Review: Everlasting by Angie Frazier (and giveaway)

Everlasting by Angie Frazier
Release Date: June 1st, 2010
Details: 336 pages, hardcover
Source: Amazon.com
Summary (goodreads):
Sailing aboard her father’s trade ship is all seventeen-year-old Camille Rowen has ever wanted. But as a girl of society in 1855 San Francisco, her future is set: marry a man she doesn’t love, or condemn herself and her father to poverty.

On her final voyage before the wedding, the stormy arms of the Tasman Sea claim her father, and a terrible family secret is revealed. A secret intertwined with a fabled map, the mother Camille has long believed dead, and an ancient stone that wields a dangerous—and alluring—magic.

The only person Camille can depend on is Oscar, a handsome young sailor whom she is undeniably drawn to. Torn between trusting her instincts and keeping her promises to her father, Camille embarks on a perilous quest into the Australian wilderness to find the enchanted stone. As she and Oscar elude murderous bushrangers and unravel Camille’s father’s lies, they come closer to making the ultimate decision of who—and what—matters most.

Beautifully written and feverishly paced, Everlasting is an unforgettable journey of passion, secrecy, and adventure.

Everlasting takes place in San Francisco in 1855. Camille is set to marry Randall, a man she doesn't know if she loves and a man who she knows doesn't give her that burn or that rush when she's around him and she spends a lot of time wondering why. She grew up without her mother, who her father had told her had died while giving birth to her. So all she knows is her father, his business and the one thing she loves the most - sailing the sea with her father. Oscar is a kid her father had raised for years. It's unclear if he and Camille were raised together or if Oscar lived elsewhere but they've known each other since they were kids and Oscar is Camille's fathers right hand man. 

As Camille sets sail for her final voyage on sea with her father before her wedding (apparently it isn't lady or wife like to be on sea so much once you're married... oh how I'm glad I wasn't born in those days!), she comes across something that will change her life and all the secrets start to unravel from there.

I love history and this was pretty much my first historical fiction read, it was a little weird getting use to the lingo used in the 1800's. But other than that, it did not disappoint! I loved how strong of a character Camille was, how she never gave up and how far she pushed herself for her father. I loved Oscar's character and how much of a gentleman he was to Camille the whole time. I loved the sparks between the two, and wished Camille would just open her eyes! The unexpected twists and turns in the book kept the plot going, and oh my were there a ton of them! 

Everyone says Everlasting has a bit of a Indiana Jones feel to it, and it does but I was thinking more along the lines of Pirates of the Carribean! Maybe it's just because I'm a fan but also because Ira reminded me a little bit of Jack Sparrow and because they ended up on a island in the middle of nowhere. I enjoyed this book and even though a few parts scared me (I know, I get scared extremely easily), I'm really glad I finished this book!

Sorry, not the best review but I'm still working on my reviewing skills :)

Favorite Line:

"Should I build a campfire and start sending smoke signals? Here we are, beasties! Come have lunch!"

Oscar's familiar sarcasm slipped back into place. "No smoke signals needed, Ira, the shouting will do just fine."

Giveaway!

I'm giving away one brand new copy of the book and a signed bookmark from Angie Frazier herself! All you have to do is fill out the forum here!

This giveaway ends  June 5th.