Cassia
This is the third book in Craft’s Xanthakos Family Trilogy, but it is not necessary to read the first two to enjoy this one. In 1799, Lilyan and Nicholas take their three children, Paul, Laurel and Marion, on a sailing voyage from South Carolina to Roanoke. Nikki wishes to share the family’s wine trade business with his children. Lilyan hopes for a quiet journey with time to spend with her loved ones. But, as always, perilous adventure intercepts their finely laid plans. When the family rescues an ill and expectant slave, their Christian act causes the ship’s captain to maroon the family on a nearby island. The adventure doesn’t stop there, though; Lilyan and Laurel are then captured by pirates. While Nikki plots a rescue mission, Lilyan plots a daring escape, determined not to let her children fall into the hands of an evil pirate lord.
Nonstop action creates a fast-paced story and keeps readers engaged throughout. With pirates, love, and sacrifice, this tale will entice any fan of historical fiction. The devotion and faith of Nikki and Lilyan are particularly powerful and inspiring. I especially enjoyed the development of children Paul and Laurel as they endeavored to find their place in the world. Recommended.
