Seas of Fortune: The Anderson Line, Book One

Fighting Harry McGann, in this first novel in a naval-adventures series, plays a pivotal role in the development of the U.S. Navy. Forced to flee from Ireland, where he flourished as a privateer against English shipping, Harry eventually arrives in New York as the American War of Independence is imminent. Bearing no love for his own country's traditional enemy, Harry joins the colonial cause. His prodigious physical strength and gargantuan size, contributing to his feats of heroism at sea, earn him a reputation that is acknowledged first by John Paul Jones and later by the overseas ambassador, Benjamin Franklin. Through the years, they lobby for an American navy; one of the lively scenes in the novel is the engagement of the ill-fated frigate, Bonhomme Richard. McGann's swashbuckling eventually wins him an upper-class, former Tory wife who joins him on his Virginia farm. In this lively tale, some of the high points are an unvarnished portrait of John Paul Jones and scenes of the discipline administered to those who manned the sailing war vessels. Nicole is also the author of the Black Majesty series. (February)