At a glance
The Ship of Brides
Historical fiction
The Ship of Brides
In 1946, more than six hundred Australian war brides board the aircraft carrier HMS Victoria for a six-week voyage to join their British husbands. Four very different women share a cramped cabin: pregnant farm girl Margaret, society bride Avice, teenage Jean, and guarded former nurse Frances. Naval rules, secrets, class friction, and uncertainty about the marriages awaiting them intensify as the converted warship crosses the world. Sweeping and character-driven, this historical novel suits readers who enjoy overlooked postwar journeys, women's friendship under pressure, shipboard settings, wartime consequences, and ensemble stories about crossing from one life into another without assurance of welcome.
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No surprises at chapter twelve
Content notes
World War II aftermath and wartime trauma; death and grief; sexual/romantic relationships; pregnancy and marriage; infidelity/relationship betrayal; military danger; family secrets.
Alcohol-Free Pour
Blackberry Sparkler
A bright, refreshing sip suits an unhurried afternoon between the pages.
What you'll need
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- Combine the noncarbonated ingredients in a glass or shaker and stir or shake until mixed. Pour over ice, top with any carbonated ingredient, and stir gently.
- Garnish: Use a matching citrus wheel, berry, or herb from the recipe when available.
- Glassware: Highball glass.
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Island Rum Punch
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Dark rum, pineapple, orange, and lime bring a little island warmth to the page.
What you'll need
- 2 oz dark rum
- 2 oz pineapple juice ↗
- 1 oz orange juice ↗
- 1/2 oz fresh lime juice ↗
- 2 dashes aromatic bitters
- Ice
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How to mix it
- Shake all ingredients with ice and strain over fresh ice in a tall glass.
- Garnish: Orange wheel or pineapple wedge.
- Glassware: Highball glass.
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