Sharavogue: A Novel of Ireland and the West Indies

It is December of 1649 as England's uncrowned king, Oliver Cromwell, leads his brutal army across Ireland to crush a violent rebellion. Elvy Burke, daughter of a great warrior, wants one thing--to live her destiny as a leader and defender of her country. As the cavalry approaches, Elvy knows she will not give up easily. When Cromwell cruelly beheads a village boy, Elvy vows to destroy him. After fleeing from his soldiers, she aligns with a Scottish outlaw whose schemes send them headlong into a tumultuous journey across the sea to the West Indies, where she is indentured on a sugar plantation. Here she must face hard labor, cruel treatment, disease, and other mortal dangers. She must learn to survive, and in the process discover the depths of her own strengths and emotions. She will not give up until she finds a way to confront her sworn enemy, and to return to Ireland. Sharavogue is the award-winning and compelling story of one girl's journey through the lawless lands of Ireland and the West Indies as she struggles claim her destiny.

About the Author :
Nancy Blanton is the author of award-winning novels based primarily in Irish history. Her first novel, Sharavogue, set in 17th century Ireland and the West Indies, is first-place winner of Florida's Royal Palm Literary Award. The Prince of Glencurragh, her second novel, is set in 1634 prior to the great rebellion of 1641. This book also won the Royal Palm Literary Award, as well as the 1st runner-up medal for book of the year, and the Feathered Quill Award, bronze medal. Her non-fiction book, Brand Yourself Royally in 8 Simple Steps, is a 2016 Florida Authors and Publishers Association President's silver medal winner. The book combines Blanton's corporate branding background and historical research skills to provide a useful guide for authors, artists, and business consultants who need to establish strong presence and be memorable to potential customers. The book has become a basis for hands-on personal branding workshops. She wrote and illustrated a children's book, The Curious Adventure of Roodle Jones; co-authored the award-winning book Heaven on the Half Shell: the Story of the Pacific Northwest's Love Affair with the Oyster; and spearheaded production of Rising Tides and Tailwinds, a corporate history book for the Port of Seattle centennial. Her blog, My Lady's Closet, focuses on writing, books, book promotion, historical fiction, research and travel. Ms. Blanton has worked as a journalist, magazine editor, corporate communications leader and brand manager. She has won numerous awards for professional leadership, writing, advertising and public relations products. She lives in Florida.

Review :
Extraordinary journey of a brave strong determined young girl in Ireland during a chaotic time. I was fascinated with each character. She is very descriptive. I could easily visualize each character and the different locations in each adventure. I find it opening up and teaching me about a part of history I never knew before. I would definitely recommend this book. This book kept my interest throughout, and I had a hard time putting it down. I am an avid reader of historical fiction because for me it brings history to life. This was a new time period and place for me, but fits into the overall picture of the British Isles and Ireland. Blanton ranks right up there with Cornwell, Scarrow, and Rutherfurd in making history enjoyable and dare I say even exciting! Looking forward to further books from her. I am a lover of historical fiction of all types. This particular era was new to me and I found it impossible to put down. From the opening line, to the last, Ms. Blanton captures the imagination and fascination with beautifully written narrative, and a story about adventure, love, acceptance, and heroism. Her ability to join history with beautiful descriptions and equally imaginative prose left me wanting more and eagerly awaiting her next novel. With Sharavogue as her first historical novel she is sure to be a writer for the ages. Even if historical fiction hasn't interested you, in the past, this wonderful story captures the heart and soul of a young girl searching for her her own destiny. As a fan of historical fiction, I thoroughly enjoyed Ms. Blanton's compelling 17th-century story of Sharavogue. I enjoyed the tumultuous ride with Elvy, a strong-spirited young Irish patriot who flees mortal danger at home only to find herself snatched into indentured servitude on a distant island plantation. The story's language beautifully depicts the period and the predicaments she faced. The author paid particular attention to the complexity of the relationships that evolved among the slaves, servants and landowners of the plantation. Elvy did make it home and I would love to read more about her in a second novel. Nancy Blanton has captured the Cromwellian era with an exciting and fast-paced story containing all the elements of the heroic quest. Elvy is a fascinating and captivating young woman who never loses sight of her goal. She is headstrong and naïve, but she has a strong love for her family and her country. I was with her every step of her journey, and I must say that I also learned a lot about the historical era. Blanton has accomplished what I think all writers of good historical fiction should. She has accurately portrayed a time in history with a real flair, serendipitously teaching her readers as she keeps them utterly captivated with her characters. Her descriptions of places and events is so vivid that it is easy to imagine being on the sugar plantation or sailing across the ocean.