Isadora Peabody is an awkward misfit in her beautiful and accomplished family. Shunned by those she yearns to befriend, she gives her heart to a man who doesn't even know she exists. With nothing to lose, she seizes the chance to journey to a wondrous new world in search of a dream. In a society where men are judged by their family name and position, Ryan Calhoun is considered to be reckless for walking away from his. Driven by his quest to right an old wrong, the firey, tempermental sea captain doesn't have time to look after the meek young woman who comes aboard his ship. What Isadora discovers on the voyage is more adventure than she could have imagined. The crew of motley sailors becomes her personal charm school, teaching her to be a lady. And giving her the confidence to believe in a startling new love.

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This is the first in a series called "The Calhoun Chronicles" by Susan Wiggs. It is a delightful story about a girl who just doesn't fit in high society. She's not beautiful, she's more interested in book learning than social circles. She is very intelligent, and finally works her way onto a sailing ship heading for South America. Great story, very descriptive: you can almost feel the waves and smell the salt water on her voyage! Excellent read by a great author. I highly recommend it.

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Another great Susan Wiggs book. She never disappoints! This story of social consciousness in 1850's Boston is very enjoyable. Repressed Boston socialite meets swashbuckling sea captain. Catherine Coulter's quote... "an irresistible blend of The Ugly Duckling and My Fair Lady. Jump right in and enjoy yourself - I did."

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This was a very well written book and I loved reading it. The main characters weren't perfect, but they were admirable. The romance between the sea captain and the wealth Boston misfit was enjoyable to read about. I can't wait to read the Horsemaster's Daughter, which is the story of the sea captain's step brother.

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It takes a swashbuckling sea captain to turn a meek Boston spinster into a passionate, daring woman....

Plain, awkward and painfully shy, Isadora Peabody didn't fit in anywhere -- not her elegant family, not Boston society and certainly not on board the SILVER SWAN, a boat bound for exotic Rio de Janeiro with the fiery captain Ryan Calhoun at the helm. Yet somehow Ryan's motley crew made a place for her -- while Ryan himself soon came to appreciate a great deal more than just her sound business sense....
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