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By Love or By Sea
When a mysterious and ragged sailor appears in the seaside town where Alice Lind Frank lives with her grandparents, Alice is shocked to learn that the sailor is her childhood love, Caleb, who she thought was lost at sea. She yearns to trust him again, but what about her plans to marry Clarence Hielott, the wealthy shipyard owner? When Clarence exposes the secrets of Caleb s past, Alice realizes that the boy she once knew is now a man with a dark history. Can she trust Caleb with her heart once again? And what will she do about Clarence? Find out in this thrilling and adventurous love story.
206 pages, Paperback
First published April 8, 2009
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
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May 30, 2020Congrats on getting your book published!
April 1, 2009
Well, of course I like this book!
By Love or By Sea by Rachel Rager is a book about never giving up on your dreams – even if they seem far-fetched. Dreams can come true if you wish for them deeply enough. Anyone who is looking for a sweet romance novel will love this book. By Love or By Sea is unique in that it is not only a sweet, clean romance novel, it also does not convey specific beliefs which readers will find refreshing and comforting.
Alice Lind Frank never forgot the boy she loved when she was just six years old, even after he was lost at sea. Now a young woman, Alice has found happiness in living and working with her grandparents, and in the affections of a wealthy shipyard owner who intends to make Alice his bride.
For the past seven years, Caleb Newman has known nothing in life except the sea. After his ship went down in a storm six years prior, he managed to survive and sign on as a crew member on another ship. Circumstances force him to eventually jump ship and make his way back home. Yet, life at sea has changed him. He no longer possesses the innocence of youth and is willing to take his secrets to the grave. However, after becoming reacquainted with a childhood friend, Alice Lind Frank, his love for her grows and he discovers the difficulty in keeping his secrets hidden. With the help of his cousin's husband, the Crown Prince, he is finally able to confront his past but in so doing, risks the possibility of losing both Alice and his life.
Ms. Rager inspires her readers to believe that true love is possible to find in this masterpiece, By Love or By Sea. Through the heartache of separation and tragedy, By Love or By Sea embraces the tender and delicate emotions that surround an everlasting love.
By Love or By Sea by Rachel Rager is a book about never giving up on your dreams – even if they seem far-fetched. Dreams can come true if you wish for them deeply enough. Anyone who is looking for a sweet romance novel will love this book. By Love or By Sea is unique in that it is not only a sweet, clean romance novel, it also does not convey specific beliefs which readers will find refreshing and comforting.
Alice Lind Frank never forgot the boy she loved when she was just six years old, even after he was lost at sea. Now a young woman, Alice has found happiness in living and working with her grandparents, and in the affections of a wealthy shipyard owner who intends to make Alice his bride.
For the past seven years, Caleb Newman has known nothing in life except the sea. After his ship went down in a storm six years prior, he managed to survive and sign on as a crew member on another ship. Circumstances force him to eventually jump ship and make his way back home. Yet, life at sea has changed him. He no longer possesses the innocence of youth and is willing to take his secrets to the grave. However, after becoming reacquainted with a childhood friend, Alice Lind Frank, his love for her grows and he discovers the difficulty in keeping his secrets hidden. With the help of his cousin's husband, the Crown Prince, he is finally able to confront his past but in so doing, risks the possibility of losing both Alice and his life.
Ms. Rager inspires her readers to believe that true love is possible to find in this masterpiece, By Love or By Sea. Through the heartache of separation and tragedy, By Love or By Sea embraces the tender and delicate emotions that surround an everlasting love.
September 28, 2009
Synopsis: Alice Lind Frank is thrown for a loop when the boy she adored as a child--and believed to be dead--comes back as a man with a bitter secret. While falling for him all over again, the other man she'd promised to marry decides he will not let her go so easily.
My two cents: Ms Rager definitely has a talent for drawing you into a story and tugging your emotions. I found myself tearing up more than once but the smiles were prevalent throughout, also. It was a very, very sweet story, the kind that makes you sigh a little. Despite the fact that there was no clear distinction in regard to historical time period, it was still remarkably easy to visualize everything as it happened. The storyline was intriguing and the characters were quite likable. I appreciated that love scenes were kept at nothing more than a few kisses. I am looking forward to future books from this author.
My two cents: Ms Rager definitely has a talent for drawing you into a story and tugging your emotions. I found myself tearing up more than once but the smiles were prevalent throughout, also. It was a very, very sweet story, the kind that makes you sigh a little. Despite the fact that there was no clear distinction in regard to historical time period, it was still remarkably easy to visualize everything as it happened. The storyline was intriguing and the characters were quite likable. I appreciated that love scenes were kept at nothing more than a few kisses. I am looking forward to future books from this author.
July 1, 2009
Take what I say about this book with a pinch of salt because beyond reading the odd gothic classic I don't read romances.
This was an easy gentle read with characters whose secrets are revealed bit by bit as the story progresses. There is a fair amount of muscle admiration going on equaled only by the frequent passionate kissing sessions. Not really my thing. I'm not averse to a bit of romance but I generally enjoy it if it is part of a story rather than the romance being the story. The writing was unpretentious and never tries to be anything other than a light romance. I did quite like Betsy though and if you never got past chapter one you probably now believe I'm completely bonkers. If you like books about young lovers who have to overcome an obstacle course of misunderstandings, bad luck and the odd snake in the grass, then you'll probably like this.
This was an easy gentle read with characters whose secrets are revealed bit by bit as the story progresses. There is a fair amount of muscle admiration going on equaled only by the frequent passionate kissing sessions. Not really my thing. I'm not averse to a bit of romance but I generally enjoy it if it is part of a story rather than the romance being the story. The writing was unpretentious and never tries to be anything other than a light romance. I did quite like Betsy though and if you never got past chapter one you probably now believe I'm completely bonkers. If you like books about young lovers who have to overcome an obstacle course of misunderstandings, bad luck and the odd snake in the grass, then you'll probably like this.
August 9, 2009
I actually liked the story, the characters and the romance of it all, but I really struggled with the Mammy, Pappy, Peach and Sugar names. It was such a distraction for me that after I got caught up in the story, I was dragged back down to reality by those overly sappy terms. (and I'm even from the south!!!) A cute romance about never giving up on your dreams :)
December 26, 2014
I have only three things to say.
1. The writing was beautifully done.
2. I want a Caleb Newman of my very own.
3. This was seriously one of the most adorable, clean romances I've ever read!
I'm a huge fan of Rachel's now!
1. The writing was beautifully done.
2. I want a Caleb Newman of my very own.
3. This was seriously one of the most adorable, clean romances I've ever read!
I'm a huge fan of Rachel's now!
November 24, 2009
First of all, I would just like to say that I’m grateful to have won this book.
I don’t usually read romance, so maybe people who do won’t agree with this review. Anyhow, I found this book to be too corny, especially in the constant use of the words “peach”, “sugar”, “nana”, “pappy”, “mama”, etc. I often found myself wanting to roll my eyes at the melodrama. The main character, Alice, was pretty annoying. She was always crying or on the verge of tears, and it seemed a little ridiculous. At times, Alice was a determined girl who stood up for herself, and other times she was the typical weak, pathetic woman who needs to be saved from herself. I think I would have enjoyed the book much more had Alice been less whiney and more self-assured (stop questioning whether you are worthy of Caleb’s love!). Also, while there were a few twists in the plot, it was mostly predictable.
On a more positive note, I enjoyed the character Betsy. At first she seemed like a grumpy old lady, but once you learn more about her, you will come to like her.
Now, I don’t know if this is a good or bad thing (it all depends on what you are looking for in romance), there was nothing more than kissing in this book. If you are offended by sensual scenes, you will probably like this book.
I don’t usually read romance, so maybe people who do won’t agree with this review. Anyhow, I found this book to be too corny, especially in the constant use of the words “peach”, “sugar”, “nana”, “pappy”, “mama”, etc. I often found myself wanting to roll my eyes at the melodrama. The main character, Alice, was pretty annoying. She was always crying or on the verge of tears, and it seemed a little ridiculous. At times, Alice was a determined girl who stood up for herself, and other times she was the typical weak, pathetic woman who needs to be saved from herself. I think I would have enjoyed the book much more had Alice been less whiney and more self-assured (stop questioning whether you are worthy of Caleb’s love!). Also, while there were a few twists in the plot, it was mostly predictable.
On a more positive note, I enjoyed the character Betsy. At first she seemed like a grumpy old lady, but once you learn more about her, you will come to like her.
Now, I don’t know if this is a good or bad thing (it all depends on what you are looking for in romance), there was nothing more than kissing in this book. If you are offended by sensual scenes, you will probably like this book.
March 7, 2023
I’ve been wanting to read this one for a long time. While I enjoyed the story, it didn’t really sweep me off my feet. I liked our heroine Alice. She had a nice mix of spunk and sweetness. I liked the side story between her and old Betsy Winters. Caleb was a good leading man, although I would have liked a little more tension with the love triangle. Speaking of Alice's other love interst Clarence, his character was a little disappointing. I never got the feeling that he was really a bad guy. We’re told certain things, but I just didn’t feel it. I was a little confused with Caleb’s relationship to royalty. It seemed like a storyline that was thrown in for convenience sake and wasn’t really explained. It just seems like if he was really related to royalty his family would have held a different position.
There were a couple problems I had with the book. First, I had no clue where the story was taking place. It wasn’t until about 125 pages that China and England were mentioned and I finally figured out it was suppose to take place somewhere in reality. I also had no clue when the story was suppose to be, I could tell by a few things that it was suppose to be a long time ago, but I would have liked a little time frame to work with.
Bookworm Rating: 3.5, G
There were a couple problems I had with the book. First, I had no clue where the story was taking place. It wasn’t until about 125 pages that China and England were mentioned and I finally figured out it was suppose to take place somewhere in reality. I also had no clue when the story was suppose to be, I could tell by a few things that it was suppose to be a long time ago, but I would have liked a little time frame to work with.
Bookworm Rating: 3.5, G
January 21, 2011
Sweet and clean romance which reminded me very much of the Marcia Lynne McClure books I have been reading lately. Like Marcia's books, the overuse of nicknames like sugar & peach kind of annoys me but it is a small pet peeve that I can easily overlook to enjoy the romance without all the smut. I hope Rachel Rager continues to write books with the romantic tension and passion but without the smutty details! Note for kindle users - The formatting of this kindle edition was done very poorly. They didn't use capital letters at the beginning of sentences and a lot of proper names so it can be very distracting reading. Hopefully it will be updated to correct the problem.
February 23, 2011
This would have received a higher rating had it not been for three things. 1) The use of the words peach and sugar on every page. Is she a peach cobbler? Terms of endearment are to be used not abused. 2) I couldn't figure out the time period of this book. They were using 21st century phases in an old english setting. It was confusing! 3) She was desperately in love at the age of six. Really? I think the only thing I loved at six was my family and my toys! So it was good with just those hitches that made me not like it as much! :D
September 9, 2009
I enjoyed reading this sweet romance. I also enjoyed being sucked into a different time and place and felt that the story accurately portrayed a different time.
I loved the Betsy Winters character and how we learned why she was so cranky and rude.
From the slimy Clarence to the innocent Alice to the ruggedly handsome Caleb to the crotchety Betsy, Rachel Rager has created a realistic cast of characters.
Fun book.
I loved the Betsy Winters character and how we learned why she was so cranky and rude.
From the slimy Clarence to the innocent Alice to the ruggedly handsome Caleb to the crotchety Betsy, Rachel Rager has created a realistic cast of characters.
Fun book.
February 3, 2011
I Love this story. It is a very quick read and It is just a very sweet romance. I have read her online stories and have enjoyed them immensely so I wanted to read this one as well.I read this in between another series I am reading because I Needed something that wasn't quite so intense. This is one of those books that make you smile and sigh a little. I am very glad I used this as my break book and that I was finally able to get this book.
June 17, 2009
I thought this book was fun and entertaining. At first it was slow but it picked up and was enjoyable. I did feel like something was off, like everything fell together to easily or maybe it was the way she just laid her feeling out in conversation. It just didn't seem believable. But I disreguarded that and enjoyed the love story.
September 16, 2009
A very cute romance about a girl and her first love. Alice (aka peach or sugar) lives in a snug little community by the sea. She fell in love with the princess's cousin when she was only 6 years old, but he was lost at sea. The story takes place 13 years later and was just....cute! I just loved the storyline.
February 3, 2010
It was a good quick read. I enjoyed it although I found it a bit "formulated" - with the exception of the storyline between Betsy Winters and Alice - (which was a side story), I found the plot to be very predictable. I did enjoy Alice's spunk and the romance was there without all the details that aren't needed.
April 13, 2010
I highly recommend this book!! If you like romance with a little mystery this is the book for you. I was swept into the story very quickly and was hooked. Rachel did an great job with character development and the flow of the story. This book just made me happy. This is a super clean read with some good kissing. You can't go wrong with this book.
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August 24, 2010
I really loved Rachel's book. The characters were so real and I loved the extra dimension of her grandparents and his parents. I also enjoyed her helping of the bitter old woman. But especially the relationship of Caleb and Alice and their delicious kissing scenes! Thought I was reading a Marcia Lynn McClure book!
April 6, 2011
I really wanted to like this book. I thought it had a great story line but at times it was hard to follow the dialog. And sometimes the dialog was not very believable. I had a hard time liking the heroine. She was kind in giving service but at the same time judgemental and shallow. And a lot of times I couldn't even figure out why she was upset. I struggled finishing this one.
July 15, 2011
Alice has held a grudge against Caleb Newman since she was six-years-old. Everyone thought he was dead after hearing that his ship had wrecked and everyone drowned. Now, he's returned home and realizes he's been in love with Alice all along. She, too, will battle her indecisions when Caleb is all she's ever wanted.
July 7, 2009
This book was a fun and uplifting romance. There was never a dull moment. Just a good clean read with action as well as romance. I definitely recommend this book, it left me wishing it was longer so I could keep reading more!
October 6, 2009
Rachel Rager has created a delightful escape. Her engaging characters draw you in while you experience the uncertainty and joys of first love. There are enough turns to keep you hooked while the tale unfolds. A fun read that will have you rooting for the characters through the twist at the end.
April 17, 2011
"she melted against his body like honey on a hot biscuit"
I just could not get into this book. I was annoyed by how often Alice was refered to as food: sugar, cherry tart, peach. I ended up skimming through most of it.
I just could not get into this book. I was annoyed by how often Alice was refered to as food: sugar, cherry tart, peach. I ended up skimming through most of it.
March 5, 2010
This book was written very poorly, probably the level I wrote at in junior high & the story line was confusing. The things that upset people & caused fights didn't really make sense. I would say not to waste you time reading it...even if a good friend lets you borrow it :)
October 28, 2010
This was a sweet romance. I liked Alice's spunk and innocence. The telling of the story was a little clunky; I wasn't sure what time period they were in or where, and sometimes the story jumped from one thing to another without much explanation, but I was eager to see how it would end.
May 4, 2009
LOVED this book! I picked it up and couldn't put it down! Loved the story line & I just love her style of writing! Can't wait to read more of her books!
May 26, 2009
I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
May 26, 2009
I really like the idea of this story and could see the potential of it, but the book read like a rough draft.
June 9, 2009
If you're into romance, you'll like this book.
June 11, 2009
Great book! The story is simple and magical, applicable to all who have ever loved or had to grow.
December 14, 2009
I loved this book!
I hope to see more from this author in the future!
I hope to see more from this author in the future!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews