Dangerous Crossing, Rachel Rhys

Dangerous Crossing opening line: Sandwiched between two policemen, the woman descends the gangplank of the ship.

My blurb:

Lilian Shepherd has seen how the other half lives when she was in domestic service. Now she is on her way to Australia to continue in that life. But class lines are blurred while on the Orontes and she befriends people from the upper deck. Her association with the Campbell’s is frowned upon, just as much as her friendship with a Jewess. This trip will change all their lives forever, and not just because Europe goes to war.

Dangerous Crossing

It was a first class deception that would change her life forever 1939, Europe on the brink of war. Lily Shepherd leaves England on an ocean liner for Australia, escaping her life of drudgery for new horizons. She is instantly seduced by the world onboard: cocktails, black-tie balls and beautiful sunsets. Suddenly, Lily finds herself mingling with people who would otherwise never give her the time of day.

But soon she realizes her glamorous new friends are not what they seem. The rich and hedonistic Max and Eliza Campbell, mysterious and flirtatious Edward, and fascist George are all running away from tragedy and scandal even greater than her own.

By the time the ship docks, two passengers are dead, war has been declared, and life will never be the same again.

My verdict:

This book is based on a journal of an actual crossing from England to Australia, a year before. I loved all the details that made the book so believable. A great read which is very different from the usual books in my collection. The opening line will set you up for an ending you suspect but are not 100% sure of.

Publishing information:

Inspiration published on Lavender and Lime July 2:

• 2015 – Sugar Free Condensed Milk
• 2014 – Bistro On The Lake
• 2013 – I Made It Challenge: Gumdrops
• 2012 – Friday’s Food Quiz Number 73
• 2010 – Malva Pudding

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