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Georgana's Secret
A Regency romance on the high seas.
1811, HMS Deborah
Georgana Woodall dreams of freedom—freedom from her past and freedom from her secret. She has been living on her father’s ship for years, disguised as a cabin boy named “George.” But hiding her true self is becoming more difficult, and she yearns to break free of her life on the sea.
Lieutenant Dominic Peyton has no time in his life for love, not with his dedication to His Majesty’s Royal Navy claiming his full attention. Determined to prove himself to his new captain, he strives to be an exemplary officer and leader. When he sees the captain’s cabin boy being harassed by the crew, he immediately puts a stop to it and takes the boy under his wing.
Georgana quickly loses her heart to Dominic’s compassion and care, but needing to maintain her disguise as a cabin boy, she is convinced nothing can come of her affection.
Georgana’s Secret is about two hearts yearning to find a safe harbor, and possibly, a lasting love.
1811, HMS Deborah
Georgana Woodall dreams of freedom—freedom from her past and freedom from her secret. She has been living on her father’s ship for years, disguised as a cabin boy named “George.” But hiding her true self is becoming more difficult, and she yearns to break free of her life on the sea.
Lieutenant Dominic Peyton has no time in his life for love, not with his dedication to His Majesty’s Royal Navy claiming his full attention. Determined to prove himself to his new captain, he strives to be an exemplary officer and leader. When he sees the captain’s cabin boy being harassed by the crew, he immediately puts a stop to it and takes the boy under his wing.
Georgana quickly loses her heart to Dominic’s compassion and care, but needing to maintain her disguise as a cabin boy, she is convinced nothing can come of her affection.
Georgana’s Secret is about two hearts yearning to find a safe harbor, and possibly, a lasting love.
320 pages, Paperback
First published January 12, 2021
70 people are currently reading
4003 people want to read
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January 15, 2021
Georgana’s Secret is the standalone regency romance debut by Arlem Hawks, published by Shadow Mountain Publishing. Napoleonic Wars are raging and Navy captain’s daughter Georgana Woodall has been removed from her abusive grandmother’s care and is in disguise as a cabin boy on Her Majesty’s Navy vessel Deborah headed for Antigua. First Lieutenant Dominic Peyton takes cabin boy George under his wing. Through the dangerous French attacks on the vessel, they become close. Dominic suspects something is up with the little cabin boy and there seems something strange about his family background.
Main character Navy Captain’s daughter is Georgana Woodall. I feel desperately sorry for her having been exposed to her grandmother’s violence most of her life and is bullied by the other ship mates. But throughout the story she finds impressive strength and compassion within herself and she is my favorite of this story.
Supporting character First Lieutenant Dominic Peyton seems a light hearted and happy person in total control of who he is and what his future holds. He seems to have slightly liberal views on propriety which impresses me. Events on the convoy mission challenge his view of life.
This story reminds me of a movie favorite of mine, Master and Commander, which has similar setting aboard a British Navy vessel during Napoleonic Wars. I can’t remember having read any plot which deal with the combination of romance and nautical warfare quite like this. I know we are only at the beginning, but this unique story just might turn out to be one of my favorites this year.
The beautiful writing intrigued and enthralled me. Descriptions were so vivid I felt transferred to the ship. It was hard to take a break to get some sleep. I just had to find what would happen next with Georgana and Dominic. I loved that there even was light hearted, amusing dialogue in places. It’s been a long time since a character has engaged me like Georgana. She seemed a well developed character with the perfect blend of human and believable. So relatable she could have lived next door.
A little surprise gem was included as Georgana and Dominic enjoyed a little escape to a faraway beach in Antigua where they got to be alone together (Georgana being George). This part I felt was particularly well written and was my absolute favorite of the story.
I am really excited to see what Arlem Hawks comes up with next and
anyone who enjoys a great regency romance set at sea will love this.
Similar authors to explore might be Sarah E. Ladd or Ronda Gibb Hinrichson. Thank you to Shadow Mountain Publishing, Arlem Hawks and NetGalley for this opportunity to share my honest review. All opinions are completely my own.
Conclusion: This beautifully written, thoroughly engaging regency about Georgana who hides as a sailor trying to stay away from her violent grandmother, when she meets a man whose only love is the sea.
Main character Navy Captain’s daughter is Georgana Woodall. I feel desperately sorry for her having been exposed to her grandmother’s violence most of her life and is bullied by the other ship mates. But throughout the story she finds impressive strength and compassion within herself and she is my favorite of this story.
Supporting character First Lieutenant Dominic Peyton seems a light hearted and happy person in total control of who he is and what his future holds. He seems to have slightly liberal views on propriety which impresses me. Events on the convoy mission challenge his view of life.
This story reminds me of a movie favorite of mine, Master and Commander, which has similar setting aboard a British Navy vessel during Napoleonic Wars. I can’t remember having read any plot which deal with the combination of romance and nautical warfare quite like this. I know we are only at the beginning, but this unique story just might turn out to be one of my favorites this year.
The beautiful writing intrigued and enthralled me. Descriptions were so vivid I felt transferred to the ship. It was hard to take a break to get some sleep. I just had to find what would happen next with Georgana and Dominic. I loved that there even was light hearted, amusing dialogue in places. It’s been a long time since a character has engaged me like Georgana. She seemed a well developed character with the perfect blend of human and believable. So relatable she could have lived next door.
A little surprise gem was included as Georgana and Dominic enjoyed a little escape to a faraway beach in Antigua where they got to be alone together (Georgana being George). This part I felt was particularly well written and was my absolute favorite of the story.
I am really excited to see what Arlem Hawks comes up with next and
anyone who enjoys a great regency romance set at sea will love this.
Similar authors to explore might be Sarah E. Ladd or Ronda Gibb Hinrichson. Thank you to Shadow Mountain Publishing, Arlem Hawks and NetGalley for this opportunity to share my honest review. All opinions are completely my own.
Conclusion: This beautifully written, thoroughly engaging regency about Georgana who hides as a sailor trying to stay away from her violent grandmother, when she meets a man whose only love is the sea.
July 26, 2025
4 stars, personally. Clean fiction with no major language or sexual content.
When starting this book, I felt so bad for Georgana. She lived years of physical, mental, and verbal abuse from her grandmother so she doesn’t expect anyone to ever be kind to her. I think typically I would be a little frustrated by a main girl who couldn’t stand up for herself, but it made perfect sense for her upbringing and I was looking forward to seeing how she would change through these pages.
The suspense of him finding out she’s a girl only lasted a bit over a third of the book, but it felt very well paced and I really enjoyed that section especially. The romance stayed pretty sweet and clean with only a few parts of her noticing his muscles or shirtless (and while giving more than I would be comfortable reading out loud, it never went over the top). Once he realizes he’s fallen for her, he wishes to kiss and hold her quite a few times, but it was definitely more sweet than sexual tension or lusting longing. He's honestly a really good guy and pretty perfect for her.
I've never been on a ship or a boat before—and frankly having no interest in learning the layouts of those things—a lot of those parts were lost on me, but I didn’t let it bother or confuse me. I just kept reading. I found it all fascinating. It was almost like another world, but yet it wasn’t a fantasy book at all. I’ve never thought about how tricky and complicated it would be to be a captain on the ship like this in the middle of an actual war, but also a war on your own ship with egos and attitudes colliding.
The pacing of this was well done. Even though I don’t typically do sea-related books, I was very invested into this book and it pulled me in well. Very easy 4 stars. Pacing was excellent and I truly devoured this book in a few hours. I truly enjoyed this one much more than I ever expected to. Well done, author, well done. I’ll definitely be checking out her other books.
(If you’re not a fan of the typically regency books with balls and busybody old ladies, this might be your cup of tea. Personally, I prefer the ball and busybodies, but I still really enjoyed this one too.)
Main Content-
Georgana & Dominic write notes to each other during a church service instead of focusing on the message (until she writes for him to focus); At another time, she has a hard time focusing on the “dour sermon” being given; Mentions of prayers & praying (Georgana prays but none are written out); Mentions of a chaplain, his sermons/messages, & church services on board the ship; A mention of a baby’s christening; A mention of Job in the Bible; A mention of Georgana seeing her father angry at God for taking her mother; A mention of someone thanking God & another thanking the heavens; A mention of someone else thanking the stars.
No major language is used, instead curses are mentioned (“so-and-so cursed”) and minor forms of words are used like: “for heaven’s sake”, “heaven above”, “blast/blasted”, “drat”, “idiot”, “stupid”.
Georgana’s grandmother was physically and verbally abusive to her & Georgana recalls a lot of her harsh words often as they have truly hurt and effected her; Dominic had a rough relationship with his father before his death due to not being his heir and his father’s treatment of Dominic’s mother because of her low status; Georgana doesn’t drink any alcohol (or even watered-down alcohol), Dominic does with others at gatherings/dinners (not often, probably only a few times at most).
There’s battles, fights, weapons, injuries, blood/bleeding, deaths, & bodies somewhat often throughout the story (up to semi-detailed); Pain, Injuries (including major ones), Passing out, & Being worried a loved one will die (up to semi-detailed); Being threatened at gunpoint & also threatening another at gunpoint (up to semi-detailed); Close brushes with death & loved ones nearly dying or being badly injured (up to semi-detailed); Georgana is also bullied by some boys, they injure her, and eventually she fights back (up to semi-detailed); Mentions of deaths & grieving (including for dear friends and family members like sons); Mentions of mutiny, sending others to their deaths, hangings, & threatening with weapons; Mentions of beatings & a jerk of a lieutenant causing a lot of trouble for our main characters (including hitting and threatening “George”); Mentions of lies & lying (including Georgana and her father lying about her being a girl for three years); Mentions of alcohol, drinking, drunks, & pubs; Mentions of a man’s arm having to be amputated.
Kisses (lasting up to 3-4 sentences in description); Remembering kisses (barely-above-not-detailed); Wanting to kiss & embrace (up to semi-detailed); Touches, Embraces, Warmth, & Nearness (up to semi-detailed); Noticing & Staring (including muscles and him shirtless, up to semi-detailed but cleaner than most clean rom-coms on KU); Georgana accidentally falls into Dominic’s lap; Some boys taunt “George” calling him a “pretty boy”; Mentions of reputations & chaperones; A few mentions of illegitimate children; A mention of a man commenting on having both wives and sweethearts; A mention of a man’s mistress.
When starting this book, I felt so bad for Georgana. She lived years of physical, mental, and verbal abuse from her grandmother so she doesn’t expect anyone to ever be kind to her. I think typically I would be a little frustrated by a main girl who couldn’t stand up for herself, but it made perfect sense for her upbringing and I was looking forward to seeing how she would change through these pages.
The suspense of him finding out she’s a girl only lasted a bit over a third of the book, but it felt very well paced and I really enjoyed that section especially. The romance stayed pretty sweet and clean with only a few parts of her noticing his muscles or shirtless (and while giving more than I would be comfortable reading out loud, it never went over the top). Once he realizes he’s fallen for her, he wishes to kiss and hold her quite a few times, but it was definitely more sweet than sexual tension or lusting longing. He's honestly a really good guy and pretty perfect for her.
I've never been on a ship or a boat before—and frankly having no interest in learning the layouts of those things—a lot of those parts were lost on me, but I didn’t let it bother or confuse me. I just kept reading. I found it all fascinating. It was almost like another world, but yet it wasn’t a fantasy book at all. I’ve never thought about how tricky and complicated it would be to be a captain on the ship like this in the middle of an actual war, but also a war on your own ship with egos and attitudes colliding.
The pacing of this was well done. Even though I don’t typically do sea-related books, I was very invested into this book and it pulled me in well. Very easy 4 stars. Pacing was excellent and I truly devoured this book in a few hours. I truly enjoyed this one much more than I ever expected to. Well done, author, well done. I’ll definitely be checking out her other books.
(If you’re not a fan of the typically regency books with balls and busybody old ladies, this might be your cup of tea. Personally, I prefer the ball and busybodies, but I still really enjoyed this one too.)
Main Content-
Georgana & Dominic write notes to each other during a church service instead of focusing on the message (until she writes for him to focus); At another time, she has a hard time focusing on the “dour sermon” being given; Mentions of prayers & praying (Georgana prays but none are written out); Mentions of a chaplain, his sermons/messages, & church services on board the ship; A mention of a baby’s christening; A mention of Job in the Bible; A mention of Georgana seeing her father angry at God for taking her mother; A mention of someone thanking God & another thanking the heavens; A mention of someone else thanking the stars.
No major language is used, instead curses are mentioned (“so-and-so cursed”) and minor forms of words are used like: “for heaven’s sake”, “heaven above”, “blast/blasted”, “drat”, “idiot”, “stupid”.
Georgana’s grandmother was physically and verbally abusive to her & Georgana recalls a lot of her harsh words often as they have truly hurt and effected her; Dominic had a rough relationship with his father before his death due to not being his heir and his father’s treatment of Dominic’s mother because of her low status; Georgana doesn’t drink any alcohol (or even watered-down alcohol), Dominic does with others at gatherings/dinners (not often, probably only a few times at most).
There’s battles, fights, weapons, injuries, blood/bleeding, deaths, & bodies somewhat often throughout the story (up to semi-detailed); Pain, Injuries (including major ones), Passing out, & Being worried a loved one will die (up to semi-detailed); Being threatened at gunpoint & also threatening another at gunpoint (up to semi-detailed); Close brushes with death & loved ones nearly dying or being badly injured (up to semi-detailed); Georgana is also bullied by some boys, they injure her, and eventually she fights back (up to semi-detailed); Mentions of deaths & grieving (including for dear friends and family members like sons); Mentions of mutiny, sending others to their deaths, hangings, & threatening with weapons; Mentions of beatings & a jerk of a lieutenant causing a lot of trouble for our main characters (including hitting and threatening “George”); Mentions of lies & lying (including Georgana and her father lying about her being a girl for three years); Mentions of alcohol, drinking, drunks, & pubs; Mentions of a man’s arm having to be amputated.
Kisses (lasting up to 3-4 sentences in description); Remembering kisses (barely-above-not-detailed); Wanting to kiss & embrace (up to semi-detailed); Touches, Embraces, Warmth, & Nearness (up to semi-detailed); Noticing & Staring (including muscles and him shirtless, up to semi-detailed but cleaner than most clean rom-coms on KU); Georgana accidentally falls into Dominic’s lap; Some boys taunt “George” calling him a “pretty boy”; Mentions of reputations & chaperones; A few mentions of illegitimate children; A mention of a man commenting on having both wives and sweethearts; A mention of a man’s mistress.
February 1, 2021
Oh my goodness, y’all! My 2021 reading has been fabulous so far and Georgana’s Secret by Arlem Hawks was no exception! I was completely enthralled with this story from beginning to end and experienced the whole gamut of emotions as I read.
Let’s start with swoony Dominic, shall we? Since he doesn’t know for about half of the book that ship boy, third class “George” is really “Georgana” the captain’s daughter, we get to see Dominic’s character as it intrinsically is. I really loved getting this kind of glimpse at a hero, when he’s just being himself and not trying to impress someone or win a lady’s heart. And he is the best kind of hero – a man of deep integrity, a man who stands up for the underdog & the bullied, a man of courage & leadership, and a man who loves deeply (whether it’s the sea or his mother… or a young lady masquerading as a cabin boy). And when he does realize that this boy he’s befriended is really Georgana & his affection begins to quickly deepen into love, hold on to your fan because – SWOON.
Georgana is a delightful heroine in her own right. And while she fled from one prison (her grandmother’s care) to another (masquerading as a boy on a ship full of sailors) she retains a soft heart, a courageous spirit, and more strength than even she realizes. We get to watch her fall in love with Dominic long before he realizes he’s falling in love with her, and I loved being an observer to her heart in this way. It reminds us that she is in fact very much a woman with all the dreams that go along with that, and it also honestly made me fall in love with Dominic even more as a hero – to see him through her eyes.
Bottom Line: Set sail for a grand adventure on the high seas with a dashing hero, a brave heroine and the power of love. From dangerous sea battles to heart-in-your-throat scenes of life and death, you won’t be able to stop reading Georgana’s Secret until you’ve reached the last word. This was my first read by author Arlem Hawks but it won’t be my last! I’m already making plans to binge read her backlist of novellas. This was a beautifully written story with layered characters, daring action, and swoony romance. Highly recommended!
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.)
first seen at Reading Is My SuperPower
Let’s start with swoony Dominic, shall we? Since he doesn’t know for about half of the book that ship boy, third class “George” is really “Georgana” the captain’s daughter, we get to see Dominic’s character as it intrinsically is. I really loved getting this kind of glimpse at a hero, when he’s just being himself and not trying to impress someone or win a lady’s heart. And he is the best kind of hero – a man of deep integrity, a man who stands up for the underdog & the bullied, a man of courage & leadership, and a man who loves deeply (whether it’s the sea or his mother… or a young lady masquerading as a cabin boy). And when he does realize that this boy he’s befriended is really Georgana & his affection begins to quickly deepen into love, hold on to your fan because – SWOON.
Georgana is a delightful heroine in her own right. And while she fled from one prison (her grandmother’s care) to another (masquerading as a boy on a ship full of sailors) she retains a soft heart, a courageous spirit, and more strength than even she realizes. We get to watch her fall in love with Dominic long before he realizes he’s falling in love with her, and I loved being an observer to her heart in this way. It reminds us that she is in fact very much a woman with all the dreams that go along with that, and it also honestly made me fall in love with Dominic even more as a hero – to see him through her eyes.
Bottom Line: Set sail for a grand adventure on the high seas with a dashing hero, a brave heroine and the power of love. From dangerous sea battles to heart-in-your-throat scenes of life and death, you won’t be able to stop reading Georgana’s Secret until you’ve reached the last word. This was my first read by author Arlem Hawks but it won’t be my last! I’m already making plans to binge read her backlist of novellas. This was a beautifully written story with layered characters, daring action, and swoony romance. Highly recommended!
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.)
first seen at Reading Is My SuperPower
July 18, 2020
I admit I requested this book off Netgalley based off the cover alone. The fact it’s a Proper Romance was a bonus because I’ve enjoyed their books before so I trust them to put out solid reading material. Georgana’s Secret is no exception. And when I realized it had themes of secret identity and romance on the high seas I was all in! Now I just wish someone could take me sailing. 😅
October 5, 2023
A romance on the high seas? Sign me up. I don't need to know anything else, I am reading it!!!
Did I think I'd finish this in one day, especially with it being the audio version? No, but I did it anyway. It really was that good. So why four stars you ask? The pacing, and sometimes I felt like more should be happening.
This actually reminded me of one of my favourite series called Tides (by Alex Lidell), that one had naval battles too and a strong female character, so it's no wonder Georgana's Secret worked for me.
The girl-disguised-as-a-boy trope also helped, it's one of those tropes that makes me so giddy when I'm reading, and when the love interest discovers she's actually a girl and realises he's falling for her *swoons*.
This is my second Arlem Hawks book, and the same things I noticed there are also true here - so, great and emotional storyline, excellent writing that makes you feel like you're there, lovable characters and incredible research. And of course well-written romance.
Next up is Beyond the Lavender Fields and then I'll be all caught up.
P.S. After reading this, I see why people say you should start here with Arlem Hawks' books. I agree, you should.
Did I think I'd finish this in one day, especially with it being the audio version? No, but I did it anyway. It really was that good. So why four stars you ask? The pacing, and sometimes I felt like more should be happening.
This actually reminded me of one of my favourite series called Tides (by Alex Lidell), that one had naval battles too and a strong female character, so it's no wonder Georgana's Secret worked for me.
The girl-disguised-as-a-boy trope also helped, it's one of those tropes that makes me so giddy when I'm reading, and when the love interest discovers she's actually a girl and realises he's falling for her *swoons*.
This is my second Arlem Hawks book, and the same things I noticed there are also true here - so, great and emotional storyline, excellent writing that makes you feel like you're there, lovable characters and incredible research. And of course well-written romance.
Next up is Beyond the Lavender Fields and then I'll be all caught up.
P.S. After reading this, I see why people say you should start here with Arlem Hawks' books. I agree, you should.
January 17, 2021
Georgana’s Secret by Ariel Hawks was the very first book I chose to read for 2021. There has been an amazing growth and popularity for the readership of Regency romance as of late and I really wanted to read more of this genre this year. I am so glad I did, since I devoured this book over the holiday weekend - loving the characters and the exciting story of how Georgana’s disguise as George was discovered while a budding romance ensued. Georgana’s character stayed with me long after I read the book. Her strength and determination really showed how she was a woman well ahead of her time and one of my favorite heroines in recent reads.
Haws wrote a spellbinding proper Regency romance story set in the high seas 1811. I thought this was a fun read where a young woman, Georgana Woodall disguised herself as the Captain’s cabin boy ‘George’ to sail with his father, the Captain of the ship to escape her abusive grandmother whom she had to live with when her mother passed away. Leaving one abusive situation was quickly replaced by another, among the ships’ crew who was jealous of George’s favor with the Captain. Lieutenant Dominic Peyton witness to the bullying by some members of the crew takes George under his wing teaching self defense and survival skills while in the ship. What happens next is a sweet and tender romance as Dominic discovers Georgana’s secret.
I thought the writing was immersive and rich in accurate historical detail. I think young adult readers will really enjoy this sweet story and amazing well written characters. The reality and hardship of life in the ship made me flinch and broke my heart for how a young woman chooses to remain in hiding to be with her father enduring all the abuse, rather than being in London society at the time. I really appreciated how Hawks wrote Georgana’s character so well into the story.
I really loved and enjoyed this book.
Haws wrote a spellbinding proper Regency romance story set in the high seas 1811. I thought this was a fun read where a young woman, Georgana Woodall disguised herself as the Captain’s cabin boy ‘George’ to sail with his father, the Captain of the ship to escape her abusive grandmother whom she had to live with when her mother passed away. Leaving one abusive situation was quickly replaced by another, among the ships’ crew who was jealous of George’s favor with the Captain. Lieutenant Dominic Peyton witness to the bullying by some members of the crew takes George under his wing teaching self defense and survival skills while in the ship. What happens next is a sweet and tender romance as Dominic discovers Georgana’s secret.
I thought the writing was immersive and rich in accurate historical detail. I think young adult readers will really enjoy this sweet story and amazing well written characters. The reality and hardship of life in the ship made me flinch and broke my heart for how a young woman chooses to remain in hiding to be with her father enduring all the abuse, rather than being in London society at the time. I really appreciated how Hawks wrote Georgana’s character so well into the story.
I really loved and enjoyed this book.
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May 5, 2023This Book Was Everything I Didn't Know I Wanted!!!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Reread Worth 👏
𝐆𝐞𝐨𝐫𝐠𝐚𝐧𝐚'𝐬 𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐭 (𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐫 𝐑𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐲)
𝐁𝐲 𝐀𝐫𝐥𝐞𝐦 𝐇𝐚𝐰𝐤𝐬
𝐏𝐮𝐛 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞: 𝟏/𝟏𝟐/𝟐1
𝐏𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐬: 𝟑𝟐𝟎
𝐈 𝐚𝐦 𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤, 𝐢𝐭'𝐬 𝐛𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐚 𝐦𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐡 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐈 𝐣𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐣𝐮𝐦𝐩 𝐛𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐢𝐧! 𝐖𝐨𝐰 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐲 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐬 𝐣𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐞𝐱𝐞𝐜𝐮𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐬𝐨 𝐰𝐞𝐥𝐥.
𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐲 𝐑𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐢𝐬 𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐦𝐲 𝐟𝐚𝐯𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐞 𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐫𝐞𝐬, 𝐈 𝐤𝐧𝐨𝐰 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐰𝐫𝐚𝐩 𝐮𝐩. 𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐢𝐬𝐧'𝐭 𝐚 𝐛𝐚𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐈 𝐞𝐧𝐣𝐨𝐲 𝐢𝐭, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐝𝐨𝐧'𝐭 𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐝. 𝐆𝐞𝐨𝐫𝐠𝐚𝐧𝐚'𝐬 𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐭 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲, 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐩𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐈 𝐠𝐨𝐭 𝐨𝐧 𝐛𝐨𝐚𝐫𝐝 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐡𝐚𝐝 𝐧𝐨 𝐜𝐥𝐮𝐞 𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐠𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐨 𝐠𝐨. 𝐀𝐥𝐬𝐨 𝐡𝐚𝐝 𝐧𝐨 𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐚 𝐢𝐭 𝐰𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐛𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐚 𝐧𝐞𝐰 𝐟𝐚𝐯𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐞!
𝐀𝐫𝐥𝐞𝐦 𝐇𝐚𝐰𝐤𝐬 𝐡𝐢𝐭 𝐬𝐨 𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐲 𝐝𝐢𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐥𝐞𝐬 𝐰𝐚𝐫, 𝐟𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩, 𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐬, 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞, 𝐠𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐟, 𝐚𝐛𝐮𝐬𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐝𝐞𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧. 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐦𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐢𝐦𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐜 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐬𝐞 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐞. 𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐢𝐥𝐲 𝐬𝐞𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐚𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐫 𝐝𝐢𝐝 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐡𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤. 𝐄𝐯𝐞𝐧 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐯𝐲 𝐦𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐚 𝐛𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐧𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐠𝐨𝐭 𝐬𝐮𝐩𝐞𝐫 𝐝𝐚𝐫𝐤.
𝐈 𝐛𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐬𝐨 𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐢𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐢𝐧 𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐬𝐞 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬. 𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐲 𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐡𝐚𝐝 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐢𝐫 𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐥𝐚𝐲𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐢𝐭 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐚𝐰𝐞𝐬𝐨𝐦𝐞!
𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐝𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐟𝐮𝐥 𝐬𝐞𝐚 𝐚𝐝𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐞𝐱𝐜𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐥𝐨𝐨𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐦𝐲 𝐫𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐬𝐨𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐲 𝐭𝐨 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐨𝐟 𝐀𝐫𝐥𝐞𝐦 𝐇𝐚𝐰𝐤𝐬 𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤𝐬!!!
Thank you to Shadow Mountain for the ARC
All opinions and thoughts are my own. :)
1st read 2020 had an ARC ♡
(Reread 1/9/21)
Still loved it ♡
Reread March 2021
Audiobook. This story♡
Reread Jun 2021 ♡
Reread November 2021
So good, really one of my top favorite books. Such a fantastic balance of genres 😙 chefs kiss
Reread May 2022
Fantastic 6th reread & I loved it♡
Reread Oct 2022
A new comfort read! ♥️📚
Reread February 2023
LOVE THIS BOOK ♡
Reread May 2023
❤️📚🗡👏🏽🪖💪🏽
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Reread Worth 👏
𝐆𝐞𝐨𝐫𝐠𝐚𝐧𝐚'𝐬 𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐭 (𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐫 𝐑𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐲)
𝐁𝐲 𝐀𝐫𝐥𝐞𝐦 𝐇𝐚𝐰𝐤𝐬
𝐏𝐮𝐛 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞: 𝟏/𝟏𝟐/𝟐1
𝐏𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐬: 𝟑𝟐𝟎
𝐈 𝐚𝐦 𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤, 𝐢𝐭'𝐬 𝐛𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐚 𝐦𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐡 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐈 𝐣𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐣𝐮𝐦𝐩 𝐛𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐢𝐧! 𝐖𝐨𝐰 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐲 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐬 𝐣𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐞𝐱𝐞𝐜𝐮𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐬𝐨 𝐰𝐞𝐥𝐥.
𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐲 𝐑𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐢𝐬 𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐦𝐲 𝐟𝐚𝐯𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐞 𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐫𝐞𝐬, 𝐈 𝐤𝐧𝐨𝐰 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐰𝐫𝐚𝐩 𝐮𝐩. 𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐢𝐬𝐧'𝐭 𝐚 𝐛𝐚𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐈 𝐞𝐧𝐣𝐨𝐲 𝐢𝐭, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐝𝐨𝐧'𝐭 𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐝. 𝐆𝐞𝐨𝐫𝐠𝐚𝐧𝐚'𝐬 𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐭 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲, 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐩𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐈 𝐠𝐨𝐭 𝐨𝐧 𝐛𝐨𝐚𝐫𝐝 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐡𝐚𝐝 𝐧𝐨 𝐜𝐥𝐮𝐞 𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐠𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐨 𝐠𝐨. 𝐀𝐥𝐬𝐨 𝐡𝐚𝐝 𝐧𝐨 𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐚 𝐢𝐭 𝐰𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐛𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐚 𝐧𝐞𝐰 𝐟𝐚𝐯𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐞!
𝐀𝐫𝐥𝐞𝐦 𝐇𝐚𝐰𝐤𝐬 𝐡𝐢𝐭 𝐬𝐨 𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐲 𝐝𝐢𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐥𝐞𝐬 𝐰𝐚𝐫, 𝐟𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩, 𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐬, 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞, 𝐠𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐟, 𝐚𝐛𝐮𝐬𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐝𝐞𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧. 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐦𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐢𝐦𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐜 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐬𝐞 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐞. 𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐢𝐥𝐲 𝐬𝐞𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐚𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐫 𝐝𝐢𝐝 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐡𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤. 𝐄𝐯𝐞𝐧 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐯𝐲 𝐦𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐚 𝐛𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐧𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐠𝐨𝐭 𝐬𝐮𝐩𝐞𝐫 𝐝𝐚𝐫𝐤.
𝐈 𝐛𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐬𝐨 𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐢𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐢𝐧 𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐬𝐞 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬. 𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐲 𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐡𝐚𝐝 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐢𝐫 𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐥𝐚𝐲𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐢𝐭 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐚𝐰𝐞𝐬𝐨𝐦𝐞!
𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐝𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐟𝐮𝐥 𝐬𝐞𝐚 𝐚𝐝𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐞𝐱𝐜𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐥𝐨𝐨𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐦𝐲 𝐫𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐬𝐨𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐲 𝐭𝐨 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐨𝐟 𝐀𝐫𝐥𝐞𝐦 𝐇𝐚𝐰𝐤𝐬 𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤𝐬!!!
Thank you to Shadow Mountain for the ARC
All opinions and thoughts are my own. :)
1st read 2020 had an ARC ♡
(Reread 1/9/21)
Still loved it ♡
Reread March 2021
Audiobook. This story♡
Reread Jun 2021 ♡
Reread November 2021
So good, really one of my top favorite books. Such a fantastic balance of genres 😙 chefs kiss
Reread May 2022
Fantastic 6th reread & I loved it♡
Reread Oct 2022
A new comfort read! ♥️📚
Reread February 2023
LOVE THIS BOOK ♡
Reread May 2023
❤️📚🗡👏🏽🪖💪🏽
January 14, 2021
Wow! What a beautiful and wonderful book! If you're looking for the traditional Regency novel of courting and balls and parties and society, this is not that book. But it is such a great Regency book. Full of discovering one's self, finding confidence, caring for and serving your loved ones as well as those around you, adventures on the sea, hidden identity, standing up for yourself and others, compassion, friendship, healing, family, secret love, art, battles, struggles, sorrows, trust, and much, much more.
The first chapter tears at your heart. Oh my heavens. I just wanted to gather up Georgana and comfort her. It gives so much insight into her heart and mind. Into her timidity and her taking on a secret identity. I loved watching her throughout the book. I loved her quiet observations of all around her. Her understanding of others' personalities and struggles. Her gentle and tender ways of reaching out and helping. Her desires of a safe and loving life. Her dreams of finding someone who will see her and love her. And I loved one gentle first lieutenant that was in this story. *Happy sigh*
The descriptions in this book were so well written. I felt like I was there on the HMS Deborah, sailing on the ocean with these sailors and fighting the battles with them. Struggling with their struggles. I loved when characters would go climbing up the rigging (my pulse might have been racing as well afraid for them). The feel of the ocean spray, the smell of the salty brine. I was there and felt it all. The research for all the naval aspects and ship descriptions and sailor's responsibilities, was well done. I could tell that the author has a deep love and respect for her subject.
I loved all the scenes with Georgana and Dominic. Their friendship and care for each other. The discovering of each other's hurts and pasts. All while keeping a secret identity. Oh, I loved it!!! So good. I might even be giggling over some of those scenes. Hahaha! You just need to read this one. If you love the sea or not, if you love Regency or not. If you enjoy books with characters who heal and grown, who are raw and need compassion, then this is your book. If you love sweet romances, never fear you'll find it all in here as well. I won't spoil anything. But you're gonna love it!!! I highly recommend this one for all readers. I can't wait to share it with my own teens.
Content: Clean. Some moments of peril and battles at sea. Wounded men and a doctor caring for them.
I received a copy from the publisher, Shadow Mountain Publishing, via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.
Happy Reading!!!
The first chapter tears at your heart. Oh my heavens. I just wanted to gather up Georgana and comfort her. It gives so much insight into her heart and mind. Into her timidity and her taking on a secret identity. I loved watching her throughout the book. I loved her quiet observations of all around her. Her understanding of others' personalities and struggles. Her gentle and tender ways of reaching out and helping. Her desires of a safe and loving life. Her dreams of finding someone who will see her and love her. And I loved one gentle first lieutenant that was in this story. *Happy sigh*
The descriptions in this book were so well written. I felt like I was there on the HMS Deborah, sailing on the ocean with these sailors and fighting the battles with them. Struggling with their struggles. I loved when characters would go climbing up the rigging (my pulse might have been racing as well afraid for them). The feel of the ocean spray, the smell of the salty brine. I was there and felt it all. The research for all the naval aspects and ship descriptions and sailor's responsibilities, was well done. I could tell that the author has a deep love and respect for her subject.
I loved all the scenes with Georgana and Dominic. Their friendship and care for each other. The discovering of each other's hurts and pasts. All while keeping a secret identity. Oh, I loved it!!! So good. I might even be giggling over some of those scenes. Hahaha! You just need to read this one. If you love the sea or not, if you love Regency or not. If you enjoy books with characters who heal and grown, who are raw and need compassion, then this is your book. If you love sweet romances, never fear you'll find it all in here as well. I won't spoil anything. But you're gonna love it!!! I highly recommend this one for all readers. I can't wait to share it with my own teens.
Content: Clean. Some moments of peril and battles at sea. Wounded men and a doctor caring for them.
I received a copy from the publisher, Shadow Mountain Publishing, via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.
Happy Reading!!!
July 11, 2022
An easy read that's adventurous and sweet; perfect for the summertime! :)
June 6, 2021
High Risk, High Seas, and High Adventure
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Source: Review Copy from Publisher
TYPE OF NOVEL: Regency Romance
THE PREMISE: Living with the shrill disapproval and disparaging manner of her grandmother became such an untenable situation that for the last three years Georgana has been hiding on board her father’s naval ship disguised as a lowly cabin boy. And just when she knows her time out at sea must soon come to an end, Georgana is befriended by a compassionate and charming lieutenant…
MY THOUGHTS:
This exhilarating premise of disguise, secrets, and grave risk had me riveted from the very first page. I was immediately endeared to Georgana and sympathetic towards the impossibly hard situation she and her father are in. Captain Woodall is playing a very dangerous game and there is some tension brewing amongst his crew about his disengaging style of command and reclusive demeanor. Add to that the peril of being on a naval ship out at sea in the middle of the Napoleonic Wars and you have one incredibly riveting tale!
All the characters in this story are exceptionally well-drawn. I adored both Georgana and Dominic Peyton, the new first lieutenant on board who is quick to observe “George’s” friendless plight and is determined to help “him.” Their scenes together and the gentle turns their relationship takes were so incredibly heartwarming to witness. I loved seeing Georgana slowly overcome her external and internal adversaries. And I completely fell in love with the kind, patient, and fervent Dominic Peyton – whether it is the sea, his mother, or someone else he loves whole-heartedly. But I also enjoyed seeing the challenging characters in this story – the bully who torments George, the unruly second lieutenant who frequently crosses the line of insubordination, and the captain who is conflicted, fearful, and flawed.
Another element of this story I greatly enjoyed was the portrayal of life in the Royal Navy in 1811. Arlem Hawks provides vivid details about the living conditions and various duties of everyone on board from third class ship boys to the sailing master and surgeon. And it was equally fascinating to observe the various day-to-day occurrences of drills, ship sightings, port arrivals, and illness. With so many eloquent and descriptive scenes, I felt like I traveled on board the ship myself and experienced this tale first hand.
Georgana’s Tale is a skillfully-composed story that is half Regency romance and half swashbuckling adventure! I highly recommend this story for its inspiring depictions of overcoming impossible situations, sweeping adventures on the high seas, and rewarding romance!
Austenesque Reviews
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Source: Review Copy from Publisher
TYPE OF NOVEL: Regency Romance
THE PREMISE: Living with the shrill disapproval and disparaging manner of her grandmother became such an untenable situation that for the last three years Georgana has been hiding on board her father’s naval ship disguised as a lowly cabin boy. And just when she knows her time out at sea must soon come to an end, Georgana is befriended by a compassionate and charming lieutenant…
MY THOUGHTS:
This exhilarating premise of disguise, secrets, and grave risk had me riveted from the very first page. I was immediately endeared to Georgana and sympathetic towards the impossibly hard situation she and her father are in. Captain Woodall is playing a very dangerous game and there is some tension brewing amongst his crew about his disengaging style of command and reclusive demeanor. Add to that the peril of being on a naval ship out at sea in the middle of the Napoleonic Wars and you have one incredibly riveting tale!
All the characters in this story are exceptionally well-drawn. I adored both Georgana and Dominic Peyton, the new first lieutenant on board who is quick to observe “George’s” friendless plight and is determined to help “him.” Their scenes together and the gentle turns their relationship takes were so incredibly heartwarming to witness. I loved seeing Georgana slowly overcome her external and internal adversaries. And I completely fell in love with the kind, patient, and fervent Dominic Peyton – whether it is the sea, his mother, or someone else he loves whole-heartedly. But I also enjoyed seeing the challenging characters in this story – the bully who torments George, the unruly second lieutenant who frequently crosses the line of insubordination, and the captain who is conflicted, fearful, and flawed.
Another element of this story I greatly enjoyed was the portrayal of life in the Royal Navy in 1811. Arlem Hawks provides vivid details about the living conditions and various duties of everyone on board from third class ship boys to the sailing master and surgeon. And it was equally fascinating to observe the various day-to-day occurrences of drills, ship sightings, port arrivals, and illness. With so many eloquent and descriptive scenes, I felt like I traveled on board the ship myself and experienced this tale first hand.
Georgana’s Tale is a skillfully-composed story that is half Regency romance and half swashbuckling adventure! I highly recommend this story for its inspiring depictions of overcoming impossible situations, sweeping adventures on the high seas, and rewarding romance!
Austenesque Reviews
January 1, 2021
5⭐️
I wish I could give this 6 stars. It was so good. Loved, loved, loved it!
I don’t even know how to start this....I can’t believe I haven’t read any books by this author and I’m trying to figure out how that’s even possible. She’s definitely a new favorite. I just want to say again that I absolutely adored this book. It was wonderful.
The story was fluid, captivating and so real. The characters were well developed and bigger than life. I didn’t want to put it down and when I had to, I couldn’t wait to get back to it.
I really loved the romance, which wasn’t very physical but you could feel it crackling between them. The pace and intensity that built between them was perfect. I feel like a lot of authors have a hard time pulling this off but this author excelled in it. **Sigh**
My favorite quote from the book:
“Here’s to tall ships and small ships. Here’s to all the ships at sea. But the best ships are friendships”—he gave her a wink—“and may they always be.”
~Lieutenant Peyton
I highly recommend this. Please believe me when I say it was a wonderful story.
Thank you Shadow Mountain via Netgalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
I wish I could give this 6 stars. It was so good. Loved, loved, loved it!
I don’t even know how to start this....I can’t believe I haven’t read any books by this author and I’m trying to figure out how that’s even possible. She’s definitely a new favorite. I just want to say again that I absolutely adored this book. It was wonderful.
The story was fluid, captivating and so real. The characters were well developed and bigger than life. I didn’t want to put it down and when I had to, I couldn’t wait to get back to it.
I really loved the romance, which wasn’t very physical but you could feel it crackling between them. The pace and intensity that built between them was perfect. I feel like a lot of authors have a hard time pulling this off but this author excelled in it. **Sigh**
My favorite quote from the book:
“Here’s to tall ships and small ships. Here’s to all the ships at sea. But the best ships are friendships”—he gave her a wink—“and may they always be.”
~Lieutenant Peyton
I highly recommend this. Please believe me when I say it was a wonderful story.
Thank you Shadow Mountain via Netgalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
January 19, 2021
This book kept me enthralled from start to late-night finish. Georgana is used to rough men and even rougher women, so Dominic was like a ray of sunlight in her life. I loved his enthusiasm for the sea and his work, and his kind encouragement to George. Life on a wartime frigate was well-described without being overwhelmed by details. The author skillfully brought the setting to life and I felt like I was on the ship with the crew. It was easy to connect with the emotions of Georgana and Dominic, and the friendship they form is natural for a boy and his mentor, easily developing into more as they learn more of each other's secrets and deepest feelings. The relationships they have with their family and other members of the crew rounded out the story well and brought additional layers and growth. While the pace is steady in the first part of the book, by the end I found myself quickly turning pages as the intensity of the action and plot increased. Highly recommend to fans of Carla Kelly, historical fiction, and Regency romance. Definitely one of my favorites of 2021!
Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.
Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.
July 21, 2020
I loved this story so much!
This was the first book I read from this author and I didn't know what to expect, but I really liked her writing.
This is a Regency story but it's set on a ship, which is very different from the usual balls and halls and all those other clichés.
Georgana is on a ship captained by her father, and she's disguised as a cabin boy under the name of George. They've been doing this for three years, after her mother's death, to escape her grandmother's abuse. She guards this secret for her sake and her father's, even though this life is hard for her.
Dominic is the new first lieutenant and he loves being on the high seas. When he witnesses the other boys harassing George, he comes to the his rescue. Slowly, a friendship forms between them, with him not knowing she's a young lady. Dominic's kindness is a balm to Georgana and her feelings for him change.
The setting was amazing and I loved the interactions between Georgana and Dominic, especially later in the story.
There was adventure, and peril, and beautiful moments that were a treat to read. The epilogue was so good!
I received a copy from the publisher via NetGalley and this is my honest opinion.
This was the first book I read from this author and I didn't know what to expect, but I really liked her writing.
This is a Regency story but it's set on a ship, which is very different from the usual balls and halls and all those other clichés.
Georgana is on a ship captained by her father, and she's disguised as a cabin boy under the name of George. They've been doing this for three years, after her mother's death, to escape her grandmother's abuse. She guards this secret for her sake and her father's, even though this life is hard for her.
Dominic is the new first lieutenant and he loves being on the high seas. When he witnesses the other boys harassing George, he comes to the his rescue. Slowly, a friendship forms between them, with him not knowing she's a young lady. Dominic's kindness is a balm to Georgana and her feelings for him change.
The setting was amazing and I loved the interactions between Georgana and Dominic, especially later in the story.
There was adventure, and peril, and beautiful moments that were a treat to read. The epilogue was so good!
I received a copy from the publisher via NetGalley and this is my honest opinion.
January 12, 2021
It was so refreshing to read this regency, set on a ship on the high seas. I loved the change in scenery and feel of the story. The author did a great job in describing things so I could imagine in my mind what was happening, how it looked and even how it felt.
Georgana is a character that pulls at your heartstrings. She has endured so much and yet still remains loyal to her father and soft in all the ways that count. Her longings touched me and I wished I were there to wrap her up in love. I loved seeing her blossom under kindness.
Dominic is a kind man. I wish there were more people like him. He is observant and quick thinking and has a passion for the ocean and sailing. It was so easy to like him.
I loved how the story progressed gently but picked up in intensity as things moved forward. There was a battle, a violent storm and even some mutiny to liven things up. It kept me engaged and interested all the way through.
This is the first time I've read a book by this author. I look forward to reading more by her.
Content: mild peril, mild violence, bullying, death. Kissing.
- I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
Georgana is a character that pulls at your heartstrings. She has endured so much and yet still remains loyal to her father and soft in all the ways that count. Her longings touched me and I wished I were there to wrap her up in love. I loved seeing her blossom under kindness.
Dominic is a kind man. I wish there were more people like him. He is observant and quick thinking and has a passion for the ocean and sailing. It was so easy to like him.
I loved how the story progressed gently but picked up in intensity as things moved forward. There was a battle, a violent storm and even some mutiny to liven things up. It kept me engaged and interested all the way through.
This is the first time I've read a book by this author. I look forward to reading more by her.
Content: mild peril, mild violence, bullying, death. Kissing.
- I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
January 12, 2021
A Lovely Nautical Historical Romance
Georgana’s Secret by Arlem Hawks is a lovely nautical historical romance with a sweet and protective Lieutenant and a brave but frightened third-class cabin boy (actually, a girl).
Georgana was the daughter of a Royal Navy Captain and suffered her whole life the abuse inflicted by her paternal grandmother every time her father was at sea.
Seeing her after a severe beating, her father decided to take her with him to his ship. To keep her safe and preserve her reputation, her father disguised her as a third-class cabin boy.
She stayed on the ship for three years, but things were getting difficult because she was bullied by the other cabin boys that understandably resented the special treatment she received from the captain.
When the second Lieutenant of the ship died, Lieutenant Peyton came in his place.
Peyton saw in Georgana a frightened boy and decided he would help him defend himself from the bullies. He also noticed the boy did not enjoy life at sea and put on his mind to convince the captain to place him somewhere on land after their journey was over.
Slowly Georgana started to open up to Peyton’s care and affection, but she knew he only saw a boy while she began to have romantic feelings towards him.
Georgana’s Secret is a lovely slow-burn romance. It was so sweet to see them getting to know one another, establish a strong friendship bond, and then connect in the deepest level.
I loved how all the story takes place onboard a ship—the daily struggles, the companionship, the illnesses, the sorrow, the deaths, the pain.
Lieutenant Peyton is the perfect hero. Lovely, sensible, honorable, and kind. Georgana is a person marked by her life experiences, but strong and determined to make a better future for herself.
I loved every page of this lovely tale, and I’m looking forward to reading other books by this author.
Highly Recommended!
Disclosure: I received an ARC of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
*For more reviews, book art, and book-related articles, please visit https://lureviewsbooks.com *
Georgana’s Secret by Arlem Hawks is a lovely nautical historical romance with a sweet and protective Lieutenant and a brave but frightened third-class cabin boy (actually, a girl).
Georgana was the daughter of a Royal Navy Captain and suffered her whole life the abuse inflicted by her paternal grandmother every time her father was at sea.
Seeing her after a severe beating, her father decided to take her with him to his ship. To keep her safe and preserve her reputation, her father disguised her as a third-class cabin boy.
She stayed on the ship for three years, but things were getting difficult because she was bullied by the other cabin boys that understandably resented the special treatment she received from the captain.
When the second Lieutenant of the ship died, Lieutenant Peyton came in his place.
Peyton saw in Georgana a frightened boy and decided he would help him defend himself from the bullies. He also noticed the boy did not enjoy life at sea and put on his mind to convince the captain to place him somewhere on land after their journey was over.
Slowly Georgana started to open up to Peyton’s care and affection, but she knew he only saw a boy while she began to have romantic feelings towards him.
Georgana’s Secret is a lovely slow-burn romance. It was so sweet to see them getting to know one another, establish a strong friendship bond, and then connect in the deepest level.
I loved how all the story takes place onboard a ship—the daily struggles, the companionship, the illnesses, the sorrow, the deaths, the pain.
Lieutenant Peyton is the perfect hero. Lovely, sensible, honorable, and kind. Georgana is a person marked by her life experiences, but strong and determined to make a better future for herself.
I loved every page of this lovely tale, and I’m looking forward to reading other books by this author.
Highly Recommended!
Disclosure: I received an ARC of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
*For more reviews, book art, and book-related articles, please visit https://lureviewsbooks.com *
May 29, 2021
*** Many thanks to Laurel @ Austenprose for tour invite and author and publisher for providing review copy via NetGalley. ***
Georgana’s Secret was lovely and interesting regency romance that revolved around Georgana Woodall and Lieutenant Dominic Peyton’s love story taking place at high seas aboard HMS Deborah. It was about Navy life, struggle and dangers of living on ship, standing up for yourself, letting go of past, finding self-confidence, compassion, caring for loved ones, friendship and love.
What I loved most was detailed description of HMS Deborah. It was interesting to read life at sea and challenge of convoy mission in era of Napoleonic war. Storm, disease, battle, insubordination, crew’s displeasure and even mutiny made story atmospheric. Romance gave light touch to it. It was slow and steady. I enjoyed reading Gergana and Dominic’s friendship, their growing relationship, strong bond, and conversations between them. They understood each other well and I loved how they cared for each other.
Overall, Georgana’s Secret was unique, engaging, and well written historical fiction and regency romance with high sea adventure and interesting characters.
Reda full review by following this link- https://booksteacupreviews.com/2021/0...
Georgana’s Secret was lovely and interesting regency romance that revolved around Georgana Woodall and Lieutenant Dominic Peyton’s love story taking place at high seas aboard HMS Deborah. It was about Navy life, struggle and dangers of living on ship, standing up for yourself, letting go of past, finding self-confidence, compassion, caring for loved ones, friendship and love.
What I loved most was detailed description of HMS Deborah. It was interesting to read life at sea and challenge of convoy mission in era of Napoleonic war. Storm, disease, battle, insubordination, crew’s displeasure and even mutiny made story atmospheric. Romance gave light touch to it. It was slow and steady. I enjoyed reading Gergana and Dominic’s friendship, their growing relationship, strong bond, and conversations between them. They understood each other well and I loved how they cared for each other.
Overall, Georgana’s Secret was unique, engaging, and well written historical fiction and regency romance with high sea adventure and interesting characters.
Reda full review by following this link- https://booksteacupreviews.com/2021/0...
November 11, 2021
A swashbuckling dream of a romance but I'm not quite sure how to review it without giving away any of the plot. Let's just say that there's action and adventure and danger on the high seas! Eeeep!!!
Loved these characters (still in a swoony muddle over Dominic.) And the romance is...heart soaring and toe-curling. I mean, the way the author works it in, with Georgana in her cabin boy disguise is....amazingly well done!!! No spoilers so I can't explain how brilliant this trope is, just trust me -- it makes for a sublimely addictive read.
I listened to the audible edition narrated by Heather Wilds. Really loved the extra depth and excitement her storytelling brought to an already unputdownable (unstoplistenable?) novel!
Loved these characters (still in a swoony muddle over Dominic.) And the romance is...heart soaring and toe-curling. I mean, the way the author works it in, with Georgana in her cabin boy disguise is....amazingly well done!!! No spoilers so I can't explain how brilliant this trope is, just trust me -- it makes for a sublimely addictive read.
I listened to the audible edition narrated by Heather Wilds. Really loved the extra depth and excitement her storytelling brought to an already unputdownable (unstoplistenable?) novel!
January 20, 2023
Absolutely loved this one! It was unique and I couldn’t stop! I was so invested in the characters and how it would all turn out.
Content: mentions of abuse
Romance: kisses
Content: mentions of abuse
Romance: kisses
January 19, 2021
***4.5 stars***
I wasn't sure what to expect when I started this story. I wasn't expecting to become entranced with a story that takes place on the sea during the Regency Era.
Georgana (aka George) is a young woman (lad) who has an abusive grandmother. When her mother passes away her Captain father takes her (him) as part of his crew. She must remain hidden, no one can know that the Captain's daughter is aboard the ship.
Dominic Peyton has just become the First Lieutenant on the Deborah. He discovers a cabin boy, named George who is abused by the other boys on the ship. The Captain doesn't give George the same share of duties and many see him as a poor excuse for a boy in the Navy. He decides to take the young man under his wing and teach him to defend himself.
There are so many moments that made me laugh. Georgana is trying to hide the fact that she is a girl and attracted to Lieutenant Peyton. (Oh dear!) It doesn't take long for the Lieutenant to start figuring things are not quite what they seem to be.
The book describes the hard life at sea: the poor diet, cramped quarters, naval hierarchy, the threat of mutiny, and war. It isn't the place for a girl trying to fit in as a boy.
I loved the characters, the setting, the premise, everything about this book made me happy.
Source: I received a complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
I wasn't sure what to expect when I started this story. I wasn't expecting to become entranced with a story that takes place on the sea during the Regency Era.
Georgana (aka George) is a young woman (lad) who has an abusive grandmother. When her mother passes away her Captain father takes her (him) as part of his crew. She must remain hidden, no one can know that the Captain's daughter is aboard the ship.
Dominic Peyton has just become the First Lieutenant on the Deborah. He discovers a cabin boy, named George who is abused by the other boys on the ship. The Captain doesn't give George the same share of duties and many see him as a poor excuse for a boy in the Navy. He decides to take the young man under his wing and teach him to defend himself.
There are so many moments that made me laugh. Georgana is trying to hide the fact that she is a girl and attracted to Lieutenant Peyton. (Oh dear!) It doesn't take long for the Lieutenant to start figuring things are not quite what they seem to be.
The book describes the hard life at sea: the poor diet, cramped quarters, naval hierarchy, the threat of mutiny, and war. It isn't the place for a girl trying to fit in as a boy.
I loved the characters, the setting, the premise, everything about this book made me happy.
Source: I received a complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
April 24, 2021
Set on the high seas, Georganas secret is a story packed full of secret identity, naval battles, mutiny, tender romance and historical accuracy.
I don’t think I’ll ever be over books set on the dock of a ship where the stakes are high, weather temperamental, and if there’s romance involved I’m all in.
Georgana only partially escapes the nightmares of her past by posing as a cabin boy aboard her fathers ship. She holds her own in a world of men and is a strong heroine you will cheer for. Dominic is a brave, gentle but commanding officer who catches her attention almost immediately. But the circumstances aren’t in Georganas favor and tensions on the sea are at peak tension.
The beautiful parts of this story are set on the shores of Antigua, beneath masts at midnight and in stolen moments unseen. The historical research to make this story what it is are so well done. The battles and sea life don’t leave out the gruesome realities and harshness that belong to that lifestyle and time period.
This book will definitely stand out in 2021 against others of its kind due to the content and setting and beautifully done cast of characters. Don’t miss this when it hits shelves January 12th!
I don’t think I’ll ever be over books set on the dock of a ship where the stakes are high, weather temperamental, and if there’s romance involved I’m all in.
Georgana only partially escapes the nightmares of her past by posing as a cabin boy aboard her fathers ship. She holds her own in a world of men and is a strong heroine you will cheer for. Dominic is a brave, gentle but commanding officer who catches her attention almost immediately. But the circumstances aren’t in Georganas favor and tensions on the sea are at peak tension.
The beautiful parts of this story are set on the shores of Antigua, beneath masts at midnight and in stolen moments unseen. The historical research to make this story what it is are so well done. The battles and sea life don’t leave out the gruesome realities and harshness that belong to that lifestyle and time period.
This book will definitely stand out in 2021 against others of its kind due to the content and setting and beautifully done cast of characters. Don’t miss this when it hits shelves January 12th!
August 6, 2020
This is the story of Georgana, disguised as a cabin boy to her captain father, and Dominic, the new first lieutenant. It is a cute story. The writing is solid, and the characters are good. There were some character inconsistencies that were not explained to my personal satisfaction, but I don’t think they would bother most other readers. There is some depth to this story, which is nice.
I felt like the main focus was on life in the navy. So there is a certain amount of violence and roughness. The romance, therefore, took a backseat, and that was rather unsatisfying. To be fair, though, I’m not sure it could have been otherwise considering the situation.
I felt like the main focus was on life in the navy. So there is a certain amount of violence and roughness. The romance, therefore, took a backseat, and that was rather unsatisfying. To be fair, though, I’m not sure it could have been otherwise considering the situation.
January 12, 2021
This book was definitely captivating with an air of danger and adventure on the sea. The characters were interesting and I loved how much character development was packed into this story. I would have been happy to see a bit more romance in this book. The plot just didn’t really allow for that to happen for reasons that will be obvious as the reader progresses in the story, but I craved more romance. It was full of action and there were a lot of intense moments that really kept me invested in the story. I did enjoy how the author allowed Gorgiana’s characters to really find her confidence and self worth by the end of this journey. I would happily try more from this author!
October 27, 2023
Georgana's Secret is one of my favorite historical books. It has everything I could want in a book: adventure, the girl-disguised trope, living on the open seas, and a dash of romance. I highly recommend this one to anyone looking for a non-stuffy Regency-era book full of adventure.
Also, the audiobook is quite good.
___
This is one that I come back to again and again.
4.5 stars
Also, the audiobook is quite good.
___
This is one that I come back to again and again.
4.5 stars
January 31, 2021
I loved that this regency book took us to a different setting (on board a ship).
Hidden identity, a little action, a little romance- made for an engaging read!
Hidden identity, a little action, a little romance- made for an engaging read!
Read
September 9, 20211810-1811 Portsmouth, England
Lovely debut!
This novel pulled me in from page one. In the prologue readers meet Georgana's cruel grandmother. A few pages later, it's a relief to learn that she eventually escapes her grandmother. There is unusual way of going about that however...Georgana become "George" a young cabin boy aboard her father's ship.
Lieutenant Dominic Peyton is loyal to his mother yet is drawn to the sea. Aboard the Deborah, he takes George under his wing to help prepare George for a future promotion.
This tale includes more than one villain, but good ones too. I especially adored the one that shifted from bad to good in the course of the pages.
Engaging from beginning to end. I look forward to the author's next release.
Lovely debut!
This novel pulled me in from page one. In the prologue readers meet Georgana's cruel grandmother. A few pages later, it's a relief to learn that she eventually escapes her grandmother. There is unusual way of going about that however...Georgana become "George" a young cabin boy aboard her father's ship.
Lieutenant Dominic Peyton is loyal to his mother yet is drawn to the sea. Aboard the Deborah, he takes George under his wing to help prepare George for a future promotion.
This tale includes more than one villain, but good ones too. I especially adored the one that shifted from bad to good in the course of the pages.
Engaging from beginning to end. I look forward to the author's next release.
February 5, 2021
Thanks to NetGalley and Shadow Mountain Publishing for an egalley in exchange for an honest review.
Nothing like a snow day on Wednesday to wash floors, do laundry, and READ!! This Regency Romance set on the high seas definitely had me hooked. The characters of Georgana and Dominic were interesting and I liked that the chapters were told from both of their perspectives. This was my first Arlem Hawks read but it certainly will not be my last.
Publication Date 12/01/21
Goodreads review published 05/02/21
Nothing like a snow day on Wednesday to wash floors, do laundry, and READ!! This Regency Romance set on the high seas definitely had me hooked. The characters of Georgana and Dominic were interesting and I liked that the chapters were told from both of their perspectives. This was my first Arlem Hawks read but it certainly will not be my last.
Publication Date 12/01/21
Goodreads review published 05/02/21
April 2, 2025
I LOVED this book! It completely captured my heart. The characters, storyline, and slow-burn romance were all perfection.☺️🫠I'm still smiling and can't quite put my thoughts into words... 🙃but suffice it to say, this book is a MUST READ!!
July 31, 2020
This was a in depth look at life at sea in the English Navy. The author does a good job of giving you a very clear picture without adding too much detail/history that would bog a story like this down. It is a slow moving romance that really was a little too slow for me. There could have been some chopping down of the first half of the story. I thought the author did a good job with the characters. I could have had a little more lightheartedness tho. There was just such a sad feeling in the first half of the book. The second half was much funner to read and had some good movement. This is a sweet story with a little violence, some fighting.
July 30, 2023
annual reread of my favourite comfort book <3
January 12, 2021
Adventurous and unique
Life isn't all ballgowns and happiness in this book, but that's not a bad thing at all. A Regency romance on the high seas during war was a very interesting way to find adventure and love. More than once, I found myself feeling very anxious over the events and I was completely invested in this tale.
Georgana is disguised as a boy on a ship that her father captain's for a few different reasons and when the new lieutenant, Dominic, takes her under his wing to help her learn the ways of Navy life, she's smitten. Between Georgana's stubborn strength and Dominic's caring determination, I was held hostage to this story.
Life on a Navy ship isn't easy at all and I felt that I was given a fairly accurate glimpse into that life. I loved the adventure, danger, and camaraderie, especially the relationship between Georgana and Dominic, but the power struggles and death were hard. I appreciated the balance of information and emotion, and felt that a very well-rounded story was delivered.
I loved the uniqueness of this book and Hawks has an excellent way of telling a believable and engaging story.
Content: mild romance; mild+ moments of danger, violence, death
*I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.*
Life isn't all ballgowns and happiness in this book, but that's not a bad thing at all. A Regency romance on the high seas during war was a very interesting way to find adventure and love. More than once, I found myself feeling very anxious over the events and I was completely invested in this tale.
Georgana is disguised as a boy on a ship that her father captain's for a few different reasons and when the new lieutenant, Dominic, takes her under his wing to help her learn the ways of Navy life, she's smitten. Between Georgana's stubborn strength and Dominic's caring determination, I was held hostage to this story.
Life on a Navy ship isn't easy at all and I felt that I was given a fairly accurate glimpse into that life. I loved the adventure, danger, and camaraderie, especially the relationship between Georgana and Dominic, but the power struggles and death were hard. I appreciated the balance of information and emotion, and felt that a very well-rounded story was delivered.
I loved the uniqueness of this book and Hawks has an excellent way of telling a believable and engaging story.
Content: mild romance; mild+ moments of danger, violence, death
*I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.*
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