First Mates (Love Inspired #288) [Mass Market Paperback]

Cecelia Dowdy (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 1, 2005

Tossed on Troubled Waters. . .

A cruise around the Caribbean offered just what Rainy Jackson needed to get over her faithless ex-fiancee--sun, swimming and solitude. As the heat sank into her bones, she began to feel interest in the world again. . .and in handsome fellow passenger Winston Michaels.

Winston had also hoped for time alone to reflect. But finding a friend in faith in the lovely Rainy helped him deal with his twin sister's death without relying on unhealthy means of deadening the pain. And Winston's outlook brightened further when dates back home in Miami brought him and Rainy even closer. Would Rainy be the one to share Winston's life voyage?

Product Details

• Mass Market Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: Steeple Hill (February 1, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0373872984
• ISBN-13: 978-0373872985
• Product Dimensions: 6.6 x 4.1 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,838,485 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Cecelia Dowdy has been an avid reader since she learned to string letters together to form words. While pursuing a business degree in college one of her professors tried to convince her to get an English degree since he felt she was a great writer. Years later, after receiving her BS in Finance, she took her former teacher's advice, and started pursuing her literary career.

She loves to read, write, and bake delicious desserts during her spare time. Traveling is another favorite hobby, and she's been to various countries around the world, including Germany, France, England, Tahiti, New Zealand, Mexico, Jamaica, Bahamas, Cayman Islands, and Santo Domingo. She enjoys listening to old tunes with her husband on Saturday nights. Currently she resides with her spouse and young son in Maryland.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Can a cruise heal old wounds?, March 12, 2005

By 

Veronica Y. Williams "AFBP" (Augusta, GA USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: First Mates (Love Inspired #288) (Mass Market Paperback)

Taking a cruise is just what the doctor ordered. Or in this case two best friends and a loving brother seems that Rainey and Winston need a fresh start in life.

Rainey Jackson is on a cruise due to her friends. With the sudden breakup from her ex-fiance Jordan Summers a cruise is in need to mend her broken heart. On going to dinner Rainey meets Winston Michaels, a Christian man who looking for solace after the death of his twin sister.

Rainey and Winston seem to hit it off, but Rainey feels that all men are just like Jordan. She has to trust her faith in GOD to help her see through this difficult time. Winston on the other hand has an agenda of his own. With the untimely death of his twin sister, he is also battling his demons with alcohol. When Winston meets Rainey he professes his faith in the Lord, and how he found his way puts Rainey on the defensive. To her it seems that his faith is just an act. Winston wants a relationship with Rainey, but she can't let go of the pass. On returning, Jordan tries to pursue Rainey again knowing that she is now involved with Winston.

Will Rainey let a good man go, due to her always comparing him to her ex-finance? Can she find the faith and strength to see beyond his faults? Will Winston fall from grace? Can he move on after the death of his twin sister? Can this relationship get started before it ends?

This is an easy read. You travel through the Caribbean's, Florida and Maryland diary land. Cecelia Dowdy writes the book were anyone at one time or another can relate to the struggles of the two. You must have Faith, Trust and Believe.

1.0 out of 5 stars Very poorly written, August 27, 2009

By 

Denis Hill (USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: First Mates (Love Inspired #288) (Hardcover)

I was very disappointed with this book. The story line was cute but very slow moving. There was little variety in the writing style, too much dialoged, and not enough description. I loved the focus on an African American couple and their strength as financially strong and wise people. Too bad it was so slow moving!

5.0 out of 5 stars The Epitome of a Biblical Love Connection, December 20, 2007

By 

Nedra Smith (USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: First Mates (Love Inspired #288) (Mass Market Paperback)

Cecelia Dowdy's FIRST MATES is a lovingly written I Corinthians 13 type of love story that never stoops to baser levels to show the realistic affection and connection that Rainy and Winston have.

I enjoyed watching them connect on the cruise, disconnect more than once, and reconnect, over things that really DO make a difference if a relationship is to be both faith-based and lasting.

The characters were real. Winston told the truth about part of his past but Rainy has to learn another part of it, a part that she thinks is important, later and through Dowdy's wonderful character, Aunt Gladys.

This was more than a love story. Everyone grew in believable ways, not just in ways that would make for a happy ending. Even the minor characters grew in some small way either because of Winston and Rainy's direct example or because of learning from their own mistakes.

Also, the book wasn't preachy, but quite fun. Remember, it starts on a cruise so there's lots of eating. FIRST MATES made me hungry both for food and for what would happen to the couple next.

Throughout the story, we're aware that God is in control. That's all that matters.

I can't wait to see what Dowdy's nex novel's characters do. Be sure to check out her blog at: [...]