone who has read the Land Uncharted series, I felt some of the information at the beginning was unnecessary. I didn't much care whether Jonah wanted to go on the voyage or not; I just wanted them all to get underway because ... can't give a spoiler ... because I know Anakin Skywalker is going to turn out to be Darth Vader and I wanted to know how it happened (apologies to anyone who hasn't seen Star Wars). But I'm sure that anyone who hasn't read the earlier stories will enjoy this part and not be so impatient!

I was impressed with Dr Ashton and the level of planning he put into his scheme. He was far better prepared than, say, the Mayflower immigrants in their overcroweded ship with too few resources. His fellow immigrants were carefully selected to have the range of skills the new community would need, and - most importantly - to have a shared faith.

Overall, I very much enjoyed Aboard Providence, and now I'm looking forward to the next book in the series.

Thanks to Keely Brooke Keith for providing a free ebook for review.

[Kathleen E.]

Monday, December 12, 2016
Aboard Providence by Keely Brooke Keith, © 2016

My Review:
Joseph and Potiphar's wife. I am not guilty. What am I to do? Today I have received two letters. A call warning to prepare a defense and a missive to join my father. Honor your father and your mother... that your days may be long on the earth... My first alliance is with my father, before my stripping clean of doubt ~ but it likely will be perceived as an admission of wrongdoing by my hasty departure? Decisions every day determine the path of longevity ~ following what God says first. He will be my Rearguard. My Defender. Father has acknowledged me by providing medical school availability.

Packing his two carpetbags with his microscope, medical books, and clothing, Jonah Ashton sets his course, unknowingly to a future different than his intent to travel to meet with his father.

Agreeing to travel with his family to a land surrounding South America, the ship is covered by a vacuum of the unlit sky; clouds that hampered the charting of the stars to assure their location. Days at sea and troubled waters erupt in a knowing that they must stay the course unopposed by doubt or sway of opinion among them.

On the ship or ashore, the group has daily needs. I especially liked the foresight to house together before their departure with their goods and their families, able to ascertain what was truly needed and what could be left behind because of duplication. To be guarded by boundaries of intent and perimeter, those boarding the Providence proved trustworthy and clear of their mission to form a new colony in an uncharted land.

***Thank you author Keely Brooke Keith and to CrossRiver Media for sending me a review copy of Aboard Providence. This review was written in my own words. No other compensation was received.***

[Anne Rightler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Aboard Providence by Keely Brooke Keith is an interesting adventure story. Set in the 1860s eight families have decided to sail to South America to begin a new colony. It is hard to imagine the bravery of folks of that era, entrusting their lives to the ships of that time. The author stirs the reader's imagination and keeps interest high with her descriptions of the journey, broken compass, storms, and babies born at sea. And of course, there is a tension-filled romance too! The author's descriptive writing style is graceful and flows smoothly.  Her characters are well defined and well rounded with attributes and flaws and are realistic in their feelings and reactions. I enjoyed this story and look forward to reading more in this series (Uncharted). I listened to the audiobook version and the narrator, Amy Marie Smith did a great job telling the story, which made for an enjoyable listening experience.
I received a complimentary copy of the audiobook and was not required to write a review. The opinions are my own.

[Patti · Rating 5 out of 5]

New Beginnings

This book tells the story of Jonah, first of all. It also tells the tale of 8 families seeking a new, peaceful life they believe God wants them to create on an island from the South American coast. After being lost in the South Atlantic Ocean for months, they finally end up shipwrecked on what appears to be uncharted land that they believe God has led them to. They actually have no idea where they are, other than they are where God wants them. It does appear they are this land’s only inhabitants, and it seems to be a very rich land.
Jonah had been in medical school before heading out on this voyage, originally intending to return to America with the ship once his parents and family were settled. The shipwreck puts an end to that dream, and the story follows him as he falls in love and ultimately comes to terms with being part of this new settlement.

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read the entire series that actually comes after this series and loved it so I wanted to find out what happened before.

Most of this story takes place before they get to the island. Preparing for the journey and then on the sea. Dr. Ashton's son doesn't want to go to the island at all, but events carry him along and he finds himself on the ship heading to an adventure that he doesn't want to be on - and falling in love with a girl that he shouldn't be falling in love with. She's a school teacher and she's wants this adventure with all of her heart. When they finally get to a destination she finds that her dreams aren't happening the way she had hoped they would, and he finds that he isn't going to get the ending that he thought he would.

It was fun to see the beginning of things that were mysteries in the first series. I'm not sure if I wouldn't have like to have read this series first though. We'll see when I've read all of the books and met all of the characters.

[Andrea · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an exciting, adventure-filled book! Lost at sea for months in what should have been a two-week voyage to South America. Finally reaching land, not knowing where. Eight founding families begin a new life on "The Land"
There are some secrets and surprises too. No spoilers from me.

I think the narrator did a fine job. There were 2 places where she repeated a word or phrase as if she was starting over. I did find it a bit distracting when the background changed, as if using a different recording booth. But it was not enough to change how I feel about the story which is very good.
*I won this Audible book in a newsletter giveaway. No review was asked of me. The opinions expressed are entirely my own.

[Cass · Rating 4 out of 5]

Providence or Chance?

Two young adults aboard the good schooner, Providence, are drawn to each other. Marian can hardly wait to explore the new lands, but Jonah has different plans. He's only going along to help his parents get settled, then he wants to return to North America, but circumstances interfere. Will Marian and Jonah achieve their dreams? Will they find true love in each other's arms? This reviewer won't tell. You'll have to read the book, "Aboard Providence", to find out.

[Karen Hadley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a warm and out of the box book. Changes in life are scary and uncomfortable. Marian and Jonah learn to trust in Lord as they and their families face one hardship after another. They also learn that what they want in life is not always, what God has in store for them. A lesson in God’s ways are not are ways, being open to making change when God reveals His will and listening with our hearts instead of our wants.

[Gina Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

The beginning of how the first families found the land. It was interesting how these families wanted to leave the United States because they didn't believe in the conflict of the civil war and didn't want to get involved as they were a religious community, could it be the land picked them? Will be reading the rest of this series.

[Rachelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

An easy book to read and a story to “get lost” in. This is the first installment of a series about a group of American families pre-Civil War who chose to leave the US and establish a new Land. I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series.

[Jo M. Knight · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aboard Providence

Enjoyed reading this book. The book was not boring and I wanted to know how it would end so I read it in one day. Don't know if I will jump into another book right away, wouldn't want to get involved in another book as I was in this one tomorrow. J😀

[Miranda A. Uyeh · Rating 4 out of 5]

In November 1860, Marian Foster joins a group of Virginia families who are sailing away from America to form a new settlement off the coast of Brazil. As an amateur botanist, Marian eagerly anticipates exploring a new land. She boards Providence confident in the group's plan, but during the voyage, her heart is drawn to Jonah Ashton, the secretive and sullen ship's physician.

Jonah Ashton is determined to finish medical school before rumors of Southern rebellion erupt into all-out war. When family obligation forces Jonah to take a voyage aboard Providence, he plans to escort his family to their new settlement in South America and then return home. While aboard Providence, Jonah is beguiled by Marian's optimistic spirit and finds himself in uncharted territory. Soon Jonah makes a startling discovery that changes everything, but will it change his heart?

Get swept away on a journey of faith, sacrifice, and God's unfailing provision in this inspirational story reviewers are calling "a captivating, well-researched, and deftly written tale." Read Aboard Providence today and embark on an unforgettable voyage.

[rob · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely

This is my first time reading this author's book and it was amazing. I absolutely loved the plot and can't wait to read book two.

[Courtney · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute, easy read. Not fabulous literature, but it is a feel - good story.

[Marianne Sciucco · Rating 5 out of 5]

This review is from: Aboard Providence (Audible Audio Edition)
Outstanding! I fell in love with The Uncharted Series and this prequel helps fill in the story as to how the land was found and settled. The author does a terrific job world building, both on the ship and on land. I especially loved the references to Chincoteague Island as that's a favorite place of mine. The sea journey is realistic, I could feel the boat rocking, and the trials the explorers endured were full of tension. The characters - especially Marian - are totally fleshed out. I felt like I was on the journey with her, rooting for her and Jonah. The narration was tight - a little too tight at times, pauses between sections and chapters would have eased transitions - but easy and pleasant to listen to. I recommend this book as well as the series to those looking for something a little different from the standard reading fare out there. It's a clean read - no sex, violence or offensive language - for those who prefer their reads flinch-free.

[Lesuse · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love historical fiction and when offered the chance to receive a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review, I accepted immediately! I've not read any other works by Ms. Keith, though I've got her Uncharted Series on my Wish List. After reading Aboard Providence, which is a prequel to the Uncharted Series, I'm glad I read it first. It has a complex plot with well developed characters. This is the story of the founders of the "Land", an undeveloped land mass in the middle of the ocean, with plenty of sustainable resources for food. There is an aura around the island that caused a type of atmospheric popping and light display when the settlers ship "breached" it and ran aground. It is also the home of a mysterious gray leafed tree, whose oil from the leaves provide topical healing, and when dried and brewed as tea heals critical internal injuries. The trees seem to have a mystical quality that is alluded to, but not fully explained. I assume we learn more about it in the Uncharted Series. There is a sense of mystery all throughout this story, almost foreboding, perhaps more of a foreshadowing, exuding just enough tension that made it difficult to put this book down. I imagine it is intentional, since this is the beginning of a saga. This is a story of people setting sail just before the break out of the Civil War, for a place to live and worship freely, similar to the brave souls who sailed from England to land in America. Some will pay the ultimate price on the journey before they finally make landfall - many, many weeks later than expected. No one is sure exactly where they are because they ran into a series of storms and had cloud cover for many days and nights and were unable to see the stars to navigate. Just when their supplies were nearly diminished, they "providentially" run into the Land. The key characters are the son of and daughter of two of the founding families. They have a budding love for each other. but they are keeping secrets from their families and each other, which could break everyone's hearts! Ms. Keith does an admirable job of giving us a glimpse into the lives of brave men and women who risk all to worship without censure. She also gives us romance, peril, and a wonderful cast of characters to inhabit our memory, as they settle the Land and into our hearts. The story moves at a good pace and certainly left me wanting to read Uncharted right away!

[Becky · Rating 3 out of 5]

As the book's title would indicate, the vast majority of Aboard Providence does, in fact, take place aboard the Providence. The travelers encounter several difficulties on their trip, including becoming horribly lost at sea. When they finally arrive on land, they are not where they had planned to be ... in fact, I'm entirely unsure of where they ended up. I'm sure if I had read The Uncharted Series, I would have better understanding. (Aboard Providence is a prequel to the Uncharted Series, which is set in the present and is about the settlement the group in Aboard Providence founded.) While the vague nature of their location feels purposeful, I would have appreciated knowing where the settlers ended up.

The final third or so of the novel is set on land—dubbed the Land by the settlers. This portion I found to be far more interesting than the rest of the novel, as the settlers faced adventure and danger. Also in this section, Marian, the girl Jonah falls in love with, makes some fascinating discoveries regarding a tree in the Land. I'd imagine this tree is an integral part of the Uncharted Series—it certainly seems important, though it's not fully explored in Aboard Providence.

While I found myself intrigued by this novel, one aspect fell flat to me, and that was the romance between Marian and Jonah. I'm not sure if it's that the characters weren't fully fleshed out or that they fell in love too quickly without enough explanation, but I had a hard time buying their relationship. I can't go into detail without giving things away, but it felt like their "happily ever after" was mainly due to circumstances beyond their control, rather than a selfless love for one another.

I had no idea Aboard Providence was a prequel; I have a feeling if I had previously read the Uncharted Series, I would have liked this book a lot more. As it was, I found it diverting but not enthralling.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free through Celebrate Lit. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have been interested in a series of books that I heard about called The Unchartered Series for a while now. It is about a hidden, mysterious land that seems to be untouched by modern times. I have not read that series yet, but I soon hope to do so. I was very excited to see that the author wrote a prequel to those stories. I decided to start with this book first and I was not disappointed. What I liked about this novel is that it is a historical novel, taking place right before the American Civil War. It is about a peaceful group of 8 families that do not wish to be embroiled in the coming war. Because of this they decide to leave and head to South America to start a new civilization on one of the islands there. What they are not prepared for is to become lost at sea and end up nowhere near their destination. Instead it appears that they have discovered a new land.

I would divide this book into three parts. The first part is when they are still in the USA preparing to go; the middle part takes place on the ship, the Providence itself; and the third part is when they reach the land and start seeing and experiencing some of its dangers and mysteriousness. Through it all we have the ongoing struggle of young medical student Jonah Ashton, who does not even want to be going but cannot bear to disappoint his family, especially his father. However, burdened by his family’s needs, being pulled to his unfinished business in college, and his growing admiration and love for Miriam, who is going on this voyage, Jonah has become a restless soul. He is bound and determined to see his family to safety and then return to the USA and finish his business there. As the book suggests, providence may just have something else in store.

I enjoyed this prequel to this intriguing series and I look forward to reading it soon. So if you like historical fiction, ship board adventures laced with romance and touched with a bit of fantasy, I highly recommend this read.

I received a copy for free. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Sometimes a man must learn to redefine success. ... Your purpose is the same,no matter what conditions surround you."


The story begins as the country approaches civil war. There are two main characters the book centers around - Jonah, who is studying to be a doctor but has been called home in the midst of his schooling to help his family start a settlement in a new land; and Marian, a young girl with a dream of her own, a dream that includes the new land.
Jonah wishes to stay in America and finish his schooling. Not to mention, he left town during a pending law suit over a misunderstanding that could cost him his reputation. Needless to say, Providence has other plans and tragedy strikes. Jonah must accompany his family to the new land, but is bent on returning as soon as he is able.
Marian is excited about this new land and new discoveries. Although in some areas their dreams parallel, mostly they are headed in different directions; but as their feelings for each other grow can they overcome the obstacles to be together?

I struggled to get into the story, most likely due to the fact I was reading an e-book, and for me it's just not the same as a print copy. In spite of a slow beginning, once journey began, the tension in the book grew and it became more interesting. Jonah has a hard time being honest with his family about his feelings and desires. In hopes of not disappointing father, he ends up learning some lessons the hard way. Yet, I did admire him for his willingness to fulfill what he felt was his duty to his family, willingness to sacrifice his personal goals and ambitions at least temporarily for greater good. He was also respectful of his father and submissive to his will, both difficult traits to find these days. In the end, the author reveals God had a plan all along.

This was first book I have read by this author, and very likely, I would read another were it a print copy.

I received an e-copy of this book from Celebrate Llit for the purpose of review. I was not required to review positively and all opinions are my own.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of those books that make you sigh when you get close to the end and whisper “there better be more, please don’t end…”

Aboard Providence is the long-awaited answer to the series that began with The Land Uncharted in 2014, this talented author’s debut. Keith has begun to show me that not all DIY efforts are the same. In that story arc, the time is the near future, and a military pilot crashes on the proverbial lost island. Ultimately a romance, the pilot is part of a story meant to explore human nature and ultimately survival in a parallel commentary of a seemingly innocent world and a world about to self-destruct. Aboard Providence is the prequel journey of how The Land Uncharted came to be settled.

Keith always had a good sense of story and has continued to grow. My only commentary is that she has a tendency to introduce characters and situations that could add zest and conflict, yet drops them in favor of a less complicated plot, allowing situation, or internal turmoil, to take precedent over external conflicts. For example, intriguing interplay between the young adults aboard the ship could have been fleshed out. Her main characters, however, are well developed, handle their struggles in a realistic manner, and stay with the reader.

Told in multiple viewpoints between the two sweet and highly motivated main characters, the pace is swift and skillfully shows time passing on board a ship without the situation becoming dull. If this is your first taste of this compelling series, you’ll want to read the other books, a mixture of Swiss Family Robinson and O Pioneers.