Leona DeRosa Bodie

I received a copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review. Madeleine Nesbitt has had a life filled with difficulty, from birth until the age of seven; when they remove the tumor the size of a Honeydew melon, from the back of her head. Since the surgery she begins to have a sixth sense of sorts, not wanting to worry anyone she keeps this to herself. At the age of eight, the wealthy man that paid for her surgery (and also family friend), takes Maddie on one of the newest cruise liners for a day trip. Maddie has a really bad feeling as she approaches the ship but it is brushed aside. The day trip turns tragic as something happens to the ship and it begins to sink. As she begins to sink, she sees an ominous character. Luckily Maddie is saved by a young man whose name she does not recall and haunts her dreams. This book is an unexpected thrill ride, excellent characters you can relate to, love, and hate. This book is very descriptive and makes you feel like you’re there in the moment. An awesome book through and through!… (mere)

Multiple points drew me into this plot. Historic treasure hunting and long forgotten artifacts ... lost journals and family ties. This books delves into a fascinating mystery that revolves around the Caribbean during the 17th century. It's a must read for those who love reading histories blended seamlessly into a stellar treasure hunting plot.

This wasn't my normal cup of tea as I tend to read more historic romance, but I love history and the Caribbean. The gift of knowledge was only surpassed by the easy, but professional writing style and well developed characters. I cared for them from the bat and saw them clearly within my mind.

The description was everything I've always imagined the Caribbean to be. I've never gone, but I felt as if I was there. The painted pictures popped within my mind as the author used local foliage as well as other historic pieces within her prose, but never too much where I forgot the story.

The drawn scenes (illustrations) were a real treat. They really helped to maintain the old world feel as I read through each chapter. A thoughtful addition, but I loved the artistic style. Hope to read more in the future. I was gifted a copy, however, all opinions are my own.
… (mere)

This was a very fast paced (action) book. It was very believable, especially in this day and age. Rico Salazar is the head of a large drug operation. He finds the perfect spot to run things from and has patrol boats keep everyone away. Everyone knows the consequences of venturing into his area. madeleine Nesbitt has begged her parents not to fish in that area. They ignore her premonition and trouble strikes. Her parents put her over the side to save her. Unfortunately she is found in the water and taken to the island. For a sixteen year old she has a lot more smarts than most kids her age. She knows the only way to survive and possibly escape is to play along.

Madeleine becomes so good at playing along that Rico begins to trust her. He gives her more and more jobs to do. She is creative enough in handling them that she occasionally causes him some setbacks. He doesn't suspect her. Finally she is given the opportunity to make a delivery to the US. Once there she slips away. This seems easy since she had never given him her real name. But how long can she remain hidden from him and his men?

This was a page turner. The action was steady enough to keep me non-stop turning the pages until I had finished it. Can't wait to recommend this to friends at school.… (mere)