Promise Forever

Sixteen-year-old Tabitha Walker longs for adventure, but there isn't much to be found in New Bedford, Massachusetts, in the 1840s. The men and boys of the town find adventure by going to sea, while the women and girls are expected to stay home and wait for their return. When her father, a sea captain, returns from a long voyage at sea, Tabitha begs to accompany him on his next voyage -- both because she longs for excitement in her life, and because she has fallen in love with Tom, a young sailor on his ship. When her father refuses, Tabitha takes matters into her own hands and stows away. While this was not my favorite book from the Dawn of Love series, I would still recommend it to teen readers who enjoy historical romances. Tabitha was a spirited character, but sometimes seemed too foolish. Still, her adventures are enjoyable to read.