A Mariner's Tale

by Joe Palmer

For ten years, the partially completed sailboat Jack Merkel started building with his wife and son sits gathering dust, until his lingering sorrow drives him to finish it alone. Enter a young hoodlum who breaks into the marina and seriously damages the boat for no apparent reason but misplaced rage. When the county sheriff arrives with the boy, the aging mariner sees a lost soul, and begs the sheriff and judge to release the boy into his custody to work off his punishment. Margie Waller, a beautiful, fiercely independent and wealthy divorcee with a yacht in need of repairs, arrives soon after and finds herself attracted to the brooding Merkel. When a deadly hurricane takes aim at Morgan's Island, it threatens to destroy everything just as the relationships between the three dispirited characters begin to yield fruit.
Woven around the tranquility and bliss of sailing fair winds and gentle seas, A Mariner's Tale is a love story wrapped in the question that everyone, not just sailors, asks "This is where I am. There is where I yearn to be. How do I navigate my course to get there?"

300 pages, Hardcover

Published October 25, 2020

About the author

A native of Waycross, Georgia, Joe Palmer is an award winning former newspaper reporter and longtime columnist, whose folksy newspaper column, Cup of Joe, ran for ten years in the Fernandina Beach News-Leader with a large and enthusiastic following.

He’s written investigative reporting and feature stories for the Bradenton Herald, Macon Telegraph and News and the Florida Times-Union, where he wrote a long series of articles about a plague that was killing massive numbers of Atlantic bottlenose dolphins on the East coast in 1987.

A Navy veteran and medical corpsman, Joe went on to work as a surgeon’s assistant at a major medical center in Jacksonville, Florida, while attending college for his BA in English with an emphasis on literature. He parlayed his investigative reporting skills into a 20-year career as an investigator for the Federal Public Defender’s Office.

A sailor, he got the inspiration for his debut novel, A Mariner’s Tale, while doing sweat labor one scorching August afternoon on an antique sailboat he and his wife painstakingly restored.

Retired since 2012, he spends his days writing, sailing, beach bumming and traveling. He credits his love of writing to his high school English and Creative Writing teacher, Elaine Stephens nee Thomas, whom he says woke his muse. He lives in Fernandina Beach, Florida with his wife, Pam and a room-sized Great Dane named Harley.

His first novel, A Mariner’s Tale, released October 25, 2020.

*** A Mariner's Tale recently optioned for film by award-winning New York indie movie producer, Monica Tidwell, Tristan Productions, Inc.

Reviews

[Jack Lindsay · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Mariner’s Tale by Joe Palmer is a phenomenal story of how individuals’ simple actions can change the lives of others. Writing a review for this book would not be appropriate without mentioning the back story on how I discovered this wonderful book. My parents live on a small island in Florida which is near the area where this story is told. I have never been much of a reader, I am 4 years into my career and have not read a full book during that time. As a matter of fact I never read a full book in college, so it had been since high school, until I discovered a Mariner’s Tale. I happened to run into the author Joe Palmer in front of a bookstore on Amelia Island and could not help but notice the picture of a sailboat on his books. He was out front doing a book signing. Joe and I began to talk and quickly discovered that we both shared a passion for sailing. Not only did Joe and I share a passion for sailing, but we owned the same brand of sailboat, a Cal. Why not try reading again? I dove right into a Mariner’s Tale and ended up finishing it in two days. My parents were absolutely shocked that I would even sit down for five minutes and read a book. A Mariner’s Tale is cleverly written to keep you on the edge of your seat and paints such a great picture of the characters and scenery that you feel as if you were watching a story unfold from close by. This book is a wonderful read for anyone who likes adventure and cherishes relationships. Thank you Joe Palmer for getting me excited to read again.

[Claire Fullerton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sixty-four-year-old, tattooed, and ponytailed Jack Merkel is haunted by past tragedies, ten years gone. A retired career merchant seaman, he’s a seasoned mariner, with “a physical presence as sturdy as an oak” and “the hard-bitten look of an old salt.” Jack lives and works on Morgan’s Island in Ocean County Florida, with his Great Dane, Pogey. A third generation local, he owns a combined North Florida boatyard/marina, with a view of the Intracoastal Waterway. Used to salt air and capricious weather, his life is defined by the accoutrements that make up a mariner’s life. His is a simple life, and looking through his old, Jeep Wagoneer’s window, Jack is spellbound by “the spartina grass, the color of emeralds and worn like a monarch’s cloak in spring and summer, as well as the dull brown peasant’s rags that clad it in the winter.” Appreciative of, and in rhythm with his environment where the marsh’s fragrance is “a distillation that reminded him of the smell of fresh oysters,” and he hears “the maniacal laughter of marsh hens,” Jack can’t imagine living anywhere else.

When an indigent youth vandalizes the cherished sailboat Jack’s been building for the past ten years, Jack’s life takes a twist when he takes the high road. Rather than pressing charges, he reconsiders, when he “looked into the boy’s eyes and saw someone who’d never had a break.”

Local Circuit Court Judge, J. Harlan Kicklighter is Jack’s good friend, and when Jack makes a plea to personally rehabilitate eighteen-year-old Doug Eleazer, who is charged with resisting arrest, criminal mischief, and petty theft for what he’s done to Jack’s boat, the judge agrees to implement a part-time, work-release program. Bringing Doug out of his shell is a process, but Jack is determined to bring out the good in him, for reasons having everything to do with the tragedy of his family’s past.

Margie Waller is a forty-something, recent divorcee with an athletic figure and audacious laugh. The mother of the two teenage boys on board, she owns and captains her forty-foot, custom-made sailboat named Starshine, which she docks with its damaged rudder at Jack’s marina shortly before Hurricane Brenda is expected to wreak havoc on the area.

Unreconciled with and haunted by the ghosts of his past, Jack Merkel is hesitant to let down his guard with Margie, but when Hurricane Brenda lands, the two are thrown together and, in conjunction with Doug and Margie’s two sons, the framework is laid for the possibilities of a blended family.

Author Joe Palmer’s clear knowledge of all things pertaining to mariner life shines throughout this seafaring story, as does his great gift for character development and distinct world-building. Hope lures the reader through this well-paced, humanistic story of characters trying to connect, while seeking triumph over the unlucky parts of their personal narratives. In a wonderfully descriptive setting so finely part and parcel to the story as to exemplify the idea of character as place, Joe Palmer’s A Mariner’s Tale will appeal to readers of Nicholas Sparks and Robert James Waller, in that the beautiful water-front story touches the heart in a way that resonates.

[Diana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very enjoyable story with lovely word-pictures of northeast Florida, its people, and even a hurricane. I’ll be looking forward to Palmer’s next book. Highly recommend for southern fiction fans.

[Don · Rating 5 out of 5]

In a small island community in north Florida, a new voice in southern fiction is beginning to stir up some wind and waves with his first novel and lovers of well-crafted stories should take notice. Joe Palmer, the author of A Mariner's Tale, presents us with a story that feels as fresh as a sea breeze and as satisfying as a home-cooked meal of shrimp and hush puppies.

Set in a small Florida island community, it is at once a coming-of-age saga filled with anger and angst and a bittersweet story of love and hope long after such expectations have faded in the mind of the protagonist, Jack Merkel. But it is above all a story of redemption and the power of love to flourish as one of nature's most destructive furies, a hurricane, bears down on the island threatening everything.

The story weaves its way through the lush, balmy island landscape that springs to life through the author's beautifully crafted prose. Jack Merkel, owner of a marina, has returned to a 10-year old project to build a sailboat started when his wife died, only to have it badly damaged one night by an angry young drifter in a fit of rage. Merkel sees something of himself in the young man and convinces the sheriff and county judge to let the young man work for him to repay the damage. Mix in a beautiful divorcee who sails her boat into the marina for repairs, and the stage is then set for one of the best reads you'll have this year.

After reading this novel a couple of times, I’m eagerly awaiting Mr. Palmer's next effort. I heartily recommend A Mariner's Tale for a thoroughly enjoyable and satisfying read.

[Pat Foster-Turley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have just finished reading A Mariner’s Tale by Joe Palmer and couldn’t wait to contact the author with my heartfelt praise for his work. The story is set in a fictitious rendition of the place I call home, Amelia Island, but given another name and a few changed details. But the descriptions of the boatyard, the seafood restaurant, the old courthouse and other aspects could not be more accurately portrayed. Being a wildlife enthusiast myself, I especially admired the descriptions of wildlife and nature in this charmed part of the world. His descriptions of the salt marsh, the colors of the sky, and the wildlife like the herons, egrets, pelicans and dolphins that reside here were eloquently poetic. All of this artfully rendered sense of place provides the setting for an unfolding story of human compassion and kindness and a deeper lesson of how acts of kindness can ultimately make everyone’s life better. The characters in this novel are still living in the back of my mind, almost like real people to me. I was sorry to end this book, but I am eagerly awaiting the next work by this author.

[Melinda May · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book from a Facebook giveaway, and I had never heard of this author before. The back of the book says this is his debut novel, and in my opinion, "Don't quit your day job," DOES NOT apply here. A Mariners Tale is a beautifully written tale about the power and magic of family, especially the one we make for ourselves. Full of lyrical images of the Florida island coast and marshland, Mr Palmer has the heart of a poet in love with his subject: the sea, sky, and beauty.

[Susan Cushman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Joe Palmer’s A Mariner’s Tale is more than a nautical yarn. The setting—a marina on a barrier island just off the northeast coast of Florida—becomes a character as dear to the reader as its seasoned owner, Jack Merkel. A hurricane joins the cast and threatens the lives and futures of the people Jack cares about. Palmer’s beautiful prose slows the pace to a perfect rhythm, and we join Jack as he “soaked up the marsh’s fragrance—a bountiful distillation that reminded him of the smell of fresh oysters” and walk with him near the “black pluff mud of the spartina jungle.” He teaches young Doug about the “green flash” at sunset, which Doug calls “the true green of hope.” A Mariner’s Tale is also more than a romance, although we find ourselves pulling for Jack and Margie from the moment they meet, and we share their wonder at the wild horses on Cumberland Island. It’s more than a coming-of-age story, but we laugh, cry, and cheer for Doug as he struggles to overcome his past. Themes of loss, abuse, and tragedy are overlayed with love, healing, and hope.—Susan Cushman, author of Friends of the Library and Cherry Bomb, and editor of Southern Writers on Writing

[Deborah Kloos · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love it when a book not only has a great plot, but when I also learn something from it. Much of my career has involved troubleshooting, problem solving, and attention to detail, so I loved all the details about building sailboats, the marsh, the sea, the sailors - all of it!

But what draws us in and makes it a real page-turner is the skillful development of likable, strong characters and their relationships. They are so much like people I’ve known all my life that I was quickly invested in their lives and their devotion to their mysterious and beautiful seaside home. Ultimately, this is a book about grace, forgiveness, redemption and the transformative power of love in the facing of our fears.
I can only hope that Mr. Palmer has a sequel planned!

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are many things I appreciated in A MARINER'S TALE:
*strong trustworthy male characters understanding that mercy & love CAN triumph & overcome evil
*a strong main male character with a father's heart actually saying the words, "I love you," and living up to those words
*rich sensory descriptions that capture the reader, immersing them in each scene
*well developed characters
*an awesome Great Dane!!!!!
*no sex scenes - Thank you!!!

[Richard Norman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Normally I read at night to help me fall asleep. If the same is true for you then I don't recommend Joe's book. "A Mariner's Tale" kept me awake far past my normal bedtime and while I enjoyed every chapter and every word immensely, I'm relieved to have finished it so that I could resume my normal sleeping pattern.

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A heartwarming book with enough suspense, mystery and quirky characters to keep it interesting. An “old” mariner, Jack, seeks to help the young hoodlum who broke into the marina and took out his anger by beating on Jack’s prize sailboat with a hammer. Jack can see that the kid has had such a hard life and has such a bad attitude that he will probably be in and out of prison for the rest of his life and never be able to pay restitution. Angry, Jack asks the judge to make the kid pay for it by working at the marina. Then a sailboat with a broken rudder shows up at the marina. It will take a while for Jack to order a replacement part, so the captain and her two teenage sons have to wait until the part arrives. An oncoming hurricane complicates matters...

[Laura Norris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Joe Palmer’s first novel, A Mariner’s Tale, is fantastic! As a sailboat owner married to a Mariner/Tugboat Captain, I've spent a lot of time at marinas full of interesting, salty characters like the ones in this book. If you’ve ever spent time on the Georgia/North Florida coast, you’ll appreciate the beautiful description of the area’s barrier islands, waterways, and marshes. There’s just so much that’s relatable (riding out a hurricane!), enjoyable (love story), and heartwarming (redemption) in this book. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it and I'm looking forward to reading future novels from Joe Palmer. I'm convinced A Mariner's Tale would make a wonderful movie, too!

[Bridget Nowicki]

Quit at page 71. I really wanted to read the book and was interested in how the story would progress, but the profanity was extremely off-putting. I have never been around so many people whose chosen vulgarity is GD, but at last count, five of the characters regularly take the Lord’s name in vain in this way, including a teenager. Honestly, all the male teenagers I know would choose an f bomb over GD any day of the week. After a while, I felt like it was the author’s favorite way to swear. So it took away from the characters’ voices.

Long story short - profanity, particularly taking the Lord’s name in vain, is unimaginative, lazy, and annoying.

[Renee Simmons · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Mariner’s Tale was so awesome. A story of second chances. When a trouble maker ( Doug) vandalizes the Jack’s marina and damages a boat he had built, Jack knows he has to give Doug an opportunity to change his life of he would end up in prison or worse. Doug hasn’t known love since his mother was murdered by his father. Can this young punk, and widowed Captain, work together and overcome their ghosts and pasts? When the Vegabond Winds blow, you never know where your life will end! I highly recommend this page Turner!

[Cele Seldon · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful read! Joe Palmer has created a palpable story with likeable characters and a plotline that is believable and heartfelt all at once. He captures the essence of coastal Florida and the boating world with his eloquent prose and makes you believe in humankind all over again. A breath of fresh air during these turbulent times. A perfect read for quarantining, winter nights in front of the fire, at the beach or anytime.

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I highly recommend this book. From start to finish I was intrigued. It’s not a guy book or a girl book. I believe both would enjoy it very much. It starts out with a who done it, moves to a why, to a redemption and then to an all around growth by young and older alike. This takes place throughout a storm to be reckoned with. Pick it up and you won’t find it easy to put down.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The lyrical writing of Joe Palmer reminded me so much of Pat Conroy. He perfectly described the muggy Florida weather and the smell of marsh. I hope that a sequel takes up the story of Doug. This was an excellent book. I couldn't put it down!

[Gina · Rating 5 out of 5]

A heart touching story of an old sailor trying to get his life back together. Palmer describes the life on a marina in north Florida in amazing detail. Wonderful cast of characters and exciting plot. An excellent first novel and looking for more!

[Emily Palmer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Colorful characters, rich setting, and a story that moves with the pace of the hurricane it follows, slow and wind oat first then all engrossing and rapid to the end.

[Kathryn Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Joe Palmer has written an exquisitely beautiful story of the South, family, loss, and redemption. I highly recommend this book to everyone.

[James Harris · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Good Book

[Karson K · Rating 5 out of 5]

Joe is a very gifted writer. Pick up the book for a summer beach read. Story has a great pace and endearing characters.

[Vickie Cowles · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book!!

Caught me and wouldn't let go.
Loved the story. loved the characters!
I could see the spanish moss and smell the sea breeze
Can't wait for next from author.

[Stacey Tolliver · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great read! Not only does this novel takes you inside of a Mariners life, but it’s filled with a ton of risk, hope, love and disparity. This was a really cool read!

[Quinn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I highly recommend this novel. Palmer’s love for the NE Florida coast is evident thoughout this book, and his depictions are spot on. He also tells a damn good story.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Joe Palmer’s descriptions paint a picture for the reader. Highly recommend!

[Deborah Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story with life lessons

[Sylvie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jack Merkel’s impressive nature had me turning the pages and admiring this guy from start to finish. When he came upon a young lad taking out his anger on his boat in the marina. He allowed him a second chance to fix what he had done. But Jack could only achieve this through the sheriff and the judge, who were his great friends. Jack had a high-ranking reputation for repairs and storage for vessels at the marina and a big dog to protect him. One day, a rich, charming woman boater came along with her two boys. Margie needed repairs to her yacht at a time a hurricane was brewing in the gulf. This tale has many remarkable qualities and an inexplicable surprise. There’s a chance to learn a lot here from the author, Joe Palmer, penned a gripping tale superbly.

Author Sylvie Gionet
Diamond J&G Manor Parlay Gambling House

[Dana Ridenour · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Mariner’s Tale by Joe Palmer is a heartwarming story full of charismatic characters. The character driven story also has an exciting plot filled with heartache, love and redemption. The story had me laughing one minute and damp-eyed the next. Set on the northern coast of Florida, the author’s use of description made the setting feel like a character in the story. I could taste the salt air and feel the humidity on my skin. I thoroughly enjoyed A Mariner’s Tale and I’m looking forward to more novels from this author.

[Tamela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Our book club loved this book. One member even said she thinks it’s the best book we’ve ever read and we’ve been a club for 13 years. Highly recommended!