Aquavit

"This book is extremely well written. The character development is excellent, the dialogue is believable, and descriptions of settings are thorough and quite vivid. The plot is intriguing, and the pace is satisfying in that the reader wants to keep turning the pages. The author makes the reader care about the characters, which is no easy feat." - 4 Star Rating from an Independent Judge, in the 5th Annual Writer's Digest Self-Published eBook Awards 

"Aquavit is a novel that will touch the hearts of anyone who reads it. Kat is a woman who misses the comfort zone she had with her husband. She has an urge to break out of her standard routine and try something new. The character development and scenes are impressive and well planned. Karen Stensgaard shows her writing strength in all areas of this beautiful, exciting story and the excerpt from Blueness, Book Two. The Aquamarine Sea Series is filled with romance, adventure, and a bit of danger to hold your interest." - 5 Star Review from Michelle Stanley for Readers' Favorite

"After completely hooking us on Kat's battles with her suitors and hints of complications once Kat is on her voyage, author Karen Stensgaard leaves readers dying to know what happens with Kat, the clipper trip, and the men she leaves behind. The author gives us a taste of what's to come in the second book, Blueness, at the end of Aquavit. This sequel is already available on Amazon. But you know what I have to do before I get into that one? I've got to buy some Aquavit! There must be something in that drink besides the photo of the clipper ship on the label that got Kat so excited about sailing on an old 1860s boat! Such a refreshing change to read a unique book like this! Delightful." - 5 Star Review from Viga Boland for Readers' Favorite

"An interesting story that explores travel and one woman's struggle with her choices, especially when it comes to where she wants to be and whom she wants to be with. The story is told in the protagonist's own words, in a first-person narrative voice that pulls the reader in right from the start. The author explores the internal fears and preoccupations of the protagonist brilliantly and allows readers to feel the vagaries of her heart and inner world. Aquavit has an international setting that is clearly depicted in the beautiful descriptions. I enjoyed the well-crafted dialogues, the richly developed characters, and the realism that permeates the narrative." - 5 Star Review from Romuald Dzemo for Readers' Favorite 

"The pace was good. Kat is one of those characters that things just keep happening around and who doesn't sit still for long. She moved on from one thing to another and didn't let the dust settle. The tension was amazing. I remember when I got to the last page I let out my breath, not realizing I'd been holding it. I had to let the tension go!  I'm intrigued with this clipper ship business. They have asked all sorts of questions. They have made all sorts of rules about what she can and cannot take. The three men in Kat's life were great. I thought they were a really nice assortment. Greg and his snap changes of personality. Charlie and his possible ulterior motives, and Matteo and his possible outside interests. They were all nice enough to be possibilities, but then they all had their faults as well. The author's profile says she has more books with Kat's adventures underway, so let's hope we don't have to wait too long for the next installment." - Blue Cat Blog Review Highlights