The Brideship Wife.
(Book)

"Inspired by the history of the British "brideships," this historical debut tells the story of one woman's coming-of-age and search of independence. Charlotte knows her duty is to marry, but with no dowry, she has little choice in the matter. She can't continue to live off the generosity of her sister Harriet and her wealthy brother-in-law Charles, whose political aspirations dictate that she make an advantageous match. When Harriet hosts a grand party, Charlotte is charged with winning the affections of one of Charles's colleagues, but before the night is over, her reputation is at risk, and in the days that follow, rumors begin to swirl. Soon Charles's standing in society is threatened and everything Charlotte has held dear is jeopardized. Charlotte is forced to leave everything she has ever known in England and embark on a treacherous voyage to the New World to the lawless lands bursting with gold in British Columbia's Cariboo, The Brideship Wife takes readers on a mesmerizing journey through a time of great historic change."--WorldCat abstract