About the Author
Elizabeth St. Michel is the author of The Winds of Fate, which reached number one on the Amazon bestseller lists. Her second novel, Surrender the Wind, garnered several awards, including the National RONE Award in honor of literary excellence in romance writing.
St. Michel divides her time between New York and the Bahamas.
Author’s Note
I have done my best to ensure the historical references that reflect the events in this book are as accurate as possible. My novel, Sweet Vengeance spans from the shores of England across the Atlantic to the Caribbean and on to Boston.
The lovely island of Martinique in the Caribbean was a French stronghold during the American Revolution and furnished a necessary port for American Privateers. William Bingham, an emissary for the colonial cause in Martinique, handled the unloading and resupplying of American ships, carrying munitions, guns, and other vital goods necessary for the fighting of the war. By the end of the American Revolution, Bingham was regarded as one of the richest men in America, with ownership of over two million acres. He later initiated the national Bank of North America, which has morphed into what we know today as the Wells Fargo Bank.
Part of my story takes place in the Bahamas, off the Southeastern coast of Florida, in an archipelago or collection of islands known as the West Indies. The island of New Providence in 1778 held a population of a thousand people. As a British Colony, it boasted a well-protected harbor that served as a convenient and favorite rendezvous place for British Naval vessels and functioning as the chief British Naval station on the American coast.
During the American Revolution, Fort Nassau was taken by a dashing and daring force led by Captain John Trevett of the Colonial Marines and Captain John Rathburn of the Colonial Navy. One can imagine the dismay of sleepy townspeople when they awoke in the morning to discover the scarlet flag of England replaced by the little-known stars and bars of the United States. For three days, the Americans held their positions, outnumbered ten to one. To reverse the intended assault of the local citizenry, Captain Rathburn trained the fort’s cannons on the town. The English were relieved of their huge naval stores of ammunition, gunpowder and ships. Most remarkable, this engagement historically details the progenitors of the United States Navy and Marine Corps, initiating a tandem amphibious landing known as the Second Battle of Nassau.
Today the British Colonial Hilton Nassau Hotel sits atop the ruins of Fort Nassau. Hog Island is now known as the famed Paradise Island.
I always say that I’m a storyteller, not a historian, and as a storyteller, I’m more concerned with the what-ifs than the why-nots. I so enjoy taking a bit of license to bring you the most exciting, sensual, love story that my what-if imagination can create.
Acknowledgements
Most books wouldn’t be written without the help of some special people. I would like to acknowledge Caroline Tolley my developmental editor and Linda Styles, my copy/line editor. Their insight and expertise were indispensable. Hugs also to my spouse, Edward, five children, eight grandchildren, Dr. Marcianna Dollard and posthumously, Loretta Bysiek−your love and comfort surround me.
Many words of appreciation to Andrew Albury, Gabrielle and Peter Lorenz of the Bahamas, who graciously added facts and information on elements of history of Nassau and sailing.
Many thanks to the gracious support of Nancy Crawford, Linda Bysiek, Brenda Kosinski, Paula Ursoy and Western New York Romance Writers Group.
Finally, a special note of gratitude to my readers. You will never know how much your enthusiasm and support enrich my work and my life. You are the best.
Dear Readers,
It has given me particular pleasure to write, Sweet Vengeance for you. There is no greater compliment to me as an author than for my readers to become so involved with the characters that you want me to write more. That said, I’m happily immersed in a series, with the powerful Duke of Rutland, a widower, and his four strong-willed offspring. As you know, my first installment detailed the journey of Abigail, his only daughter and the notorious privateer, Jacob Thorne during the American Revolution.
My second installment acquaints us with Abby’s older brother, Anthony Rutland, a hopeless introvert, and brilliant scientist who wants nothing to do except work in his laboratory. Abigail sends Rachel Thorne, Jacob’s cousin to her ancestral home in England to be introduced into society. How unfortunate, for Anthony to have his quiet world turned upside down by the spirited Rachel and even worse, with an intellect to match. But there are still enemies intent on destroying the Rutland family…
Although I can’t tell you much more I can promise you this: like my last novel, it is written with one goal in mind−to make you experience the laughter, the love, and all the other myriad emotions of its characters. And when it’s over to leave you smiling…
Warmly,
Elizabeth St. Michel
P.S. If you would like to receive an emailed newsletter from me, which will keep you informed about my books-in-progress as well as answer some of the questions I’m frequently asked about publishing, please contact me on Facebook or my webpage at elizabethstmichel.com. The greatest gift you can give an author is a review for her work on the website you have purchased the book. I would be thrilled to hear from you!
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