A Captain for Laura Rose

Laura Rose White is one of the most gifted riverboat pilots on the Missouri River--her late father taught her and her brother Joe everything he knew, and even named their family's riverboat after her. But in 1867, the idea of a 'skirt' being a captain is unheard of. At least until Joe takes ill and dies in the middle of a trip, leaving Laura grieving and halfway upriver with a full cargo. She successfully takes charge of the crew and expertly guides the Laura Rose back to St. Louis. But it seems her troubles are just beginning.

Laura learns Joe had taken out a loan, and if she fails to repay it, she could lose the boat that is not only her livelihood, but also her home. The only way to save it is to convince the men in charge she's capable of being a captain and pilot, and they have a few nearly insurmountable conditions. She must secure a full cargo (who would trust their wares to a woman), she must find a chaperone (she is an unmarried lady, after all), she must get to Fort Benton and back in less time than it would take most male pilots, and she must get a licensed pilot to agree to oversee her. The only man she can find for that job is her brother's disreputable friend Finn MacKnight. She's loath to ask him - though he's as good a pilot as she is, he has a terrible reputation. But a woman alone in the world will do what she must to survive, and Laura may just gain far more than she ever expected on this historic trip.

“"Whitson writes amazing stories." -- RT Book Reviews”

"A vivid portrait of life on the Missouri River, from the cramped quarters of the packet boat, through the outpost settlements up the river, to the squalid docks of St. Louis. . .[A]n entertaining historical tale of faith, action, and romance."--Publisher's Weekly
"As usual, Stephanie Grace Whitson skillfully weaves unforgettable characters with an unforgettable time in history. Step aboard the Laura Rose. You will definitely enjoy the ride!"--Nancy Moser, bestselling author of The Journey of Josephine and Mozart's Sister
"Stephanie Whitson is a master storyteller who has once again woven a tale of adventure, romance and inspiration that will touch your heart. A Captain for Laura Rose is a novel rich with exciting details of riverboat life during the 19th century and the well-drawn characters will steal your heart. Don't miss this exceptional read."--Judith Miller, award winning author of the Home to Amana series
"This stand-alone novel has all the makings of a great romance: love, intrigue, mystery and unforgettable characters. Whitson's historical details on female riverboat captains are incredible. She brings to life a long-gone way of life on the river when women far superior than their male counterparts had to prove their worth."--RT Book Reviews, starred review
"Whitson has a wonderful knack of storytelling. . . .I highly recommend A Captain for Laura Rose. It is wonderfully crafted and thoughtfully written."--RadiantLit.com
"Whitson weaves unforgettable characters with remarkable historical impact. Step aboard the Laura Rose and join the passengers and crew as they take the historic trip with the first female steamboat captain. It will be a memorable trip indeed."--CBA Retailers and Resources
"Whitson writes amazing stories." --RT Book Reviews

Stephanie Grace Whitson is the author of over 20 inspirational novels and two works of nonfiction. When she isn't writing, speaking, or trying to keep up with her five grown children and perfect grandchildren, Stephanie loves to take long distance rides aboard her Honda Magna motorcycle named Kitty. Her church and the International Quilt Study Center and Museum in Lincoln, Nebraska, take up the rest of her free time. She will receive her Master of Arts degree in history in the spring of 2012. Her passionate interests in pioneer women's history, antique quilts, and French, Italian, and Hawaiian language and culture provide endless story-telling possibilities.

Laura Rose White is one of the most gifted riverboat pilots on the Missouri River--her late father taught her and her brother Joe everything he knew, and even named their family's riverboat after her. But in 1867, the idea of a 'skirt' being a captain is unheard of. At least until Joe takes ill and dies in the middle of a trip, leaving Laura grieving and halfway upriver with a full cargo. She successfully takes charge of the crew and expertly guides the Laura Rose back to St. Louis. But it seems her troubles are just beginning.Laura learns Joe had taken out a loan, and if she fails to repay it, she could lose the boat that is not only her livelihood, but also her home. The only way to save it is to convince the men in charge she's capable of being a captain and pilot, and they have a few nearly insurmountable conditions. She must secure a full cargo (who would trust their wares to a woman), she must find a chaperone (she is an unmarried lady, after all), she must get to Fort Benton and back in less time than it would take most male pilots, and she must get a licensed pilot to agree to oversee her. The only man she can find for that job is her brother's disreputable friend Finn MacKnight. She's loath to ask him - though he's as good a pilot as she is, he has a terrible reputation. But a woman alone in the world will do what she must to survive, and Laura may just gain far more than she ever expected on this historic trip.

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