An Uncharted Devotion

Cover image: Woman with Lantern © by Abigail Miles / Arcangel Cover design copyright © 2023 by Covenant Communications, Inc. Published by Covenant Communications, Inc. American Fork, Utah Copyright © 2023 by Amanda Taylor All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any format or in any medium without the written permission of the publisher, Covenant Communications, Inc., PO Box 416, American Fork, UT 84003. The views expressed within this work are the sole responsibility of the author and do not necessarily reflect the position of Covenant Communications, Inc., or any other entity. This is a work of fiction. The characters, names, incidents, places, and dialogue are either products of the author’s imagination, and are not to be construed as real, or are used fictitiously. Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data Name: Amanda Taylor Title: An uncharted devotion / Amanda Taylor Description: American Fork, UT : Covenant Communications, Inc. [2023] Identifiers: Library of Congress Control Number 2022949064 | ISBN 978-1-52442-156-4 LC record available at https://lccn.loc.gov/2022949064 First Printing: June 2023 Praise for Amanda Taylor “An Uncharted Devotion is the first book in the Royal Navy Regency series by Amanda Taylor, and she showcases her vast knowledge of this era . . . An Uncharted Devotion is well written and organized, with simple yet beautiful designs added. The story perfectly captures the early-1800s era: the gowns, balls, culture, language, and lifestyle. If you want a historical romance with great character development and some action and suspense, then An Uncharted Devotion is the book for you.” —Readers’ Favorite Five-Star Review “James and Sarah are a couple you can’t help but root for from page one. This book was tender, funny, and well researched. I loved every bit of it.” —Jennifer Moore, author of the Blue Orchid Society series “Amanda Taylor’s debut, An Uncharted Devotion, blends the best of historical romance, adventure, and emotional journeys . . . Taylor brings us along as James and Sarah each take seemingly impossible steps to repair what is broken within themselves and each other and arrive at a warm, sweet, wonderful happily ever after.” —Rebecca Anderson, author of Isabelle and Alexander “Amanda Taylor’s lovely debut, An Uncharted Devotion, showcases beautiful prose, both heartbreak and healing, and a heroic rescue steeped in espionage. History lovers will be enthralled with the covert journey from Regency-era London to Napoleon’s France and rejoice in the hard-won happily ever after.” —Anneka R. Walker, author of the Matchmaking Mamas series To Justin You are in every line of this story. And for God, who in answer to a most particular question, whispered, “Write!” “For whatsoever from one place doth fall Is with the tide unto another brought: For there is nothing lost, that may be found, if sought.” —Edmund Spenser Acknowledgments A special thanks to my editor, Kami Hancock, and the whole Covenant team, who took a chance on my story. You saw its potential and helped it become the best version of itself. I would never have been able to write this book without the lovely and talented Jennifer Moore mentoring me throughout the process. You helped me get out of my own way and overcome my sometimes-crippling self-doubt, all the while sprinkling wisdom and positivity into our conversations. You introduced me to your tight-knit writer community, who have been nothing but welcoming and generous of heart. Many thanks to my girls, Becky Proudfit, Kirsten Wright, Lindsay Dibb, Angela Moore, Kristen Berning, Cheri Fries, and Sarah McConkie. Each of your insights were invaluable. Sharing this piece of my heart with you was a sweet experience. I cannot express enough thanks to my family. Justin, your excitement, support, and patience never wavered throughout this entire process. The best part is that I get to continue to live out every love story I could ever imagine with you in the life we’ve built together. You and the kids are my everything. Mary, it meant the world that you stayed up all night to finish my manuscript. I value your opinion above all others. Scott, telling your friends from the first day I began this project that your Chapter 1 Somerset, England, June 1805 Was marriage for love a foolish inclination? Lieutenant James Turner did not think so. He felt most fortunate indeed as he drew in an invigorating breath of crisp morning air. His usual confidence was coupled today with a feverish enthusiasm, so much so that he was nearly bursting at the seams. He faced Patrick, his best man and oldest friend in the world, on the stone steps behind the old parish church. “I cannot decide whether I am a silly lovesick fool or the luckiest devil in all of England.” Patrick folded his arms and cocked his head to the side with an eye of scrutiny. “That ridiculous grin on your face would suggest the former.” “Ha!” James threw back his head in a chuckle. Patrick’s goading did little to affect his mood today. He was far too exultant. “At the very least, I look like a handsome lovesick fool.” James gripped the lapels of his uniform and straightened his shoulders. His stance mimicked that of a king standing for a portrait. Patrick only smiled and shook his head. “You look like a lovesick fool who’s been happily shackled to the mainmast while the ship is going down.” James fisted Patrick’s shoulder. “Your remarks have always been a welcome source of entertainment, my friend.” Patrick was more like a brother