What is your favourite book and why?

Who’s Peter Smith ? ? ?

Okay. Here is the proposed cover. Also the book is currently being critiqued by an editor in Ireland. So it is still in the early stages. Below is her review and synopsis. Review of ‘A Good Man’
‘A Good Man’ is a narrative that indeed sweeps you up and carries you through a whole sea of emotions. The characters leap off the page and pull you into their world.
The story follows Andrew, who at a young age has only a punching bag for his drunkard father until he decides to make a quick escape before the worst happens. His journey is both mentally and physically as he grows into manhood is a dark one, where the long shadows of insecurity and inadequacy haunt him constantly; often getting in between what he craves most from life. Something that every person in the world can relate to in their life. It can push you to be the best that you can be, or shatter your world entirely.
It’s a trial-filled tale with humor and heartbreak in equal measures, about finding a place in your heart that you can call home, and how a family isn’t limited to blood. Logline: What does someone have to do – or not do – to be described as a ‘good’ person?

“I was in no way equipped for these kinds of battles.”
From a tender age, Andrew’s life could be counted on two things; his father’s knuckles and his always rumbling belly. Until, an opportunity presents itself – and Andrew seizes it with both hands.
“Going back was a death sentence.”
He boards the H.M.S Victory with seventy-two others as a powder monkey, where he meets fellow seaman, James Collins, and Bobby Styles, who take him under their wing as they journey out to battle.
He becomes a member of the Collins family and a respected person among his peers. Until his compass swings into disarray when James and Bobby, another valued person in Andrew’s limited life – are killed as result of cannon fire. Enraged and grief struck, and still in the midst of battle – Andrew manages to save the day. Earning the attention and promotion to Mid-Shipman by Captain Winters.
When Andrew’s ship docks at port, he makes the journey to Biddington-On- Sea to tell Eileen Collins that her precious son, James died at sea. She leaves for Ireland, her homeland, – with nothing left for her anymore. Likewise, Andrew sets his sights on the sea again.
Beforehand, he takes up the offer of another crewman, Edward, who’d taken him under his wing when Andrew was promoted to stay at his home until it was time to answer the call of the sea. Andrew is thrown into deeper waters when he discovers that his modest friend is actually from an incredibly wealthy family.
“I feel like a thistle in amongst a rose bush.”
The social circles, etiquette, and mannerisms is a constant source of anxiety for Andrew, who is only accustomed to violence, heartache, poverty and cramped spaces of a ship. Nonetheless, the family takes him in with open arms – especially the twinkly-eyed, Mary. Whilst training to become a gentleman, it allows them to become closer. Andrew’s confidence dissipates when he finds out that Mary has other suitors playing for her hand.
“She was a bed of smoldering coals that I refused to rake.”
These insecurities are the knife that ultimately slashes the chances he had. Mary accepts Clarence’s marriage proposal, he is wealthy and accomplished, with a good family title. From Andrew’s perspective, it was an advantageous match. His heart, on the other hand, was in total disagreement. From then on, Mary and Andrew ceased contact with one another.
It doesn’t stop Mary’s face from lingering in Andrew’s heart – years down the line – when he is rising up the ranks from a Mid-Shipman to a Lieutenant escorting prison ships to the colonies. Now aged thirty-six, he’s seen much of the rest of the world and all the splendors it has to offer. Yet, he still has no place to call a home since leaving Bidding-On-Sea all those years ago.
“I’ve led a full life, traveled the world and done so much in the service of my country, but each time I return home … I am reminded of how much time has slipped by.”
On sailing close to India, the captain David Wadley dies suddenly – leaving Andrew to assume command of the squadron. In the blink of an eye, their ship is under siege by a pirate ship. With them outgunned, a stroke of genius on Andrew’s part saves the day. But doesn’t stop him being impaled by debris.
“In Andrew’s life – family never has meant blood.”
For weeks on end, he fights to remain conscious, being carefully attended to by the doctor and his wife until their ship docks at Portsmouth and he is transferred to hospital. Old friends take him into their care, which leads him back into Mary’ path once again. After a blazing confrontation at the ‘scene of the crime,’ revelations are said. Sweet, long-overdue declarations are made. The truth is bled.
“I said I’d be loyal to my husband. That doesn’t mean I will be faithful to him.”
Hailed as a hero, he is discharged with honors and a substantial pension. But still left without a wife and children to welcome him home. Until, that chance becomes a reality when he spots two vagrants, Margaret and Jonathon being evicted from their home.
Slowly, the prospect of finally having a home is on the horizon – all he needs is his lady. This time, he doesn’t intend to make the same mistakes.
“At twelve years old, I went to war – at seventeen, I fell in love – but it would be more than twenty years before the woman I love would forgive my lies.”

I had a giggle at it. No offense taken. I guessed it was something like that.

Thank you Amy ☺️ I am open to taking on a few editing projects right now. ☺️