Welcome Aboard

Sail Away Series #1

by Jessie Newton, Tammy L. Grace, Ev Bishop

Set sail to new adventures and escapes with eight best-selling authors in the exciting new Sail Away series!

Pack your bags and get ready to set sail on a variety of cruise ships...all without leaving home! Experience the waves, the wind, and the call of the birds in the Sail Away series with a sneak peek of the Sail Away Series in this prologue novella. Each bestselling author will take you on a sea adventure filled with friendship, healing, some romance, and all the heartfelt storytelling you crave.

★ Don’t miss a Sail Away book! ★
Book 1: Welcome Aboard – prologue book
Book 2: The Sound of the Sea by Jessie Newton
Book 3: Uncharted Waters by Tammy L. Grace
Book 4: A Not So Distant Shore by Ev Bishop
Book 5: Caroline, Adrift by Kay Bratt
Book 6: Moonlight On the Lido Deck by Violet Howe
Book 7: The Winning Tickets by Judith Keim
Book 8: Lost At Sea by Patricia Sands
Book 9: The Last Port of Call by Elizabeth Bromke

Genres: Romance, Ebooks, Novella, Anthologies

126 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 1, 2023

Reviews

[Madison Warner Fairbanks]

This Anthology is an introduction to each of the listed author stories. Aka, this is The prologue of the upcoming full length books by each author.
A teaser really. Each short introduction will tell you a little about the situation or problem or family dilemma and wind you into the reason for the cruise. But you’ll have to wait for the accompanying books to read the rest of the story…

I didn’t want to “rate” this since it’s really just the beginning of each book
So after reading the introductory pieces, I do want to read these stories and follow how each of the women and families get their hea so…my rating (where it’s mandatory for submission) is based on anticipation that drew me in for the future books.

[Debbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great introduction to all of the books in this new SAIL AWAY series.
9 women - different ages , different places in their lives and careers - all about to set sail on a 1st time cruise. Each one traveling on a different ship to a different destination....

This collection of 1st chapters introduces these women to you and lets you decide who you want to follow up with and see where their voyage leads them.

I love this method to introduce all the authors and stories for a collaborative series. Not only do you get a view into each of the stories but also get introduced to some authors you may not be familiar with.

[Crystal P · Rating 5 out of 5]

A series in which all the books involve a cruise??? Yes, please!

I had no idea I needed this in my life. My passport needs to be renewed and life needs to quit throwing curve balls so I can get back out for another cruise, but in the mean time I can set sail eight times. This book contains the prologue of eight different books by eight different authors, and every one left me wanting more. The main female characters in each prologue were in different stages of life, dealing with various life dramas, and cruise-bound for very different reasons.

I am ready to Sail Away with all these ladies and see what adventures await!!!

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novella launches a series of books, eight of them not including this prequel, and all are written by different authors who are well-known and respected by those of us in the book community. They are Jessie Newton, Tammy L. Grace, Ev Bishop, Kay Bratt, Violet Howe, Judith Keim, Patricia Sands, and Elizabeth Bromke. These authors typically write women's fiction with many books published between them, and they have come together to give us the "Sail Away" series which promises to be thoroughly entertaining. This prequel gives us a taste of each book, a prologue, then leaves us ready to read more. Each cruise is separate, a standalone, taking place on a different cruise line, in a different part of the world, and under a very different circumstance. These women don't know each other. Some of them welcome the time away. Others are reluctant. Most (but not all) of the stories focus on older women, but every one of them is at a critical crossroads in her life. What I really, really like about the Kindle copy I read is that we get to preview each book with a prologue, and then at the end is a link to the book itself. So easy. You can preorder them now with a simple click. Or if you want to wait, the books release a week apart starting on February 8, 2023 with Book 2, The Sound of the Sea by Jessie Newton. My suggestion is to preorder now so they will be waiting for you on the very day they publish. I don't know about you, but "sailing away" from these crazy polar ice storms sounds like a pretty good idea right about now.

[Laila Nelke · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very exciting and wonderful adventure promising series is announced by these prologues! I’m so excited for all of these books to read when they are released. Loved all of the introductions with the main characters of a near future books. Wanted to be able to read them straight away, can’t wait for it!
Would love for all the prologues to be about same length as the first 6 or so to get more insight but it doesn’t matter much.

[Beatrice Followill · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am excited for these stories to come to life! This was a prequel of each book in this upcoming standalone series by eight phenomenal authors. Each story has wonderful characters and storylines. Cant wait to read the full stories.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Sail Away series is eight books written by a group of terrific authors. Each book will take you on an adventure without leaving home.
So sit back and enjoy your travels on some cruise ships. Having never been on a cruise ship I certainly plan to enjoy every sea adventure.

I received an ARC prior to publication and decided to voluntarily review it.

[Lori Boyd · Rating 4 out of 5]

First installment in the Sail Away series. This book highlights the beginning chapter of each of the books, a total of Download is free! You can get a feel of each story and the individual writer's style. Each book will take you to a different beautiful location! Cruise ships should market these books! Perfect book if you are looking for a light read after something heavy and dark.

[Annie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like this “novel” approach to a set of stories by different authors but with the commonality of a cruise of some kind anchoring them together. I loved the prequel teasers and look forward to reading the whole series!

[Jenn Kasprzak · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fun series idea, the first book Welcome Aboard, which is the prequel full of prologues and book descriptions for each book in the series. Every book has a couple common threads, they all have a heroine and they all focus on a cruise but that’s where most of the similarities stop. Each heroine has a different background and have come upon their cruise for unique and sometimes heartbreaking reasons, they are all in different seasons of life and looking for either a break away or a new start. I felt a connection to each heroine for one reason or another, and the little taste of each book I was given left me wanting to hear the rest of their journey. Even though they are part of a series they can be read in any order as they are independent stories each written by different authors, theses talented writers include Jessie Newton, Tammy L. Grace, Ev Bishop, Kay Bratt, Violet Howe, Judith Keim, Patricia Sands, and Elizabeth Brooke. All of these authors although new to me are not new to the book reading community, they are typically writers of women’s fiction which is right up my alley. I’m so ready to sail away with each of these ladies beginning February 8, 2023 when book 2, The Sound of the Sea by Jesse Newton launches. Then just one week later the voyages continue in sequence each week until we get to the final cruise. The first book helps set the tone for what is to come and then at the end of Welcome Aboard there is a link to each book to pre order them so that they are delivered right to you on release day, I don’t know about you but I can get through a good story in a day or so especially on cold winter days here in Michigan, so I will be ready and waiting for the next one in line. A fun cruise even just through a book may be just what I need to fight the winter blahs, How about you, are you ready to set sail?


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author via BookFunnel. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR Part 225. “ Guidelines Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”

[Jenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Sail Away Series is composed of nine books. The first one, Welcome Aboard, is free and provides the introduction to the series with prologues to the other eight books. Each stand-alone book is written by one of the amazing team of authors and features different characters, locales, and plots.

Planning for trips is part of the excitement of travelling. Reading Welcome Aboard is the intriguing first step in preparation to experience eight exciting cruises with eight interesting, diverse women. Through the pages of the new Sail Away Series, I'll be joining each lady on her individual journey. They are all at different points in their lives, with opportunities ahead of them on the cruises for reflection, adventure, and challenges.

In Welcome Aboard, the talented authors provide a prologue to each book in the series by introducing readers to each woman and providing a bit of background on her circumstances. The anticipation builds as we realize each is at a pivotal point in life. As the women prepare to set sail, I'm also packing my suitcase and backpack to tag along with them. The destinations are diverse, with seas, mountains, islands, trails, and lots of surprises! Grab your passports, travel journals and hop on board for the perfect escapes.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book 1 in a series of 9 books and is a prologue novella. The stories are not complete but introduce you to the upcoming books. Books 2 through 9 are written by different authors but all have a cruise as a theme. The women in each book are going through some difficult times and each ends up on a cruise to a different location. Some are looking forward to the cruise and others go reluctantly. Can they each find peace of mind and return home in a better place than when they left? I look forward to reading the books in their entirety.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Shavona Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Introductory promo to a brand-new series by a group of very entertaining and talented authors. Each chapter of this novella introduces a new character and the reason behind her solo cruise ship adventure. Each lady has a unique reason for finding herself alone and at a critical moment in her life. Whether the trip was a retirement gift from friends, a surprise couples' trip that suddenly turned solo or a well needed getaway, I can't wait to see how it all turns out. Looking forward to the release of each book in what appears to be a wonderful new series.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Rikki Neukom · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a book that introduces you to 8 books in a series written by 8 different authors all about women who for different reasons have decided to leave for a little adventure aboard a cruise ship. Each chapter is the beginning of each book which allows you to decide which ones you may be interested in reading or which excite you to read them all. I love that these books are coming out now in the deep of winter to help us escape from the snow for a little while. I look forward to my upcoming travels on the ocean.

[Bernadette Cinkoske · Rating 5 out of 5]

Welcome Aboard is a prequel to all the books in the series. It seems to include the first chapter from each author. All books have a heroine and are focused on a cruise but there the similarities end. Some are looking forward to the cruise; others dread it. These ships are headed to different destinations. I found myself interested in each book presented for differing reasons. Actually I would like to binge read all the books right now but I will have to be patient until they are published!

[Stephanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought this would be fun to read while on a cruise but it was just ok. Different short stories

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

This wonder collaboration of this series is great and I can’t wait to read them all ! I love cruising and the fact that you can get away and see different places and meet all sorts of people is fantastic .

[Susan Hamann · Rating 4 out of 5]

So many of the authors that I already know and have read have joined together to write a series. This book contains the prologues for the upcoming books.

The women who are about to embark on a (presumably) life changing cruise have all had major losses in their lives and a looking to start anew; some willingly, some not so willingly. The cruises are all different so this is NOT a "Love Boat" series. (People of a certain age, or people who like to watch old TV shows will know what I'm referring to.) I enjoyed every one of the prologues in this quick reading compilation and I look forward to reading all the books as they are released.

This is my honest review.

[Jeff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Solid Series Introduction. This is an introductory book to a very loosely coupled set of tales of middle aged women going on cruises for various reasons, written by a swath of women's fiction authors. Here, we get the prologue - essentially the "inciting incident", to use technical terms - for each of the eight actual tales in the series. And each one completely works, in its own ways. I truly want to see how each of these stories play out, and I'm glad that they'll all release within a couple of months of each other, essentially one every couple of weeks or so, as that makes it quite easy indeed to finish one right as the next one releases. :D I've read a few of these authors before (Bratt, Keim, Bromke) and *know* how good storytellers these ladies are. I'm trusting that the company they keep is equally strong, and based on the prologues in this collection I'm expecting that my trust is well placed indeed. And yet the loosely coupled nature of this collection means that if you read this particular book and find that one or another tale doesn't quite strike you... you lose nothing in skipping that particular book. So get this one, read it - and get ready for some great tales on the high seas. Very much recommended.

[Claudia Reed · Rating 5 out of 5]

Welcome Aboard is the prologue for the Sail Away Series by Jessie Newton, Tammy L Grace, Ev Bishop, Kay Bratt, Violet Howe, Judith Keim, Patricia Sands, and Elizabeth Bromke as a compilation. The authors, each in her own accomplished style, has given us the introduction to her book in the series which can also be read as standalones. Every author in this compilation is a gifted storyteller, writing plots and characters that catch the reader’s complete attention. The protagonist in each book will be going on a cruise. After reading this prologue, I am hungering for “the rest of the story”. I highly recommend this series.


I read this as an ARC and wish to thank the authors and publisher for the privilege. The ideas contained in this review are strictly my own.

[Terri · Rating 5 out of 5]

This anthology is basically the prologues to numerous books in this series. All of them that I read were very good and definitely made me want to read the full books. The books all seem to be about slightly older women who are all going to end up taking a cruise to resolve issues in their lives. One is going on a cruise that her now dead husband booked for them, one is going on a cruise with her daughters that she doesn't really get along with, etc.

Whatever the basis for the different stories, I look forward to reading them.

I was gifted a copy of this book. All thoughts are my own.

[Pam Fleming · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun start to a new series. The book features short snippets of the books in the series, serving as a teaser for what is to come. The main character find’s themselves about to embark on a cruise after difficult life circumstances. Several (not all) of the books feature older womenMost by some of my favorite authors, but a few new to me. Can’t wait to see the adventures that develop

[Victoria Bahnsen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great introduction to what promises to be a very entertaining group of loosely related books. Each author has set the stage with interesting characters at some type of crossroads in their lives and each headed on a cruise. I'm already intrigued to read the full versions to find out what happens.
A great group of writers and what looks to be an enjoyable series of stories.

[Lisa Wetzel · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a very intriguing adventure this book is! It is a prequel that has prologues of eight books that will be coming out in the next few months! It is a wonderful introduction of what to expect. There are eight phenomenal authors contributing their terrific talents to this anthology! All the characters and storylines are very interesting and I cannot wait to come aboard and read them. If you would like to take a different cruise with each book and author, then I suggest you buy a ticket and join the fun. I am looking forward to to getting started.

[Sheri · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful idea for a new eight book series by many of my favorite best-selling authors! Most of the authors I have read before (and LOVE all their books), although one is new to me (I am excited to read her work). I can hardly wait for the series to come out!

Book one is a compilation of introductions to the new series. Each author has submitted kind of a “prologue” or “catchy snippet” introducing you to the heroine of their story. Each one left me wanting to read more to see how things turn out for her.

I love women’s fiction, and especially those that focus on women reaching (or past) middle age. I look forward to each one of these! I’ve personally never been on a cruise, although it is on my bucket list. I can hardly wait to be whisked away with each of the women as they sail away to find their high seas adventure!

[Carla Suto · Rating 5 out of 5]

WELCOME ABOARD is a compilation prologue to the new Sail Away series of novellas written by eight acclaimed women’s fiction authors – Jessie Newton, Tammy L. Grace, Ev Bishop, Kay Bratt, Violet Howe, Judith Keim, Patricia Sands and Elizabeth Bromke. The novellas can be read as stand-alones, but all will have a theme of middle-aged women who end up going on a cruise for various reasons. These authors are all gifted storytellers and I can already tell from the prologues that I will truly enjoy the adventures at sea of their wonderful characters. WELCOME ABOARD has me intrigued and I can’t wait to read the rest of each story. Thank you to the authors for the chance to read and early copy of WELCOME ABOARD.

[Beth Moylan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a wonderful new prequel of 8 new stories. They all sound so interesting and I can't wait to find out more about them. I have read most of the authors that have contributed to this series. They all have wonderful characters and interesting story lines.
I received an ARC prior to publication and decided to voluntarily review it.

[Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short descriptions of the novellas in the anthology.
Totally enjoyed can't wait to read each novella

[Pam Vogt · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful collection of novellas. Love books pertaining to the middle aged woman and what they go thru in their lives. Each story by so many wonderful authors gives you an insight into their stories. You can read all or any one you choose. Certainly won't be disappointed no matter which one you decide to read.

[Stanley McShane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read my full review on Rosepoint Publishing.

The Sail Away Series is actually made up of nine books by eight different authors. Book 1 provides the prologues for each of the books. While they are part of a series, a consistent theme, each is a stand-alone book that includes different characters, locations, and plots. The common thread, of course, is that each will result in a cruise.

Getting into the first prologue and realizing what the book consisted of, I might have been disappointed, but having read the first one, I was hooked, regained enthusiasm, and dove into the second prologue.

These are all written by seasoned authors offering their own contemporary fiction stories with empathetic characters that quickly gains engagement.

The main characters are made up of different ages and circumstances. Some would prefer taking an enema rather than joining a cruise—absolutely NOT in their wheelhouse. Yet someone else, or multiple loved ones, see that this is something they need.

A few expect to find solace or peace, while others look forward to a new challenge or adventure: something to reset their lives. The prologue provides the excitement and anticipation.

Each of the backstories grip, set the stage, and provides the impetus for participating in a series that’s going to be a delightful and easy read on your lunch hour, on a vacation, or on your back porch enjoying the sun. This is a fun, fast, and surprisingly entertaining Book 1.

I received a complimentary review copy of this book from the author that in no way influenced this review. These are my honest thoughts. 4.5 stars