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The Mayflower Collection #1

Running With The Wind

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Jedediah Trelawney has a secret. Revealing it could cost him his life.Jedediah Trelawney joins a small, overcrowded ship bound for America. A young man from a privileged background, he struggles to adapt to life at sea. Determined to earn the respect of his fellow passengers, he undertakes arduous tasks alongside the crew, but Jed is not cut out for the life of a sailor.

Sickness is rife aboard the Mayflower. Inspired by Samuel Fuller, a self-taught physician, Jed develops a fascination with the healing arts. He thrives as Doctor Fuller’s apprentice and challenges traditional ideas, seeking kinder methods for treating the sick.

Smitten by Desire Minter, Jed dreams of a future as a respected colony physician with Desire as his wife. Hostile passenger, John Billington, has other ideas. When Billington threatens to reveal Jed’s past, Jed becomes the victim of bullying and bribery. Somehow, Jed must silence Billington for good, or risk losing everything — including his life.

A page-turning tale about ordinary people in extraordinary circumstances.

322 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 21, 2019

579 people are currently reading
506 people want to read

About the author

Dionne Haynes

8 books38 followers
Dionne Haynes is the author of the Mayflower Collection novels, a series of books that has proven popular with descendants of the Mayflower passengers and fans of historical fiction. She parted ways with her medical career after 20 years as a doctor when the time had come to fulfil her dream of becoming a full-time author. She lives with her husband in Plymouth, England where they enjoy walking coastal paths and exploring historic houses.
You can get a FREE novella – visit dionnehaynes.com for details.
Connect on social media on Facebook (@DionneHaynesUK) and Instagram (@dionnehaynes.author).

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5 stars
256 (42%)
4 stars
200 (32%)
3 stars
113 (18%)
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32 (5%)
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8 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
October 28, 2023
All aboard the Mayflower, and a journey to a new world and a new life for its 100+ passengers and crew making their way to America. A tale of love, courage but ultimately survival against treacherous weather conditions and unhealthy living conditions on a ship rife with illness and disease. Bring in the human element and the battle against injustice, intimidation, cruelty at sea and theft, and then we have so much more to this sea faring story.

Based on a true story ‘Running with the Wind’ is a very authentic piece of writing, which brought to life the hazardous conditions both in and out of the sea as the passengers were forced to endure their journey with nowhere to escape for ten gruelling weeks.

The passengers who in history became known as ‘The Pilgrims’.

A little bit of background…

The journey and timing are real and worth researching a little to understand the book, the actual ship and the journey that was made by many middle-class families seeking a new life in America. Wealthy in their own right, the Mayflower families were in search of something else besides riches. Many were dejected by the 'middle ground' adopted in the protestant faith in England and favouring a more 'puritan' stance these evangelists were hopeful of eradicating the elements of rot in religion – as they perceived it by establishing a ‘purer’ faith!!!

As a colony they took their wealth and ambition to America.

The Plot

The Mayflower is set to sail with its hundred plus fare paying passengers, but room is made for one more man – Master Jedediah Trelawney. Jed is from a respected family and is an aspiring doctor in England who is neither passenger nor crew. A unique status on a ship that is governed by rank and position which is set to isolate him from both groups. Nevertheless, he has managed to secure a place on the boat having been forced to flee England and so his personal journey begins!!!.

His crime was to kill a man for having attempted to rape his sister. However, the explanation to the men and crew on the boat was irrelevant because most people did not want him there and there was a price on Jed’s head - worth betraying him for…. and some seek to do that as Jed fled England, the wrath of Sir Henry Boscawen, and found himself ‘Running with the Wind’.

Review and Comments

The appeal of this book is the historical account of the Mayflower journey, and its passengers known as ‘The Pilgrims’, but only when it was combined with an interesting plot, great characters and then living conditions depicted so well you could easily imagine just how gruelling this journey was on board an overcrowded ship which faced fierce weather conditions whilst some passengers succumbed to disease and sea sickness.

I have watched some film adaptations of the Mayflower people, but I knew little about the travelling and living conditions for its passengers who dared make such a life change. The harsh conditions were certainly brought to life in this thrilling journey as nature and human treachery had their say!!!

I was unaware that so much damage was done to the central beam of the first ship (1620) that the boat almost went under, saved by a stroke of luck that one of the passengers carried equipment that was to be used to build homes in America upon their arrival.

The rule of law was also intriguing to read about and research, particularly as the passengers were to become a colony. So, there was little tolerance when they discovered crimes like theft which was considered so serious it was punishable by death, in many cases.

If you are interested in history and historical fiction this is a great story to embrace the real and the embellished account of life on board the Mayflower.

A journey through time, a voyage of discovery and a tale of bravery and despair. One of hope and survival at sea!!!.
Profile Image for Alicja.
200 reviews
May 27, 2020
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for my e-copy. I love historical fiction set during new land discovery and settlement period, and Running With the Wind has not been disappointing.

Jed’s journey on board of Mayflower in 1620 has been interesting and full of drama story. While some of supporting characters seem to be a bit blank, Jed, with his mysterious past, and finding new meaning in starting to study to become a physician has been the most interesting part of Dionne Haynes’ book. The passengers on the board of Mayflower have been in terrible conditions, trying to get to America at all costs, and the surgery and medicine of those times have been explored very well, with Jed becoming the invaluable member of the crew despite struggling at the beginning. I liked the portrayal of friendships developing as the journey across the Atlantic Ocean proceeds. With numerous subplots, ‘Running With the Wind’, offered insights into many passengers’ lives, which though not always developed fully, have been interesting to witness.

With the love story between Jed and Desire in the background and Jed’s troubled past hunting him at all times, Running With the Wind, is an interesting and fast-paced read. With characters arriving at the new land at the end of the book, the book leaves so much possibility for the characters’ later adventures in the New World.
Profile Image for Anoeska Nossol.
Author 3 books60 followers
August 3, 2020
DNF around the middle of this book.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.


Jed ends up on a ship called Mayflower. The story is about him being aboard the ship and his daily life.

I've never made a summary in only one sentence. It does show how flat the plot is. I adore historical fiction and most of all old ships. However, the story was boring for the most part. Which Is why I decided not to finish the book. The main character was also getting on my nerves.
Overall, the details are great and it is historically correct. The setting around the story is very accurate and makes this book interesting.

It's not what I expected, and I wasn't sold to the concept.
Profile Image for Ann.
57 reviews
February 1, 2022
I enjoyed this historical fiction, it quite captured my imagination, I now have the next book ‘The Winter Years’ to hopefully enjoy and find out how things went for them as they try to build a new life for themselves and the community at the other side of the ocean.
Profile Image for Mary Markstrom.
Author 1 book12 followers
May 11, 2020
I initially gave this book one star by mistake. I have rectified this now and upgraded it to five. I hope the original one star rating doesn't put anyone off reading this book because you'd be missing out on a great read. It has engaging characters and a well written plot.
Profile Image for Dee.
202 reviews1 follower
May 31, 2020

I initially requested this book due to the author having their first name spelt like mine but even after the first few chapters I knew I would enjoy this book
It was easy to read and the characters were likable. You could feel the pain and conflict that Jed experiences as the journey progressed wondering how he would come out at the end. It also leaves plenty of room for a continuation of Jed and how he goes in his new home
This eARC was sent to me from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
Profile Image for Trick Wiley.
961 reviews5 followers
May 9, 2020
Thanks for the Giving!

Is a wonderful book on adventures across the sea to America,a new beginning for all. Before that happens they have to go through heartache,starving,no water sickness and even death! You get to know a few of the characters very well and the feelings that they share through headache and friendship! You will enjoy this just read book!
Profile Image for Ann.
2,609 reviews3 followers
August 9, 2020
This book is well written and has just enough suspense to keep you turning the pages to see what happens next. The author made the story come to life with her words. This was a very good read. Thank you BooksGoSocial via NetGalley for the complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
1 review
April 3, 2020
Being a Plymouthian, I thoroughly enjoyed reading Running With The Wind and will definitely be recommending to all my friends and family.

A fantastic novel that keeps you wanting to read on, I couldn't put it down! Looking forward to the next novel :-)
268 reviews1 follower
May 15, 2023
Interesting information about our beginnings as a new country.
Profile Image for Dianne McMahan.
589 reviews10 followers
February 4, 2021
An Inside Look on the Mayflower

This was a great fictional book about the sailing of the Mayflower to the new World,even using some well known names and dates.
There were by far too many people to occupy such a small ship and the tremendous overcrowding caused major sicknesses,near starvation,thievery and many other maladies.
Jealousy and turmoil abounded as well.

The book is mainly based on one young man named Jed,who gets a chance at a new beginning from the fate he would endure,if he stayed in England.
Although,he starts out with only the clothes on his back,when he boards the ship,when he finally arrives,he does so with something worth so much more than things.

For he has achieved much in the way of self respect and the admiration and love of nearly every man,woman and child on board,
There was nothing too small or too big
that he wouldn't do for anyone who asked.

I enjoyed the book immensely, as it's another Historical book,that I have read little about,except what we read in school and compared to this book and even though it's primarily fiction,our school books didn't tell us much.
So good finished in one evening and it's not a short story.
Profile Image for Jane.
273 reviews9 followers
June 13, 2020
Running With The Wind by Dionne Haynes
A tale of courage, love and survival aboard the Mayflower.
I did not expect to enjoy this book as much as I did. Dr. Haynes is a new author to me but after reading the blurb I was hooked. I loved the historical details of life aboard ship, medical treatments, techniques, historical accuracy and the Christian message in this book. The characters were realistic as were their adventures. Plenty of action and intrigue on this small ship.I hope this will turn into a series of historical books. I look forward to reading more books by Dionne Haynes.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. I appreciate the opportunity and thank the author and publisher for allowing me to read, enjoy and review this book. 5 Stars
Profile Image for Paula Singleton.
191 reviews2 followers
October 17, 2021
Wonderful Historical Fiction

This was the first book I have read by this author. Such a great historical fiction book based on the Mayflower sailing. Even though this was fiction it felt like you were right there with the passengers and crew sailing on the Mayflower. Lots of action takes place as they encounter storms and near disasters. You get to know the characters and are cheering for some of them. It is also a coming of age story for one of the main characters. He learns such valuable lessons and how to treat people. Can't wait to read the next book to see what happens next. Great author and book!!
Profile Image for Lyndi (mibookobsession).
1,520 reviews46 followers
September 17, 2020
Running from the law in England, Jed takes passage on the Mayflower to America. He agrees to earn his way by working as a sailor, but having no experience he is shunned by the more experienced sailors aboard ship. The passengers endure multiple savage storms, seasickness, disease, and malnutrition during the long journey. Asked to help the doctor when his assistant falls ill, Jed finds his true cslling in medicine.
I really enjoyed this book. It described the difficult life aboard ship for both the passengers and crew in great detail. I especially enjoyed the parts where he helps the doctor with the many ailments and injuries throughout the journey.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. The views and opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own. Thank you to Allium books for the free book.
Profile Image for Sandy.
101 reviews2 followers
December 3, 2020
I really enjoyed this book, partly because, while it was fiction, it did give reference to real people who were on the Mayflower. One of those people referenced was a little girl named Mary Allerton. Mary Allerton was my 9th great grandmother. When she grew up, she married Thomas Cushman.

In addition to enjoying the plot, I was intrigued by the tidbits of the history of medicine that were revealed.
Profile Image for Mandy.
15 reviews2 followers
October 9, 2022
Since learning that I had direct ancestors on the Mayflower, I have been fascinated with learning more about their religious convictions and how those played into their leaving England, their time in Lieden, the Speedwell, their voyage on the Mayflower, and their time in Plymouth as they began the colony. This book has provided a vivid window into what life must’ve been like on the ship, and even featured the Allertons, my Mayflower ancestors.
Profile Image for Linda.
1,352 reviews12 followers
October 16, 2020
I was totally immersed in this story. It follows the travelers of the Mayflower on their trip from England to Virginia. I laughed and cried along with the characters. I loved the way Dionne Haynes integrated the history with the fiction.... makes for a wonderful read. I would highly recommend it. I received this book as an ARC and this is my honest review.
616 reviews2 followers
December 7, 2020
The perfect book to read in November approaching Thanksgiving.

I liked the day to day interactions that would have occurred on the Mayflower. It brought their voyage to life. I don’t know how all those people had the courage to cross the ocean in such a small ship.
293 reviews4 followers
July 28, 2021
Very interesting book

History with a heart. Found all the characters believable and interesting. The journey must have been horrific, and the practices of medicine very much in their infancy.
Profile Image for Lisa.
329 reviews2 followers
December 5, 2023
I am humbled by the heart of those on this long, long, voyage. So much peril, such gumption to live with harsh conditions.And such heart!
31 reviews
September 26, 2024
An enjoyable read

It was indeed a tale of courage, love & survival. It was an education to learn about the voyage of the Mayflower & the endurance of the human spirit.
I’m looking forward to reading Book 2.
Profile Image for Sue Albright.
14 reviews8 followers
October 19, 2024
Being a descendant of John Howland, the passenger who fell overboard from the Mayflower, I found this book of historical fiction very interesting. It brings to light the struggles the Pilgrims had while crossing the Atlantic. It wasn't a pleasant cruise for sure!
Profile Image for Amber Wood.
1 review
Read
September 16, 2024
The series about Desire was well written and I couldn't put it down from the moment I started. I was beyond excited to find a series (I know technically historical fiction) about my relative whom I have been desperately trying to learn anything I can about! Thank you so very much and so many actual facts (coincidence?) I would love to ask you a few questions if at all possible 831~266~5812 Amber Wood (moms mother's maiden name is Carver)
Profile Image for Heather Turiello.
422 reviews34 followers
July 14, 2023
TLDR: Sweet story but historically inaccurate.

I waited a few days to do this review because I’m following Running with the Wind with a historical book about the passengers on the Mayflower called Mayflower Lives by Martyn Whittock.

I struggled with a rating for this book because it’s really WONDERFUL! The story is well told, engaging and very sweet. But that’s the problem I had with it. While the storyline is fairly accurate, there are some real detours the author took to make this terrible journey into a sweet story.

There are some mild spoilers but nothing major. Read if you are concerned about historic accuracy in your historical fiction:

The main character didn’t exist, but all the others seem to be pretty close. I’m okay with that.

The book hints at godliness but really missed the opportunity to clarify that there were some passengers from the Leiden church and they were SUPER FANATICAL. The rest of the passengers and crew were not and it caused…divides on the ship and in the settlement.

The doctor wasn’t a doctor. At that time there were two types of doctors. There were barbers that handled little stuff (like colds and lancing boils and the like) and surgeons who were full doctors and did surgeries. Our shipboard doc was an apprentice barber. Meaning he only had a little experience working with a real barber.

Way more people died than the author implies. They lost about half of the passengers/crew.

Desire was actually one of the religious passengers who came with the church folks from the Netherlands. So her backstory isn’t correct. Cute story, but not historically accurate.

The lack of understanding was depicted fairly accurately but little things like people knowing about scurvy being caused by lack of fruits and veggies was not known. I haven’t really dug into that timeline so I’m unsure how many liberties were taken.

There is a ton of darkness in the real life story. There were kids that were indentured by their dad because he didn’t think he was the real father…three of the four died early on.
Profile Image for Kathy Allen.
77 reviews2 followers
November 11, 2020
Mayflower

Basically everyone was sick or there were storms, over and over and a ridiculous love story thrown in for good measure.
Profile Image for Cyndi.
423 reviews9 followers
January 20, 2020
Wow what an exciting story, it kept my attention from beginning to end, I truly enjoyed it. This is the first book for Ms. Haynes and I must say she is off to a wonderful start. You can tell that this story has been very well researched just by the way it reads, but also at the end of the book we are given a bibliography of where she got her information. This story may fiction but could probably pass as an autobiography of Jedediah Trelawney. Jed was given passage on the Mayflower as a thank you from issac Allerton for jumping into the ocean and saving his daughter Mary's life. (I hope I have the correct name). Jed agrees to go on the ship, and starts his voyage as a very arrogant young man with a huge secret that if discovered could cause him to swing from the gallows. As a newsletter subscriber to Ms. Haynes I was given a free short story giving background information on Desire Minter and how she came to be on the Mayflower. There were so many interesting characters to this book and really enjoyed reading about them all. I found all the information about the ship to be so interesting as I learned all the different places on board and what each was used for. Jed decides he would like to learn to be a physician so my goodness as passengers became sick on the voyage we learn about the different ways that the medical profession viewed and treated different ailments or performed surgery. This is not just an information guide of the Mayflower, it is a very excellent story of what it could have been like to be living and travelling in 1620. I highly recommend this book if you enjoy a great mystery with suspense and beautiful love stories at a historical time.
I am very thankful to have received a free download of this book from the publisher. It is my decision to leave a review as I wanted to share my own honest opinion of this book.
Profile Image for Elize Becker.
30 reviews1 follower
July 12, 2020
Running With The Wind by Dionne Haynes provides a magnificent in-depth and emotional story about Jed's voyage experiences on a ship to America. This amazing historical story allows the reader to take part in the fears and secrets that Jed carries in the depths of his heart. The author allows the reader to connect with Jed's uncertainties and the uncomfortableness of being on a ship with a range of hardcore sailors. Although he strives to form part of this most complex environment, he maintains his will to help people on the ship and find easier ways to assist passengers who struggle to cope with this extraordinary journey. Jed's secret became his enemy and he needed to find a way to deal with it. The author offers a most fascinating historical account of a person who wants to reach America carrying his own hopes and fears inside of him.
Author 21 books4 followers
June 26, 2020
New world, new life!

Jed finds himself out of his depth as he joins the passengers and crew of the mayflower. Without the skills of a sailor he struggles to justify his presence on the voyage. Having little other use he finds himself assisting the ship's doctor, a roll that he makes his own, but no matter how far that ship travels, he can't leave his past behind.
The author clearly draws on a wealth of knowledge of the era and specifically some of the primitive medical techniques of the time. One of those books you feel like you've learnt from, despite its being a novel.Well worth it's five stars for that reason alone.
Profile Image for Lynn.
1,328 reviews
July 17, 2020
A novel of The Mayflower, and the intrepid souls who band together to reach the new world. As in any group, there are those who are selfish, who are helpful, who blackmail, who have a single-minded purpose, who use their power for good, and those who misuse power. And everyone has secrets.

A well-written and enjoyable look back at those who came to America to start a new land and a new life.

I read this EARC courtesy of Books Go Social and Net Galley. pub date 09/21/19
25 reviews
October 1, 2023
I was totally immersed in the history of this story...a fantastic book
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews

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