When Sub-Lieutenant Jack Durant's ship sailed into Miami, back in 1936, little did he envisage the dramatic change to his life. Dear, sweet, caring Ruth left behind in Brixham, Devon. When would he return to her for ever? He was her own sweetheart., and how she missed him. Now, he and his fellow officers had been invited to that shindig at the Country Club, some girl's eighteenth birthday ....... Beautiful Kate with the sapphire blue eyes had been so excited that day, pampered by good old pops, Commander Bart Harman. How could any stylist improve upon perfection? Oh, if Kate's mom could see her now, but she could ..... from Heaven above. How like Grace. And now .... with the party in full swing ....... who was that young officer melting into Kate's soulful gaze? Bart felt that paternal tug of his heart strings as he saw her grow into a woman before his eyes. He knew now that nothing would ever be the same, she was no longer his little girl. But the world was changing, God alone knew what was in store across that mighty ocean, Jack was in the Royal Navy, and the ship was sailing soon to South America. What hopes and dreams may be shattered? What of the MIZPAH ring Jack carried? To be given to the love of his life ............. Ruth? Kate? ....... or would the seas carry him to another? Only the events of the ensuing years and journeys to distance shores will unravel the torment of their lives.

When Sub-Lieutenant Jack Durant's ship sailed into Miami, back in 1936, little did he envisage the dramatic change to his life. Dear, sweet, caring Ruth left behind in Brixham, Devon. When would he return to her for ever? He was her own sweetheart., and how she missed him. Now, he and his fellow officers had been invited to that shindig at the Country Club, some girl's eighteenth birthday ....... Beautiful Kate with the sapphire blue eyes had been so excited that day, pampered by good old pops, Commander Bart Harman. How could any stylist improve upon perfection? Oh, if Kate's mom could see her now, but she could ..... from Heaven above. How like Grace. And now .... with the party in full swing ....... who was that young officer melting into Kate's soulful gaze? Bart felt that paternal tug of his heart strings as he saw her grow into a woman before his eyes. He knew now that nothing would ever be the same, she was no longer his little girl. But the world was changing, God alone knew what was in store across that mighty ocean, Jack was in the Royal Navy, and the ship was sailing soon to South America. What hopes and dreams may be shattered? What of the MIZPAH ring Jack carried? To be given to the love of his life ............. Ruth? Kate? ....... or would the seas carry him to another? Only the events of the ensuing years and journeys to distance shores will unravel the torment of their lives.