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The Ransome Trilogy #3
Ransome's Quest
The pirate El Salvador has haunted the waters of the Caribbean for almost ten years. When he snatched Charlotte Ransome, it was a case of mistaken identity. Now Charlotte’s brother, whose reputation in battle is the stuff of legend, is searching for him with a dogged determination. But another rumor has reached El Salvador’s ears: Julia Ransome has been kidnapped by the man feared by all other pirates—-the pirate known only as Shaw. The violent and blood-thirsty savage from whom El Salvador was trying to protect her.
When word reaches William of Julia’s disappearance, his heart is torn—he cannot abandon the search for his sister, yet he must also rescue Julia. Ned Cochrane offers a solution: Ned will continue the search for Charlotte while William goes after Julia. William’s quest will lead him to a greater understanding of faith and love as he must accept help from his sworn enemy and have faith that Julia’s life is in God’s hands.
When word reaches William of Julia’s disappearance, his heart is torn—he cannot abandon the search for his sister, yet he must also rescue Julia. Ned Cochrane offers a solution: Ned will continue the search for Charlotte while William goes after Julia. William’s quest will lead him to a greater understanding of faith and love as he must accept help from his sworn enemy and have faith that Julia’s life is in God’s hands.
313 pages, Paperback
First published July 1, 2011
28 people are currently reading
538 people want to read
About the author
Kaye Dacus
19 books225 followersKaye Dacus is a professional editor, author, and educator who has been writing fiction for more nearly forty years. Pursuing her passion for writing, she earned a Master of Arts in Writing Popular Fiction from Seton Hill University. Kaye lives in Middle Tennessee, where she is a training documentation specialist in the IT industry and volunteers teaching writing in the community. She writes contemporary and historical romances; and while her contemporary romances are out of print, her historicals are available at most major retailers. To learn more about Kaye and her books, visit her website at kayedacus.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews
April 6, 2018
It was fun to finally finish this series. I have re-read books one and two many times, yet always stalled out when reading the third book. It was slow going for me once again as I began this novel, yet it really picked up for me as I approached the halfway mark.
There was plenty of romance and danger and I had a lot of fun finally seeing how things turned out for all of the characters.
There was plenty of romance and danger and I had a lot of fun finally seeing how things turned out for all of the characters.
August 19, 2011
What a wonderful conclusion Ransome's Quest was to an adventurous and delightful series! I enjoyed every moment I spent in this book and while each book was engaging, I found this one very difficult to put down for any length of time. The Ransome Trilogy is a grand blend of Pride and Prejudice and Pirates of the Caribbean! Captivating!
On the eve of their arrival to Julia's Jamaican home, their lives are disrupted once again when Charlotte is taken by the pirate Salvador. This starts a chain of events that drive William, Ned, Julia, and Charlotte each apart and scrambling to survive. All of them were well written and by the time I finished this series, I didn't want to leave the wonderful cast of characters! And the introduction of Salvador in Ransome's Quest was awesome. I fell in love with him! (Yes, I like the `slightly bad-boys'! :-P)
The intricate story plot that spans over the length of three novels was amazing! Just when I thought things would settle down, something unexpected would happen. I loved how Kaye kept surprising me! The best way to get the full effect of this amazing and complex plot that has a zillion twists and turns is to read them in order.
This might sound rather callous, but I really appreciate it when an author isn't afraid to bring pain or harm to her characters. It makes the story that much more realistic. And Kaye Dacus is one of those authors! (Go, Kaye!) The things Julia, James, and Charlotte go through at times made me cringe for them. But that kept it realistic--after all, pirates aren't very nice guys!
If you're thinking of reading this book, I recommend getting the whole trilogy and reading them in order. Everything that's been building up from Ransome's Honor and Ransome's Crossing comes to a heart-pounding conclusion in Ransome's Quest. Definitely a series you do NOT want to miss!
On the eve of their arrival to Julia's Jamaican home, their lives are disrupted once again when Charlotte is taken by the pirate Salvador. This starts a chain of events that drive William, Ned, Julia, and Charlotte each apart and scrambling to survive. All of them were well written and by the time I finished this series, I didn't want to leave the wonderful cast of characters! And the introduction of Salvador in Ransome's Quest was awesome. I fell in love with him! (Yes, I like the `slightly bad-boys'! :-P)
The intricate story plot that spans over the length of three novels was amazing! Just when I thought things would settle down, something unexpected would happen. I loved how Kaye kept surprising me! The best way to get the full effect of this amazing and complex plot that has a zillion twists and turns is to read them in order.
This might sound rather callous, but I really appreciate it when an author isn't afraid to bring pain or harm to her characters. It makes the story that much more realistic. And Kaye Dacus is one of those authors! (Go, Kaye!) The things Julia, James, and Charlotte go through at times made me cringe for them. But that kept it realistic--after all, pirates aren't very nice guys!
If you're thinking of reading this book, I recommend getting the whole trilogy and reading them in order. Everything that's been building up from Ransome's Honor and Ransome's Crossing comes to a heart-pounding conclusion in Ransome's Quest. Definitely a series you do NOT want to miss!
April 27, 2014
In reading the Kindle version of this book, I'm pretty sure that my publisher used the unedited ARC/galley version instead of the final, edited version that was published in paperback. There were SOOOO many errors/changes that I know I made corrections on the galley before the book was published. I actually started marking them with the notes feature on the Kindle as I was reading.
That aside---and wanting to make additional edits/changes to make the story and the prose flow better---after four years away from this book, not having read it since I received my first published copy of it, it was wonderful to revisit these beloved characters and be able to read the story when I'd forgotten some of it.
Still, with as much as I love it, I'd still love to be able to do a complete revision of it, include some more action sequences and a lot more romance!
That aside---and wanting to make additional edits/changes to make the story and the prose flow better---after four years away from this book, not having read it since I received my first published copy of it, it was wonderful to revisit these beloved characters and be able to read the story when I'd forgotten some of it.
Still, with as much as I love it, I'd still love to be able to do a complete revision of it, include some more action sequences and a lot more romance!
July 3, 2023
I LOVE THIS SERIES SO MUCH! And yes I review these books as a whole because you will need to buy them all at once since they not only flow right into each other, but you will DEVOUR them one right after the other!
I LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE the Faith messages, these characters, this plot, the adventure! Yes that's five LOVES! The male characters are so lovably swoon worthy and the female characters are so relatable, strong, and spunky! And I LOVE this book so much I am struggling to review it because there are SO many things I want to say, but it will give stuff away! I guess I'll just have to finish with READ THIS SERIES! LOL!
I LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE the Faith messages, these characters, this plot, the adventure! Yes that's five LOVES! The male characters are so lovably swoon worthy and the female characters are so relatable, strong, and spunky! And I LOVE this book so much I am struggling to review it because there are SO many things I want to say, but it will give stuff away! I guess I'll just have to finish with READ THIS SERIES! LOL!
December 20, 2013
An excellent conclusion to the series...AND I LOVE the epilogue that was added as it jumps forward a few decades to show where they "are now".
May 25, 2018
Satisfying conclusion.
This 3rd book brings a satisfying conclusion to the trilogy. Fans of historical naval history and romance should love this series. It contains plenty of adventure, drama, and romance. Family relationships are examined in all their glory and conflicts.
This 3rd book brings a satisfying conclusion to the trilogy. Fans of historical naval history and romance should love this series. It contains plenty of adventure, drama, and romance. Family relationships are examined in all their glory and conflicts.
October 3, 2011
This book takes you on a roller coaster ride--lots of twists and, because it's the last book in the trilogy, lots of revelations.
It starts off rocky for me; I had to read the opening several times before getting into it. Perhaps the clunky language? Or maybe just a general feeling that characters, background, and plot were being dumped on me all at once within a few pages.
Books do this to me sometimes, and in the hands of a more skilled writer, it could've been an exciting opening.
This is the first Christian fiction I've read featuring pirates; my only benchmark is Jack Sparrow and Capt. Hook. While this book's adventures can feel like a ride on the high seas, overall it lacks a layer of the sinister. The pirates feel like ordinary opponents, missing that dark, exotic, unpredictable air about them.
It starts off rocky for me; I had to read the opening several times before getting into it. Perhaps the clunky language? Or maybe just a general feeling that characters, background, and plot were being dumped on me all at once within a few pages.
Books do this to me sometimes, and in the hands of a more skilled writer, it could've been an exciting opening.
This is the first Christian fiction I've read featuring pirates; my only benchmark is Jack Sparrow and Capt. Hook. While this book's adventures can feel like a ride on the high seas, overall it lacks a layer of the sinister. The pirates feel like ordinary opponents, missing that dark, exotic, unpredictable air about them.
November 16, 2011
A fabulous conclusion to the series and my personal favorite!! Of course I may be partial since I also write Swashbuckling romances, but Miss Dacus has outdone herself with this story. Her research on ships and the Royal Naval sang through the adventure but did not overwhelm what turned out to be a plot full of twists and turns that kept me reading late into the night. Characters you grew to love through the series were placed in horrific situations that seemed so real, I felt their pain. Honorable heroes abound along side strong, independent women. There was even a likeable pirate, whose deserves his own book, in my opinion. This is an exciting read that will make you cry one minute and cheer the next! A guaranteed fun voyage!
March 31, 2016
This one was my favorite of the three. It's always satisfying when the books of a series keep getting better and better until the last! I hated the parts about the nasty pirate, but the El Salvador parts were so well written that he became one of my better-liked characters. And the ending is absolutely perfect, everything that the whole series had been building up to all along. (Prettiest cover, too.)
I just have to say, I hope Dacus writes more Regency or else a new series about the next generation after these characters. There's got to be a story about the children produced from all this, right? :)
I just have to say, I hope Dacus writes more Regency or else a new series about the next generation after these characters. There's got to be a story about the children produced from all this, right? :)
January 22, 2012
The final book in the Ransome Trilogy and a really great series overall. My favorite in the series was the first book by far. I really did enjoy all the sea faring and pirates involved in the later books though. The last book really went a teensy bit darker with the evilness of one pirate but it made it that much better. I do look forward to reading more from this author. She's so entertaining! Between her and another fantastic author, MaryLu Tyndall, I shall never be short on reading Christian themed swashbuckling romances!
October 18, 2011
Wow. This first book in this trilogy was interesting, albeit predictable. The second was the same. Both were believable, I felt. But book three? Yikes. It's like a soap opera, all the drama. This series jumped the shark towards the end of book two.
February 18, 2013
One star for sentences like this: "If he weren't a no-good, dastardly, cowardly, kidnapping pirate, she might consider him handsome."
Read Kaye's other books "Ransome's Honor" or "A Case for Love" instead.
Read Kaye's other books "Ransome's Honor" or "A Case for Love" instead.
August 9, 2011
I loved the first book in the series, and the second one was pretty good too, but this third one felt contrived. And the epilogue was too tidy. Nevertheless, the entire trilogy is a fun read.
September 10, 2011
It was as predictable as the other two books in the series, but still a fun read. Too bad life's loose ends can't be tied up as neatly and sweetly as they are in this series
March 8, 2021
Haven’t read books so fast since the days of Family Christian and Borders and Barnes and Noble! Almost didn’t want this to end.
Ok, I have spoilers.
I liked the ending, although I feel like when it was said that William realized Julia didn’t need him...no, not exactly. I feel he realized she loved him and the career was part of who William is, so she had to take him as a package deal. Otherwise the same could be said of Charlotte. She proved she could live in a man’s world.
I also feel we missed something between James and Julia in the jail, but I am guessing there wasn’t room for more. I also feel James would have gotten way more than 30 days and dishonorable discharge as his entire crew but one was lost for his ahem, insolence. And what happened to James? I mean at least tell us he is living on Colin and Charlottes plantation (at least that what I figure.).
Finally, William and Julia are now step-sibs married to each other and their kids are their own cousins and siblings. I KNOW it gives a nice tie in for the family...it is just a tad much. Good friends who live on the the plantation with their respective children...sure. Married, in the midst of the hell the kids where going through? Naaah.
But GREAT story. Loved the arch of the characters. Nicely done.
Thank you Ms. Dacus! Haven’t enjoyed a series like that in ages.
Ok, I have spoilers.
I liked the ending, although I feel like when it was said that William realized Julia didn’t need him...no, not exactly. I feel he realized she loved him and the career was part of who William is, so she had to take him as a package deal. Otherwise the same could be said of Charlotte. She proved she could live in a man’s world.
I also feel we missed something between James and Julia in the jail, but I am guessing there wasn’t room for more. I also feel James would have gotten way more than 30 days and dishonorable discharge as his entire crew but one was lost for his ahem, insolence. And what happened to James? I mean at least tell us he is living on Colin and Charlottes plantation (at least that what I figure.).
Finally, William and Julia are now step-sibs married to each other and their kids are their own cousins and siblings. I KNOW it gives a nice tie in for the family...it is just a tad much. Good friends who live on the the plantation with their respective children...sure. Married, in the midst of the hell the kids where going through? Naaah.
But GREAT story. Loved the arch of the characters. Nicely done.
Thank you Ms. Dacus! Haven’t enjoyed a series like that in ages.
November 14, 2025
I liked some parts a lot, and others not as much. Overall though, the pacing was great and I could not put the book down. The conversations between Charlotte and Salvador were some of the funniest I've read in a long time. That was by far my favourite part. I love Julia and William together, and they clearly grew as a couple and as characters. Charlotte and Ned however... I felt like they were very one-dimensional. Ned frustrated me at times, and I could not decide whether I liked Charlotte or not. She had her moments, but she could also be very irritating. This was my favourite book of the series, but I enjoyed all three books a lot. The 1800's, Jamaica, romance, and mysterious pirates with good intentions? Bring it on!
Just a note: as we are dealing with two newly wed couples in the series, there are a few mentions (but never details) that certain readers might not enjoy. Some of the scenes were a bit cringy for me (think older brother walking in on you, or the entire ship smirking at you because they know what you are going to do in the cabin...) but it never lasted long and it could have been worse.
Just a note: as we are dealing with two newly wed couples in the series, there are a few mentions (but never details) that certain readers might not enjoy. Some of the scenes were a bit cringy for me (think older brother walking in on you, or the entire ship smirking at you because they know what you are going to do in the cabin...) but it never lasted long and it could have been worse.
April 24, 2023
Great conclusion to the Ransom Trilogy. I would definitely recommend it to others who have a love for the navy, pirates and the heat of Jamaica.
The only thing I would change is make it clearer whose point of view it is from because it changes all the time and can be confusing. But besides that I am happy I continued with the series and enjoyed the last two books especially.
Clean, no language and faith promoting.
The only thing I would change is make it clearer whose point of view it is from because it changes all the time and can be confusing. But besides that I am happy I continued with the series and enjoyed the last two books especially.
Clean, no language and faith promoting.
December 17, 2020
Commodore William Ransome has a dilemma: His younger sister, Charlotte, has been abducted by one pirate, a case of mistaken identity; his wife, Julia, has been taken by another pirate as a means of revenge.
Obviously he cannot pursue both women at once. Can he work with Captain Salvador to rescue Julia?
Obviously he cannot pursue both women at once. Can he work with Captain Salvador to rescue Julia?
October 15, 2019
My favorite in the trilogy.
This series went from a first book that was slow and sometimes a bit hard to get through, to the last book which was fast paced with multiple story lines and kept you on the edge of your seat.
This series went from a first book that was slow and sometimes a bit hard to get through, to the last book which was fast paced with multiple story lines and kept you on the edge of your seat.
December 13, 2024
This book was fair. I would’ve preferred a little less violence. And I found keeping track of all the siblings confusing — there’s at least 3 sets of siblings and their relationships to keep track of throughout the book. But overall it was an interesting read.
August 3, 2017
Great wrap-up to this trilogy. I thoroughly enjoyed the story from beginning to end. Loved that a good chunk of the story takes place at Sea and not in London society.
Clean Romance
Clean Romance
August 29, 2021
Beautiful wrap up to this lovely trilogy.
August 13, 2023
4.5/5.0
September 5, 2011
Hold Fast! There's plenty of action and drama on the high seas in this world of piracy and Royal Navy life. Cannon fire and mayhem. Swashbuckling heroes and damsels in distress. Author Kaye Dacus has brought me into the wonderful world of piracy. Oh my, did I just say wonderful? Well, there is romance involved so wonderful it must be!
Although I haven't read the first two books in this series I have thoroughly enjoyed the exciting escapades of Charlotte. She's a spunky young woman with tremendous courage. Time and again she puts others before herself, showing true Christian charity, even in the face of danger and possible death. I thought at times that her decisions seem to come from her youthfulness but when reflected upon they are really coming from her relationship with Christ and her desire to be more like Him. The book doesn't just focus on Charlotte but also encompasses a conclusion for Willliam, her brother, and Julia, her sister-in-law, from the first two novels. Having just met met them in this final book, I am intrigued enough to want to go back and read about them from the beginning. It's apparent that William and Charlotte are very close as siblings and their relationship is one that is funny and poignant at the same time. The relationship between Julia and William is just plain sweet. How he longs to be with her but has to attend to his obligations comes across vividly on paper. Julia is such a caring and supportive woman to all those she loves. Her grace is abundant.
There seem to be quite a few mysterious aspects to this pirate story, not just your typical looting and fighting. The mysterious El Salvador ended up being my favorite character long before I knew his identity. A pirate with a heart? Really? He's definitely one for the history books ;)
Overall, if you enjoy adventure and romance on the high seas you will love this trilogy from Kaye Dacus. Special thanks to Karri, Marketing Assistant at Harvest House Publishers, for sending me a review copy. I was not required to write a positive review.
Although I haven't read the first two books in this series I have thoroughly enjoyed the exciting escapades of Charlotte. She's a spunky young woman with tremendous courage. Time and again she puts others before herself, showing true Christian charity, even in the face of danger and possible death. I thought at times that her decisions seem to come from her youthfulness but when reflected upon they are really coming from her relationship with Christ and her desire to be more like Him. The book doesn't just focus on Charlotte but also encompasses a conclusion for Willliam, her brother, and Julia, her sister-in-law, from the first two novels. Having just met met them in this final book, I am intrigued enough to want to go back and read about them from the beginning. It's apparent that William and Charlotte are very close as siblings and their relationship is one that is funny and poignant at the same time. The relationship between Julia and William is just plain sweet. How he longs to be with her but has to attend to his obligations comes across vividly on paper. Julia is such a caring and supportive woman to all those she loves. Her grace is abundant.
There seem to be quite a few mysterious aspects to this pirate story, not just your typical looting and fighting. The mysterious El Salvador ended up being my favorite character long before I knew his identity. A pirate with a heart? Really? He's definitely one for the history books ;)
Overall, if you enjoy adventure and romance on the high seas you will love this trilogy from Kaye Dacus. Special thanks to Karri, Marketing Assistant at Harvest House Publishers, for sending me a review copy. I was not required to write a positive review.
December 22, 2011
Title: RANSOME’S QUEST
Author: Kaye Dacus
Publisher: Harvest House Publishers
August 2011
ISBN: 978-0-7369-2755-0
Genre: Inspirational/historical/pirate/romance
Charlotte Ransome is outside with her intended, but she doesn’t want to marry him, having found out that he’s only after her fortune. She breaks up with him, sending him away amidst threats, and then agrees to marry Ned Cochran. But they barely seal their agreement with a kiss when they are set upon by strangers and Ned is left bleeding and helpless on the lawn while Charlotte is spirited away.
Captain Salvador is a pirate—and he didn’t intend to kidnap Charlotte. Instead, he’d planned to kidnap Commodore William Ransome’s wife—not his sister. The plan work work enough to lure William Ransome out and possibly to his death, but most of Captain Salvador’s plans were toward William’s father-in-law. A man who would have no interest in someone like Charlotte. But Salvador has no other option at this point but to sail away to avoid what is likely to be a bloody battle until he figures out how to put his original plan back into motion—and kidnap the right woman.
But someone else has a vendetta against the Ransome’s. And both the pirates and the other party are determined to win…
RANSOME’S QUEST is the third and final book in the Ransome Triology by Ms. Dacus. It easily stands alone, but readers might want to read the first two books so they are up to date with stories of all the Ransome’s family. Fast paced and engaging, this historical series is clearly a time period and story that the author is passionate about as there is a life and liveliness in it that was absent in the contemporaries she’s penned.
Charlotte is no fainting female, instead she is smart, sharp-witted, and quick to take care of herself. The male characters pale somewhat in comparison, but they are still well developed. RANSOME’S QUEST is a very interesting story, and I hope to see more historicals along this nature by Ms. Dacus. $13.99. 352 pages.
Author: Kaye Dacus
Publisher: Harvest House Publishers
August 2011
ISBN: 978-0-7369-2755-0
Genre: Inspirational/historical/pirate/romance
Charlotte Ransome is outside with her intended, but she doesn’t want to marry him, having found out that he’s only after her fortune. She breaks up with him, sending him away amidst threats, and then agrees to marry Ned Cochran. But they barely seal their agreement with a kiss when they are set upon by strangers and Ned is left bleeding and helpless on the lawn while Charlotte is spirited away.
Captain Salvador is a pirate—and he didn’t intend to kidnap Charlotte. Instead, he’d planned to kidnap Commodore William Ransome’s wife—not his sister. The plan work work enough to lure William Ransome out and possibly to his death, but most of Captain Salvador’s plans were toward William’s father-in-law. A man who would have no interest in someone like Charlotte. But Salvador has no other option at this point but to sail away to avoid what is likely to be a bloody battle until he figures out how to put his original plan back into motion—and kidnap the right woman.
But someone else has a vendetta against the Ransome’s. And both the pirates and the other party are determined to win…
RANSOME’S QUEST is the third and final book in the Ransome Triology by Ms. Dacus. It easily stands alone, but readers might want to read the first two books so they are up to date with stories of all the Ransome’s family. Fast paced and engaging, this historical series is clearly a time period and story that the author is passionate about as there is a life and liveliness in it that was absent in the contemporaries she’s penned.
Charlotte is no fainting female, instead she is smart, sharp-witted, and quick to take care of herself. The male characters pale somewhat in comparison, but they are still well developed. RANSOME’S QUEST is a very interesting story, and I hope to see more historicals along this nature by Ms. Dacus. $13.99. 352 pages.
August 21, 2011
Commodore William Ransome is accustomed to being in command. The ability to control his crew and his ship earned him the rank of commodore. However, when his wife, Julia, is kidnapped only days after his sister, Charlotte, is taken, he is torn by the fact he cannot save them both himself. Entrusting his sister to her fiancé, Ned Cochrane, William seeks clues leading to his beloved wife. Strength and bravery alone will not be enough to rescue the two ladies. When a pirate offers vital information and assistance, long-hidden family secrets rise and William is forced to trust his wife's life to this pirate. Will Julia be safely reunited with William? Can anyone thrive after surviving such horrible circumstances? What other secrets surround this family?
Ransome's Quest is the third book in the Ransome Trilogy by Kaye Dacus. Set in the Regency era and featuring pirates, Royal Navy officers, and wealthy plantation owners, Ransome's Quest has a unique setting with lots of adventure. The book was more fiction than romance, but that was somewhat expected from the synopsis. I think it would have been easier for me to get into the book if I had read the first two books (Ransome's Honor and Ransome's Crossing) prior to reading Ransome's Quest. I don't recommend reading it as a stand-alone novel. There was some backstory given, but not until later in the book and I always had the feeling that I was missing something. Thankfully, once I got about halfway into the book, the plot really caught me and carried through until the end.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher as part of First Wild Card Reviews. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."
Ransome's Quest is the third book in the Ransome Trilogy by Kaye Dacus. Set in the Regency era and featuring pirates, Royal Navy officers, and wealthy plantation owners, Ransome's Quest has a unique setting with lots of adventure. The book was more fiction than romance, but that was somewhat expected from the synopsis. I think it would have been easier for me to get into the book if I had read the first two books (Ransome's Honor and Ransome's Crossing) prior to reading Ransome's Quest. I don't recommend reading it as a stand-alone novel. There was some backstory given, but not until later in the book and I always had the feeling that I was missing something. Thankfully, once I got about halfway into the book, the plot really caught me and carried through until the end.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher as part of First Wild Card Reviews. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."
June 4, 2012
The back of the book doesn't do it justice - it is amazing! And its not just the suspense of what will happen to Charlotte but who really is Salvador and why does he want to protect Julia? In reading all 3 parts of the trilogy I will say that you will enjoy this book much better if you read part 1 and 2 first. Especially the last chapter when you're introduced to a couple you haven't heard of since part 1. What I really loved was the progression of Ransom and Julia's feelings for each other. Part 2 makes you realize they are strong but its not until they are separated from each other and Ransom realizes he must choose between looking for his sister or his wife that he releases his full feelings and allows them to show to his wife and to his shipmates. What he says to her when they are reunited is beautiful and how he's willing to give it all up for her is amazing (what a journey from the first book!) but also Julia comes to realize what kind of a wife she will truly be and if she really loves him how she'd never let him give up who he is for her. Not to be minimized is the growing love between Charlotte and Ned - their arguments are hilarious! And how Charlotte still sneaks out to work as a midshipmen made me laugh. I loved the logic in the story of Salvador, who he is and what that means to Julia, Ransom and Julia's father. What happened to Julia abroad a Pirates ship was believable to me, we couldn't expect her to be treated well and I think her suffering after being rescued did much to add to Ransoms love for her and need to protect her. I loved the sneak peak of their future life in the last chapter when the novel skipped forward another 20+ years. A good read indeed!! Once I started it I couldn't put it down!
August 6, 2019
Vague spoilers ahead!
Not gonna lie, the end left me feeling a little unhappy. Certain things--William's being so scared of coming to love Julia "too much" he basically moved out a couple of days after they were married, his refusal to show emotion with Julia in public and at times holding her at arms length even in private, Julia feeling like she needed to constantly hold back emotionally so as not to make William's life/job harder, and the fact we never got to "see" them learning how to find balance with these things--were introduced in the second book, but never really got properly dealt with in the final book in my opinion. In fact, in got worse and left it that way only to jump 30 years into the future. Julia obviously went through a lot of emotional and physical hardships this book. After reuniting with William and him seeing how hard it was affecting her, I expected her husband to personally make sure she not only arrived home safely, but at least be home for a few weeks to be there for her if she needed someone to lean on or encourage her. Instead we got told Julia didn't "need" him, and that he could go straight back to work. But we were shown--at least in my understanding--that Julia was just putting on a brave face to William so he would go back to work, but emotionally leaning on Charlotte in place of her husband. It struck me as very odd. I expected to see them find the balance between cold/distant and clingy. I understand spouses compromising for the good of each other, but it just didn't come off that way to me. Especially since it was an ongoing arc for two books. Needless to say, it wasn't a great ending for me. Decent, but not great.
Not gonna lie, the end left me feeling a little unhappy. Certain things--William's being so scared of coming to love Julia "too much" he basically moved out a couple of days after they were married, his refusal to show emotion with Julia in public and at times holding her at arms length even in private, Julia feeling like she needed to constantly hold back emotionally so as not to make William's life/job harder, and the fact we never got to "see" them learning how to find balance with these things--were introduced in the second book, but never really got properly dealt with in the final book in my opinion. In fact, in got worse and left it that way only to jump 30 years into the future. Julia obviously went through a lot of emotional and physical hardships this book. After reuniting with William and him seeing how hard it was affecting her, I expected her husband to personally make sure she not only arrived home safely, but at least be home for a few weeks to be there for her if she needed someone to lean on or encourage her. Instead we got told Julia didn't "need" him, and that he could go straight back to work. But we were shown--at least in my understanding--that Julia was just putting on a brave face to William so he would go back to work, but emotionally leaning on Charlotte in place of her husband. It struck me as very odd. I expected to see them find the balance between cold/distant and clingy. I understand spouses compromising for the good of each other, but it just didn't come off that way to me. Especially since it was an ongoing arc for two books. Needless to say, it wasn't a great ending for me. Decent, but not great.
August 10, 2016
This is the third book in the Ransome Trilogy. Although past events are summarized in this book, I'd recommend reading at least the previous book in the series, Ransome's Crossing, as this book picks up immediately from where the second book ends. There is so much going on in this book and I mean that in a good way. There is not just one but two pirates! Not just one but two (and a half) abductions! Lots of twists and turns and secrets from the past coming to light. For those readers who are interested, there is more violence in this book than the others in this series. Julia is abducted and physically (but not sexually) assaulted more than once. And a fellow prisoner is tortured for fun. Plus, there are battles, shootings, and all-around sea-faring action. I liked Charlotte's character the most, she's so fun, spunky, and brave (although makes unwise decisions at times). When she and Ned fight, they're like little kids. I wish William's and Julia's romance was more...romantic. They love each other but seem so restrained except towards the end. As for spiritual content, Julia talks to her fellow prisoner about God's forgiveness and there is an underlying sub-theme of the prodigal son story. The story was fast-paced when they were chasing the pirates but the tempo seemed uneven in the last third of the book once everyone was safe, it seemed to last a little longer than necessary. However, there is a nice epilogue that provides a glimpse of the families 30 years later. I enjoyed this whole trilogy and this was a great way to end the series---4.5 stars.
August 24, 2011
This is first fiction novel that I have had the opportunity to review that was unique in that this one involved pirates. Not like Captain Jack Sparrow pirates, but more along the lines of the Will Turner possibility of a pirate.
Known by most as El Salvador, this pirate has captured Charlotte Ransome, the daughter of Commodore William Ransome, whose goal is it to send a message that he can not ignore, that is unless the life of his daughter isn't worth the cost. Leaving her soon-to-be suitor Ned Cochrane, beaten on the porch while proposing to Charlotte, he vows to stop at nothing go bring Charlotte back.
Leaving his wife to go in search for his kidnapped sister, Commodore Ransome is pulled in two different directions when he learns that his wife Julia has been captured by another pirate, this one the notorious Captain Shaw. Will either woman be rescued or will William have to make a choice between his family or for the woman he loves with all his heart?
I received Ransome's Quest by Kaye Dacus compliments of Christian Fiction Blog Alliance for my honest review and found this one most satisfying. This is the third book in the Ransome Trilogy. Unlike the comical adventures found in the Pirates of the Caribbean, this one deals with the unyielding black hearts and ruthless, cut-throat pirates from real history. This all ties together perfectly along with romance and faith that makes this high-seas adventures a must read and worthy of 4.5 out of 5 stars.
Known by most as El Salvador, this pirate has captured Charlotte Ransome, the daughter of Commodore William Ransome, whose goal is it to send a message that he can not ignore, that is unless the life of his daughter isn't worth the cost. Leaving her soon-to-be suitor Ned Cochrane, beaten on the porch while proposing to Charlotte, he vows to stop at nothing go bring Charlotte back.
Leaving his wife to go in search for his kidnapped sister, Commodore Ransome is pulled in two different directions when he learns that his wife Julia has been captured by another pirate, this one the notorious Captain Shaw. Will either woman be rescued or will William have to make a choice between his family or for the woman he loves with all his heart?
I received Ransome's Quest by Kaye Dacus compliments of Christian Fiction Blog Alliance for my honest review and found this one most satisfying. This is the third book in the Ransome Trilogy. Unlike the comical adventures found in the Pirates of the Caribbean, this one deals with the unyielding black hearts and ruthless, cut-throat pirates from real history. This all ties together perfectly along with romance and faith that makes this high-seas adventures a must read and worthy of 4.5 out of 5 stars.
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