Hearts and Sails

Winner of the Illinois Soon To Be Famous Author Contest After the heartbreaking loss of her mother and a cruel attack by her drunken father, Ella Parker decides that dishonesty is fine when it serves her needs. Ella escapes her luxurious but lonely life and meets an eccentric ship surgeon who allows her to assist him during a surgery. Compelled by Ella's intelligence and interest in medicine, the doctor prepares her for a medical career, but there's a catch: in early nineteenth century England, women are not accepted into universities. To fulfil her dream of becoming a doctor, Ella must disguise herself as a young man. After changing her look and name, Ella finds her footing as she performs dissections, conducts experiments, and cares for patients. She also tutors Oli, a kind but struggling fellow student, but she must take caution. Even in her loneliest moment, she cannot trust anyone. As Ella continues to excel in her studies, saving the life of a patient, she becomes a top contender for the apprenticeship with a famed professor. Dogged by fear of discovery, she must choose between truth and lies, and distinguish between real and false friends, before her pretense is uncovered.

She sailed against the current. Ella Parker's male alias was a star pupil in medical school. But as a woman in 1810 England, Ella cannot find a job as a doctor's assistant. In a life-or-death emergency with a mother in labor, she oversteps her boundaries and risks arrest. Determined to practice medicine, she decides to join her mentor on the Neptune, a warship heading for open waters. Following an accident, she is quickly thrust into the role of ship surgeon, and her skills are put to the test. Hoping to fit in with the all-male crew and make friends, instead, Ella creates chaos and suspicion among the superstitious sailors. Lieutenant Jack Wyse, though charged by the captain with protecting Ella, is keen on making her leave. After a fierce battle, Ella saves the handsome officer, Robert Weston. Her commitment to her profession is tested, however, when he asks for her hand in marriage. But are Weston's intentions sincere, and would he allow her the freedom to pursue her calling? Ella must decide where she belongs before her future sails away from her.

"Unfortunately for you, you can't imprison my mind." On the turbulent seas of the Napoleonic Wars, Ella Parker dedicates herself to healing the sick and wounded, resolutely dismissing the idea of romantic entanglements. Her commitment is tested when her childhood friend, Jamie Flowers, is captured by the enemy and imprisoned in a French fortress, along with other sailors for whom she deeply cares for. When Ella is presented with a chance to travel to the prison, her mission is twofold: to care for her friends and to complete a covert assignment. As she embarks on this perilous task, she must navigate treacherous alliances, fend off bandits, and outwit a cunning prison commander. As Ella's journey unfolds, she uncovers a sinister secret. But is she too late? Despite Ella's burgeoning affections for Jamie, she's unaware of his possible heart condition that may cut his life short. With time running out, Ella must confront her deepest fears. Can Ella prevent a tragedy and save her friends?