This novel offers another, little know story of the role Cuba paid during the Civil War. Cuba was still a Spanish Colony, a slave colony, and they offered trade with the Confederates via blockade runners who moved uniforms and arms in return for cotton. England, Spain and Mexico were all involved in this scheme. The fictional novel is set in this background, and it is obvious that the author has done extensive research.
The author gives us a lush tropical setting where the government is corrupt and the wealthy plantation owners control pretty much everything. The slaves are restless, the cruelty is extreme, and yet life for the well-off is rich and sumptuous. Everett Townsend is a very, very young ship captain who sails into port and almost immediately becomes involved in all kinds of intrigue and danger. There are dangers everywhere, secret plots and violence, and of course a love story. My quibble with the book is that the authors focuses too much on his research and not enough on his characters and their development. I felt there was too much focus on the mechanics of sailing - however fans of this activity will love the detailed accounts of preparing and sailing ships under fire etc.
I wish the character had been fleshed out more fully, the story less predictable.
This book was free copy form BookBrowse, given in return for joining a discussion on their wonderful website.
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I stepped out of my comfort zone a bit with this one as I don't typically read Civil War era historical fiction. But the reason this book caught my interest was the setting was Cuba rather than the United States and it explores the role shipping played in the war. Slave trade by other countries besides the United States is another subject that gets brought up in the book. This is why the book is unique rather than just another typical battlefield/romance story.

While the characters are fictional, part of the story is based on the real life murder of an English diplomat. I'll admit I found myself more interested in that story line and the stuff taking place in Cuba rather than when the action was on the ship. I thought the main character, Everett Townsend was well-developed and I enjoyed his interactions with Emma.

One of the reasons I enjoy historical fiction is it can introduce you to a part of history you previously knew very little about and make you want to find out more when the story is over. I definitely recommend if you like Civil War historical fiction because it does bring something different to the genre.

I won a free copy of this book in a giveaway by Shelf Awareness. I was under no obligation to post a review and all views expressed are my honest opinion. ( )