Derek Hart
Flag of Her Choosing
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The "Great White Fleet" was sent around the world by President Theodore Roosevelt from 16 December 1907 to 22 February 1909 and consisted of sixteen new battleships of the Atlantic Fleet. The battleships were painted white except for gilded scrollwork on their bows, hence the nickname.
In Egypt, word was received of an earthquake in Sicily, thus affording an opportunity for the United States to show friendship to Italy by offering aid to the sufferers. The Connecticut, Illinois, Culgoa and Yankton were dispatched to Messina at once. The crew of the Illinois recovered the bodies of the American consul and his wife, entombed in the ruins.
These simple historical facts led author Derek Hart to conduct extensive research into the lives and duties of the USS Illinois, the officers, crew, and especially the contingent of US Marines on board. As in his other historical novels, For Love or Honor Bound and Tangles of Truth, Hart surrounded a simple tale of love and sacrifice with historical fact. In the midst of a continent in turmoil of the eve of World War I, young America flexes her international influence for the first time, with dramatic results.
This earthquake was the building block for Derek Hart’s grand romantic adventure, as US Marine Corps Captain Richard Danforth is thrust into the middle of a relief expedition to assist earthquake survivors. Little does he know that this mission will lead to murder, intrigue, the heist of an enormous fortune of gold, and of course, falling in love with local teacher Maria Vitale. The lengths to which these young lovers go to realize their dreams together are what adventures are made of and Flag for Her Choosing is no exception.
This is a historical romance of epic proportions and packs the pages with action, adventure and a deep abiding love that survives every challenge. True love has no boundaries and no limits.
Recent Review
Messina, Sicily, Italy, suffers a severe earthquake immediately followed by a devastating tidal wave. Survivors are few and those who are left are homeless, hungry, and hopeless. Local teacher Maria Vitale survives, but loses her entire family. The orphaned school children look to Maria to meet their needs.
When America and other countries hear about the great need, they rally together to help. The United States Marine Corps is deployed. Captain Richard Danforth’s mission is to first find the American Ambassador and his wife, and then to assist with cleanup.
With so many different countries represented, tensions are high, and the ability to communicate is hampered. The mission will lead to murder, intrigue, the heist of an enormous fortune in gold, and falling in love. What length will Maria and Richard go to, in order to realize their dreams?
Maria is a very responsible young lady, barely more than a child herself, and she is quick to step in and help wherever she’s needed. She’s beautiful, and quickly draws unwanted attention from the foreigners who are trying to help with the recovery effort. Richard Danforth is one of those foreigners. His desire to help Maria quickly turns sour, as the other officers from different countries believe they are having an affair.
FLAG OF HER CHOOSING contains many military terms, which can be confusing, if the reader is not familiar with the Marine Corps. Some of the story line seemed unrealistic and contrived, but it was interesting. Readers of military fiction will appreciate FLAG OF HER CHOOSING for its action, adventure and mystery. The dialogue is sometimes stilted, and a lot of the story is told, not shown, but even so FLAG OF HER CHOOSING is an interesting read.
Reviewed by Laura
LoveRomances.com