I love a book that can transport me to a different time and place.

James P. Redwood's Two Ships does that, and it's also a rousing good tale of adventure, love and redemption.

We of the modern world have forgotten the struggles our ancestors faced in journeying to the New World -- the loss of friends and family in the old homeland, the perils of the sea-crossing, the uncertainties on landing, and the perplexity and dangers to be faced in hewing a new life in the wilderness.

Redwood's skillful use of words brings all of this vividly alive as he weaves his story through the experiences of his two primary characters. Piotr Nowak and Jana Mueller set out for the New World on separate ships (hence the title) but circumstances beyond their control unites them in a strange and dangerous Canada in 1632.

Religious war devastated Piotr's life in Poland. He fled the bloodshed and found a berth and another family of sorts on a trading vessel bound for the New World. A similar upheaval severed Jana from her family. To assure her safety, her mother sent Jana to a priory in Ireland for training to become a nun. Shortly after her arrival in Ireland, Jana is teamed with two priests and an older nun and ordered to Quebec for missionary work.

Before their lives are united both Piotr and Jana must endure more trials. These challenges include attack by Swedish marauders and shipwreck, battles with the Iroquois, and the treachery of a settler and his henchmen.

If you enjoy the story, as I did, you'll be pleased to learn the adventures of Piotr and Jana are to continue in another book.

[ visit James P. Redwood's website ]