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Tales of the Sea
Released on April 24, 2025 (Holand Press)

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Tales of the Sea...

is the true story of a seafaring family from West Barnstable, Massachusetts, during the final chapter of the Great Age of Sail and the tumultuous years of the Civil War. The story reveals the inner thoughts of a lonely shipmaster as he traverses the vastness of the sea, writing to the woman he loves. The two-book series elevates the experiences of women who braved years-long sailing voyages to keep their families together and intersects with stories of soldiers and slaves as our country was torn apart at the seams. 

 

Available April 24, 2025 on Amazon and select local book stores. Published by Holand Press.
Check our
Events page for book tour events and celebrations.

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Tales of the Sea: Book One
The Journey Begins

Young James Jenkins leaves the family farm to follow the sailor’s life, rising to become a merchant ship captain who transports trade goods around the world. He finds his match in Ruth Fish, the daughter of a ship’s captain who bristles with passion to escape the confines of her small town.

Available in paperback, e-book and audiobook

See below for local bookstores carrying Tales of the Sea

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Tales of the Sea: Book Two
The Drumbeats of War

As the United States marches toward war, James and Ruth Jenkins must decide to brave the oceans together or be forever separated by the sea. Ruth’s brother is swept into the Union Army, while her father spirals into mental illness. Together, Ruth and James circle the globe in a dangerous and changing world.

Available in paperback and e-book 

See below for local bookstores carrying Tales of the Sea

BUY LOCAL

Thank you to all the independent, local bookstores that are carrying the Tales of the Sea series. If you are able, please support your local bookstore!

Inkfish Books

488 Main Street

Warren, RI 02885

Barrington Books
184 County Road
Barrington, RI 02806

Books on the Square
471 Angell Street

Providence, RI

Titcomb's Bookshop
432 Route 6A
East Sandwich, MA

Bookstore Plus
2491 Main Street
Lake Placid, NY 12946

Charter Books

8 Broadway
Newport, RI 02840

It is rare when a literary talent bursts upon the scene without warning but that is the case with Cynthia Elder, author of Tales of the Sea.
Her novelized true story of the 19th-Century seafaring Captain James Hamblin Jenkins 
and Ruth Jenkins is a masterpiece.
This is a must-read for all audiences.

~ G. Wayne Miller

Journalist, Author, Filmmaker,
Co-Host of Story in the Public Square

Want to share
Tales of the Sea with your Book Club?

Click the image to the left to download the "Book Club Kit" which contains the following:

  • Book Synopsis

  • Book Club Questions

  • Author Bio

  • Advanced Praise

​​

If you would like Cynthia to come to your book club meeting please reach out to cynthia@cynthiaelder.com

Get in Touch

Cynthia Elder

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©2025 by Cynthia Elder

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