Sea Change


Fiction - Adventure
304 Pages
Reviewed on 10/28/2024
Buy on Amazon

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Author Biography

Sailing since he bought his first boat at the age of 16 on Michigan’s inland lakes, author RK Preston merges his hunger for the sea with the desire for a life unbound from the constraints of conventional life in this first book in the Row v. Wave series.

Before he began writing fiction, Preston earned degrees in Philosophy, Biology, and Medicine and trained as a Pediatric Critical Care physician. Later he earned an MBA as his career evolved away from the bedside and into hospital leadership. The author of many articles and book chapters in basic and clinical science as well as bioethics.

Carving out time to write each morning at a coffee shop before going to the hospital makes for slow progress, but following one’s passion takes patience and persistence. When he is not writing he enjoys traveling, cooking, reading, and of course sailing.

    Book Review

Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

Sea Change, the first book of the Row v. Wave series by RK Preston, follows Andrea and Keith as they set out on a global sailing adventure aboard their 37-foot sailboat. The story traces their romantic journey as they battle the unpredictable ocean, harsh weather, and modern-day pirates, testing their resilience and partnership. As they navigate the world's waters, the couple discovers that leaving behind their mundane lives opens the door to an extraordinary life filled with love, courage, and adventure. Sea Change is a thrilling testament to the power of taking risks and pursuing a life beyond comfort. Preston's ability to blend high-seas adventure with romantic tension creates an exciting and heartfelt narrative that keeps readers engaged from start to finish, and I was swept away right from the stunning visuals of the opening scene.

The vivid and immersive descriptions of life at sea demonstrate RK Preston's deep knowledge of sailing, making even the most mundane tasks of sea life feel both authentic and exhilarating. I was particularly moved by the emotional complexity of the concept of risk-taking, illustrating the transformation of the characters as they leave behind their ordinary lives to embrace a thrilling, unpredictable journey. It's not without its ups and downs, and readers can see them learning from every failure and success. The well-paced narrative strikes a perfect balance between romance and adventure as Preston weaves together moments of danger and intimacy, showing that love and survival go hand in hand in this cutthroat world. As I read, I found myself completely immersed in Andrea and Keith's world, feeling the salt spray on my face and the thrill of adventure in my heart, while also experiencing the deep emotional connection between the characters that grows stronger with each challenge they face. Overall, I highly recommend Sea Change to readers who crave a unique blend of romance and adventure, offering a story that inspires us to chase our dreams and find love in the most unexpected places.

Bernadette Longu

In Sea Change, R.K. Preston has written a most intriguing romantic adventure. The author catches the reader’s attention from the very beginning of the story. The main characters, Andrea and Keith, have reached a crossroads in their lives where they both feel as if they are treading water, waiting for something to happen. Andrea owns a 2012 Beneteau Oceonis 373 boat called Row v. Wave, and advertised for crew to sail with her from Fort Lauderdale down to Tortola, then to Venezuela, and then through the Panama Canal into the Pacific Ocean. Keith is the only one who answers her advertisement and comes with excellent sailing credentials. This is a gripping story about courage, fortitude, and the will to overcome what life throws at you.

In Sea Change, the author takes the reader on an adventure that has them marveling at the way the characters adapt to the horrifying natural wrath thrown at them during the voyage, all just before they reach the Panama Canal. The twists and turns that the story takes cause the reader to hope that the ending is fitting and that the couple reaches their goal. The minor characters throughout the book are delightful and bring a certain sense of reality to the story, both good and bad. R.K. Preston has woven a wonderful tale around the couple, showing their weaknesses and strengths as the story progresses, and how they resolve the crossroads in their lives. Andrea and Keith are delightfully real and make the story they tell and the adventure they endure so believable that the reader will feel as if they are with the couple and rooting for them. It is a story well worth more than one read and the adventure is very exciting. A great story that is very true to life. I enjoyed reading it.

Essien Asian

Keith is tired of trying to muddle his way through the wreck of his last relationship. His previous attempts at starting afresh have led him nowhere, and matters come to a head when his present love interest turns him down because of his predicament. Seeking a quick break from this vicious cycle, he signs on as a deckhand with Andrea, a beautiful woman with a mysterious past whose plans for a two-week trip to Tortola sound like the perfect distraction for the young man. Neither of them has any idea of the turbulent fate life has in store for them in RK Preston's Sea Change.

RK Preston skillfully blends a remarkable adventure with a profound drama in Sea Change. Deep character development is evident in this compelling narrative, featuring in-depth origin stories for Andrea and Keith. The narrative alternates between Andrea's and Keith's points of view, explaining details that deceptively appear unimportant but prove vital in the long run, like the fundamentals of vessel maintenance and the significance of specific wind directions like the Gulfstream. Because of the fantastic quality of Preston's narrative style, readers become part of an immersive journey where they experience every thrilling moment and stormy seas along with the protagonists. Preston balances strong romantic overtones with drama that explains the antagonists' motives. With his knack for attention to detail and an exquisite storytelling style, Preston knows how to turn an ordinary narrative into an extraordinary adventure, which he does exceptionally well in Sea Change.

Carol Thompson

Sea Change by R.K. Preston is a captivating novel that immerses readers in an unforgettable ocean adventure filled with personal discovery, suspense, and reflection. The story follows Keith, a man at a crossroads in life, as he joins Andrea on a sailing trip from Fort Lauderdale to Tortola. This journey is a physical voyage and a path to healing and transformation as Keith seeks to break free from the shadows of his past and rediscover his sense of purpose. Preston captures the beauty and perils of ocean life, featuring dramatic moments like night watches under a star-studded sky, tense encounters with unpredictable squalls, and the profound solitude that only the vast expanse of the sea can offer. The novel’s pacing reflects the ocean’s ebb and flow, creating an immersive and adventurous read.

R.K. Preston’s writing beautifully captures the nuances of life at sea, from the technical aspects of sailing to the natural rhythms of the ocean. His attention to detail makes the descriptions of sailing both vivid and tangible, allowing readers to feel the boat’s motion, taste the salt in the air, and sense the anticipation of navigating open waters. The character development is strong, and the story is so natural that it’s easy to forget it’s fiction. Sea Change is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a unique and quick read that stands out from conventional literary offerings. It serves as a reminder that sometimes the most profound changes occur when we step outside our comfort zones and embrace the unknown.

Anne-Marie Reynolds

Sea Change by RK Preston is a thrilling adventure story. Andrea and Keith are off on a world trip in their sailboat, Row v. Wave. Circumstances have drawn the couple together, and they have taken the chance to throw caution to the wind. However, nothing is ever simple, and they face obstacles from all directions, not least modern-day pirates and the elements. On their travels, Keith and Andrea learn how to work together and embrace the courage it took to step off the “normal” path in life. The first leg of their journey is fraught with danger and wonder as the pair learns about each other and themselves.

Sea Change by RK Preston is a very different kind of story. This is the first book in the Row v. Wave series about a couple who set off on a journey most people can only dream about. This is a journey of discovery, of having the courage to do what you’ve always wanted to do, a kind of coming-of-age story for adults. The characters are well-rounded, real people that you come to know well throughout the plot and dealing with real-life problems. This narrative is part action, part romance, and written in a way that makes you want to continue reading. When you pick this book up, you’ll be drawn right into it, and you’ll struggle to put it down. This is not just a fast-paced action story. It is a story of growth and courage, of healing and the connection we have with nature. It’s a story that will stay with you even when you’re done reading.