When the Black Swallow sinks off the Australian coast in 1877, Australian midshipman Tom Darley rescues English passenger Ada Carmichael from the disaster that claims her entire family. News of the only two survivors enchants the world, but Ada needs to hide before secrets and old foes find her. Tom is chasing big dreams of a crumbling house he will convert into a small hotel ~ but the promising … promising start he’s acquired now sits at the bottom of the sea.Inexplicably entangled, Ada and Tom lean upon each other to make sense of the tragedy that’s displaced them. But when scheming journalists observe their affection they drag Tom into life-altering riches and a news-worthy romance he cannot resist. So he arranges for Ada’s protection where only he might find her ~ the quiet Phillip Island farm of his friends Shadrach and Finella Jones. And that’s where real trouble finds them. When heroic promises fail to shelter, and love refuses to be silenced, only surrender will pluck Ada and Tom from where life has wrecked them.
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Miss Ada Carmichael and her family are immigrating to Australia on the Black Swallow. Tom Darley is a member of the crew. They are about to become the only two survivors of a tragic shipwreck, and turns them into national darlings.
But Ada doesn’t want to be a national darling. She wants to escape, hide, and stay hidden. She’s had bad experiences with the press, and knows how the newspapers twist the truth for their own ends. Tom Pearce has ambitions that mean he wants to court the press—especially when someone offers him his dream.
It’s an original and well-plotted story, with twists, turns, and hidden depths. There are also hidden depths in the characters, and it’s wonderful to see Ada change and mature as the story progresses. This is definitely Ada’s story: she is the one with the most hurts in her past, and she is the one who has to find the strength to move past those hurts and transform … much like the silkworms she nurtures.
I’m always a fan of well-researched historical fiction that’s true to the timeframe and has a link to a historical event. As the Author Note at the end of Carry Me Away shows, Dorothy Adamek has done her research, and has seamlessly incorporated several real-live events into her story. There really was a shipwreck and ther really were only two survivors. There really was a court case about a betrothal, a local lady did raise silkworms, and and there a Chinese hawker supplied the residents of Phillip Island with tea and spices.
As such, Carry Me Away is a treat for fans of authentic historical fiction, with an original and layered plot, likeable characters, and beautiful writing.
Thanks to the author for providing a free ebook for review.
Carry Me Away is a beautiful and heartfelt novel inspired by the true story of an Australian Shipwreck and I got swept up in this novel from the very first page. It is such an emotional read filled with characters who I absolutely adored, well there is one character who was truly despicable but he played an important role in the storyline.
The setting of Australia in 1877, Tom Darley and Ada Carmichael are two survivors of the shipwreck that took the lives of so many, including Ada’s entire family. Oh, how I cried for her loss but kept hoping she would have the life she deserved. I cannot imagine the pain of losing my loved ones like she did. Tom and Ada both suffered the loss of family and friends not to mention there personal possessions. They shared a bond formed by the tragic events they shared but it seemed impossible for them to live a peaceful life once journalists discover where they were staying which led Ada to go into hiding at the home of Shadrach and Finella Jones. I loved this couple so much and was glad Ada had a safe place to stay away from the prying eyes of the public. The reader gets to learn all about silkworms, which I have to admit was pretty interesting. Shadrach and Finella are characters from the first book in the series so you may want to read that book first to get to know them better.
Overall, I thought this novel was one of the best I have had the pleasure of reading, it’s impeccably written and truly compelling which is why I highly recommend it.
I received an ARC of this book from the publisher. All opinions are completely my own.
This is a book that grabs you on the first page. It is beautifully written and the author makes the story to life with her words. This book is full of emotions and stays in your mind long after you’ve read the last page. I received an ARC copy of this book and was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.
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Beautiful, heart-tugging writing plus the depths of a true romance. Love, love this book.
Carry Me Away by Dorothy Adamek is the second book in the Blue Wren Shallows series and definitely worth reading if you love inspirational historical romances. This story brings out all of the feels so make sure you have a box of tissues handy.
Ada Carmichael and her family were on a journey fleeing from the only life they ever knew when disaster strikes and takes them all from her. Tom Darley was able to save her physically, but she needs to look to the loving grace and redemption that only God can give her for the rest. Can Ada finally let go of the fear and guilt that keep her from accepting the love given freely from God and Tom so that she can start her life anew?
I’m definitely looking forward to reading more books in the future by this author.
I was given an ARC from the author/publisher. All conclusions are mine and mine alone.
Dear Tom flawlessly embodies the role of the chivalrous hero. While he certainly owns his share of blunders, Tom is perfectly wonderful at heart. Practical Ada is understandably hesitant to jump into a romantic attachment while grieving her numerous losses. Her pragmatic take on the future leaves little room for happily ever afters.
Fortunately, with the addition of a bit of patience, Tom is well-equipped for the task of sweeping a certain reluctant lady off her feet and winning his way into her heart. Ada may say leave me alone with her words but her heart cries Carry Me Away!
This story and its predecessor are brilliantly written and completely engaging! I highly recommend this second installment of the Blue Wren Shallows series and encourage readers to first pick up Carry Me Home to avoid spoilers. I’m eagerly looking forward to future works by Dorothy Adamek!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and was under no obligation to post a review. The opinions expressed are my own.
With richly painted settings and colorful, engaging characters, Dorothy Adamek carried me away to far off Australia in her new book. Her beautiful, poetic prose and creative story based on a true occurrence swept me right in and kept me enthralled. Tom Darley is a perfect caring, courageous, though broken hero. I loved how considerate he was of Ada and her grief. The heroine, Ada Carmichael, showed such great courage and determination in making a new life for herself after losing everything.
Adamek is a master at revealing the story layer by layer to keep interest high. There’s a little bit of everything in this tale—adventure, suspense, intrigue, romance, history, and inspiration. It’s a story of redemption, healing, courage, and trust that won’t soon be forgotten. Although Carry Me Away is part of a series, it can stand alone. Characters from Adamek’s first book, Carry Me Home, make appearances in this one. I’m looking forward to reading more from this author. 4.5 stars
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from the author/publisher. All opinions are my own.
Carry Me Away is the fascinating second installment from Dorothy Adamek’s series, Blue Wren Shallows. It is based on the true event of a shipwreck in the late nineteenth century Australia and the two lone survivors. Tom and Ada’s world changes forever from the aftermath of Blue Swallows sinking.
I give Carry Me Away five plus stars. I hope a third book of the Blue Wren Shallows releases in the near future. I love the storytelling of Miss Adamek and highly recommend her books!
I received this book from the author, but was not required to write a review. This review is 100% my own honest opinion.
This story is incredibly lyrical and poetic. It is so beautifully written and will sweep you away! Keep you making excuses to put off all that you can to read til the end. This tale, based on true events, is of a shipwreck with only two survivors, Ada Carmichael and Tom Darley. Ada, who is running from her past, wants nothing to do with the limelight the newspapermen want to put her in. Tom, on the other hand, sees his dreams coming to reality, if only they could both work with them. Ada and Tom must confront their pasts, come to term with their circumstances, and decide whether to face the future apart or together. Carry Me Away has made me a huge fan of Dorothy Adamek’s and I will attempt to patiently wait for the next book in this beautiful series!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. A positive review was not required. All opinions expressed are my own.
Wow! This author knows how to pull you into a story quickly and get you invested in the characters. I was intrigued and I needed to know what was going to happen to Tom and Ada. There were so many emotions that pulled on my heart, I really felt for Ada. Adamek knows how to write Christian fiction without it being preachy, she seems to know that readers need more than cookie-cutter solutions or just band-aids, and that they need complete healing. You can see that in the way she writes her stories.
I got carried away with this book because I couldn’t put it down!
I have to say this book touched me, and deeply. I haven’t read the first book in the series. I received an early copy of this book and somehow thought it was a debut novel. This is the second installment in the Blue Whren Shallows Series and it’s the first book I’ve read from Dorothy Adamek. I can truly say it won’t be my last, what a wonderful, deep, poignant, faith inspired, touching and emotional author! It’s like she let us peek at the soul of the main characters, their feelings, struggles, doubts, passions and dreams. And with such delicacy and beauty that you’re immediately immersed in their beautiful yet impossible world. Even if this book can be read as a standalone, I realize that it would be a richer experience if I would’ve read Finella and Shadrach’s story first, as we get to know more about them in this story.
This story is even more special because it is inspired in the incredible true story of an Australian Shipwreck and those who survive to tell about it. She gives details about the real story at the end of the book which I loved.
In this story Ada Carmichael and midshipman Tom Darley, each with a past story of grief and struggle, are present in the Black Shallow ship when it sinks off the Australian coast in 1877. They are the only survivors to the shipwreck and Ada is courageously saved by Tom when she discovers her in the water. This rescue will bind them together in a unique relationship, first the need to support each other and make sense of the tragedy they have survived, but the strong bond quickly grows into deeper feelings. But things will not be easy for them after the shipwreck. Ada is escaping a secret and terrifying past. In fact, her family was moving from England to Australia, to escape this situation and start anew in a new country. But now Ada lost her parents and sisters, is alone, and afraid her past will keep up with her and find her out. Tom has always pursued a dream with his best friend (who died in the shipwreck) of making an old shackled building into a lodge that can receive people in need to rest and restore themselves in a peaceful and natural environment. But that doesn’t seem possible anymore, until the journalists get hold of them and promise them a wealthy future if they let their romantic relationship be known and published in the newspaper. Ada is adamant about not going public, that would only expose her to the person who wants his vengeance over her. But Tom, not knowing what Ada is hiding, thinks it would be harmless. While he doesn’t give in to the journalists, he sends Ada, without her knowing its his idea, to the care of his friends Finella and Shadrach, where she can recover in hiding from the press and at being near him at the same time.
The journalist won’t take a “no” to a story that could make their journal famous and they will seek a way to expose this couple’s love to the public. And Ada’s fear will soon discover her hiding. How will Tom and Ada ever have a feature together when the past and the present are treathening to break the solid bond they have forged?
This was a beautiful story, that made me cry at times, mostly swoon, and laugh at others. The writing is almost poetic. I especially loved the parts that Ada writes in her “Everlasting” Journal, which Finella inherits her. It was truly like getting a frip into her soul.
I loved the characters: Tom was a loyal, faithful hero with a heart of gold. And Ada was a battered soul in need of redemption, but with Tom, Finella and Shadrach’s help she might discover that God’s plans never fail and that his unconditional love never wavers because he can always briong something greater out of the bad and suffering life throws our way.
The love story was so touching and so real. I felt for the characters, and I sighed at their fierce, yet almost impossible love.
I loved the part about the silkworms produce, it was really interesting and even if I had no idea how they function, I was fascinated by the description and amazed by the author’s knowledge of this biological theme.
I definitely recommend this story. It will break your heart and then restore it to pieces until you finally get to the HEA that was truly beautiful by the way. Loved it!
I was first introduced to Dorothy Adamek a year or so ago with her first release, Carry Me Home. I fell in love with her writing style and storytelling ability from the start. So when I saw this sequel, I jumped at the chance to review it. And I’m thrilled I did, for this book was even better than its predecessor.
I guarantee you will be swept away with this novel set in 1877 Philip Island, Australia. Here, you encounter a ship wreck, a gallant rescue, damaging secrets threatening to be brought to light, and a discovery of what it really means to live in truth. Poignant, refreshing, thoughtful, and romantic, this book holds you spellbound from start to finish.
If you are looking for a solid read that will entrance you and tug at your heart, this is it!
I received this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
Set in Australia 1877, this follows the story of Ada Carmichael and Tom Darley, following their survival from a devastating shipwreck. I thought that Dorothy gave good representation of what Ada and Tom went through as they journey through their recovery from the wreck. Not just the physical recovery, also the emotional recovery that went along with the secrets and hurts from their past that seem to be hindering them from being able to recover from all that entailed. This is a powerful story of forgiveness, redemption and new beginnings. I received an ARC copy of this book, and all opinions expressed are my own
On a side note, loved how we were able to catch up on the characters from Dorothy’s first book “Carry me home”
A masterpiece…
My heart was completely swept away by this book… So many feels, so many emotions, so much love for this story and the characters within. Two broken people washed up out of the sea after a shipwreck. Ada’s struggles are so real you will beg for her happy ending. Tom has a hero’s heart who pursues her with his love. My heart and mind are still on Phillip Island right now. Dorothy Adamek weaves words so poetically that Tom and Ada will dig deep into your heart and stay with you. Truly a book not to be missed. In fact, that it’s based on a true 19th century shipwreck, where the author writes what could have been, made it truly a gripping read. The scenery is breathtaking from Melbourne to Philip island.
The opening of Carry Me Away weaves a mystery that draws the heart right into the story. Adamek’s poetic writing as the ship slowly slips under the sea was beautifully written.
A glimpse into Tom and Ada after they’re shipwrecked with some of my favorite quotes: Just as Tom wants to give up living, he hears a cry for help and in that cry he finds hope. He is not the only survivor.
“Hold onto me, no matter what”
“Shh. I’m here now, Ada. Carry away to me.”
Then the next morning…
“She sat up to the sight of a beach so God-breathed, it sparkled as if every shade of heaven’s emeralds had fallen from the sky.”
I’m sharing only a few quotes as I don’t want there to be spoilers. if you love history, mystery, and romance based on true stories, you will love Carry Me Away. Truly a masterpiece not to be missed.
I was provided an ARC of this book by the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.
‘Survival is made of many parts. First, your skin will heal. Then your bones.’
1877. The Black Swallow sinks off the Australian coast, a horrific event that leaves only two survivors, Tom Darley and Ada Carmichael. This deftly written novel details the aftermath of that shipwreck, which is inspired by the true story. Ada has lost her entire family and Tom rescues her. Both of these have been through rough waters, so to speak, with forgotten dreams, feared enemies and old secrets.
Soon the journalists of the day converge and clamor for the story from Tom and Ada. Tom arranges for Ada to go to a friend’s home on Philip Island, a beautiful and quiet, peaceful place. We, lucky readers, get a chance to meet old friends again from Adamek’s first novel, Shadrach and Finella Jones. A novel I enjoyed immensely. However, they are not sheltered as completely as they’d hoped from the world’s woes. They must depend on each other and love to rescue them again.
When I read Dorothy Adamek’s debut novel, I thought it was greatly moving and her style continues through to this novel and she will always, I believe, inspire her readers with her deftness of telling the tale. She has written well of courage, healing, redemption and rescue that will grip the reader, and the poignancy of the love is completely heartfelt. As Tom and Ada endeavor to find their home, you will be captivated by the sweeping beauty of Adamek’s writing skills.
*My thanks to the publisher and author for a preview copy of this book. The opinions stated here are entirely my own.