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At Home and at Sea #1
A New War: At Home and at Sea, 1803
Captain Sir Richard Giles has used the peace of Amiens to find and purchase a rural estate at Dipton It will provide living quarters for his relatives and an opportunity to pursue his interest in agricultural processes and improvements, a task where he may find assistance from the daughter of his immediate neighbor. She seems to be more interested in estate management and improvement than in the more usual pursuits of young ladies. A French frigate of possibly new design has been using the period of peace to take British frigates and merchant ships illegally and spirit the captures to some unknown base. Giles is called from his bucolic pursuits to take command of a newly built frigate whose task is to find and destroy the enemy vessel and recapture her prizesWhile Captain Giles is doing this, life continues apace at Dipton so that when Giles can snatch some leave, he finds that things have not remained static. The novel tells of how events develop at sea and also on land in the early days following the abrogation of the treaty of Amiens.
- GenresHistorical Fiction
329 pages, Paperback
Published September 14, 2016
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
April 8, 2017
Well done new approach, April 8, 2017
This review is from: A New War: At Home and at Sea, 1803 (Kindle Edition)
This novel is an interesting approach to tales of the Royal Navy during the French and Napoleonic wars. In addition to the usual stories of naval combat we also see Captain Sir Richard Giles in his home life as he aquires an estate and a very interesting wife. The story alternates between the estate and the sea. Readers should keep in mind however that only a small percentage of the British population lived the kind of life enjoyed by the captain's family and neighbors. With that in mind, this is a well written, enjoyable book. I hope the author continues this as a series. Some may notice that Captain Giles' close friend is a Captain Bush, formerly the Captain's first lieutenant. This seems an obvious homage to C. S. Forester and Hornblower.
This review is from: A New War: At Home and at Sea, 1803 (Kindle Edition)
This novel is an interesting approach to tales of the Royal Navy during the French and Napoleonic wars. In addition to the usual stories of naval combat we also see Captain Sir Richard Giles in his home life as he aquires an estate and a very interesting wife. The story alternates between the estate and the sea. Readers should keep in mind however that only a small percentage of the British population lived the kind of life enjoyed by the captain's family and neighbors. With that in mind, this is a well written, enjoyable book. I hope the author continues this as a series. Some may notice that Captain Giles' close friend is a Captain Bush, formerly the Captain's first lieutenant. This seems an obvious homage to C. S. Forester and Hornblower.
January 24, 2022
OPINION:
.
A horrible book.
I have no idea who all these named people might be, and cannot follow it.
Book stinks.
Too many names.
“Elsie was Daphne’s maid, and Daphne was mortified to realize that her father had seen through her insisting that Carstairs be well entertained, knowing that Elsie was a past master at prying gossip out of the servants of others. But she discovered, when Elsie came to help her when she retired, that this scheme had resulted in nothing. While Elsie was full of what a splendid man Carstairs was and how he had ambitions to keep his own public house, she had found out only that Carstairs had not accompanied Captain Giles either to Ashbury Abbey or to Ripon and knew no more about the circumstances of the Earl and his daughter than her father had already imparted. She could look forward enthusiastically to the meeting on the morrow, but she knew that it was not likely to produce answers to any of the social questions that were running through her mind. That rendezvous was not to be kept. Giles and Bush arrived back at the inn to find a courier with a message from the Admiralty for Captain Giles. The message was crystal clear, though its import was totally mysterious.….”
.
A horrible book.
I have no idea who all these named people might be, and cannot follow it.
Book stinks.
Too many names.
“Elsie was Daphne’s maid, and Daphne was mortified to realize that her father had seen through her insisting that Carstairs be well entertained, knowing that Elsie was a past master at prying gossip out of the servants of others. But she discovered, when Elsie came to help her when she retired, that this scheme had resulted in nothing. While Elsie was full of what a splendid man Carstairs was and how he had ambitions to keep his own public house, she had found out only that Carstairs had not accompanied Captain Giles either to Ashbury Abbey or to Ripon and knew no more about the circumstances of the Earl and his daughter than her father had already imparted. She could look forward enthusiastically to the meeting on the morrow, but she knew that it was not likely to produce answers to any of the social questions that were running through her mind. That rendezvous was not to be kept. Giles and Bush arrived back at the inn to find a courier with a message from the Admiralty for Captain Giles. The message was crystal clear, though its import was totally mysterious.….”
September 27, 2023
A Fine English Story
Overall, I found this book to be entertaining. It’s written well and has a good flow. However, I was looking for something more nautical. This story seems to be more in the line of “The Life and Times of Giles and Bush” rather than a tale featuring epic sailing adventures. There are chapters dedicated to sailing exploits, however, they are short and not as involved and detailed as I would like. Also, too many things go too well for the main characters. It’s definitely a feel good type of book. If you like era tales that don’t focus on just sailing then you may enjoy this book more than I did.
Overall, I found this book to be entertaining. It’s written well and has a good flow. However, I was looking for something more nautical. This story seems to be more in the line of “The Life and Times of Giles and Bush” rather than a tale featuring epic sailing adventures. There are chapters dedicated to sailing exploits, however, they are short and not as involved and detailed as I would like. Also, too many things go too well for the main characters. It’s definitely a feel good type of book. If you like era tales that don’t focus on just sailing then you may enjoy this book more than I did.
July 5, 2024
Great read
I really enjoyed this fast moving tale with characters who know what they want and how to go about achieving their goals. I particularly appreciated s heroine who is strong enough to go her own way despite other's opinions of what a young lady should or shouldn't do. Go Daphne! Add to that a hero who appreciates a strong woman and you get a really good story and the supporting cast was great as well. Can't wait for the next book!
I really enjoyed this fast moving tale with characters who know what they want and how to go about achieving their goals. I particularly appreciated s heroine who is strong enough to go her own way despite other's opinions of what a young lady should or shouldn't do. Go Daphne! Add to that a hero who appreciates a strong woman and you get a really good story and the supporting cast was great as well. Can't wait for the next book!
February 21, 2018
Very good English historical military novel
This novel reads easy with some good use of unique words worthy of looking up. Character development is good. Detail of setting and combat scenes were good. Would have liked more personal details especially during combat. Main characters sometimes seem too “good or enlightened “ for the time period. Looking for second in series.
This novel reads easy with some good use of unique words worthy of looking up. Character development is good. Detail of setting and combat scenes were good. Would have liked more personal details especially during combat. Main characters sometimes seem too “good or enlightened “ for the time period. Looking for second in series.
June 7, 2024
Congratulations to Giles and Daphne
A wonderful story combining well detailed Naval activities and the growing love story of two people caught up in the times. The author demonstrates a very wide range of knowledge of farming and horticulture. A well written book with lots of interesting characters. And it closes with a wedding.
A wonderful story combining well detailed Naval activities and the growing love story of two people caught up in the times. The author demonstrates a very wide range of knowledge of farming and horticulture. A well written book with lots of interesting characters. And it closes with a wedding.
October 9, 2020
New take is refreshing
Telling this story from shipboard and from the perspective of the landed gentry of a small village in 1803 during the Peace of Amiens was interesting and refreshing.
Telling this story from shipboard and from the perspective of the landed gentry of a small village in 1803 during the Peace of Amiens was interesting and refreshing.
September 27, 2022
Great reading
I truly enjoyed this book just enough humor and naval battle. The characters really came to life and I felt a kinship with them. I am a sailor and have read many series including hornblower and aubry. Good job thanks.
I truly enjoyed this book just enough humor and naval battle. The characters really came to life and I felt a kinship with them. I am a sailor and have read many series including hornblower and aubry. Good job thanks.
May 1, 2024
A bit soft!
To be honest, although I enjoyed it, this story is a bit "boys own" everything works out so well and so easily. I imagine the target audience for this book is several decades younger than me!
I will give the next book in the series a read and see how it goes.
To be honest, although I enjoyed it, this story is a bit "boys own" everything works out so well and so easily. I imagine the target audience for this book is several decades younger than me!
I will give the next book in the series a read and see how it goes.
July 24, 2017
Great read. I am addicted to this genre of books. This is my second read of this book. Probably better this time around.
August 6, 2017
Good historical naval yarn! Characters were well developed, action fast paced and the historical research was in depth...! A good read!
November 24, 2017
A exciting Naval story
Elements of sea warfare in the age of sails along with a little romance and agriculture to give a very good account.
Elements of sea warfare in the age of sails along with a little romance and agriculture to give a very good account.
January 28, 2018
Great book
I loved the people and the story, good read. I have read a lot of the period books and this one is outstanding.
I loved the people and the story, good read. I have read a lot of the period books and this one is outstanding.
February 2, 2018
A really good read! Great characters and real sense of the period. A worthy successor to Aubrey & Hornblower.
Could use a little more meticulous editing.
Could use a little more meticulous editing.
February 20, 2019
It was fun
Held my interest to the end. Liked the characters, everyone contributed to the story and it finished in a nice place.
Held my interest to the end. Liked the characters, everyone contributed to the story and it finished in a nice place.
March 27, 2022
Nice start
This is book one and I intend to read more. Good characters and lots of action. It's hard to imagine warfare in this era.
This is book one and I intend to read more. Good characters and lots of action. It's hard to imagine warfare in this era.
April 17, 2023
A disappointment
I thought this would be a Napoleonic sea faring story with a twist but the writing and editing was a disappointment.
I thought this would be a Napoleonic sea faring story with a twist but the writing and editing was a disappointment.
June 14, 2023
This had promise but it is pretty clear that the author does not quite understand naval combat or the time period
October 30, 2016
A really good read a nice combination of domestic and life at sea
A pleasant read. It felt at first that it was about book 3-4 in a series but I couldn't find any more books by this author which is a pity
A pleasant read. It felt at first that it was about book 3-4 in a series but I couldn't find any more books by this author which is a pity
December 7, 2016
A good story. I enjoyed the inclusion of the domestic side of life. The author needs to research 19th century naval technology and terminology a bit more.
September 15, 2017
Excellent Series
Both aboard ship and at home, the books in this series are full of life and adventure. Very enjoyable stories.
Both aboard ship and at home, the books in this series are full of life and adventure. Very enjoyable stories.
April 5, 2017
Enjoyable
I have read (consumed) far too British novels covering the period described by this particular tome. While I don't claim to be an expert about this genre, I do know what I like -- and I like this. Good job, John C.
I have read (consumed) far too British novels covering the period described by this particular tome. While I don't claim to be an expert about this genre, I do know what I like -- and I like this. Good job, John C.
April 21, 2017
Excellent Story
Very enjoyable book with interesting characters, good dialogue, believable battle scenes, and an engaging plot. Descriptions relevant to the historical period are accurate and well-written.
Very enjoyable book with interesting characters, good dialogue, believable battle scenes, and an engaging plot. Descriptions relevant to the historical period are accurate and well-written.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews