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Ship to Shore
When you’re a third-grade teacher with a complicated family and a surprise thank you note from a dashing Naval officer, what can you do but start writing him letters?
Maggie’s love-life is in a rut, but she has her job, her friends, and a wicked baking habit. She sees her new pen pal as an innocent diversion—until he isn’t.
Lt. Commander F. Hawkins is a complicated man with a steadfast earnestness that can’t help but appeal. He’s more than a little old-fashioned and about to lose his heart to an elementary school teacher from North Carolina.
Maggie’s love-life is in a rut, but she has her job, her friends, and a wicked baking habit. She sees her new pen pal as an innocent diversion—until he isn’t.
Lt. Commander F. Hawkins is a complicated man with a steadfast earnestness that can’t help but appeal. He’s more than a little old-fashioned and about to lose his heart to an elementary school teacher from North Carolina.
261 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 30, 2019
28 people are currently reading
56 people want to read
About the author
Elizabeth Adams
27 books301 followersElizabeth Adams is a book-loving, tango-dancing, Austen enthusiast. She loves old houses and thinks birthdays should be celebrated with trips—as should most occasions. She can often be found by a sunny window with a cup of hot tea and a book in her hand.
She writes romantic comedy and comedic tragedy in both historic and modern settings.
You can find more information, short stories, and outtakes at eadamswrites.com
She writes romantic comedy and comedic tragedy in both historic and modern settings.
You can find more information, short stories, and outtakes at eadamswrites.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
March 6, 2020
A simple kind gesture for a third grade class project lands their teacher and a lonely navy commander with their very own old-fashioned penpals. This gently-paced, heartwarming old-style correspondence courtship was a touching change of pace.
Ship to Shore begins with Maggie mailing off her class' letter project and batch of cookies to a military service organization right before Thanksgiving while fending off her mother's remarks about her being a disappointment even while pushing yet another possible date at her from her mother's circle. Maggie enjoys being a teacher and is in no rush to get married until she finds the right guy. In the meantime, she figures it can do no harm writing back to the nice sailor who wrote to thank her and her class for the package.
Lt. Commander Hawkins is touched by the nice lonely old lady teacher who wants to be penpals and he agrees. It is not long before he realizes his penpal is not so old and rather sweet. Hawkins finds her easy to write his thoughts and feelings to about his sister cutting him off because he warned her about the man she was marrying, about his dad's stubbornness and failing health, and to tease her about her guesses over his first name.
Maggie finds Hawkins just as easy a corresponding partner and tells him about her beloved sister's jerk boyfriend and her desire to make him history along with all the inner dynamics of her large family.
Months go by and their steady correspondence leads to more. Its time to meet and decide if the person in the letters is the same in person. If so, what comes next?
Ship to Shore was light and sweet, but endearing. The building relationship in the letters developed slowly as friends that the pair never realized was becoming more because it was such a gradual thing. You don't see this type of true slow burn these days and I found it adorable and refreshing. It was utterly believable and enchanting as a result. It felt cozy and oh so adorable.
Now, did it lag at times? Sure. And, was it too low-angst when it comes to conflict? For many it will be. There was just enough external conflict for each of them separately and they did stand the test of time and distance without seeing each other so I had no boredom issues. It was actually a nice change of pace to read about two adults communicating and behaving with maturity.
I did find it funny that the biggest explosions of conflict were not between the couple. There were two and both involved Maggie and other people. She might seem like a cuddly little grade school teacher, but when it involved people interfering with Hawkins, she turns into a bear. He is one lucky guy and he knows it. Unlike half her family, Hawkins appreciates the beautiful, talented woman just as she is.
The story went back and forth between Maggie and Hawkins as narrators though Maggie does get the bulk of the narration. I enjoyed getting to know them as people through their letters and reactions to each other's letters. Maggie had her sister Sarah cautioning her about writing to a stranger and Hawkins had his navy pal, Davis, teasing him and tickled pink that he was writing Maggie. Now, that would be a fun story between Sarah and Davis.
I think my only real quibble was that I felt the ending just kind of stopped without the feeling of a true wrap up. It's not that an of the major points were left unresolved, but I was expecting a little more.
Besides the romance which was assuredly friends to lovers with a great deal of time on the friends side, the emphasis on family was strong which I loved. Maggie's relationship with her family and Hawkins with his were strong elements. Issues with some family members staying wide open were part of what left me mildly disappointed in the ending. Though, it was true to life that some issues in families never resolve.
All in all, I think it was a fabulous low-key character-driven romance. I've been wishing to try a full length story from this author and was well-pleased with this one and can't wait to pick up more from her backlist. I would recommend this story to those who enjoy sweet, slowburn, and low-angst contemporary romance.
Extra Story: Swap Meet
Fun short romcom when the Bennet sisters and their dates meet and decide a swap might be in order. Fabulous character development and flirty chemistry!
My thanks to the author for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
Ship to Shore begins with Maggie mailing off her class' letter project and batch of cookies to a military service organization right before Thanksgiving while fending off her mother's remarks about her being a disappointment even while pushing yet another possible date at her from her mother's circle. Maggie enjoys being a teacher and is in no rush to get married until she finds the right guy. In the meantime, she figures it can do no harm writing back to the nice sailor who wrote to thank her and her class for the package.
Lt. Commander Hawkins is touched by the nice lonely old lady teacher who wants to be penpals and he agrees. It is not long before he realizes his penpal is not so old and rather sweet. Hawkins finds her easy to write his thoughts and feelings to about his sister cutting him off because he warned her about the man she was marrying, about his dad's stubbornness and failing health, and to tease her about her guesses over his first name.
Maggie finds Hawkins just as easy a corresponding partner and tells him about her beloved sister's jerk boyfriend and her desire to make him history along with all the inner dynamics of her large family.
Months go by and their steady correspondence leads to more. Its time to meet and decide if the person in the letters is the same in person. If so, what comes next?
Ship to Shore was light and sweet, but endearing. The building relationship in the letters developed slowly as friends that the pair never realized was becoming more because it was such a gradual thing. You don't see this type of true slow burn these days and I found it adorable and refreshing. It was utterly believable and enchanting as a result. It felt cozy and oh so adorable.
Now, did it lag at times? Sure. And, was it too low-angst when it comes to conflict? For many it will be. There was just enough external conflict for each of them separately and they did stand the test of time and distance without seeing each other so I had no boredom issues. It was actually a nice change of pace to read about two adults communicating and behaving with maturity.
I did find it funny that the biggest explosions of conflict were not between the couple. There were two and both involved Maggie and other people. She might seem like a cuddly little grade school teacher, but when it involved people interfering with Hawkins, she turns into a bear. He is one lucky guy and he knows it. Unlike half her family, Hawkins appreciates the beautiful, talented woman just as she is.
The story went back and forth between Maggie and Hawkins as narrators though Maggie does get the bulk of the narration. I enjoyed getting to know them as people through their letters and reactions to each other's letters. Maggie had her sister Sarah cautioning her about writing to a stranger and Hawkins had his navy pal, Davis, teasing him and tickled pink that he was writing Maggie. Now, that would be a fun story between Sarah and Davis.
I think my only real quibble was that I felt the ending just kind of stopped without the feeling of a true wrap up. It's not that an of the major points were left unresolved, but I was expecting a little more.
Besides the romance which was assuredly friends to lovers with a great deal of time on the friends side, the emphasis on family was strong which I loved. Maggie's relationship with her family and Hawkins with his were strong elements. Issues with some family members staying wide open were part of what left me mildly disappointed in the ending. Though, it was true to life that some issues in families never resolve.
All in all, I think it was a fabulous low-key character-driven romance. I've been wishing to try a full length story from this author and was well-pleased with this one and can't wait to pick up more from her backlist. I would recommend this story to those who enjoy sweet, slowburn, and low-angst contemporary romance.
Extra Story: Swap Meet
Fun short romcom when the Bennet sisters and their dates meet and decide a swap might be in order. Fabulous character development and flirty chemistry!
My thanks to the author for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
January 4, 2020
This is a nice two-fer, since you get both
Ship to Shore
and a cute short story,
Swap Meet.
Averaging the two together, my rating would be 3.5 stars, rounded up to 4 stars
Ms. Adams demonstrates her great writing chops in both stories. Both are modern, and both have not-so-subtle nods to Pride and Prejudice without being what anyone would call variations; the plots are too far removed from Jane Austen's. However, they're delightful in their own right.
4 Stars:In Ship to Shore, Maggie Stone is a third-grade teacher who leads her class to send notes and cookies to servicemen. Their package is relayed to Lt. Commander F. Harkins on a naval vessel (the Wentworth!) in the Pacific. He sends the class a thank-you note, and Maggie responds, asking if one of the sailers might agree to correspond regularly with the students. Lt. Jacob Davis gladly agrees, but Maggie senses in the subsequent note from Harkins that he doesn't get much personal mail from the States, so she initiates an ongoing correspondence.
In a very sweet, believable exchange of letters, Maggie and F. Harkins gradually share more and more of themselves. Harkins' first name becomes a lighthearted guessing game that isn't revealed until late in the story.
The romance is very tender and warm, and you'll feel like these are flesh-and-blood people rather than characters in a book. Each has problems with certain family members, and some drama from both families intrudes on their growing relationship. The POV sticks mostly with Maggie, but at times the reader gets Harkins' perspective on board his ship.
While I admire the true-to-life storyline, it's almost TOO much like real life. This happens, then that happens, then something else happens, and the romance develops much as if you're friends with these people. In a work of fiction, I'm looking for a specific turning point. Couldn't find one here. Perhaps it's when they first meet face-to-face? Or when they first kiss? Or when they agree that they're more than friends? I mean, there are several noteworthy events that are part of every love story, but none of them comes across like the breakthrough pivotal moment in a book.
3 Stars: Swap Meet has a similar problem, only more so. It's shorter, and the reader can tell where it's going from the beginning. There are no surprises here. Again, the characters and their situation are beguiling, but the story doesn't seem to go anywhere.
Ms. Adams demonstrates her great writing chops in both stories. Both are modern, and both have not-so-subtle nods to Pride and Prejudice without being what anyone would call variations; the plots are too far removed from Jane Austen's. However, they're delightful in their own right.
4 Stars:In Ship to Shore, Maggie Stone is a third-grade teacher who leads her class to send notes and cookies to servicemen. Their package is relayed to Lt. Commander F. Harkins on a naval vessel (the Wentworth!) in the Pacific. He sends the class a thank-you note, and Maggie responds, asking if one of the sailers might agree to correspond regularly with the students. Lt. Jacob Davis gladly agrees, but Maggie senses in the subsequent note from Harkins that he doesn't get much personal mail from the States, so she initiates an ongoing correspondence.
In a very sweet, believable exchange of letters, Maggie and F. Harkins gradually share more and more of themselves. Harkins' first name becomes a lighthearted guessing game that isn't revealed until late in the story.
The romance is very tender and warm, and you'll feel like these are flesh-and-blood people rather than characters in a book. Each has problems with certain family members, and some drama from both families intrudes on their growing relationship. The POV sticks mostly with Maggie, but at times the reader gets Harkins' perspective on board his ship.
While I admire the true-to-life storyline, it's almost TOO much like real life. This happens, then that happens, then something else happens, and the romance develops much as if you're friends with these people. In a work of fiction, I'm looking for a specific turning point. Couldn't find one here. Perhaps it's when they first meet face-to-face? Or when they first kiss? Or when they agree that they're more than friends? I mean, there are several noteworthy events that are part of every love story, but none of them comes across like the breakthrough pivotal moment in a book.
3 Stars: Swap Meet has a similar problem, only more so. It's shorter, and the reader can tell where it's going from the beginning. There are no surprises here. Again, the characters and their situation are beguiling, but the story doesn't seem to go anywhere.
January 6, 2020
I enjoyed this book very much but it ended abruptly. Why even have Rebecca's character? It was super cute with no angst for our couple.
I am rating this book on the Ship to Shore story only and not the add on Swap Meet at the end. I truly disliked the short story.
I am rating this book on the Ship to Shore story only and not the add on Swap Meet at the end. I truly disliked the short story.
April 2, 2020
Dear Reader,
This is an undemanding story centred on the correspondence between Hawkins and Maggie and their developing relationship.
It’s a simple story,with no angst,that simmers away in its contentment.
While I’m a big fan of this author’s previous works,(I adored On Equal Ground and Green Card),it grieves me to admit that this story left me feeling very disappointed. I didn’t click with the characters and overall I feel let down.
Prospective readers,please read other more positive reviews and judge for yourself whether this book is for you.
This is an undemanding story centred on the correspondence between Hawkins and Maggie and their developing relationship.
It’s a simple story,with no angst,that simmers away in its contentment.
While I’m a big fan of this author’s previous works,(I adored On Equal Ground and Green Card),it grieves me to admit that this story left me feeling very disappointed. I didn’t click with the characters and overall I feel let down.
Prospective readers,please read other more positive reviews and judge for yourself whether this book is for you.
December 6, 2020
My Rating: 4.5*
Another delightful creation from the 'pen' of Elizabeth Adams!
What fun it was to read the letters exchanged between Maggie, a grade school teacher, and Lt. Commander F. Hawkins of the U.S. Navy that had started as a school project. Each had a definite picture in their mind of the other.
"He liked this Ms. Stone. She was probably pushing sixty and lonely, sitting in a house full of cats that she threw birthday parties for..." (quote from the book)
Their budding friendship evolved over many months and it was fun as Maggie tried to guess what his first name was. What I think I found most compelling were Maggie's own family dynamics. The strain between mother and herself, and the relationships between her siblings...some were much closer than others. It felt authentic.
"...even if they disapproved of each other's decisions, they still got together on holidays to catch up and criticize, backhand compliment, and mock. It was uncomfortable and stressful, but weren't all families?" (quote from the book)
I certainly had many a chuckle throughout this novel, but I felt the ending wasn't finished...maybe there will be sequel?
As for the short story, 'Swap Meet', it was a fun and flirty modern day take on 'Pride & Prejudice'. I loved it!
June 12, 2020
Contemporary Romance
I absolutely loved it!
Clever use of the epistolary form by connecting strangers and let them get to know each other on a deeper level before the more superficial get to play a part. I adored how the relationship developed, the connection could be felt through the pages and the name guessing compelled it forward.
There was a bonus short story at the end: A contemporary Pride and Prejudice varition that started out a bit awkward but ended as it should.
Heartily recommend!
Rated: Chaste
I absolutely loved it!
Clever use of the epistolary form by connecting strangers and let them get to know each other on a deeper level before the more superficial get to play a part. I adored how the relationship developed, the connection could be felt through the pages and the name guessing compelled it forward.
There was a bonus short story at the end: A contemporary Pride and Prejudice varition that started out a bit awkward but ended as it should.
Heartily recommend!
Rated: Chaste
September 13, 2020
Love love love this modern romance and these characters!! I cannot wait to see what happens in the next book because *spoiler it ends with “to be continued”.
The pen pal relationship is soo sweet and was relatable during this pandemic. Narrator was fantastic as well!
The pen pal relationship is soo sweet and was relatable during this pandemic. Narrator was fantastic as well!
February 23, 2021
Great story but felt unfinished?
I loved this story, but it ended so abruptly and seemed unfinished to me. An epilogue or a sequel maybe? I wanted to know what happened next! This kept me from a five-star rating. It was so nicely written I hated to do that. My heart gave it a 5. I loved all the characters. The modern Pride and Prejudice short story included was also a great fun read. I love all of Elizabeth Adams’ work, and always look forward to more. Green Card is one of my all-time favorites.
February 22-23, 2021 -Second Read with audiobook.
The narration by Elizabeth Grace is really outstanding. There is no instance of a droning voice. All expressions are perfectly animated, and the narrative portions nicely expressed. Various accents and genders are very well done. The story is quite delightful. When I read the book the first time, I was so disappointed in the abrupt unfinished feel to the story that I felt compelled to remove a star from what up until that point would have been a five-star review. With the audio version, at the end of the story, instead of saying, “The End”, she says, “To be continued.” This pleases me greatly! I definitely look forward to reading/listening to it. I first read the book via Kindle Unlimited, but purchased it to add to my permanent Kindle library.
I loved this story, but it ended so abruptly and seemed unfinished to me. An epilogue or a sequel maybe? I wanted to know what happened next! This kept me from a five-star rating. It was so nicely written I hated to do that. My heart gave it a 5. I loved all the characters. The modern Pride and Prejudice short story included was also a great fun read. I love all of Elizabeth Adams’ work, and always look forward to more. Green Card is one of my all-time favorites.
February 22-23, 2021 -Second Read with audiobook.
The narration by Elizabeth Grace is really outstanding. There is no instance of a droning voice. All expressions are perfectly animated, and the narrative portions nicely expressed. Various accents and genders are very well done. The story is quite delightful. When I read the book the first time, I was so disappointed in the abrupt unfinished feel to the story that I felt compelled to remove a star from what up until that point would have been a five-star review. With the audio version, at the end of the story, instead of saying, “The End”, she says, “To be continued.” This pleases me greatly! I definitely look forward to reading/listening to it. I first read the book via Kindle Unlimited, but purchased it to add to my permanent Kindle library.
June 27, 2020
Loved this light romp by Elizabeth Adams. It was just what I needed when I opened it and started reading - something low on the angst but high on the fluff. Her 'hero' (whose name I will not mention...you'll have to read the book if you want to know why!) was swoon-worthy and romantic, and her 'heroine' was strong and independent and fun. I love the way their relationship began - it was a great way for them to get to know each other, without the 'pressures' of physical intimacy and interaction. They've each experienced their share of family trauma & drama, but came out stronger on the other side. Highly recommend this lively, fun tale from one of my favorite authors.
January 23, 2023
Wonderful
As always, Ms Adams' writing is wonderful.
Mariana Zapata wrote a story called "Dear Aaron", which is I love by the way, that has a similar premise where the leading heroine is a strong character and writes to someone in the military; penpal turns into friend and friend turns into romantic interest. Even though the premise is similar, the storylines are completely different in a very good way. The feel of each is very powerful and positive.
I hope Ms Adams has a follow up story for us on Maggie and Hawkins. The story felt a little unfinished the way it ended.
And having "Swap Meet" as a bonus was an incredible treat. I love it also.
As always, Ms Adams' writing is wonderful.
Mariana Zapata wrote a story called "Dear Aaron", which is I love by the way, that has a similar premise where the leading heroine is a strong character and writes to someone in the military; penpal turns into friend and friend turns into romantic interest. Even though the premise is similar, the storylines are completely different in a very good way. The feel of each is very powerful and positive.
I hope Ms Adams has a follow up story for us on Maggie and Hawkins. The story felt a little unfinished the way it ended.
And having "Swap Meet" as a bonus was an incredible treat. I love it also.
May 15, 2025
I was in San Diego last week for conference and remembered while I was in the GasLamp district that part of this book was occurred there and decided to do a re-read.
I'm anxiously awaiting the continuation of it!
I'm anxiously awaiting the continuation of it!
June 14, 2020
Loved it
Absolutely marvelous modern romance by the ever talented Elizabeth Adams. I laughed, I cried and I loved every minute of it
Absolutely marvelous modern romance by the ever talented Elizabeth Adams. I laughed, I cried and I loved every minute of it
January 30, 2025
LOVED IT!
Ship to Shore: I'm still wondering why I hesitated for so long. It is sooo good. I love the Pen Pal trope but it is always hard to convey this properly and credible in my opinion. In this case it was done perfectly, not too quick and not too slow, the perfect pace. The main couple Maggie and Hawkins were just so sweet, and for Hawkins after being on sea for so long and feeling alone the letters from Maggie were helping him perfectly.
Now the only thing which bothered me was the abrupt ending (mentioned by other Readers as well) but as it is also said 'To be Continued'. I imagine my ending for the couple until then.
Swap Meet: I read Swap Meet a long time ago and found it delightful, still do even though Jane was dating Darcy at the beginning and Elizabeth was dating Bingley. That soon changed though. Both couples hit it off from the start if you could say so. Worth it.
As I listened to the Audiobook I will just quickly say I LOVE ELIZABETH GRACE. Her works are an instant buy most of the time. She's one of the few who's bringing emotions into a story and for me that makes the book all the better.
Ship to Shore: I'm still wondering why I hesitated for so long. It is sooo good. I love the Pen Pal trope but it is always hard to convey this properly and credible in my opinion. In this case it was done perfectly, not too quick and not too slow, the perfect pace. The main couple Maggie and Hawkins were just so sweet, and for Hawkins after being on sea for so long and feeling alone the letters from Maggie were helping him perfectly.
Now the only thing which bothered me was the abrupt ending (mentioned by other Readers as well) but as it is also said 'To be Continued'. I imagine my ending for the couple until then.
Swap Meet: I read Swap Meet a long time ago and found it delightful, still do even though Jane was dating Darcy at the beginning and Elizabeth was dating Bingley. That soon changed though. Both couples hit it off from the start if you could say so. Worth it.
As I listened to the Audiobook I will just quickly say I LOVE ELIZABETH GRACE. Her works are an instant buy most of the time. She's one of the few who's bringing emotions into a story and for me that makes the book all the better.
May 7, 2021
My main problem with this book: the characters act like teenagers. Well the girl is a teacher for kids, but it’s not a reason to act like one. I guess her behaviour is supposed to be sweet and cute but to me it’s only childish. It’s not because she doesn’t have a doctorate like her sister that she cannot be smart and sexy etc. The guy is too feminine to me, and too cute. To me they both lacked realism and sexiness.
January 5, 2020
A wonderful love story!!!
They get to know each other first by the lost art of letter writing. There are no misunderstandings or man-whore ways. A clean and lovely romance. Kudos to Elizabeth Adams!
They get to know each other first by the lost art of letter writing. There are no misunderstandings or man-whore ways. A clean and lovely romance. Kudos to Elizabeth Adams!
January 4, 2020
Light, charming romance. Fairly clean read.
April 1, 2020
Wonderful
This is such a sweet and engaging story, made up mostly of letters and emails between the two main characters, Lt. Commander Hawkins, a naval officer, and Maggie Stone, a third grade teacher. Letters are such a liberating way of communicating, since no one is there at the time of writing to distract you with facial expressions or body language. It always feels easier to confess things in a letter, than it would be face to face. For these two people, it seems to be the surest way to penetrate each other's reserve, and form a friendship with an unlikely partner.
Like the book blurb said, they didn't stand a chance. She is sweet, bubbly, kind, energetic, and intelligent. He is reserved (at first), gentlemanly, smart, worldly, and lonely. They each have what the other needs, and it's our privilege to watch as they slowly find their way to each other. They both have difficult family members, but both love their families in spite of it, a fact that draws them together.
Elzabeth Adams is a talented writer and storyteller. There were just a few editing errors, mostly missing words, but not enough to be distracting. I recommend it highly.
This is such a sweet and engaging story, made up mostly of letters and emails between the two main characters, Lt. Commander Hawkins, a naval officer, and Maggie Stone, a third grade teacher. Letters are such a liberating way of communicating, since no one is there at the time of writing to distract you with facial expressions or body language. It always feels easier to confess things in a letter, than it would be face to face. For these two people, it seems to be the surest way to penetrate each other's reserve, and form a friendship with an unlikely partner.
Like the book blurb said, they didn't stand a chance. She is sweet, bubbly, kind, energetic, and intelligent. He is reserved (at first), gentlemanly, smart, worldly, and lonely. They each have what the other needs, and it's our privilege to watch as they slowly find their way to each other. They both have difficult family members, but both love their families in spite of it, a fact that draws them together.
Elzabeth Adams is a talented writer and storyteller. There were just a few editing errors, mostly missing words, but not enough to be distracting. I recommend it highly.
February 18, 2020
Hey Sailor!
Elizabeth Adams' lively dialog immediately pulls you in - it's amazing - you're immersed in the dynamics of this story within a few pages. Teacher Maggie Stone and Lt. Commander F. Hawkins' (on board a ship named USS Wentworth) correspondence starts in the beginning chapter. Letter by letter a friendship builds and you feel their excitement and longing as they grow closer. Although not an actual Austen variation, with delightful regularity we are treated to character and physical traits, reactions and more pulled from Pride and Prejudice. The fun banter of Maggie trying to guess Hawkins' first name ....hmm.... begins with an "F"....
Amusing and romantic with some angst (courtesy of a host of difficult relatives) make up an entertaining and sweet tale of love found. Oh, if only a continuation with more of Maggie's sister and Hawkins' ship-mate, and some resolution with Hawkins' sister!
The additional short story gem "Swap Meet" is also a modern P&P inspired romp with people I would love to toss back a few and hang out with!
Elizabeth Adams' lively dialog immediately pulls you in - it's amazing - you're immersed in the dynamics of this story within a few pages. Teacher Maggie Stone and Lt. Commander F. Hawkins' (on board a ship named USS Wentworth) correspondence starts in the beginning chapter. Letter by letter a friendship builds and you feel their excitement and longing as they grow closer. Although not an actual Austen variation, with delightful regularity we are treated to character and physical traits, reactions and more pulled from Pride and Prejudice. The fun banter of Maggie trying to guess Hawkins' first name ....hmm.... begins with an "F"....
Amusing and romantic with some angst (courtesy of a host of difficult relatives) make up an entertaining and sweet tale of love found. Oh, if only a continuation with more of Maggie's sister and Hawkins' ship-mate, and some resolution with Hawkins' sister!
The additional short story gem "Swap Meet" is also a modern P&P inspired romp with people I would love to toss back a few and hang out with!
November 5, 2020
A sweet little romance. I liked it. Didn't love it. It was fun to follow the letters back and forth - I've liked other books with letters as a central part of the writing.
I discovered this author from her P&P reimaginings (which I've loved). This didn't have any P&P ties, and I was a bit sad that as Maggie is attempting to guess Hawkin's first name, she never guessed "Fitzwilliam" as at least a small tribute to her other books! In fact, there was a P&P short story included with the kindle copy (borrowed on Kindle Unlimited). I'm not sure why it was combined with this book, and not just offered on it's own, as it had nothing to do with this story. I felt the same about "Swap Meet" as I did about "Ship to Shore" ... it was cute, liked it, didn't love it. Wasn't sure about making Jane, Elizabeth and Mary triplets and it was all a little too coincidental.
I discovered this author from her P&P reimaginings (which I've loved). This didn't have any P&P ties, and I was a bit sad that as Maggie is attempting to guess Hawkin's first name, she never guessed "Fitzwilliam" as at least a small tribute to her other books! In fact, there was a P&P short story included with the kindle copy (borrowed on Kindle Unlimited). I'm not sure why it was combined with this book, and not just offered on it's own, as it had nothing to do with this story. I felt the same about "Swap Meet" as I did about "Ship to Shore" ... it was cute, liked it, didn't love it. Wasn't sure about making Jane, Elizabeth and Mary triplets and it was all a little too coincidental.
June 3, 2024
Fantastic story and great bonus short!
My biggest complaint with Ship to Shore is that it ended!! I wanted more of Hawkins and Maggie!!!
Margaret “Maggie” Stone is a third grade teacher whose class sends cards and cookies to a group that distributes them to the military and her box ends up going to the Navy. Lt Commander F Hawkins’s sailors are the ones who receive the box of cards and cookies and writes back to Maggie thanking her and her students. The two start a correspondence which leads to friendship and slowly falling for their long distance penpal. Both write of their various family dramas and open up to each other through letters - eventually meeting in San Diego when Hawkins has shore leave.
Hawkins is adorably sweet and Maggie is bubbly and sunshiny and this one has quickly become a favorite both to read to listen (have it on ebook and audio).
My biggest complaint with Ship to Shore is that it ended!! I wanted more of Hawkins and Maggie!!!
Margaret “Maggie” Stone is a third grade teacher whose class sends cards and cookies to a group that distributes them to the military and her box ends up going to the Navy. Lt Commander F Hawkins’s sailors are the ones who receive the box of cards and cookies and writes back to Maggie thanking her and her students. The two start a correspondence which leads to friendship and slowly falling for their long distance penpal. Both write of their various family dramas and open up to each other through letters - eventually meeting in San Diego when Hawkins has shore leave.
Hawkins is adorably sweet and Maggie is bubbly and sunshiny and this one has quickly become a favorite both to read to listen (have it on ebook and audio).
April 3, 2020
This is a romance where two persons get to know each other in the modern world, but by using a historical method, letters. Maggie and Hawkins are put in touch when Maggie's third grade class sends letters and baked goods to the military for a school project. After a well written thank you know from Hawkins, Maggie takes a chance and sends him a note. They start sharing their lives via letters and care packages while real life family and work issues swirl around them. Once they decide to meet in person, the focus turns romantic and touchingly sweet.
While I enjoyed the story, I felt it had an abrupt end. I didn't get the closure I wanted, but it did have bonus story at the end!
While I enjoyed the story, I felt it had an abrupt end. I didn't get the closure I wanted, but it did have bonus story at the end!
December 17, 2020
Old fashioned letter writing mixed with emails & calls
The commitment to handwritten letters augmented with the occasional email and phone call was such a refreshing approach to communicating for Maggie and Hawkins as they learned about each other. I genuinely loved it! The story was so sweet. So why the 3 star? This Adams novel was about 250 pages too short while Green Card was 250 pages too long. There was so much more to expose in this story; my rating reflects how very disappointed I was that the author abruptly ended it. Epilogue??? Even a one chapter epilogue five years later would have sufficed.
The commitment to handwritten letters augmented with the occasional email and phone call was such a refreshing approach to communicating for Maggie and Hawkins as they learned about each other. I genuinely loved it! The story was so sweet. So why the 3 star? This Adams novel was about 250 pages too short while Green Card was 250 pages too long. There was so much more to expose in this story; my rating reflects how very disappointed I was that the author abruptly ended it. Epilogue??? Even a one chapter epilogue five years later would have sufficed.
January 2, 2020
Sweet, romantic read
I love books that feature letters, and this one didn’t disappoint. I loved the gradual increase in intimacy as the characters got to know each other better. The letters were perfect: they felt real, not stilted, and they were fun and interesting.
This is a fairly light read, not a lot of angst, and it’s a good length. I didn’t feel like the relationship or the letters got too intimate too fast, but it didn’t drag, either. Really good pacing.
I would highly recommend this book!
I love books that feature letters, and this one didn’t disappoint. I loved the gradual increase in intimacy as the characters got to know each other better. The letters were perfect: they felt real, not stilted, and they were fun and interesting.
This is a fairly light read, not a lot of angst, and it’s a good length. I didn’t feel like the relationship or the letters got too intimate too fast, but it didn’t drag, either. Really good pacing.
I would highly recommend this book!
February 21, 2021
Very well written
The anonymous nature of getting acquainted by letter allows the main characters to get to know each other on a deeper level. We also get a good look at the secondary characters. Unfortunately, it's only at the very end that we realize that the story continues in another book. There are several story lines here, and some are mostly wrapped up. I deducted a star for the abrupt ending that isn't quite an ending. I wish I'd been forewarned that this isn't quite a complete story in itself.
The anonymous nature of getting acquainted by letter allows the main characters to get to know each other on a deeper level. We also get a good look at the secondary characters. Unfortunately, it's only at the very end that we realize that the story continues in another book. There are several story lines here, and some are mostly wrapped up. I deducted a star for the abrupt ending that isn't quite an ending. I wish I'd been forewarned that this isn't quite a complete story in itself.
January 10, 2020
This was a lovely story and delightful read. I’ve enjoyed other books by this author as well. Although some of the characters had a partial basis in Jane Austen, it wasn’t so close that I would consider it a variation. I liked watching the relationship develop between the main characters. The short story at the end was also quite fun and left my wanting more. My only critique was that the characters were a bit too perfect- but it was still a great read.
March 18, 2020
Pretty boring, actually
I’ve read and enjoyed several books by Ms. Adams, but neither the main story or the short story succeeding it really did much for me. I had very little desire to get back to reading it after getting distracted by something else. I’ve read tons of JAFF, but this one just didn’t do much for me.
I’ve read and enjoyed several books by Ms. Adams, but neither the main story or the short story succeeding it really did much for me. I had very little desire to get back to reading it after getting distracted by something else. I’ve read tons of JAFF, but this one just didn’t do much for me.
June 12, 2022
Shore Leave Has Never Been Better
I enjoyed this modern version of pen pals. One is a sailor, and the other is an elementary school teacher. Baking desserts and letter writing never sounded so good. So much can be shared and still more is left unsaid until they meet while he is on shore leave.
Such a feel good story.
I enjoyed this modern version of pen pals. One is a sailor, and the other is an elementary school teacher. Baking desserts and letter writing never sounded so good. So much can be shared and still more is left unsaid until they meet while he is on shore leave.
Such a feel good story.
May 4, 2023
Another Wonderful Tale
This is the fifth Elizabeth Adams tale I have read. The first three were in the regency era while the last two were in today living. This Ship to Shore was done very well. Hopefully it will be continued. The letter writing was wonderful. All sorts of things pointed to Austen without coming right out and saying it. Loved all I've read.
This is the fifth Elizabeth Adams tale I have read. The first three were in the regency era while the last two were in today living. This Ship to Shore was done very well. Hopefully it will be continued. The letter writing was wonderful. All sorts of things pointed to Austen without coming right out and saying it. Loved all I've read.
January 15, 2020
Sweet story
The characters were developed well and the plot was fairly straightforward with no angst.n This was a sweet story that kept ones interest and I enjoyed seeing the relationship develop through letters.
The characters were developed well and the plot was fairly straightforward with no angst.n This was a sweet story that kept ones interest and I enjoyed seeing the relationship develop through letters.
May 31, 2020
Fantastic 'read
A lot of pen pal romances on here are really sweet but are quite fast paced and rushed. This book was the perfect length and really developed the character's story line. I absolutely adored it! 100% recommend
A lot of pen pal romances on here are really sweet but are quite fast paced and rushed. This book was the perfect length and really developed the character's story line. I absolutely adored it! 100% recommend
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