Four years ago, Éirinn O’Connell’s papa disappeared at sea. Long after Éirinn has given up on his return, her mama continues to watch the horizon, her grasp of reality slipping and memories blurring. Young Éirinn learns all she can of medicine, desperate to provide for her mama and sister, and spends her days struggling to assist villagers who shun her for her crooked back.
One night, Barbary pirates raid her village, and Éirinn – mistaken for a boy – is torn from her home and family. The truth sparks upset – and a plan. Until reaching the slave markets in Morocco, Éirinn is forced to tend to the sick quartermaster. In addition, she must serve as cabin girl to the hard-hearted Captain Gills, a man bent on thwarting her every attempt to return home, to the family she prays still lives.
But Éirinn soon finds that all is not what it seems aboard The Lonely Eye. Unrest brews and mutiny whispers. Allies appear in unexpected places. A cunning enemy plots. What if Éirinn never makes it home? Will the God she trusts carry her through the storms? And how can something so painful ever bring good? The answers are unlike anything she expects.
What Readers are Saying About Cabin Girl
“The context was intriguing and exciting. [Cabin Girl] had me hooked on page one!
– Skyler Bennett (beta reader)
“Cabin Girl is among my favorite novels. E. G. Bella has done an amazing job weaving her characters, plot, and theme into an exciting adventure that showcases the power of faith in the most difficult of circumstances.”
– J.F. Michaelis (beta reader)
“Cabin Girl is a wonderful novel, full of pirates, subterfuge, a quest for identity, and poignant redemption. A great read for anyone looking for hope, adventure, or a light in the darkness.”
– Rachel Underwood (beta reader)
“E. G. Bella does a superb job of crafting despicable and lovable characters. Her nuances are perfectly captivating and surprising. The story is well thought out, and the plot keeps you guessing. There are characters you will root for forever… I appreciate that you never fully know what the next step is. [Cabin Girl] is a up-all-night, page-turning, on-the-edge-of-your seat work of art. She does a beautiful job of crafting faith, family, and delightful characters.”
– Sarah S. (beta reader)
I loved this book, especially the interesting relationship between Éirinn and Captain Gills. Once I got started, it was very hard to put down.
– J. A. Wood (beta reader)
“…The plot and setting of this historical-fiction novel are well-drawn and convincing. As she battles the trials of the sea, Éirinn’s internal struggles help endear her to readers, and her continually evolving relationship with Captain Gills adds a unique twist to the narrative. The conclusion is extremely moving, and the themes of redemption, kindness, and perseverance are presented wonderfully. With colorful characters, exciting scenes, and emotional depth, Cabin Girl weaves a meaningful tale that is well worth the read. “
~ Jordyn Hadden, author of The Time Travel Team: The Great Historic Mystery (beta reader)