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Sailor's Delight
Self-effacing, overworked bookkeeper Elie Benezet doesn’t have time to be in love. Too bad he already is—with his favorite client, Augustus Brine. The Royal Navy sailing master is kind, handsome, and breathtakingly competent. He’s also engaged to his childhood sweetheart. And now that his prize money is coming in after years of delay, he can afford to marry her…once Elie submits the final prize paperwork.
When Augustus comes home, determined to marry by the end of his brief leave, Elie does his best to set his broken heart aside and make it happen. But he’s interrupted by one thing after another: other clients, the high holidays, his family’s relentless efforts to marry him off. Augustus isn’t helping by renting a room down the hall, shaving shirtless with his door open, and inviting Elie to the public baths. If Elie didn’t know better, he’d think Augustus didn’t want to get married.
To cap it all off, Augustus’s fiancée arrives in town, senses that Elie has a secret, and promptly accuses him of embezzling. Has Elie’s doom been sealed…or is there still time to change his fate?
When Augustus comes home, determined to marry by the end of his brief leave, Elie does his best to set his broken heart aside and make it happen. But he’s interrupted by one thing after another: other clients, the high holidays, his family’s relentless efforts to marry him off. Augustus isn’t helping by renting a room down the hall, shaving shirtless with his door open, and inviting Elie to the public baths. If Elie didn’t know better, he’d think Augustus didn’t want to get married.
To cap it all off, Augustus’s fiancée arrives in town, senses that Elie has a secret, and promptly accuses him of embezzling. Has Elie’s doom been sealed…or is there still time to change his fate?
201 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 16, 2022
32 people are currently reading
658 people want to read
About the author
Rose Lerner
20 books589 followersI discovered historical romance when I was twelve, and took my first stab at writing one a few years later. My prose has improved since then, but my fascination with all things Regency hasn’t changed. When I'm not writing and researching my own stories, or helping other authors write and research theirs over at Rose Does The Research, you can find me reading, watching, cooking, doodling, rambling, and daydreaming in Philadelphia.
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FYI: I use this space for recs of books I wholeheartedly love only. My recs are honest, but I have social relationships with some of the romance authors whose books I rec.
Sign up to be notified when my next book comes out! https://www.roselerner.com/#news
FYI: I use this space for recs of books I wholeheartedly love only. My recs are honest, but I have social relationships with some of the romance authors whose books I rec.
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October 14, 2022Incredibly well-done historical with superbly convincing setting, etched in with such a light touch. Rose Lerner is magnificent at the little details of life and especially at digging into normal jobs and what they entailed, and this is one of the most convincingly set historicals I've ever read. It feels like an offshoot of the Aubrey-Maturin series, in the best way.
Elie is a prize agent, Augie is a sailing master (does the navigational stuff). Both of the jobs are so richly conveyed you can taste them, and inform the characters wonderfully. Elie is also Jewish, and we get such a strong sense of what that means--his faith, how it informs his thinking and morality, how culture and tradition and belief run through his and his family's lives, and also how overt and casual antisemitism affects everything, from his safety to his choice of job to his relationships (he literally can't 100% trust the man he loves not to assume his niece is for sale, because that is how Gentile English sailors always treat Jews). All that is terrific, with a huge amount packed into a short space, and palpable atmosphere.
The romance is told from Elie's POV, with a great deal of longing and pining and uncertainty. We absolutely know where he stands but we're never quite sure what Augie (who is about to marry for most of the book) wants. Once we reach an understanding between Augie and Elie, I really wanted more of a wallow between them: there was so much hoping and unhappiness and misunderstanding and they are such lovely characters that I wanted substantially more on page of them getting it right. (It's closed door, which I have to say I did not expect given the decidedly hot and very gorgeous cover.)
Elie is a prize agent, Augie is a sailing master (does the navigational stuff). Both of the jobs are so richly conveyed you can taste them, and inform the characters wonderfully. Elie is also Jewish, and we get such a strong sense of what that means--his faith, how it informs his thinking and morality, how culture and tradition and belief run through his and his family's lives, and also how overt and casual antisemitism affects everything, from his safety to his choice of job to his relationships (he literally can't 100% trust the man he loves not to assume his niece is for sale, because that is how Gentile English sailors always treat Jews). All that is terrific, with a huge amount packed into a short space, and palpable atmosphere.
The romance is told from Elie's POV, with a great deal of longing and pining and uncertainty. We absolutely know where he stands but we're never quite sure what Augie (who is about to marry for most of the book) wants. Once we reach an understanding between Augie and Elie, I really wanted more of a wallow between them: there was so much hoping and unhappiness and misunderstanding and they are such lovely characters that I wanted substantially more on page of them getting it right. (It's closed door, which I have to say I did not expect given the decidedly hot and very gorgeous cover.)
February 12, 2025
I should probably preface this by saying that I do ultimately think this is a good book. Everything from the period-accurate writing style befitting the setting, to the characters with realistic fears and wants all work incredibly well here. I feel like I have to say that every time I’m about to go on a rant about the stuff that annoyed me. I guess you could say that I’m predisposed to being a hater. The story follows a man named Elie who’s secretly in love with a super sexy sailor named Augustus Brine. There’s only one issue, he’s scheduled to be married to a lady named Sarah Turner! Dun dun dunnn! This book is kind of like if the song "Brandy" by Looking Glass had a happy ending, though I think there’s a reason that song goes the way it goes, as the main couple in this didn’t seem like they could last past the pages in the book. I didn’t really feel their connection, and Elie practically works for Brine, meaning that there’s a bit of a power dynamics thing going on here. It doesn’t help that for most the novel, Elie is basically using his "customer service voice" on Brine, making their abrupt romance (literally in the last chapter) seem jarring. Clearly, I wasn’t the biggest fan of Brine, who almost exclusively came across like an irresponsible man-child. I don’t know, He was like the boyfriend at the start of a romcom who's only purpose is being toxic enough for the main character to realize he doesn’t appreciate them and then to ditch and find someone who will treat them right.
But hey! There’s more than enough haterade to go around! While Brine was selfish and wishy-washy (see, because he’s a sailor), I also didn’t like Sarah Turner. She was the kind of person who’s mean to the waiter and punches down (towards Elie) constantly. She’s supposed to seem really tough and witty, but my assessment is that she was really just a petty bully. Sure, everybody’s a real tough guy when they’re talking bad to someone that can’t say anything back. It’s probably not a good sign that I was cheering on the sidelines every time Elie said something short and scathing back to Brine or Sarah. Other than that, another weird thing is that the chapters would sometimes seem to end in the most random places, without much thought put into it. Ugh I’m a little sad because this really has all the ingredients of things I love in a book; a gay historical-fiction love story with no shortage of pining, tenderness, and devotion, but it unfortunately didn't end up reaching those heights. I just wish the love between Elie and Brine was focused on a little more and they were given more time to be themselves around each other. At least it was written well! And the characters felt like real people… they were just real people I didn’t particularly like.
“Maybe all Elie would ever have of Brine were notes dashed off between more pressing duties, and leftover moments between tours of duty and visits to his wife. Was that a reason to rush through them, and make them less than they were? Was it a reason for Elie to make himself less than he was, to fit more neatly into the gaps and margins? Brine wasn’t in a hurry.”
But hey! There’s more than enough haterade to go around! While Brine was selfish and wishy-washy (see, because he’s a sailor), I also didn’t like Sarah Turner. She was the kind of person who’s mean to the waiter and punches down (towards Elie) constantly. She’s supposed to seem really tough and witty, but my assessment is that she was really just a petty bully. Sure, everybody’s a real tough guy when they’re talking bad to someone that can’t say anything back. It’s probably not a good sign that I was cheering on the sidelines every time Elie said something short and scathing back to Brine or Sarah. Other than that, another weird thing is that the chapters would sometimes seem to end in the most random places, without much thought put into it. Ugh I’m a little sad because this really has all the ingredients of things I love in a book; a gay historical-fiction love story with no shortage of pining, tenderness, and devotion, but it unfortunately didn't end up reaching those heights. I just wish the love between Elie and Brine was focused on a little more and they were given more time to be themselves around each other. At least it was written well! And the characters felt like real people… they were just real people I didn’t particularly like.
“Maybe all Elie would ever have of Brine were notes dashed off between more pressing duties, and leftover moments between tours of duty and visits to his wife. Was that a reason to rush through them, and make them less than they were? Was it a reason for Elie to make himself less than he was, to fit more neatly into the gaps and margins? Brine wasn’t in a hurry.”
April 8, 2023
4.5 ⭐️
I've been meaning to read Rose Lerner for a while -- she writes a lot of socioeconomically diverse MCs, and much as I dig dukes and heiresses and the landed gentry, it's nice to de-aristocratize now and then -- and this outing certainly inclines me to trove her backlist. This lovely slow-burn is one of the more unusual historicals I've read in some time, and I mean that as a compliment.
I loved the centrality of Judaism to the story. Saying "there is a Jewish MC" is true, but it doesn't really cover how integral Jewish practices and beliefs and identity are to the story. Elie's Judaism is at the core of who he is, the job he does (in part because of anti-Semitic restrictions dictating the professions open to Jews), the family and social and professional networks he is part of, and the way he presents himself to and navigates the world. The story is structured around the Jewish High Holidays, which provide not just a temporal frame for the action, but spiritual meaning and resonance to Elie's thought process and decisionmaking. The food, the prayers, the little mundane rituals and habits, and the code-switching between Elie's authentic self and the professional, bland shell he dons as protection amongst the Gentiles -- all make this an immersive and rich reading experience. (I should note that I am not Jewish and therefore cannot speak to the portrayal from firsthand knowledge or experience.)
Brine, meanwhile, is a walking heart-eyes emoji. He tries to disguise his obvious devotion as general affability, but the signs keep slipping out (the handwriting! the watch! literally everything about him!). Brine is a smart, highly competent, fair-minded man trying to do the right thing, making him a perfect match for Elie, who is . . . basically exactly the same. The trick is getting them to realize that sometimes there is more than one "right thing", and that -- all else being equal -- the hardest, most self-sacrificing option isn't always the correct one.
This is a short little book where subtext speaks louder than text, where every conversation is legible on multiple levels, where the burn is slow and delicious (and eventually, closed door), and -- delightfully -- where the shrewy villianness actually isn't. And also a humorous meditation on procrastination (I felt seen).
My only complaint is that it I wish it was longer. A thoroughly enjoyable, heartwarming read.
I've been meaning to read Rose Lerner for a while -- she writes a lot of socioeconomically diverse MCs, and much as I dig dukes and heiresses and the landed gentry, it's nice to de-aristocratize now and then -- and this outing certainly inclines me to trove her backlist. This lovely slow-burn is one of the more unusual historicals I've read in some time, and I mean that as a compliment.
I loved the centrality of Judaism to the story. Saying "there is a Jewish MC" is true, but it doesn't really cover how integral Jewish practices and beliefs and identity are to the story. Elie's Judaism is at the core of who he is, the job he does (in part because of anti-Semitic restrictions dictating the professions open to Jews), the family and social and professional networks he is part of, and the way he presents himself to and navigates the world. The story is structured around the Jewish High Holidays, which provide not just a temporal frame for the action, but spiritual meaning and resonance to Elie's thought process and decisionmaking. The food, the prayers, the little mundane rituals and habits, and the code-switching between Elie's authentic self and the professional, bland shell he dons as protection amongst the Gentiles -- all make this an immersive and rich reading experience. (I should note that I am not Jewish and therefore cannot speak to the portrayal from firsthand knowledge or experience.)
Brine, meanwhile, is a walking heart-eyes emoji. He tries to disguise his obvious devotion as general affability, but the signs keep slipping out (the handwriting! the watch! literally everything about him!). Brine is a smart, highly competent, fair-minded man trying to do the right thing, making him a perfect match for Elie, who is . . . basically exactly the same. The trick is getting them to realize that sometimes there is more than one "right thing", and that -- all else being equal -- the hardest, most self-sacrificing option isn't always the correct one.
This is a short little book where subtext speaks louder than text, where every conversation is legible on multiple levels, where the burn is slow and delicious (and eventually, closed door), and -- delightfully -- where the shrewy villianness actually isn't. And also a humorous meditation on procrastination (I felt seen).
My only complaint is that it I wish it was longer. A thoroughly enjoyable, heartwarming read.
October 10, 2022
Totally wonderful. The way that Rose Lerner twines esoteric knowledge of the period with proper gorgeous pining and infuses the whole thing with a solid Jewish identity—yeah, totally wonderful.
I am in awe of Lerner's research into the unknown world of navy agents (let's hear it for accountants) and Portsmouth. She has a lightness of touch with details, sketching in the background effectively and convincingly. I loved the way the structure of the book was played out against the Days of Awe; it was (personally) educational and also thematically enriching.
Mainly I just fell for Elie and his Augustus. Gentle pining is my catnip, and Lerner served it up magisterially, and with love. Would I have liked them to get together a little earlier? Yes, of course (the ending was just a little too abrupt). Was the introduction of Augustus' fiancée frustrating? Well, in a book of this length (50k words), yes.
But this is what historical romance should be like. Vivid setting and gorgeous romance. Totally wonderful.
(Try, if you can, to ignore the travesty of a cover.)
I am in awe of Lerner's research into the unknown world of navy agents (let's hear it for accountants) and Portsmouth. She has a lightness of touch with details, sketching in the background effectively and convincingly. I loved the way the structure of the book was played out against the Days of Awe; it was (personally) educational and also thematically enriching.
Mainly I just fell for Elie and his Augustus. Gentle pining is my catnip, and Lerner served it up magisterially, and with love. Would I have liked them to get together a little earlier? Yes, of course (the ending was just a little too abrupt). Was the introduction of Augustus' fiancée frustrating? Well, in a book of this length (50k words), yes.
But this is what historical romance should be like. Vivid setting and gorgeous romance. Totally wonderful.
(Try, if you can, to ignore the travesty of a cover.)
October 26, 2022
I've given this a B- at AAR, so that's 3.5 stars rounded up.
I’ve read and positively reviewed several of Rose Lerner’s historical romances here, so I was excited when I saw that she had a new m/m historical coming out and eagerly snapped up a review copy. Sailor’s Delight is loosely linked by character to The Woman in the Attic, but it doesn’t share any storylines, so can absolutely be read as a standalone.
Eleazar Benezet is a Navy Agent – a job which involves looking after the financial and legal affairs of naval men and officers while they’re away at sea. Among his numerous clients is sailing master Augustus Brine, whom Elie has known for more than a decade… and been sweet on for just as long. When the book opens, Elie is surprised and delighted to learn that Brine’s ship has docked a couple of weeks early and that he will be coming ashore for the first time in two years; Elie is eager to see him, but also dreads it, because he knows that Brine is planning to marry the young woman to whom he’s been engaged for several years during this period of shore leave. The wedding will take place as soon as Brine can afford it, which will be once he receives his share of the prize money from the Vliegende Draeck, a Dutch merchant ship captured in 1809, but which, thanks to various court appeals, has yet to be paid. Now, however, the court cases are over and it’s simply a matter of finalising the accounts – which Elie has been putting off doing for weeks.
Elie knows he should have finished by now and that it shouldn’t have taken him this long, but… Brine’s marriage will likely mean the end of their close friendship, and Elie can’t deny that part of the reason for the delay is simply his own selfishness at wanting to have Brine as his client and friend for a bit longer, and to continue to dream about the possibility of something he knows is never going to happen. But he is going to procrastinate no longer. Rosh Hashanah is over and the Days of Awe are beginning, so it’s the perfect time to make amends for the wrong he has done Brine in failing to move the matter forward in a more expeditious manner.
Elie and Brine are tw of the nicest men you could ever meet – they’re sweet but totally clueless! Elie is the sole PoV character, so we only see Brine through his eyes, and the author does a good job of showing the reader lots of little things that Elie doesn’t see that make it clear that Brine is equally smitten (such as the fact he’s clearly studied the customs of and pays attention to the observances of Elie’s Jewish faith). Despite that, however, I never really connected with Brine as I did with Elie.
This book has a lot going for it. The detail of Elie’s job is fascinating and the elements of Jewish culture are deeply and skilfully embedded into the story; I liked the way the passing of time is marked by the use of the Gregorian and Jewish calendars, and by the various wardroom toasts at the head of each chapter. I enjoyed spending time with Elie’s large and loving family, and I was impressed with the subtle but impactful way in which the author tackles the issue of the anti-semitism Elie faces. But the romance is a bit lacklustre, mostly because the mutual pining and Elie’s obliviousness about Brine’s true feelings (and vice versa) goes on for too long, and so much of the story is concerned with Elie’s guilt over procrastinating about the prize money and his determination to make amends.
I appreciated the way Ms. Lerner counters stereotypes in the characterisation of Brine’s fiancée, Sarah Turner. Her arrival in Portsmouth certainly complicates matters and causes an even greater degree of misunderstanding between Elie and Brine, but I liked her; she’s a no-nonsense, independent woman who clearly has Brine’s best interests at heart – and has known for a while that those interests do not lie with her. Yet Elie and Brine are continually at cross-purposes and can’t seem to have a proper conversation about her. Brine feels duty-bound to marry Sarah because she looked after his parents before they died; Elie is sure Brine wants to marry Sarah and tries hard to assure her of that fact, even as it kills him to do so. It takes so long for Elie and Brine to have an honest conversation that I was beginning to wonder whether it would happen at all; this is a long-ish novella, coming in at around two hundred pages, but the confessions of love don’t come until the final chapter, and it’s rushed and doesn’t deliver the kind of emotional satisfaction I want from an HEA.
If you’re looking for a low-angst, incredibly well-researched historical romance featuring an engaging, realistic principal character and lots and lots of pining, Sailor’s Delight could well be the book for you. But for me, even though I thoroughly appreciated the informative and well-crafted historical backdrop and the way the story is so firmly grounded in Jewish customs and culture, it was a little bit too low-key.
Find THIS and all my other reviews at Caz's Reading Room
I’ve read and positively reviewed several of Rose Lerner’s historical romances here, so I was excited when I saw that she had a new m/m historical coming out and eagerly snapped up a review copy. Sailor’s Delight is loosely linked by character to The Woman in the Attic, but it doesn’t share any storylines, so can absolutely be read as a standalone.
Eleazar Benezet is a Navy Agent – a job which involves looking after the financial and legal affairs of naval men and officers while they’re away at sea. Among his numerous clients is sailing master Augustus Brine, whom Elie has known for more than a decade… and been sweet on for just as long. When the book opens, Elie is surprised and delighted to learn that Brine’s ship has docked a couple of weeks early and that he will be coming ashore for the first time in two years; Elie is eager to see him, but also dreads it, because he knows that Brine is planning to marry the young woman to whom he’s been engaged for several years during this period of shore leave. The wedding will take place as soon as Brine can afford it, which will be once he receives his share of the prize money from the Vliegende Draeck, a Dutch merchant ship captured in 1809, but which, thanks to various court appeals, has yet to be paid. Now, however, the court cases are over and it’s simply a matter of finalising the accounts – which Elie has been putting off doing for weeks.
Elie knows he should have finished by now and that it shouldn’t have taken him this long, but… Brine’s marriage will likely mean the end of their close friendship, and Elie can’t deny that part of the reason for the delay is simply his own selfishness at wanting to have Brine as his client and friend for a bit longer, and to continue to dream about the possibility of something he knows is never going to happen. But he is going to procrastinate no longer. Rosh Hashanah is over and the Days of Awe are beginning, so it’s the perfect time to make amends for the wrong he has done Brine in failing to move the matter forward in a more expeditious manner.
Elie and Brine are tw of the nicest men you could ever meet – they’re sweet but totally clueless! Elie is the sole PoV character, so we only see Brine through his eyes, and the author does a good job of showing the reader lots of little things that Elie doesn’t see that make it clear that Brine is equally smitten (such as the fact he’s clearly studied the customs of and pays attention to the observances of Elie’s Jewish faith). Despite that, however, I never really connected with Brine as I did with Elie.
This book has a lot going for it. The detail of Elie’s job is fascinating and the elements of Jewish culture are deeply and skilfully embedded into the story; I liked the way the passing of time is marked by the use of the Gregorian and Jewish calendars, and by the various wardroom toasts at the head of each chapter. I enjoyed spending time with Elie’s large and loving family, and I was impressed with the subtle but impactful way in which the author tackles the issue of the anti-semitism Elie faces. But the romance is a bit lacklustre, mostly because the mutual pining and Elie’s obliviousness about Brine’s true feelings (and vice versa) goes on for too long, and so much of the story is concerned with Elie’s guilt over procrastinating about the prize money and his determination to make amends.
I appreciated the way Ms. Lerner counters stereotypes in the characterisation of Brine’s fiancée, Sarah Turner. Her arrival in Portsmouth certainly complicates matters and causes an even greater degree of misunderstanding between Elie and Brine, but I liked her; she’s a no-nonsense, independent woman who clearly has Brine’s best interests at heart – and has known for a while that those interests do not lie with her. Yet Elie and Brine are continually at cross-purposes and can’t seem to have a proper conversation about her. Brine feels duty-bound to marry Sarah because she looked after his parents before they died; Elie is sure Brine wants to marry Sarah and tries hard to assure her of that fact, even as it kills him to do so. It takes so long for Elie and Brine to have an honest conversation that I was beginning to wonder whether it would happen at all; this is a long-ish novella, coming in at around two hundred pages, but the confessions of love don’t come until the final chapter, and it’s rushed and doesn’t deliver the kind of emotional satisfaction I want from an HEA.
If you’re looking for a low-angst, incredibly well-researched historical romance featuring an engaging, realistic principal character and lots and lots of pining, Sailor’s Delight could well be the book for you. But for me, even though I thoroughly appreciated the informative and well-crafted historical backdrop and the way the story is so firmly grounded in Jewish customs and culture, it was a little bit too low-key.
Find THIS and all my other reviews at Caz's Reading Room
January 23, 2023
This was a unique historical romance that was a bit tough for me at the start, with somewhat dense writing and not always as much context as I would have liked. It felt a bit like being thrown into the deep end and it took a while for me to get into the book, but I'm glad I didn't give up. As someone who reads more for characters and story than historical details there was a lot of stuff in this book that felt lost on me, but it felt thoroughly researched and had a very strong sense of time and place.
The book is set during Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, and I appreciated the insight into Elie's faith and how it related to his occupation and his role in society, and how it played into his decision-making when it came to Brine. The relationship between Elie and Brine was wonderful to follow throughout the book; I especially liked how Elie's and Brine's affection for each other was shown in small actions and gestures, and all the pining.
The book is set during Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, and I appreciated the insight into Elie's faith and how it related to his occupation and his role in society, and how it played into his decision-making when it came to Brine. The relationship between Elie and Brine was wonderful to follow throughout the book; I especially liked how Elie's and Brine's affection for each other was shown in small actions and gestures, and all the pining.
September 19, 2022
Although this book is in the romance genre, there doesn't seem to be much overt romance in it. Elie is a naval agent who does the accounting and bookkeeping for various officers and seamen. His particular favorite is Augustus Brine, an officer in the Royal Navy. The two men have been connected professionally for years, as Elie handles Brine's monies, but most of the time Brine has been out to sea. They have kept up a correspondence that is more frequent than necessary, but still mostly for business. Elie is attracted to Brine, but doesn't act on it. He does supplement Brine's accounts secretly to give Brine a cushion of money. He doesn't expect more from life than an occasional friendly passage of a few days between years, as Brine has been engaged to be married for years.
This book is interesting in its details on Jewish customs and naval life. In regard to romance, the very slow burn story is told from Elie's perspective and almost all of it occurs in his own mind and desires, with subtle hints of a mutual attraction. Fade-to-black passion and a coming out of the romantic truth occurs in the last pages. The romance seems hopeful and realistic to what was possible between two men in the time period. I wish there had been a hotter romance with more passionate interactions and a quicker revealing of the mutual nature of their relationship.
This book is interesting in its details on Jewish customs and naval life. In regard to romance, the very slow burn story is told from Elie's perspective and almost all of it occurs in his own mind and desires, with subtle hints of a mutual attraction. Fade-to-black passion and a coming out of the romantic truth occurs in the last pages. The romance seems hopeful and realistic to what was possible between two men in the time period. I wish there had been a hotter romance with more passionate interactions and a quicker revealing of the mutual nature of their relationship.
November 25, 2022
Can you believe I'd gone this long in my romance reading life without ever picking up a Rose Lerner book? I know, I know. Thank goodness I've fixed that, because I loved this novella! There's pining, there's heart-squeezes, there's "omg just KISS you nerds!!" vibes. Elie and Brine are nerds, by the way--there's even a scene where Elie reads a treatise called The New Seaman's Guide and Coaster's Companion to Brine to help him fall asleep. I MEAN. It's just delightful.
The attention to detail regarding the character's careers, communities, and lives was so impressive, but I gather that's a hallmark of Lerner's writing. It was nice to see Judaism, particularly the High Holidays, portrayed in a historical in a way that still felt incredibly comfortable and familiar to someone who grew up attending those services. (That's one of the cool things about Judaism, though, isn't it? It's certainly evolved over time but ultimately you're saying the same prayers that have been said for thousands of years.) Anyway, though I'm now agnostic, I really appreciated how Lerner wove both the larger concepts of faith and the particulars of religious practice together with a truly heartwarming romance.
I highly recommend this one and will definitely be reading more Rose Lerner in the future!
Overall rating: 4.5
Hannah Angst Scale rating: 2.5
Content notes: forever grateful I can link to Leigh's review for a thorough list
The attention to detail regarding the character's careers, communities, and lives was so impressive, but I gather that's a hallmark of Lerner's writing. It was nice to see Judaism, particularly the High Holidays, portrayed in a historical in a way that still felt incredibly comfortable and familiar to someone who grew up attending those services. (That's one of the cool things about Judaism, though, isn't it? It's certainly evolved over time but ultimately you're saying the same prayers that have been said for thousands of years.) Anyway, though I'm now agnostic, I really appreciated how Lerner wove both the larger concepts of faith and the particulars of religious practice together with a truly heartwarming romance.
I highly recommend this one and will definitely be reading more Rose Lerner in the future!
Overall rating: 4.5
Hannah Angst Scale rating: 2.5
Content notes: forever grateful I can link to Leigh's review for a thorough list
June 10, 2023
Rating: 2.5 stars (rounded down)
There was a lot to love in this because I adored all the characters and the historical details placed this book in the top tiers for historical romance. Unfortunately, I didn't enjoy the romance at all, which decreased my enthusiasm for the story as I went along.
The author not only knows this time period inside and out but their writing style is reminiscent of that typical 19th century style, which involves rich, lyrical writing that's a joy to read. In addition, the author tackled a specific setting and careers that aren't usually written about in MM romance: a Royal Navy Captain having a romance with his Navy Agent. In addition, despite the story revolving around naval things, the story takes place on land (there's one scene taking place onboard a ship but it's in port so that doesn't count).
The author fully dives into portraying this world and these characters as authentically as possible and that means going all in with details regarding the Royal Navy, ship/naval things, the business side of the Navy, Judaism and many other topics. While it felt a bit overwhelming at first, the author found very clever ways to add context and explanations for all the things that I wasn't familiar with so I ended up enjoying the story and also learning a lot! In particular, I loved learning more about Judaism, which is a topic I knew next to nothing about.
I also loved all of the characters, including all of Elie's family members. All of them were interesting characters and they added a lot to the story. If this had been marketed as gay historical fiction with Elie and Augie just being long time friends and the story exploring Elie's daily life, then it would have been a 5 star read.
Connected to this - I loved Elie and Augie's friendship. They've known each other for a decade and they clearly care about each other a lot. They've spent most of that decade apart because Augie is in the Royal Navy so he's only spent a handful of weeks in England since he was 17 years old. But the two of them had maintained a close friendship through writing letters (and Augie adds adorable cartoon drawings to his) and when Augie's in England, he stays with Elie at his extended family's home.
What was particularly interesting was that the author stayed true to the time period when depicting their friendship. They weren't overly physically affectionate with each other and it isn't even until the end of the story that they're calling each other by their first names. But along the way, there are plenty of very sweet scenes that demonstrate how much they care about each other, like when Augie is constantly visiting Elie's office to spend time with him or when they went to the bath house together (during which they both wore the required CANVAS SACK BATHING COSTUMES!! LOL!). My favorite scenes involved .
Unfortunately, where this story fell apart was the romance because it clearly wasn't the author's main focus. I really disliked how the author approached Augie and Sarah's engagement, Sarah's role in the story and the pacing of the romance in general.
We're told early on that Augie is set to marry Sarah but the circumstances aren't made clear until later. This isn't a simple arranged marriage situation where they barely know each other. Augie had specifically agreed to marry Sarah (who he's been close friends with since childhood) over a decade ago. He keeps postponing their marriage for unclear reasons but whenever Elie asks questions, Augie is always firm that he cares about Sarah and does want to marry her.
The problem is that the author does too good of a job making this seem like it's the full truth. This resulted in me being disappointed by the pacing of Augie and Elie's romance but more importantly, I felt sorry for Sarah. Things get more complicated when Sarah randomly shows up in town during Augie's brief leave because Elie and Sarah don't like each other . At that point, Augie keeps whining and going back and forth over what he wants because very clearly - he wants to continue having the best of both worlds: be engaged to Sarah and play the part of the loyal fiancé who is looking out for poor Sarah and also Elie's best friend who gets to enjoy having most of Elie's attention fixed on him at all times. Near the end of the story, .
Obviously, the author steered things in the right direction by having Augie ! The problem is that the author kept shifting back and forth over what Sarah's true feelings towards Augie and the engagement were and that's why her abrupt acceptance of Augie dumping her didn't make any sense to me. I'm thinking this was a case where the author thought they were being more clear than they actually were.
But anyway - leaving Sarah to the side. My main disappointment was the very rushed and overly convenient handling of the romance between Augie and Elie. If you're interested in this time period and in particular, Judaism in England at this time, I highly recommend this because I feel it's a very unique story but it fell flat as a romance.
There was a lot to love in this because I adored all the characters and the historical details placed this book in the top tiers for historical romance. Unfortunately, I didn't enjoy the romance at all, which decreased my enthusiasm for the story as I went along.
The author not only knows this time period inside and out but their writing style is reminiscent of that typical 19th century style, which involves rich, lyrical writing that's a joy to read. In addition, the author tackled a specific setting and careers that aren't usually written about in MM romance: a Royal Navy Captain having a romance with his Navy Agent. In addition, despite the story revolving around naval things, the story takes place on land (there's one scene taking place onboard a ship but it's in port so that doesn't count).
The author fully dives into portraying this world and these characters as authentically as possible and that means going all in with details regarding the Royal Navy, ship/naval things, the business side of the Navy, Judaism and many other topics. While it felt a bit overwhelming at first, the author found very clever ways to add context and explanations for all the things that I wasn't familiar with so I ended up enjoying the story and also learning a lot! In particular, I loved learning more about Judaism, which is a topic I knew next to nothing about.
I also loved all of the characters, including all of Elie's family members. All of them were interesting characters and they added a lot to the story. If this had been marketed as gay historical fiction with Elie and Augie just being long time friends and the story exploring Elie's daily life, then it would have been a 5 star read.
Connected to this - I loved Elie and Augie's friendship. They've known each other for a decade and they clearly care about each other a lot. They've spent most of that decade apart because Augie is in the Royal Navy so he's only spent a handful of weeks in England since he was 17 years old. But the two of them had maintained a close friendship through writing letters (and Augie adds adorable cartoon drawings to his) and when Augie's in England, he stays with Elie at his extended family's home.
What was particularly interesting was that the author stayed true to the time period when depicting their friendship. They weren't overly physically affectionate with each other and it isn't even until the end of the story that they're calling each other by their first names. But along the way, there are plenty of very sweet scenes that demonstrate how much they care about each other, like when Augie is constantly visiting Elie's office to spend time with him or when they went to the bath house together (during which they both wore the required CANVAS SACK BATHING COSTUMES!! LOL!). My favorite scenes involved .
Unfortunately, where this story fell apart was the romance because it clearly wasn't the author's main focus. I really disliked how the author approached Augie and Sarah's engagement, Sarah's role in the story and the pacing of the romance in general.
We're told early on that Augie is set to marry Sarah but the circumstances aren't made clear until later. This isn't a simple arranged marriage situation where they barely know each other. Augie had specifically agreed to marry Sarah (who he's been close friends with since childhood) over a decade ago. He keeps postponing their marriage for unclear reasons but whenever Elie asks questions, Augie is always firm that he cares about Sarah and does want to marry her.
The problem is that the author does too good of a job making this seem like it's the full truth. This resulted in me being disappointed by the pacing of Augie and Elie's romance but more importantly, I felt sorry for Sarah. Things get more complicated when Sarah randomly shows up in town during Augie's brief leave because Elie and Sarah don't like each other . At that point, Augie keeps whining and going back and forth over what he wants because very clearly - he wants to continue having the best of both worlds: be engaged to Sarah and play the part of the loyal fiancé who is looking out for poor Sarah and also Elie's best friend who gets to enjoy having most of Elie's attention fixed on him at all times. Near the end of the story, .
Obviously, the author steered things in the right direction by having Augie ! The problem is that the author kept shifting back and forth over what Sarah's true feelings towards Augie and the engagement were and that's why her abrupt acceptance of Augie dumping her didn't make any sense to me. I'm thinking this was a case where the author thought they were being more clear than they actually were.
But anyway - leaving Sarah to the side. My main disappointment was the very rushed and overly convenient handling of the romance between Augie and Elie. If you're interested in this time period and in particular, Judaism in England at this time, I highly recommend this because I feel it's a very unique story but it fell flat as a romance.
January 22, 2023
This is about three of my favorite things -- gays, Jews, and boats! -- so I thought it would be a home run for me. Sadly, it was more like... a sputtery bunt. (I'll abandon this overtaxed baseball metaphor now; it doesn't go with the boats.) It's not bad; it just turns out it's not for me at all. Lerner's style is incredibly serious, and this simply wasn't a very fun read. Nor, frankly, did I feel much chemistry or longing between the leads, who spend most of the book working out issues to do with the sailor's finances -- and the possible breaking of his longtime engagement to a woman from his home town. (See what I mean about not fun?) There's a lot of substance here, but none of it is what I come to the romance genre for.
March 18, 2023
2.5 stars
This was an okay read for me. I got a bit bored and skimmed a bit.
This was an okay read for me. I got a bit bored and skimmed a bit.
April 7, 2023
I read this for a buddy read and will come back with more thoughts later! Really enjoyed this suuuuuper slow burn
October 8, 2022
This book is just as much an exploration of Elie’s (the POV character) Jewish faith and what that means for his career, family life, and place in British society as it is a romance. The book takes place over Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, and sees Elie reflecting on whether he ought to change his path for the new year. I really appreciated all the little insights into how Elie’s faith shapes his life, including how he feels he has to carefully present his faith to Gentiles. Elie deals with some direct anti-Semitism in this book, but also a more general sense of being “other” due to subtle differences and accidental misunderstandings.
Elie’s relationship with Augie is full of pining because the two keep misreading each other in a way that felt very realistic. Neither is good at sharing his true feelings, and so many of their interactions are constrained by social rules and the demands of their professional relationship. I was sometimes frustrated watching them navigate these issues, but it was frustration on their behalf. By the end of the book, I found myself wishing I knew Augie better, and the romance wasn’t as satisfying as Elie’s individual character arc. Also, while I have no problem with closed-door sex scenes, I think more details would have helped here (we could have seen a bit more foreplay, at least!) because the characters’ first time together is also the first time they admit any of their feelings, so some of the catharsis in seeing them confess was lost when the scene faded to black as soon as they first kissed. The romance worked for me despite these issues, however.
The author clearly did an impressive amount of research for this book. There were so many details about Elie’s job as a navy agent, and the author even summarized contract law correctly (maybe the most swoon-worthy part of the book for me, because romance is so often the home of badlaw). I felt lucky to have a partner who loves naval history because I think I might have been lost at times otherwise, or at least would have been looking up a lot of words in the dictionary. But I really loved all the details because they made the setting immersive and were really necessary to understanding the complexities of Elie and Augie’s relationship, and Elie’s role in society.
I highly recommend this to anyone looking for thoughtful, detailed historical romance.
Elie’s relationship with Augie is full of pining because the two keep misreading each other in a way that felt very realistic. Neither is good at sharing his true feelings, and so many of their interactions are constrained by social rules and the demands of their professional relationship. I was sometimes frustrated watching them navigate these issues, but it was frustration on their behalf. By the end of the book, I found myself wishing I knew Augie better, and the romance wasn’t as satisfying as Elie’s individual character arc. Also, while I have no problem with closed-door sex scenes, I think more details would have helped here (we could have seen a bit more foreplay, at least!) because the characters’ first time together is also the first time they admit any of their feelings, so some of the catharsis in seeing them confess was lost when the scene faded to black as soon as they first kissed. The romance worked for me despite these issues, however.
The author clearly did an impressive amount of research for this book. There were so many details about Elie’s job as a navy agent, and the author even summarized contract law correctly (maybe the most swoon-worthy part of the book for me, because romance is so often the home of badlaw). I felt lucky to have a partner who loves naval history because I think I might have been lost at times otherwise, or at least would have been looking up a lot of words in the dictionary. But I really loved all the details because they made the setting immersive and were really necessary to understanding the complexities of Elie and Augie’s relationship, and Elie’s role in society.
I highly recommend this to anyone looking for thoughtful, detailed historical romance.
September 19, 2022
3.5 stars rounded up. This was a sweet story between longtime friends Elie and Brice who eventually realize they both want more. While I really enjoyed the unique setting and profession (Elie is an agent, who tracks money and handles business for sailors while they’re at sea) I felt like it was all tension and pining with no payoff, as the book ends with them coming to the realization that they’re both romantically interested.
Read
April 10, 2023DNF at 40%. Have been meaning to read this for a while, especially because I’ve never read anything by author before.
However, it’s a little bit too much in the direction of Cat Sebastian for me - a lot of fluff, not enough conflict. (Although for what it’s worth, there’s a lot more historical detail than the typical Cat Sebastian - definitely a tick in the pro column imo.)
Idk, I might return to this when I’m more in the mood for it; I’ve been craving intense twisty plots lately (thus my burning through almost the entire Some Desperate Glory by Emily Tesh in one extended sitting yesterday!) so just have to see how long that vibe lasts.
However, it’s a little bit too much in the direction of Cat Sebastian for me - a lot of fluff, not enough conflict. (Although for what it’s worth, there’s a lot more historical detail than the typical Cat Sebastian - definitely a tick in the pro column imo.)
Idk, I might return to this when I’m more in the mood for it; I’ve been craving intense twisty plots lately (thus my burning through almost the entire Some Desperate Glory by Emily Tesh in one extended sitting yesterday!) so just have to see how long that vibe lasts.
Read
October 21, 2022Thank you so much to the author for sending me a review copy in exchange for an honest review!
Every Jewish holiday, I love to do my best to find a book that takes place during or centers said holiday, preferably one that’s fairly short and with diverse representation. And I’m so glad I found Sailor’s Delight for this year’s Yom Kippur read. (I technically found it for Rosh Hashanah but ended up reading it on Yom Kippur, but the procrastination on my end honestly ended up being perfect for this book.)
For most people that know me, you might be familiar with the fact that I’m not much of a romance reader, queer fantasy romance being one exception, and my Jewish holiday reads being the other. And so I tend to head into every romance book with a healthy amount of skepticism, and this one left me so pleasantly surprised.
“Just remember what Hillel said: ‘If I am not for myself, who will be for me? If I am only for myself, what am I?’—”
“—And if not now, when?”
Judaism and its beliefs were at the very heart of this story, woven into each and every scene and conversation and thought, through our narrator Elie. From the limitations of his career opportunities, to the care he has to give to his actions around goyim, to even the way he yearns for love is intrinsically tied to his Judaism.
More specifically, Yom Kippur and its practices fit so nicely into Elie’s personal journey, as he has to face his past actions and figure out who he wants to be in this next year. It made me cry a little and consider who I want to be in my upcoming year. It made me contemplate the difference between feeling useful and feeling loved.
My only gripe with this book is that even though I love a slow burn, I wish we got a little more romance or a bit more spice. The climax of the romance was treated more like a plot-line to wrap up rather than the core indulgence of the story. (Especially considering this cover, it was a little weird to me that the spiciest scene in this book was a side character buying a condom. And I don’t need spice to enjoy a romance book personally, but I just wish it could’ve milked the romance a bit more.)
Overall, I’d definitely recommend this book, especially if you’re someone that likes regency romance and is looking to diversify your reading, or even if you’ve never picked up a regency romance book in your life. (I'd actually also recommend it to people who were looking for OFMD hangover cures like myself a few months ago! It's about sailors and not pirates, but I think it works.) Wishing everyone a happy new year.
CW/TW: antisemitism, alcohol consumption, blood, deceased father (past), war (mention)
Every Jewish holiday, I love to do my best to find a book that takes place during or centers said holiday, preferably one that’s fairly short and with diverse representation. And I’m so glad I found Sailor’s Delight for this year’s Yom Kippur read. (I technically found it for Rosh Hashanah but ended up reading it on Yom Kippur, but the procrastination on my end honestly ended up being perfect for this book.)
For most people that know me, you might be familiar with the fact that I’m not much of a romance reader, queer fantasy romance being one exception, and my Jewish holiday reads being the other. And so I tend to head into every romance book with a healthy amount of skepticism, and this one left me so pleasantly surprised.
“Just remember what Hillel said: ‘If I am not for myself, who will be for me? If I am only for myself, what am I?’—”
“—And if not now, when?”
Judaism and its beliefs were at the very heart of this story, woven into each and every scene and conversation and thought, through our narrator Elie. From the limitations of his career opportunities, to the care he has to give to his actions around goyim, to even the way he yearns for love is intrinsically tied to his Judaism.
More specifically, Yom Kippur and its practices fit so nicely into Elie’s personal journey, as he has to face his past actions and figure out who he wants to be in this next year. It made me cry a little and consider who I want to be in my upcoming year. It made me contemplate the difference between feeling useful and feeling loved.
My only gripe with this book is that even though I love a slow burn, I wish we got a little more romance or a bit more spice. The climax of the romance was treated more like a plot-line to wrap up rather than the core indulgence of the story. (Especially considering this cover, it was a little weird to me that the spiciest scene in this book was a side character buying a condom. And I don’t need spice to enjoy a romance book personally, but I just wish it could’ve milked the romance a bit more.)
Overall, I’d definitely recommend this book, especially if you’re someone that likes regency romance and is looking to diversify your reading, or even if you’ve never picked up a regency romance book in your life. (I'd actually also recommend it to people who were looking for OFMD hangover cures like myself a few months ago! It's about sailors and not pirates, but I think it works.) Wishing everyone a happy new year.
CW/TW: antisemitism, alcohol consumption, blood, deceased father (past), war (mention)
November 6, 2022
Very enjoyable. This is a charming romance that is thoroughly grounded in reality. Rose Lerner is so good at "realistic" historical romance about everyday people who work hard. The level of detail is amazing and never overdone. Elie is a great character. He's amusing, conscientious, and he cares a lot--about his family, his work, his faith, and also his favorite client, Augustus Brine, who he's been secretly in love with for years. Elie's Jewish and his faith is central to both his life and to this book. I would have loved more of Elie and Augie together at the end. It's a quick ending and I wanted more because they are so lovely.
September 8, 2022
* I was provided an ARC for an honest review
"I am a pocket calendar. A cheerful, conscientious pocket almanac calmly eating its sandwich. I am not thinking about Augustus Brine spreading me open on my desk with casual authority, his hands smoothing my pages before he jams his pen right into me."
JEWISH HOLIDAY ROMANCE! Sailors, Contracts, Pining and Mitzvot - huzzah!
Sailor's Delight is a sweet book about a gentile Royal Navy sailor, Augustus Brine and his Jewish bookkeeper, Elie Benezet. Taking place throughout the Days of Awe, what starts out feeling like unrequited love unravels into mutual admiration and yearning. Told from Elie's perspective as Brine's ship docks for a few weeks, we learn of how Elie has loved Brine for many years believing it was always one-sided. I loved how Jewish this book was - more Jewish histrom please (or just more Jewish romance in general).
I was worried Augustus's fiance, Sarah, would make a love triangle but my worries were assuaged. Sarah is an independent woman who only has Brine's best interests at heart. I came to appreciate her curt interrogations of Elie. I also loved how close Elie's family was - Elie even wanting to introduce Brine to his mother (awww).
CW's: low angst but still a bit of pining, death of parents (historical, mentioned), antisemitism (mostly historical), fear of violence, alcohol use
"I am a pocket calendar. A cheerful, conscientious pocket almanac calmly eating its sandwich. I am not thinking about Augustus Brine spreading me open on my desk with casual authority, his hands smoothing my pages before he jams his pen right into me."
JEWISH HOLIDAY ROMANCE! Sailors, Contracts, Pining and Mitzvot - huzzah!
Sailor's Delight is a sweet book about a gentile Royal Navy sailor, Augustus Brine and his Jewish bookkeeper, Elie Benezet. Taking place throughout the Days of Awe, what starts out feeling like unrequited love unravels into mutual admiration and yearning. Told from Elie's perspective as Brine's ship docks for a few weeks, we learn of how Elie has loved Brine for many years believing it was always one-sided. I loved how Jewish this book was - more Jewish histrom please (or just more Jewish romance in general).
I was worried Augustus's fiance, Sarah, would make a love triangle but my worries were assuaged. Sarah is an independent woman who only has Brine's best interests at heart. I came to appreciate her curt interrogations of Elie. I also loved how close Elie's family was - Elie even wanting to introduce Brine to his mother (awww).
CW's: low angst but still a bit of pining, death of parents (historical, mentioned), antisemitism (mostly historical), fear of violence, alcohol use
September 5, 2022
Best way I’ve spent an evening in forever. Is there such a thing as low-angst pining? If so, this is it. With math and sailors, family and High Holy Days, pining and poor Elie, a navy agent who sort of just does one little thing for himself for a bit too long. The whole thing had smiles and swoons and a few snorts for good measure. Now I just want more of these two and their life together five, ten, twenty years down the road.
September 16, 2022
As delightful as the title implies, but also sharp as a knife between the ribs in its exploration of honesty, repentance and the things we owe to ourselves and those you love. Plus, you know. Unresolved tension you could cut with a knife and two of the kindest, most earnest men on the planet who will drive you up the wall with the things they DON'T say.
November 11, 2022
Naval agent Elie has a long-time crush on sailor Augustus Brine, who rents a room from him during Rosh Hashanah.
A richly detailed, almost slice of life type story. The romance takes somewhat of a back seat to Elie's life, faith, and general observations. For this reason and for its slow pace, it's probably best for a reader looking for something that leans more 'historical' than 'romance'.
A richly detailed, almost slice of life type story. The romance takes somewhat of a back seat to Elie's life, faith, and general observations. For this reason and for its slow pace, it's probably best for a reader looking for something that leans more 'historical' than 'romance'.
April 13, 2023
when he was with a client, he was accustomed to feeling brisk and impersonal in an encouraging sort of way, rather like a freshly trimmed pen or a new pocket calendar.
it's about the longing, etc etc etc
a cracked wafer caught the light: a storm-tossed ship under the motto SUCH IS LIFE.
was feeling like SUCH an expert on some of these things because I was like "ah yes naval prize money distribution, phuah phuah phuah, I know all about this from my extensive studies vis-à-vis gentlemen of uncertain fortune , phuah phuah phuah"
"ambition isn't everything."
"as caesar learned to his cost."
it's got everything!
romance:
- hearing his broad, sturdy accent wrapped around the holiday's name made elie's belly tighten. cuuuute
- "Your humble servant, &c., Julius Pickle (an old Salt)."
- "I wouldn't hate it," brine said, "if you did it to me." / elie broke his fast.
- oh, a little twelfth night here and there
- "I don't think about you when I lie down or when I rise up, when I sit at home or—" / "you can read me deuteronomy in a filthy tone of voice later."
little chuckles:
- "I detest an overbearing man. [...] he needn't think I'll be overborne."
- "and if we do refuse, lottie will carry on as if we're blood-soaked despots trampling the fair flower of english liberty."
the pinning down of the human spirit to the page as the butterfly to the mounting board:
- her brevity—overlaid so transparently and perfunctorily by politeness as to be actually ruder—could have risen from shyness, haste, or lack of practice rather than some personal dislike of elie (as a jew, a usurer, brine's creditor, etc.).
lerner's ever-lovely and always incredibly personal-feeling exploration of faith in context and what it meant (means) to be jewish:
- "the spirit of the sabbath is that—that [...] there's more to each of us than the work we do and the things we make. that it's all right to slow down and just be."
- "hillel—one of our sages—said, 'what you'd hate if someone did it to you, don't do it to them. that's the whole torah; the rest is exegesis.'"
AND also contains
traditional wardroom toasts!!!:
𓊝 SUNDAY: absent friends.
𓊝 MONDAY: our ships at sea.
𓊝 TUESDAY: our men.
𓊝 WEDNESDAY: ourselves—as no one else is likely to concern themselves with our welfare.
𓊝 THURSDAY: a bloody war or a sickly season.
𓊝 FRIDAY: a willing foe and sea-room.
𓊝 SATURDAY: wives and sweethearts—may they never meet!
naturally, I would be remiss without including my usual wrap-up of
language and culture:
- luach
- got me to look up where 'who by water, and who by fire?' comes from :)
- wasn't able to figure this one out re: is it that it's bad luck to touch a gun [leading up to rosh hashanah]? is it bad luck to touch iron leading up to rosh hashanah? something else? but "he had to catch himself on the chilly iron muzzle of the great gun. feh! he spat hastily to ward off bad luck"
- de naçao
- "heart of oak"
- two xanthippe references so close together?? (here + doctor thorne
- pipe down hammocks
- vellicate
- the third apology and so on
- the origins of "and if not now, when?"
- ashamnu
- WATER BUTTS
- n.b.
as u can see...yes I was woefully ignorant of many jewish customs of early-19th-century england but now I have learned a little!! I really appreciated lerner's attention to historical detail with regard to things like surnames and so on. you ever get to thinking about the history of judaism and forced converts in mexico after reading a last name because it gets you thinking about that one you once taught from the extremely catholic family with the very jewish surname? no? just me?
but anyway.....this was lovely!! all wrapped up in knots of agonized yearning! even if elie's procrastination did make me want to throw up from contact anxiety!
September 27, 2022
Okay this book was LOVELY but I was completely duped, deceived and taken in by the shirtless man on the cover. It is an extremely modest book. It has historical British navy sailors and queer Jewish accountants, a supporting cast of well developed side characters, and mostly is just so drenched in a feeling of family, love and community that's it's almost heartbreaking.
This book has a Jewish main character and starts on the first day of Rosh Hashanah. I happened to read it during actual Rosh Hashanah and it made me want to ring up my equally non-practising grandfather and wish him Shana Tova, so. Jewish feels activated 🥺
There were a few scenes in particular that stood out to me as being stunningly, refreshingly different to the saturated Christian romance genre. The dinner with his family, when they're all talking quite saucily about intimacy, with no prudishness. The coming out scene, where his niece is immediately able to use the David and Jonathan story from scripture to understand the nature of his love for other men. And of course, the moment where the protagonist recognises that he could be in a Christian morality parable but thankfully he's Jewish so he doesn't need to worry about it. Brilliant.
I loved this story a lot. Highly recommend. (But could we not have been rewarded at least with a proper on-page kiss, by the end? 🥺)
This book has a Jewish main character and starts on the first day of Rosh Hashanah. I happened to read it during actual Rosh Hashanah and it made me want to ring up my equally non-practising grandfather and wish him Shana Tova, so. Jewish feels activated 🥺
There were a few scenes in particular that stood out to me as being stunningly, refreshingly different to the saturated Christian romance genre. The dinner with his family, when they're all talking quite saucily about intimacy, with no prudishness. The coming out scene, where his niece is immediately able to use the David and Jonathan story from scripture to understand the nature of his love for other men. And of course, the moment where the protagonist recognises that he could be in a Christian morality parable but thankfully he's Jewish so he doesn't need to worry about it. Brilliant.
I loved this story a lot. Highly recommend. (But could we not have been rewarded at least with a proper on-page kiss, by the end? 🥺)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 24, 2022
So much pining and longing and yearning! The story is anchored around Rosh Hashanah, as Elie grapples with keeping his feelings for Augustus under wraps once he’s on leave. I adored Elie’s supportive family. Rose Lerner’s brand of historical romance always has so many insights, this time around sailor life and Navy agents. A chaste, sweet slow burn with chemistry aplenty.
Characters: Elie is a 26 year old gay Jewish Portuguese-British bookkeeper and Navy agent. Augustus is a 30 year old white Royal Navy sailing master; he’s either gay or bisexual. This is set in 1813 Portsmouth, England.
Content notes: past antisemitic harassment and violence (toward MC and others), past death of Elie’s father and Augustus’s parents, alcohol, inebriation, gender essentialist language (somewhat countered), mention of friend whose husband died and house burned down, mention of woman who died in childbirth
*Buddy read with Hannah!
Characters: Elie is a 26 year old gay Jewish Portuguese-British bookkeeper and Navy agent. Augustus is a 30 year old white Royal Navy sailing master; he’s either gay or bisexual. This is set in 1813 Portsmouth, England.
Content notes: past antisemitic harassment and violence (toward MC and others), past death of Elie’s father and Augustus’s parents, alcohol, inebriation, gender essentialist language (somewhat countered), mention of friend whose husband died and house burned down, mention of woman who died in childbirth
*Buddy read with Hannah!
February 25, 2023
This is a short, surprisingly enjoyable, ultra-slow burn, low-steam historical MM about a Jewish Navy agent the sailor he secretly pines for. The attention to detail and clearly well-researched setting is what made this book. The romance is really very one-sided for most of the book, but Elie's quiet longing packed a punch. It was a quick read, sweet and satisfying.
October 17, 2022
soooo much pining, so much sweetness. loved it.
On a historical-fiction note, beyond the romance itself, I absolutely loved learning about sailors' agents and how it all worked back then.
On a historical-fiction note, beyond the romance itself, I absolutely loved learning about sailors' agents and how it all worked back then.
November 13, 2022
Thanks for another good recommendation Calen.
I loved the setting, the attention to details to the Jewish character’s relationship with his faith, family and love.
Overall I really enjoyed the story but didn’t necessarily feel connected to the main characters. I would’ve liked hearing more of each main characters inner thoughts and points of view.
I loved the setting, the attention to details to the Jewish character’s relationship with his faith, family and love.
Overall I really enjoyed the story but didn’t necessarily feel connected to the main characters. I would’ve liked hearing more of each main characters inner thoughts and points of view.
October 3, 2022
Reviewed for Dear Author.
https://dearauthor.com/book-reviews/r...
https://dearauthor.com/book-reviews/r...
September 17, 2022
This one's a winner, folks.
(NB: despite the Shirtless Man Cover, there is no on-page sex.)
I've read and enjoyed some of Lerner's previous books, but haven't happened upon her more recent books which I believe have lots of Jewish characters. I'm not religious myself but this one got me wondering why observant religious characters seem to be so rare in romance outside of Christian romance, which is a very different thing to romance with Christian characters. The themes and cultural focus were interesting, extremely effective, and absolutely vital to the structure of the story.
I also love the way Lerner seems to find the most interesting historical jobs I've never heard of and then tell me all about them.
(NB: despite the Shirtless Man Cover, there is no on-page sex.)
I've read and enjoyed some of Lerner's previous books, but haven't happened upon her more recent books which I believe have lots of Jewish characters. I'm not religious myself but this one got me wondering why observant religious characters seem to be so rare in romance outside of Christian romance, which is a very different thing to romance with Christian characters. The themes and cultural focus were interesting, extremely effective, and absolutely vital to the structure of the story.
I also love the way Lerner seems to find the most interesting historical jobs I've never heard of and then tell me all about them.
August 27, 2024
Reread Aug 2024
I’d forgotten how delightful this story was and how much I adored Elie and Brine. It was interesting to learn a bit about Judaism and a bit about Navy agents, two things I never expected to enjoy in a low key romance, but Rose Lerner is a delightful and skillful storyteller.
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Lovely hisrom with some wonderful low-angst pining, a loving family, and some neat information about navy agents. I love it when you get a side of learning with your heaping of romance!
I’d forgotten how delightful this story was and how much I adored Elie and Brine. It was interesting to learn a bit about Judaism and a bit about Navy agents, two things I never expected to enjoy in a low key romance, but Rose Lerner is a delightful and skillful storyteller.
*****************
Lovely hisrom with some wonderful low-angst pining, a loving family, and some neat information about navy agents. I love it when you get a side of learning with your heaping of romance!
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