A Bold Pursuit - by Penelope Clare (Paperback)

About the Book

A richly detailed historical novel set in Victorian England and aboard an immigrant ship bound for New Zealand, following one woman's search for independence, identity, and a second chance at life.

Book Synopsis

England, 1879.

Sarah Guest's life appears carefully ordered-until a brutal act shatters the future she imagined for herself. Bound by duty, reputation, and the quiet expectations of a minister's daughter, she must confront a choice that will alter the course of her life.

When an opportunity arises to travel aboard an immigrant ship bound for colonial New Zealand, Sarah seizes the chance to begin again. But escape is never simple. On the very day she boards the Hermione, she comes face to face with Heath-the man she once believed might share her future.

As the ship sails through the perilous Southern Ocean, Sarah is drawn into the role of the vessel's unofficial medic, tending illness and injury among passengers desperate for new beginnings. Amid rising tensions and uncertain loyalties, she must navigate not only the dangers of the journey, but the shifting ground of her own identity.

In a world shaped by class, distance, and consequence, Sarah must decide what she is willing to sacrifice-and what kind of future she dares to claim.

Inspired by a true family story, A Bold Pursuit is a richly detailed historical novel of resilience, restraint, and second chances at the edge of the world.

The first novel in the Bold Series.

Review Quotes

"A richly detailed and immersive historical novel, with strong characters and a compelling sense of place."

- Reader review

"Beautifully written, with engaging characters and a story that draws you in from the first page."

- Reader review

"Rich in period detail and an absorbing escape from modern life, with a satisfying and emotionally grounded conclusion."

- Emma Melbourne, author of the Miss Fleming series