Description

At the Edge of Honor, which was awarded the 2003 Patrick D. Smith Literary Award for Best Historical Novel of Florida, is set in 1863 Civil War Florida and the British Bahamas during the desperate coastal conflict between the U.S. Navy and Confederate blockade-runners. Peter Wake, a veteran Massachusetts lumber schooner captain now turned into a volunteer Union naval officer, is given command of a small sailing gunboat with orders to bring the war to the enemy, wherever they may hide. Wake endeavors to do just that, becoming the most successful small boat blockade skipper in the East Gulf Blockade Squadron. But along the way, he learns about the perils and tragedies of naval command, international politics in the British Bahamas, and egos among senior officers, and falls for the daughter of an enemy Rebel runner in Key West. Can he accomplish his mission, get the girl of his dreams, and stay out of trouble with the admiral? His quest will take him into the heart of danger and to the very edge of honor.