Always, Elsie by Katie Stewart Stone
Elsie Findlay has been waiting three years to marry Graham Anderson, despite his promise to return from the West Indies in one. To make matters worse, she hasn’t heard from him in two years and doesn’t know if he is alive or dead. Finally, a letter arrives, delivered by Graham’s business partner, Arthur Ashby. Graham writes that the business has failed and as he feels he can no longer provide for Elsie, he ends their engagement. Shocked and angry, Elsie decides to confront him in person. She enlists Arthur to help her cross the sea to where Graham was last seen.
Along the way, Elsie finds herself depending on Arthur to navigate life on a ship while enduring storms, a disgruntled crew, and even pirates. Their challenges–which don’t end after finding Graham–push Elsie’s resolve and Arthur’s honor to their limits. Where will Elsie’s heart lead her when loyalty and longing pull her toward different shores?
