With Every Breath I Take

Celia Martin #3

by Celia Martin

December 1692. When Sefton Ridgely set out for Salem, Massachusetts in the hope of convincing Serenity Norcross to return with him to New York, he presumed when she agreed to accompany him, that they would be traveling the post road, and he had every expectation they would be spending their nights in, if not clean, at least dry, inns or ordinaries. They would talk, become better acquainted, and perhaps love would blossom as they sat before cozy fires in private chambers.

Ridgely's assumptions proved illusory. Instead, due to Serenity's caring nature and readiness to help those less fortunate, they find themselves in one precarious situation after another, from camping out in a snow storm to fording flooded creeks. His responsibilities increasing as first they adopt a baby whose mother died, then they agree to escort two stranded children to their next destination, he begins to wonder what else awaits them on their journey? Who else will Serenity befriend? But most importantly, will he ever have a chance to win Serenity's love?

Genres: Romance

472 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 1, 2019

About the author

Celia Martin is a former Social Studies/English teacher. Her love of history dates back to her earliest memories when she sat enthralled as her grandparents recounted tales of their past, As a child, she delighted in the make-believe games that she played with her siblings and friends, but as she grew up and had to put aside the games, she found she could not set aside her imagination. So, Celia took up writing stories for her own entertainment. She is an avid reader. She loves getting lost in a romance, but also enjoys good mysteries, exciting adventure stories, and fact-loaded historical documentaries. When her husband retired and they moved from California to the glorious Kitsap Peninsula in the state of Washington, she was able to begin a full-fledged writing career. Celia and her husband have returned to CA to be near the grand kids, but she is still writing and still loving it. When not engaged in writing, Celia enjoys travel, keeping fit, and listening to a variety of different music styles

Reviews

[Jemima Brigges · Rating 5 out of 5]

A story to touch the heart...

This is a lovely story about two people who were on the periphery of A Bewitching Dilemma.

Sefton Ridgely, first mate on the Wind Rover, has a price on his head for his involvement with Captain D’Arcy in rescuing Tempest Winslowe from the gallows. Now he returns to Salem for the woman he met briefly at the time.
Serenity Norcross, married at fifteen to a much older man, is newly widowed and being pursued with indecent haste for her late husband’s wealth. The Puritan philosophy seems to have been that widows should remarry; bear many children and relinquish any inherited property to her new husband.

Ridgely’s arrival with a letter from Tempest makes Serenity want to seek freedom. Innocently betrayed by a comforting word to a child, the knowledge of his presence as a wanted man makes departure imperative.
With the help of a friendly merchant, they slip away from Salem intent on travelling to New York, not by the post roads that Ridgely anticipated but the back roads through unfamiliar terrain with winter weather hampering their progress.

Along the way, Serenity, childless in her marriage, promises to care for a tragically orphaned baby; and Sefton, as her guide and protector, must find the means to feed it. With the babe in arms, they travel as a married couple through townships with familiar names, gathering people into their family along the way. Serenity is not a person to deny help to anyone in need.

Vivid descriptions made me feel that I was with them, feeling the same chill winds of winter storms; facing hazards on river crossings and sleeping rough when nothing else could be found. Welcomed by some folk and viewed with suspicion by others, their challenges come in many forms and delicate subjects are handled with sensitivity.

When I read historical fiction, I look for a sense of time and place embedded in the story. In this Celia Martin succeeds admirably as she imparts the fruits of her research into life in the colonies of seventeenth century New England. The language is appropriate for the time and the atmosphere. Even in the time of the Puritans there is wealth for some running alongside abject poverty, avarice, and generosity of spirit. The result is a poignant story with a growing awareness between a couple of their feelings for each other, and their wish to help others. Two people who are destined to be together. Read it and be entranced.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a wonderful journey we undertake as we travel from Salem, Massachusetts to New York City! I truly had no idea what to expect from this book and must say that I was spellbound by the story. The witchcraft trials are a jumping off point, but not the focus of this story. The trip is not an easy one as our two original travelers keep adding members to their party and run into multiple hardships along their way. There is much to be learned by those of us who know little of the era other than what we’ve read in Arthur Miller’s “The Crucible.”

Love is everywhere. We have friends who will do anything for each other. We have lovers who do not know that person of his/her dreams reciprocates that love and lovers who have professed their feelings but have not been given permission by the girl’s father to formally see each other. Love expands to include those outside of family as our hero and heroine (Sefton and Serenity) adopt two children as their own. Ms. Martin uses language of the period and maintains boundaries within the Puritan ethic except when she makes it clear her characters are knowingly stepping outside of the lines on purpose.

This is a beautifully written story and I would encourage readers who do not normally read historical romance to step out of their comfort zone and give this book a chance.

[Beverley Latimer · Rating 5 out of 5]

A delightful tale!

What a delightful tale of danger, adventure, and undying love. I found this a thrilling tale and eagerly turned each page , just needing to know what would happen next. I adored the two main characters, and so wanted a happy outcome for them. This is a lovely heartwarming read that leaves the reader wanting more as you finish the last page.
I highly recommend this book, it's beautiful!

[Chip Locklear · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hilarious Scenes

Great novel. Hilarious scenes. Just love how well the author knows the time period. I highly recommended this book for several days of reading joy and can't wait to read the next novel in the series. Celia Martin is a master storyteller.

[Marcia Clayton · Rating 5 out of 5]

In "To Challenge Destiny", the first book in this series, we witnessed a young woman, Tempest Winslowe, taken to the gallows where she was to hang, accused of witchcraft. Her friend, Serenity Norcross, watched in despair, powerless to save her friend. However, the dashing Captain D’Arcy, aided by Sefton Ridgely, the first mate on the Wind Rover, saved the day by rescuing Tempest and escaping with her to New York City. During the rescue, Ridgely held out his hand to Serenity, their eyes met, and he bade her join them. However, Serenity was married to an ailing man old enough to be her grandfather and she could not desert him. Since that day, D'Arcy and Ridgely have had a price on their heads.
In "With Every Breath I Take", Serenity and Ridgely are the two main characters. Unable to forget Serenity, Ridgely risks his freedom by returning to Salem in the hope of persuading her to leave with him. Serenity, recently widowed, is more than willing, attracted as she is to the brave man who has been in her thoughts ever since he helped to save her friend. On their journey from Salem to New York City, the couple, posing for safety as a married couple, meet many people less fortunate than themselves, and unable to refuse their help, they gather ever more people and animals into their family along the way. The journey is eventful, and they face winter storms, bitterly cold weather, and dangerous river crossings. During the journey, the couple becomes progressively aware of their feelings for each other, but each is uncertain if those feelings are reciprocated.
Celia Martin has an excellent knowledge of the seventeenth century, and uses language appropriate for the time, observing the customs, prejudices, religion and poverty. A well-written and enjoyable book, and a must for all lovers of historical fiction.