They really don’t make maps like they used to. I love this one from 1751 of New Providence Island in the Bahamas. As well as the aforementioned pines – were they really so much higher than ordinary pines? – there’s the cautionary ‘This part of the country is little known’. For an island that’s about twenty-one miles long and seven wide, it seems to lack something of a spirit of adventure.
I’m also not at all sure what’s happening to the ship in the top left-hand corner. Is it blowing up? On fire? Or simply firing its guns? Regardless, I think every map would be better for a little more random illustration and commentary.

The reason I’ve been thinking about New Providence is because that’s where part of A Star to Sail By is set. I’m thrilled to report that MM Bookworm Reviews has given the book a lovely 4.5 star review: “I really liked this book as I didn’t know what would happen next…I would definitely recommend this for readers who love historic adventure romance on the high seas.”
The book’s available for pre-order at Amazon. And if you’re not already familiar with MM Bookworm Reviews, it’s a site to bookmark – as well as reviews, it has a comprehensive listing of forthcoming m/m releases organised by month, and a handy reminder of each day’s releases.
Now back to persuading myself not to draw exploding ships on my ipad screen when I have my maps app open…






