Everlasting, by Angie Frazier

Everlasting, by Angie Frazier
Young Adult, 2010

I picked up this book because of it's perfect fairy-tale cover. It reminds me of The Little Mermaid, but for an older generation. I was also pleased to see that there's water in it - so it's perfect for the Books and Bikini's Summer Reading Challenge!

Camille Rowan sales aboard her father's ship in 1855. Engaged to a man who will solve all their financial problems, this is her last opportunity to spend time with her father and enjoy her freedom. But when the ship goes down in a storm, taking her father with her, Camille sets out on a voyage of her own. Her long-lost mother, a map, a cursed stone, and a sailor that is stirring her heart into something more than friendship make it the adventure of a lifetime.

I love stories set in the 1800s - however realistically boring it probably was to live at that time, I find myself easily carried away by those gorgeous dresses, and the dramatic adventures the heroines seem to live. This book was no exception. Camille is for once a girl that acts her age - 17. She has her shallow moments with regards to the handsome ship boy Oscar, and she makes irrational and irresponsible choices that even a well-mannered intelligent teenager can make. I thoroughly enjoyed the card-shark-turned friend who helps them along the danger-fraught mission, and Oscar was entirely loveable, although a little too patient with regards to Camille figuring things out.
The story itself was a bit out there, almost Lloyd Alexanderish in its oddness, but despite that and the bits that were of course unrealistic, it was an engaging story.
There's a scene of some strong sexual tension, but no one does anything naughty. There is light-swearing from sailors and the like.
Graded a B-.