Weather the Storm

American Dreams

by Jean Ferris

When Raider takes Rosie to England she finds no living kin-and long buried family secrets. When Raider offers to take Rosie to New Orleans, she sees no other option. But it is a journey that brings her closer than ever to the daring buccaneer who has captured her heart yet farther from the romantic dream that torments her. As the war rages at sea, Rosie once again watches Raider sail into battle, driven by the obsession that consumes him, and taking with him the love that has become the very soul of Rosie's life.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Young Adult, Romance, Historical, Historical Romance, Romantic, Teen

176 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1996

About the author

This author is not afraid to tackle difficult subjects: living with a deaf parent (Of Sound Mind), facing the consequences of a criminal act (Bad), or questioning one's sexuality (Eight Seconds). But Jean Ferris is also adept at writing comedy, historical fiction, and romance. What's most interesting is that she didn't publish her first novel until she was in her mid-40s. Yet she's never forgotten the intense feelings and changes of her own teenage years. Critics as well as teen readers have seen the evidence of that in her writing and have honored her novels with a number of awards, from Best Books for Young Adults to various state and National Book Award nominations.

Reviews

[KM · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this series in my middle school library and fell in love with these characters. I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve read these books. Over twenty years later, I still think of them and occasionally reread them every few years — I have no doubt I’ll carry them with me forever.

I’m not sure why they were divided into three short books, when I think they really make sense to be one average-length book.

[Christin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this series when I was young, and am still enjoying them now! It's a mostly annual summer read for me. I just love all the characters and almost find it hard to say goodbye each time I finish the series.

[Amanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

I spent much of this book just so mad at Raider for being an idiot. I wish we could have seen better character development for him. I also wish that Raider and Rosie had gotten married under different circumstances. It would have been nice to see Raider's realization he loved Rosie be what prompted him to propose. Especially since Rosie was so against men and getting married, it just seemed like a rush decision that didn't flow with the rest of the character development the author had already established.

Also, Caroline is my spirit animal. Wearing whatever she wants, whenever she wants, and basically running a zoo from her house 😂

[Bethany D. Chappetta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love the series. The only critique I would have is how fast the Captain Lawrence storyline wraps up. I think there should have been more. But still good!

[Smut Report]

We read all books in the trilogy and reviewed them together. This review is also available at Into the Wind and Song of the Sea, and our full review can be read at The Smut Report.

Heat Factor: Entry Level Hotness.

Character Chemistry: Immediate and dreamy.

Plot: Epic adventure of self-discovery… and romance… on the high seas.

Overall: True love lasts a lifetime.



This was the romance series that hooked Erin and Ingrid on the genre, back in 1999. Holly had never read it. Time for a buddy read—and a wide-ranging discussion about pirates, young adult romance, and what gives us butterflies. Our podcast and show notes can be found at The Smut Report.

Heat Factor: A teensy bit of closed door hanky panky after they get married in Book 3

Character Chemistry: Butterflies in my stomach

Plot: Rosie gets kidnapped, like, 7 times, but on the way she finds a community who cares for her

Overall: It might not be as good without the nostalgia factor, but it’s still a solid YA romance

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[Callie · Rating 4 out of 5]

My friends teenage daughter told me to read these, and I really loved them. Not to much!

[Allyson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Awsome awsome AWSOME!

[Steph N · Rating 4 out of 5]

this is the final book in the rosie/raider trilogy. Again- I cannot explain why I loved these so much when I was younger.

[Caitlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reread 8/12

[Karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good happy ending. Some good adventure. Good moral close to the story. Quick read.

[Chelsea · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved this series. I totally fell in love with the characters. I wish there was a movie. It would be perfect to keep me entertained while I lounge around on bed rest in a couple weeks.

[Sara Larson]

Yep, loved this one, too. Great ending to the series. Ah, memories.

[R · Rating 5 out of 5]

GREAT ending to a cute series.