Publisher: Regal House Publishing
Format: Hardcover, Paperback, eBook, Audiobook; 334 pages
Genre: Historical / Literary / Epic
Synopsis
**Shortlisted for the Chaucer Book Award**
OUT FRONT THE FOLLOWING SEA is a historical epic of one woman’s survival in a time when the wilderness is still wild, heresy is publicly punishable, and being independent is worse than scorned—it is a death sentence.
At the onset of King William’s War between French and English settlers in 1689 New England, Ruth Miner is accused of witchcraft for the murder of her parents and must flee the brutality of her town. She stows away on the ship of the only other person who knows her innocence: an audacious sailor—Owen—bound to her by years of attraction, friendship, and shared secrets. But when Owen’s French ancestry finds him at odds with a violent English commander, the turmoil becomes life-or-death for the sailor, the headstrong Ruth, and the cast of Quakers, Pequot Indians, soldiers, highwaymen, and townsfolk dragged into the fray. Now Ruth must choose between sending Owen to the gallows or keeping her own neck from the noose.
My Thoughts
This epic adventure-romance is set in 1689, at the start of King William's War, a conflict that would last nine years between the English and French, aided by their respective American Indian allies. It is the story of Ruth Miner, an outcast from her community, and Owen Townsend, a sailor, the son of an English father and French mother.
Ruth and Owen have known each other from childhood and are forever linked by a past tragedy for which Ruth was blamed and received the cruel punishment of branding. From the moment these two characters are introduced, it is evident that they share a special and unique relationship that will sustain them throughout the ordeals and tragedies they face.
Ruth is accused of being a witch and only her grandmother's standing as one of the founding members of the New England colony protects Ruth from the townsfolk. Owen is the only person who cares about their welfare and checks on them each time he returns from a sea voyage.
During a particularly harsh winter, Ruth's grandmother dies and Ruth flees for her life to the only person that will help her – Owen, but Ruth's presence on board his father's ship causes problems for both of them. Eventually, Ruth settles in a new community that offers promising opportunities and friends, one of whom is a Pequot Indian. Owen continues to check on her welfare whenever his ship docks, but during his long absences Ruth must rely on herself. Although often censured for her outspokenness and behaviour, she is thankful that her past remains unknown and that she has found a haven of sorts.
Owen enjoys the adventurous life he leads, driven by the ambition to captain his own vessel. His feelings for Ruth are never in doubt, but there is always one more adventure, one more voyage that stands in the way of them settling down together. At times, Owen regrets the decisions he makes regarding Ruth, in particular asking her to wait for him. This she does willingly until a change in circumstances forces Ruth to acknowledge she can no longer rely on Owen. The decision she makes to secure her future brings into their lives a violent and powerful enemy with disastrous results.
Leah Angstman brings to life this period in history I knew very little about through her superb imagery and the endearing characters she created in Ruth and Owen. A host of minor characters, including highwaymen, soldiers and American Indians, enrich the story further. Ruth especially touches the heart, determined to be recognised as a person of worth, with dreams and aspirations and a voice that deserves to be heard. Only Owen accepts her for herself, but he, too, has his own battles to fight. Together, they make a formidable team: steadfast, courageous and utterly memorable.
Religious fervour, bigotry, politics, witchcraft and the treatment of women under a patriarchal society are woven into this compelling narrative. Ruth and Owen's enduring loyalty and love for one another are tested repeatedly by the difficulties they encounter and the decisions they make to survive in a perilous time in America's history.
Out Front the Following Sea is a brilliant debut novel, one I enjoyed immensely and am happy to recommend.
Where to Purchase
Regal House Print | Amazon Kindle
Meet the Author
Connect with Leah:
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Goodreads | Medium | Ello | Mailing List
Blog Tour Schedule
Monday, January 3
Guest Post at Novels Alive
Review at Pursuing Stacie
Review at Bookoholiccafe
Excerpt at Books, Ramblings, and Tea
Tuesday, January 4
Review at Chicks, Rogues and Scandals
Wednesday, January 5
Review at Probably at the Library
Thursday, January 6
Review at Reading is My Remedy
Friday, January 7
Review at A Girl Reads Bookss
Monday, January 10
Review, Excerpt + Interview at andreajanel_reads
Tuesday, January 11
Review at Little But Fierce Book Diary
Wednesday, January 12
Review at Novels Alive
Thursday, January 13
Review at Books, Cooks, Looks
Friday, January 14
Review at SJ Through the Looking Glass
Monday, January 17
Review at 100 Pages a Day
Tuesday, January 18
Excerpt at The Book Junkie Reads
Wednesday, January 19
Review at Jessica Belmont
Thursday, January 20
Review at Reading the Past
Friday, January 21
Review at Books and Zebras
Monday, January 24
Review at Bookworlder
Tuesday, January 25
Review at Booking With Janelle
Wednesday, January 26
Review at Rajiv's Reviews
Friday, January 28
Review at Michelle the PA Loves to Read
Sunday, January 30
Review at A Darn Good Read
Monday, January 31
Feature at CelticLady's Reviews
Review + Interview at Jorie Loves A Story
Wednesday, February 2
Review at Donna's Book Blog
Friday, February 4
Review at Coffee and Ink
Review at The Enchanted Shelf
Giveaway (US only)
Enter HERE to win a copy of Out Front the Following Sea by Leah Angstman!
The giveaway is open to the US only and ends on February 4th. You must be 18 or older to enter.
Reading Challenges
This book satisfies the following Reading Challenges:
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