A Summer At Sea

Winds of Change on the Horizon

When Caroline Sterling’s carefully charted life hits an unexpected reef, she finds herself exchanging her London office for the rolling decks of the MV Sapphire Dawn, a charming vintage passenger vessel sailing the glittering summer seas. Burned out by corporate drudgery and nursing a broken heart, Caroline signs on as a seasonal events coordinator, tasked with organizing themed evenings and sunset socials for a motley crew of passengers—from honeymooners chasing romance beneath starlit skies to retired adventurers reliving memories of distant voyages. As the ship slips away from the quay and the shoreline fades to a ribbon of green, Caroline senses that this journey may be her true course to self-discovery.

Currents of Friendship and Unexpected Romance

Life aboard the Sapphire Dawn is a tapestry of laughter, secrets, and serendipity. Caroline bonds with Peggy, the ship’s quick-witted stewardess who dispenses sage advice alongside afternoon tea, and with Luka, the brooding marine engineer whose quiet intensity is as deep as the waters he studies. Between samba nights on the sun deck and spontaneous dives into cerulean coves, Caroline begins to rediscover passions she thought long lost—her love for painting stormy seascapes, the thrill of navigating by stars, and the warmth of new friendships. Yet when a sudden storm forces the ship off course, she must confront inner fears as powerful as the gale, and decide whether to cling to old certainties or embrace the freedom of uncharted waters.

Anchored by Hope and Second Chances

As the voyage draws to its final port of call, Caroline faces a choice: return to the safe harbor of her former life, or step ashore with a heart transformed by adventure and possibility. Katie Fforde weaves a luminous tale of healing and renewal, where every sunrise over the open ocean offers a promise of fresh beginnings. With its rich coastal descriptions, spirited characters, and romantic undertow, A Summer at Sea reminds readers that sometimes the most profound journeys happen when we let ourselves drift beyond the familiar.

.Katie Fforde is a bestselling author celebrated for her uplifting romantic sagas, richly drawn characters, and evocative settings that transport readers to the most enchanting corners of the British coastline.