At a glance
Full Steam Ahead
Christian Historical Romance
Full Steam Ahead
Book 1 of the Full Steam Ahead series
352 pages · First published 2014
In 1851 Texas, Nicole Renard returns home to Galveston to discover that her father's failing health threatens the future of their family shipping business. Determined to honor his wish for a male successor, she sets out to find a suitable husband, carrying the valuable Lafitte Dagger as part of her dowry. But when ruthless business rivals attempt to steal the heirloom, Nicole is forced to abandon her plans and seek refuge in the small town of Liberty. There, she finds an unlikely position as secretary to Darius Thornton, a brilliant but reclusive inventor obsessed with preventing the steamship boiler explosions that have claimed so many lives. Nicole's intelligence and unexpected knowledge of shipping soon earn Darius's respect, and their growing attraction threatens to overturn both their carefully laid plans. As dangerous experiments and determined enemies put their futures at risk, Nicole and Darius must decide whether duty and past regrets will govern their lives—or whether faith and love can lead them toward something better. Filled with witty banter, scientific ingenuity, Western adventure, and heartfelt romance, this Christian historical novel is perfect for a lazy summer afternoon when you're craving a spirited heroine, an unconventional hero, and an exciting journey toward love.
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Jump to the pours ↓Riverbank Picnic Punch + Copper Ale
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No surprises at chapter twelve
Content notes
A fatal steamboat boiler explosion and references to multiple deaths; the drowning of a young girl and a failed rescue attempt; traumatic memories, survivor's guilt, grief, and emotional distress; serious parental illness and fear of losing a loved one; burglary, theft, threats of kidnapping, intimidation, and threats of physical harm against family members; dangerous scientific experiments involving explosions and risk of injury; romantic kissing, affectionate embraces, and physical attraction.
Alcohol-Free Pour
Riverbank Picnic Punch
Fresh apple, cool cucumber, and lively mint make a refreshing riverside pour for this spirited Texas romance, where steamships, dangerous secrets, and unexpected love send two unlikely partners toward an entirely new future.
What you'll need
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.How to mix it
- Gently muddle cucumber and mint with apple juice. Add ice, top with soda water, and stir.
- Garnish: Cucumber ribbon and mint sprig.
- Glassware: Highball glass.
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Highball glass ↗Muddler ↗Cocktail Pour · 21+
Copper Ale
For adults of legal drinking age. Please drink responsibly.
This warm copper-colored ale suits Darius's world of steam engines, machinery, and daring experiments, where a brilliant inventor and a determined young woman discover that some sparks lead to more than explosions.
How to mix it
- Pour into a clean pint glass and serve at the appropriate cool serving temperature.
- Garnish: None.
- Glassware: Pint glass.
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