Playing The Cards You've Been Dealt
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REVIEWS
 A reader 5.0 out of 5 stars A great book to plan a day around,
You know what Peter Bonsey and Robert Ludlum have in common? Nothing, except if you start one of their books you better not have any plans for the next day. 
Andrew 5.0 out of 5 stars This Book Sucks You In! I Can't Wait For The Second Book!, 
WOW!!! I never thought I would like historical fiction from this time period...but I was wrong. This book sucked me into a world I didn't even think about before.  I really cared about what happened to Judd.  You get a sense of being in that time and how it really was. Whether Class Warfare, The abduction of young children to serve in that Royal Navy, or  the  racial prejudice and slavery. This would have been quite a world to live in!  It also made me realize how strong the women of this time had to be.   Lots of plot twists and turns that I didn't expect. 
Bookman -  5.0 out of 5 stars Interesting stuff, 
 Peter BonSey’s first book in this trilogy was simply incredible, and I couldn't put the book down once I started. 
Zaw -  5.0 out of 5 stars   Interesting book,
As the opening title in the trilogy, the Cane Family's Hand definitely grabbed me from the get-go. It was a great narrative tale that kept me guessing.
Kasey -  5.0 out of 5 stars  August 12, 2013 A wonderful tale!,
This wonderful tale keeps readers guessing as to its characters' next actions and what will unfold next until the very last page.
Danny -  5.0 out of 5 stars  August 8, 2013 Absolutely Amazing!!,
What a great read! This book proves that when it comes to establishing your characters, there's no such thing as being too thorough.  Sound exciting? You'll have to read to find out what happens?
Chelsea Reid -  5.0 out of 5 stars A Definite Page Turner. I'm Hooked on this Trilogy!, August 7, 2013
Control is a big aspect in this story-is it possible to control your destiny when your "hand" has already been dealt?
Gillian -  5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic read.
 My friend recommended this book to me and originally I was skeptical, but the characters and plot had me hooked from the start.
Highly recommend!
Ganeman -  5.0 out of 5 stars   Truly a five star read. (OonF)
Judd Cane affirms the good sense of the maxim "Playing the cards you've been dealt." Bonsey exhibits talent rarely seen in a first book author.

MORE REVIEWS BELOW'
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Synopsis of "Three Of A Kind"

Book one of the trilogy “Playing The Cards You’ve Been Dealt.
    Born in 1826 young, eleven year old, Judd Cane lived in the peaceful rural countryside of England until his world was turned upside down by a brutal tradition in the reign of King William IV that swallowed him into a life at sea in 1837. That tradition was the act of pressing men into working on ships irrespective of their age. The man who carried out this action were know as press gangs.
           Judd was fortunate that his parents were forward thinkers in that they taught him to read and write, an unusual thing for children of that time in history. His skills in this area allowed him to leapfrog through what could have been a destructive period in his life where he was able to grab every opportunity that he saw to improve his position which he often did with trepidation.
            Through inherited frugality and street wisdom he began to amass great wealth, not always on the right side of the law. His journeys took him through Africa, The Mediterranean, The South Pacific, The Caribbean and America. His attention to the experience and attitudes of those he crossed paths with enabled him to become an accomplished leader in many levels of society. Judd’s experience with a Negro child was to set in motion attitudes that permeated his family and descendants that will lead to a disastrous conclusion.
            While Judd’s daughter and grandson followed his work ethic and fascination with the new world throughout their lives, staying on the right side of law was to become a challenging activity. Nautical life was the thread that bound this family. Hard work and loyalty was their moral compass that guides and served them well. Judd Cane, like his father and his descendants placed little importance on sex other than its role in reproduction. This sets in motion tragic consequences.
               The sinking of the Titanic is to play a pivotal role in the direction this family 
takes.
MORE REVIEWS
5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic read - highly recommend!, July 12, 2013  By Gillian - See all my reviews
This review is from: Three of A Kind: Playing The Cards You've Been Dealt Trilogy - The Cane Family's Hand - Hardcover (Hardcover)
This is the first title in Peter C. BonSey's Playing The Cards You've Been Dealt Trilogy and I am completely hooked. My friend recommended this book to me and originally I was skeptical, but the characters and plot had me hooked from the start; who can say no to historical fiction on the sea, anyway? Can't wait to read the next two books!

5.0 out of 5 stars This Book Sucks You In! I Can't Wait For The Second Book!, March 7, 2015 By Andrew - See all my reviews
This review is from: Three of A Kind: Playing The Cards You've Been Dealt Trilogy - The Cane Family's Hand (Kindle Edition)
WOW!!! I never thought I would like historical fiction from this time period...but I was wrong. This book sucked me into a world I didn't even think about before. The character development was excellent, I really cared about what happened to Judd. Lots of suspense and risk taking. 
Every detail in this book was well thought out. You get a sense of being in that time and how it really was. Whether Class Warfare, The abduction of young children to serve in that Royal Navy, or  the  racial prejudice and slavery. This would have been quite a world to live in!  It also made me realize how strong the women of this time had to be. This isn't a just a Romantic Love story, these women had to endure a lot!  There is plenty of adventure in this one, and it spans generations and the globe.   Lots of plot twists and turns that I didn't expect. I cant wait to read the next one! Great Job, Peter C. Bonsey!


5.0 out of 5 stars Great hand, July 15, 2012 By smak - 
This review is from: Three of A Kind: Playing The Cards You've Been Dealt Trilogy - The Cane Family's Hand (Paperback)
Loved the story. I'm now a fan of historical fiction. Can't wait for the next 2 books to come out and see what happens to the families.

5.0 out of 5 stars To sea or not to sea!, March 3, 2015 By MaggieB - See all my reviewsThis review is from: Three of A Kind: Playing The Cards You've Been Dealt Trilogy - The Cane Family's Hand (Kindle Edition)
If you like historical novels with a nautical theme then you’ll love this book. I thought this wouldn’t be my kind of book, as although I read historical novels I had never read anything about seafaring before. Well, it was great, and the author certainly knows the sea and naval life. I’m completely converted now. But its not just about the sea, you get adventures one after the other, the plot takes many unexpected twists and turns as Judd Cane plays the cards he’s dealt. The book also deals with slavery and racial prejudice, class divisions in England at the time and how, against the odds, some powerful, independent women were able to make their own mark on the world. Really looking forward to reading the other two in this series.

5.0 out of 5 stars I love historical fiction, March 3, 2015 By Elizabeth Lakeman - See all my reviews
This review is from: Three of A Kind: Playing The Cards You've Been Dealt Trilogy - The Cane Family's Hand (Paperback)
I love historical fiction, particularly when it references Victorian times, so I was excited to read Three of a Kind when a friend recommended it. I was not disappointed!
I was immediately drawn into the story and character of young Judd Cane, starting with his abduction at a mere 11 years of age from his rural village by the crew of a naval ship and his strength in the face of such a heartbreaking situation. Experiencing the adventures of Judd and the entire Cane family with the help of vivid imagery and intricate character portrayals was truly enjoyable.
I look forward to reading the next book in the series!


5.0 out of 5 stars A wonderful tale!, August 12, 2013 By Kasey - 
This review is from: Three of A Kind: Playing The Cards You've Been Dealt Trilogy - The Cane Family's Hand (Paperback)
Varying sets of morals clash in this tale that spans the historic high seas, a backdrop that plays witness to characters butting heads over right and wrong. If two people from different backgrounds live their lives under the assumption that their set of morals is the correct one, who is truly "right?" Can anybody be right in a situation where it's about one's moral compass, or is everything intrinsic? This wonderful tale keeps readers guessing as to its characters' next actions and what will unfold next until the very last page.

5.0 out of 5 stars Relax and Enjoy, July 31, 2012  By RogiePink - 
This review is from: Three of A Kind: Playing The Cards You've Been Dealt Trilogy - The Cane Family's Hand (Paperback)
Three of a Kind is a great read. Chock full of great characters skillfully and cleverly playing the cards they are dealt; some close to the vest - others hanging out there in the breeze...with the wind beneath their sails. Ride the waves with them as they uncover who they are with every new Hand. BonSey is the ultimate dealer - never know what's coming your way and which "wild cards" will win the day!
Wicked Cool!


5.0 out of 5 stars Absolutely Amazing!!, August 8, 2013  By Danny 
This review is from: Three of A Kind: Playing The Cards You've Been Dealt Trilogy - The Cane Family's Hand (Paperback)
What a great read! This book proves that when it comes to establishing your characters, there's no such thing as being too thorough. A fiction story with a bit of a predestination twist will keep readers wondering what happens when the cast members try to take their fate into their own hands by getting creative with what they're given. Sound exciting? You'll have to read to find out what happens?

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Book!, August 6, 2013 By perryb 
This review is from: Three of A Kind: Playing The Cards You've Been Dealt Trilogy - The Cane Family's Hand (Paperback)
This book is a great establishment title to set up the trilogy. Peter definitely picked a great hook for his series. Watching what basically boils down to a good vs. evil battle pan out on the historical high seas kept me racing through this book to see what would happen next. Overall, a great book with believable characters that I feel like I'm going to run into walking down the road!


 

 

 

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5.0 out of 5 stars It won me over!, August 7, 2013   By chrissic 
This review is from: Three of A Kind: Playing The Cards You've Been Dealt Trilogy - The Cane Family's Hand (Kindle Edition)
I've never been a real fan of historical fiction, but this book has won me over enough that I'll definitely finish out the rest of the trilogy. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who's got a love-hate relationship with historical fiction, because it doesn't overwhelm you right off the bat. I actually was able to get interested in the story before I felt like the historical content began to really get involved, and even then it was really only because of necessity for the plot.

5.0 out of 5 stars Fun and Interesting Book, July 3, 2013 By Paul Pustulka (North Tonawanda, NY United States) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Three of A Kind: Playing The Cards You've Been Dealt Trilogy - The Cane Family's Hand - Hardcover (Hardcover)
Very fun and interesting read and I really enjoyed the historical topic of the book. You could tell the Author understands life at sea. It is interesting to see how the main character deals with conflict and how his moral compass may wavers at times, but always comes back centered. I am looking forward to the next installment!

5.0 out of 5 stars Interesting stuff, November 6, 2013 By Bookman - See all my reviews
This review is from: Three of A Kind: Playing The Cards You've Been Dealt Trilogy - The Cane Family's Hand (Paperback)
Who would have thought I would enjoy historical fiction? I definitely didn’t. Peter BonSey’s first book in this trilogy was simply incredible, and I couldn't put the book down once I started. BonSey was able to give life to the characters in a way that most authors can't. I can't wait for the next book.

5.0 out of 5 stars Great find!, August 9, 2013  By Amazon Customer 
This review is from: Three of A Kind: Playing The Cards You've Been Dealt Trilogy - The Cane Family's Hand - Hardcover (Hardcover)
The Cane family is definitely a group of people that I want to meet in real life. The characters in this book were great and were memorable enough that I'm sure I'll be able to pick up right where I left off when I pick up the second book in the trilogy. I can't wait for my next book to get here!

 
5.0 out of 5 stars Awesome read, so excited this is a trilogy, March 3, 2015 By lisa burgio - 
This review is from: Three of A Kind: Playing The Cards You've Been Dealt Trilogy - The Cane Family's Hand (Kindle Edition)
Awesome read, so excited this is a trilogy! Historical fiction? Check. Child abduction? Check. Romance? Check. Class Distinction? Check. I could go on and on!
If you are a fan of this genre, this book is for you, pulls you in from the first page and you don't want it to end!



5.0 out of 5 stars A fantastic yarn!, March 6, 2015  By mark wisz 
This review is from: Three of A Kind: Playing The Cards You've Been Dealt Trilogy - The Cane Family's Hand (Kindle Edition)
A fantastic yarn! This book is a historic high seas adventure based on some well developed characters. Mr. BonSey has skillfully crafted a must read for fans of historical fiction. If this is your sort of thing, than you won't be sorry!


5.0 out of 5 stars A great book to plan a day around, March 5, 2015 By A reader - See all my reviews
This review is from: Three of A Kind: Playing The Cards You've Been Dealt Trilogy - The Cane Family's Hand (Paperback)
You know what Peter Bonsey and Robert Ludlum have in common? Nothing, except if you start one of their books you better not have any plans for the next day. A great tale, that was really fun to read, cannot wait to read his next book.


5.0 out of 5 stars Great Story, August 10, 2012 By karend - 
This review is from: Three of A Kind: Playing The Cards You've Been Dealt Trilogy - The Cane Family's Hand (Paperback)
wonderful character development. you'll love the good guys and hate the bad guys. looking forward to meeting the rest of the clan. Bonsey brings the alure of the sea to life.


5.0 out of 5 stars I can't wait to read his other books!, March 5, 2015 By Douglas Levere - 
This review is from: Three of A Kind: Playing The Cards You've Been Dealt Trilogy - The Cane Family's Hand (Kindle Edition)
I had never read a novel of Historical Fiction but Peter Bonsey does a wonderful job with this book. I can't wait to read his others!




5.0 out of 5 stars Interesting book, August 13, 2013 By Zaw 
This review is from: Three of A Kind: Playing The Cards You've Been Dealt Trilogy - The Cane Family's Hand (Paperback)
As the opening title in the trilogy, the Cane Family's Hand definitely grabbed me from the get-go. It was a great narrative tale that kept me guessing as to what was going to happen next and was a perfect length read for my vacation. I was very surprised at how iconically a lot of the values of the Victorian era were portrayed, but it totally fits in the context of the book.

5.0 out of 5 stars A Definite Page Turner. I'm Hooked on this Trilogy!, August 7, 2013 By Chelsea Reid
This review is from: Three of A Kind: Playing The Cards You've Been Dealt Trilogy - The Cane Family's Hand (Paperback)
Control is a big aspect in this story-is it possible to control your destiny when your "hand" has already been dealt? What's the best way to play your cards, and what will give you the biggest advantage? You don't have to be a fan of gambling to enjoy the risk-taking in this book...it'll keep you guessing while you try to figure out what's going to be around the next page.

 

 

 



A pictorial journey through Three Of A Kind.
Images are chronological from left to right.        Pause on image for description.         Click on image for larger viewing.
Mucking village green where the Cane's weddings took place.
Tillie and David Blacksmith's forge in Mucking off the Great London Road.
The Great London Road from Mucking village.
Lower Mucking children watching the harvest hoping to be invited to join in. They have their lunch boxes at the ready.
Inside a cottage in Mucking village. The Canes, Blacksmiths, Washermans and Carter all lived better than this.
Mary Washerman leading her crew of milkmaids on their daily milking route.
Villagers often gathered waiting to plunder shipwrecks.
Clipper enticed onto the sands at Lower Mucking.
Due to their immense size the bigger merchantmen often became grounded on sand bars. Jim the Carter often guided ships to this end.
Full masted merchantman going down off Lower Mucking.
The desk Judd Cane took from a shipwreck and gave to his mother. He was entranced by it's beauty.
Brute force gave way to trickery by gangs capturing would be sailors.
Forcing unwilling men and boys onto ships to work was a thriving business up until the middle 1800's.
HMS Vanguard. The war ship Judd was pressed (forced) onto.
Lord Nelson's flagship the Victory was the model for warships of the day.
HMS Vanguard on escort duty. Judd's first experience on the high seas.
The close quarters gunners were in were highly dangerous.
The Governor Ready which was soon to be renamed the Gideon Rover.
The Governor Ready used to be a slave trader and changed to trading due to changing attitudes of the slave industry.
This would have been Judd's and then his son in laws first view of St.Eustasius in the caribbean sea.
The Mary Jane, Judd's first legal ship.
Jakeskill island where Jud Cane acquired The Plantation which was operating as a trading post for the huge merchant ships. This is where Judd meets the young slave child Ojukwae.
Location of St.Eustasius in the Caribbean.
Gallows bay, where the trading post owned by the Canes was located.
The Captain's desk that Judd Cane gave the Earl Of Sussex's secretary.
The former plantation that gained a reputation for a place for off loading all manner of cargo and reshipping it to England Europe with fast short haul ships. This allow the huge traders a quick turn around.
Lumber being off loaded at St.Eustasius for use by the Blacksmith's in construction of their projects.
Clan Mcleod took Nathaniel and Agatha's supplies to the Carribean.
RMS Mauretania where Desmond and Captain Walker had a violent confrontation. That would have resounding impact on the lives of their descendants.
Desmond Blacksmith,center, with fellow crewmen of the Campania.
Desmond meets Angela-Rose St.John-Brown.
Typical ships officers of passenger liners in the late 1890's.
RMS Titanic where the future of The Blacksmith's and St.John-Browns takes an unforeseen twist.
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