Eight years ago, young Éirinn O’Connell’s papa disappeared at sea.
Many sleepless nights later, in the rolling hills of 1600’s Ireland, Éirinn has given up on his return – while her mama continues to watch the horizon, her grasp of reality slipping. Desperate to provide for her and her sister, Éirinn learns all she can of medicine and spends her days struggling to assist villagers who shun her for her crooked back.
Then in one brutal night, Barbary pirates raid her village, and Éirinn is dragged from her family and the only home she’s ever known.
Set on a course to Morocco, and amidst a crew as turbulent as the ocean around her, Éirinn is forced to tend to the sick quartermaster. In addition, she must serve as cabin girl to the infamous Captain Gills, a hard-hearted man bent on thwarting her every attempt to return home…to the family she prays still lives.
As Éirinn searches for a way home, she 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. Who can she trust? Will her God carry her through the storms? And how can she survive the Captain’s constant torment?
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)