A Pacific Northwest Writers Conference Award Winner!

Young Nate Lawton’s bravery in combat aboard the U.S.S. Constitution in her famous victory over the H.M.S. Guerriere has earned him midshipman’s rank, but he hides a guilty secret: he deserted his post during the battle. Although everyone saw him save the Constitution’s captain, no one saw him hide from the rest of the fight.

Nate is determined to regain his honor, and it looks as though he will soon have his chance. He has been assigned to the Chesapeake in Boston Harbor. A pair of British frigates, led by the H.M.S. Shannon, blockades the harbor, and the Chesapeake’s captain is under heavy pressure to deal with the blockade and reopen Boston’s vital trade.

But first Nate must figure out what honor is. Does it lie in the senseless duels fought by his superior officers? The arrogant leadership shown by his fellow midshipmen? Overcoming the contempt of the experienced seamen directed toward him as their fifteen-year-old leader? Nate discovers the answer during one of the shortest battles of the early U.S. Navy.

The Key to Honor is well-researched and filled with maritime action and images, including details about the ships, Navy rules and protocols, and the historic final battle.

Don’t miss the sequel to this book, The Price of Command. (See below.)