A family with nine children, a ship in the backyard, and a house run like a drill sergeant was in charge.

We meet the Vergennes family and learn that the ship is a diversion to keep the children busy as well as teach them how to be self-sufficient and learn life skills.

THE FAMILY SHIP has a storyline that takes us into a pecking order of sorts with the oldest child being respected as the leader.

Both parents love their children deeply, but they do rely on the children to help take care of each family member.

There is a slow start that will make you wonder where this book is going.

As you keep reading, you will find out where the book was going, and what a marvelous story line.

You will fall in love with most of the characters. You will also feel the pain of tragedies as well as happy moments which were few since their father was so strict.

Their strict father was a bit much because the children always behaved and were doing their best to help each other.

I really enjoyed the family‘s interaction and how tight knit they were.

Helping out is what happens in a large family as well as having to make sacrifices for some or all family members.

Anyone who has come from a large family will definitely enjoy this book and might see some of their own family with the array of different personalities and a mother who has to make each one feel special in their own way.

THE FAMILY SHIP is a beautiful read with lovely characters, heartbreaks, and a writing style and story line that pull you in.

You won’t want to miss this book. 4/5

This book was given to me by the author in exchange for an honest review.