When Times were Tough

The late 18th Century was a challenging time, and the characters in this novel endured a harsh existence filled with perilous sailing voyages, daring escapades, convict life, danger, physical punishment, military personnel, family dynamics, and romance.

Elizabeth, who accompanies her parents, and Richard, a Marine, eventually find themselves on separate ships within the fleet. The eleven ship fleet sailed from Portsmouth, England, with 800 convicts aboard to New South Wales, Australia, "the other side of the world."

Two weeks after arriving in Sydney Cove, they eventually meet when they find themselves part of a small band of twenty two aboard HMS supply on the way to settle Norfolk Island