Miss Whittier Makes a List

Ms. Kelly always brings it; delightful protagonists with great depth of character and an added history lesson into the bargain.

This story was a tough one to rate. I finished it days ago and I am still thinking about it. On the one hand, it is a refreshing look at Napoleon's War from a side I haven't read before with two very unusual characters. On the other, the plot creaks and tilts the last quarter of the book. Regardless, MISS WHITTIER MAKES A LIST was a wonderfully written book of truly memorable characters. You will find it on my keeper shelf.I love that Ms. Kelly's world does not center on balls and the ton. Captain Sir Daniel Spark is a very complex character. He has been at sea since the age of ten; he knows very little else. And Hannah Whittier, what a sweetheart! She was just 17 at the start of the story and, to be fair the captain, he thinks she is older. She was a Quaker and it literally pours from her personality.This story was first and foremost an adventure. It begins when Hannah was sailing from Boston to Charleston to assist her brother's wife. She had a gut feeling that her brother planned on finding her a husband while she was there. It was what to be expected. With some extra time on her hands, she started a list of those things she was looking for in a husband. Little does she know......I won't go into all the details of how these two met. That is for you to read if you decide to try this story. Suffice-to say, they don't get along at the start. Daniel is used to people listening and obeying his commands. Yes, Hannah is naive but she has gumption. It shows.My comfort came from the decency of the characters as well as the story. You feel their human dignity. Wartime brings out both the best and worse in everyone. The captain shows it for Hannah in some very odd and gruff ways.***Possible Spoilers***I want to address some of the so-so reviews. First off: the age spread between Daniel and Hannah. I am not a huge fan of this but I understand that it occurred back then more often than not AND I know that if Hannah was older the story would not have been the same. Hannah's energy and fresh outlook on life was what Daniel needed. I believe that was what attracted him to her. And, remember, he thought she was older when they first met.As to those that felt the story was terrific while they were at sea and then took a dive when they hit land, I agree. BUT. Neither was comfortable on land. Daniel felt in his own element only at sea. Hannah was in a foreign land with unfamiliar customs thrown at her in every direction. She depended on Daniel at this point AND she took the concept of marriage very seriously: love until death.***Would I have loved for Ms. Kelly to have changed a few things? Yes, but it doesn't diminish the fact that I really enjoyed most (haha) of this story.

I do not write nearly enough reviews to do justice either to the number of books that I read or to the authors that I adore. Every once and a while, I am jolted from this inaction by a book that deserves - in my opinion - to be recognized and praised. First, to Ms. Kelly, thank you for all of your books. These books, recently discovered by me, are like rare gems that I ration so that I not only escape into them, but I also take the time to absorb them. Second, to readers of romance and regency romance, this book is a delight. I read a few of the reviews opining on plot points, and frankly, put off purchasing the book. But, I must say that all of the points raised and ably and admirably handled within the book and were neither off putting nor distracting to me. Ms. Kelly is a genius as creating characters who meet, have adventures, fall in love, and resolve all issues for touching a HEA. Although I happily spend time in ballrooms and Almacks with other cherished authors, I find Ms. Kelly's less glamorous characters all the more delightful for being more relatable. I will not add much to the official synopsis, but I will comment on the skill of the story telling. Miss Whittier's character arc is near perfect. With every experience and trial, Miss Whittier grows. The hero is a man in control of his ship, but not his heart. His competence and dedication makes his one "flaw" all the more poignant. The back drop of the Napoleonic Wars is also a character in the story - and not merely period details sprinkled within the narrative for atmosphere. The pace and action were masterful. The ending, well, I read it, teared up, re-read it, and then felt compelled to share its beauty with other lovers of the romance genre. Enjoy!

I just finished this book. I have just discovered Carla Kelly. I read "Mrs. Drew Plays Her Hand" and I loved it!I was not as enamored of this book.The best part of the book took place aboard the ship. The historical details of sailing on and fighting with a ship such as this were fascinating to me, as I love history almost as much as a good love story. I did feel a little startled though when Daniel admitted his feelings in front of her and some of his other men. It just didn't seem like they had interacted with each other enough for him to blurt out this confession.The second part of the book bogged down for me. I was not upset with the disparity in their ages, as that often happened back then (and still does now, if the man is rich or famous enough). The plot and the relationship between the two of them simply felt less dynamic and interesting, and the ending felt rushed and ho-hum.Also, the part with Wellington--really??? That was totally off the wall for me, not even remotely realistic. I don't mind a little dramatic license, but this was silly.However, I do love her writing and will be reading more of her books. I had hoped that this would be up to the level of "Mrs. Drew...", but perhaps some of her other books will be. She is a new author for me in the romance arena, and I always love finding new authors.

Carla Kelly is fast becoming my Favorite! Her protagonists are always so very real; not flawless beauties and dark handsome rakes like in all those Regency Romances, interchangeable and quite boring. Her heroes are quite normal-life people - and all the more lovable for it. So here young Miss Whittier is on the way to her brother, a Quaker like herself. But then the British Navy stops their ship and impresses some of their men. There the adventure begins. I won't tell more about the plot, you'll have to read it yourself. But let me tell you: this book is lovely. If you're into Regency, I'm sure you'll like it for it's new approach to the topic. If you're not into Regency, try it all the same - because it's an adventurous, very witty and funny book. I like how Carla Kelly gives her protagonists room to develop, to grow. For me, it's a keeper!!

A treat to read with memorable characters and a flavour of the Royal navy. The Quaker heroine is one I would like to meet.