This story came to me back in October 2020, when I was an accomplished writer of heart wrenching IT compliance documents. That day, I was working on an exciting spreadsheet. The work captivated me, so much that my brain kept giving me helpful hints such as, check if your friend has posted a new cat video or look up the weather for tomorrow even if you’re not going anywhere. When I disregarded those suggestions, my brain did something I couldn’t ignore. It played a song in my head.

The song my brain played was by a Russian guitar duo Ivasi and called Did the Frigate Sink (Погиб ли тот Фригат). Suddenly I needed to hear that song and do some urgent research. What frigate is this song about? Is it a true story? And did that frigate sink? After some googling, I learned that the song wasn’t based on any real ship. I also came across a video where the song played in the background of scenes from a movie. The glimpse into that film hooked me: sailing ships, battles, and two young officers who were obviously best friends. I needed to know more.

With some digging, I learned the reel was from British mini-series Hornblower. I became obsessed with that show. (Just to clarify for fans of Hornblower or Ivasi, there’s no official connection between the song and the mini-series, but someone created a video combining the two and posted it to YouTube. There are also scenes from Captain Blood: His Odyssey)

After watching the series twice, stories started coming to me. Visions of ship battles, prison escapes, and a brave young woman doctor who saves her friends when they become injured. On February 26, 2021, I said to my husband, “I think I’m supposed to write a novel.” He replied, “That sounds like time better spent than watching tv.” From that day on, I stepped on a journey no less exciting than what my characters sailed through. Exactly a year later, I published A Girl with a Knife. Three years and four books later, I said goodbye to the wonderful world of IT compliance and became a full-time fiction author.

This novel was the first story I wrote, but the only thing that the first draft and the final draft have in common are the names of the two main characters. I’m so glad I showed the first draft to three people. The first was my dearest “found sister” Inessa Levin, who cheered for me and told me to keep writing. The second was my beta reader, Becky Paroz, who told me my book has “bones of a good story,” but needs to be more believable and based on history, not just my imagination. The third was the editor Kirsten Rees, who told me that my manuscript had great potential but wasn’t ready for professional editing. She pointed me toward writing classes and critique groups. As a result, I learned the craft and built a series. The story of Ella rescuing Jamie from an enemy prison became Book Three. I’m delighted it’s finally ready to meet its readers.

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A Surgeon and a Spy: Hearts and Sails Book 3 by Alina Rubin

“Unfortunately for you, you can’t imprison my mind.”

On the turbulent seas of the Napoleonic Wars, Ella Parker dedicates herself to healing the sick and wounded, resolutely dismissing the idea of romantic entanglements. Her commitment is tested when her childhood friend, Jamie Flowers, is captured by the enemy and imprisoned in a French fortress, along with other sailors for whom she deeply cares for.

When Ella is presented with a chance to travel to the prison, her mission is twofold: to care for her friends and to complete a covert assignment. As she embarks on this perilous task, she must navigate treacherous alliances, fend off bandits, and outwit a cunning prison commander.

As Ella’s journey unfolds, she uncovers a sinister secret. But is she too late? Despite Ella’s burgeoning affections for Jamie, she’s unaware of his possible heart condition that may cut his life short. With time running out, Ella must confront her deepest fears.

Can Ella prevent a tragedy and save her friends?

The third novel in the Hearts and Sails series, by award-winning author, Alina Rubin.

Epic adventure based on extensive research into the journals of British prisoners and surgeons. A Surgeon and a Spy is full of suspense and intrigue, daring escapes, selfless friendship, and love that overcomes obstacles.