Title: Upon the Isles of the Sea: Setting Sail
Author: Grace Elliot
Publisher: Covenant
Release Date: December 8, 2009
ISBN: 978-1-59811-815-5
Size: 320 pages, 6×9, softcover
Genre: Historical
1849: Industrialization has gripped the British Isles, and the working class faces hardships of backbreaking labor, meager wages, and tight-fisted landlords. In England, Edward Morgan loses his young family to ravaging sickness. In Ireland, Lauryn Kelly endures injury amidst a devastating famine. In the coal mines of Scotland, Ewen McAllister and his wife, Bess, mourn the deaths of two infant daughters and the wretched future that faces their two living children.
Life in the motherland runs dark with discouragement and despair and many question the hand of God in allowing such misery. But hope soon shines its welcome beacon. Lauryn gains fresh opportunity as lady-in-waiting to an English noblewoman. The McAllisters find their thirst for eternal truth fulfilled in the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. And Edward, lonely and heartbroken, finds the courage to leave his past behind.
Driven by the dream of creating a new life in the South Sea colonies, this small group becomes part of the surging tide of immigrants leaving Britain. Facing the perils of life at sea, their lives become inextricably intertwined as they make their journey to a new home. In this sweeping epic, author Grace Elliot skillfully enters the lives of her characters to tell a breathtaking story of renewed life.
I have just finished reading this book and I absolutely loved it! I recieved it last night, started it this morning and finished this evening. This is the best novel I have read in ages. Keeps me hanging out for more like 'Work and the Glory' did. Can't wait for the next one.