Ship of Dreams [Mass Market Paperback]

Brenda Hiatt (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 4, 2000

A Harmless Little Lie

Accused of a crime she didn't commit, Della Gilliland flees San Francisco, barely escaping aboard an east-bound ship. Penniless yet proud, Della would never dream of approaching an attractive, charming passenger for help, but she's desperate.

Grew Into A Passion

Businessman Kent Bradford is shocked when a beautiful, flame-haired woman unexpectedly introduces herself as his wife to an important investor. Afraid that a scene might risk a deal that could save his family's shipping business, Kent goes along with the charade, at least until they reach port. Beyond Their Wildest Dreams

But unforeseen factors--as well as an intense mutual desire--draw Della and Kent together, making their "marriage" of convenience more pleasurable than either ever dreamed. Just as their passion begins to bloom, however, a raging storm throws their precious love--and their lives--in jeopardy. . . .

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Ship of Dreams starts as light adventure then swirls the characters and the reader into passion and danger that challenge body, heart, and soul. A gripping read." -- Jo Beverley, author of DEVILISH

"Hiatt handles the story beautifully...fast, witty, and fun." -- Publishers Weekly

"Hiatt is an author who has an easy, enjoyable writing style that makes for the best kind of reading." -- -- The "M" Word Book Reviews

"[A] wonderful and talented author." -- -- Under the Covers

About the Author

Brenda Hiatt is the author of eight historical novels. When she takes a break from the past, Brenda embraces the future by teaching writing classes online. She lives with her husband and daughters in Indiana. Readers may contact her at [e-mail].

Product Details

• Mass Market Paperback: 400 pages
• Publisher: HarperTorch (April 4, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0061013803
• ISBN-13: 978-0061013805
• Product Dimensions: 6.6 x 4.2 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,961,087 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Brenda Hiatt began writing in 1988, an Army wife at home with two preschool children. She promised herself that if nothing sold before her youngest began school she'd get a "real job," so she was thrilled to sell a Regency romance novel to Harlequin six months ahead of that deadline. Originally from Virginia, Brenda received degrees in Biology and Psychology from the College of William and Mary, in Williamsburg, before attending graduate school at Texas A&M University. She has since lived in Hawaii, South Carolina and Texas. Brenda now writes full time and lives in Indiana, where she recently achieved her black belt in taekwondo. She also enjoys hiking, scuba diving and all kinds of travel when she gets the chance!

To date, she has published six Harlequin Regency Romances, one Harlequin Superromance, two single title historical romances with HarperCollins and six historical romances with Avon Books. Brenda's first single title historical romance, SCANDALOUS VIRTUE, received rave reviews in Publisher's Weekly and other media and was named Best Romance Novel of 1999 by the American Book Readers Association. She prides herself on her thorough historical research, and when she takes a break from the past, Brenda embraces the future by teaching writing classes on the Internet.

An active member of Romance Writers of America and the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators, Brenda has also served as President of Novelists, Inc, an international organization of over 600 multi-published novelists.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent work, April 9, 2000

By 

Harriet Klausner - See all my reviews
(#1 Hall OF FAME REVIEWER)    (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Ship of Dreams (Mass Market Paperback)

In 1857 San Francisco, Della Gilliland had made a living selling perfectly safe patented medicine. However, her situation changes when the husband of one of her patients accuses Della of selling him a poison that killed his wife. Not only do customers want their money back, but also an apothecary substantiates the claim that Della murdered a client. Realizing her business is ruined and she probably will face a charge of murder, Della flees the city through a ruse.

Near a steamer with the police searching for her, Della introduces herself as the spouse of New York businessman Kent Bradford, a fellow passenger. Kent remains silent about her ploy because he is conducting a major deal with an investor and Della's claim furthers his chance for success. As the couple becomes acquainted on the long voyage, they fall in love, but neither knows what Mother Nature has in store for them on the ill-fated Central America journey.

SHIP OF DREAMS is more than an Americana romance. The tale is an excellent work of historical fiction built around the actual nineteenth century sinking of a steamer due to a storm. From page one till the finish, the story line remains exciting. It provides insight into the era through real and make believe characters and makes that time period feel very real. The lead couple is an enchanting pair that will garner reader empathy. Brenda Hiatt provides a wonderful novel that deserves cross genre appeal by fans of romance and historical fiction.

Harriet Klausner

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Unsinkable Romance!, May 12, 2000

By 

Judie Aitken (Romance Reviews Today) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Ship of Dreams (Mass Market Paperback)

Brenda Hiatt has penned another great historical. I thoroughly enjoyed her characters -- Kent who was the epitome of an upperclass, somewhat uptight hero and Della, the miner's daughter who not only had the spunk to intrude on Kent's life, but to also teach him how to enjoy life! I thoroughly enjoyed this book and recommend it highly.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A pleasure to read and a memorable story, January 17, 2011

By 

J. Mayer - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Ship of Dreams (Mass Market Paperback)

I had never read any of Brenda Hiatt's works but was tempted when this became available on Kindle. What a nice surprise.
Ship of Dreams was clever and smart. It had a creative yet believable plot, well developed characters and "heroes" with admirable traits like character, humility and empathy.
Ship of Dreams was less like the sappy romance I expected and more like a good Danielle Steel -style novel which I have enjoyed in the past. To learn at the end that Ship of Dreams was based on historical events was a nice surprise making me appreciate it even more - sort of like The Titanic - in book form.
I am glad I gave Ms. Hiatt a try and will likely read more of her books (on my Kindle of course) in the future.