A young woman meets an amazing guy, falls in love, and they move in together. Straightforward enough, right?

Except he lives on a boat—a 38-foot trawler, docked in Chicago.

Their relationship is intensified by living in a tiny space, and by the never-ending quirks of the boat, who becomes a third party in the marriage. There are electrical failures, pump failures, big waves, and freezing winters . . . not to mention the attack goose. Light-hearted with some serious “ah-ha!” moments, this memoir bridges boat life and new relationships.

“With an eye for the absurd, she reveals the ups and downs, joys and challenges, and day-to-day logistics of living aboard a 38-foot trawler named Mazurka—even in winter. Newlyweds Afloat is full of high-seas drama and flat water reflection plus cats and lots and lots of heart. I could not stop reading it.”
—Julie Buckles, author of Paddling to Winter

“This detailed account takes an honest look at many of the difficulties of life aboard a trawler, and learning to love his boat as much as he does.”
—Ed Robinson, author of Leap of Faith: Quit Your Job and Live on a Boat

Listen to my interview about the book and all things boating with Grand Marais Harbor Master Dave Tersteeg on WTIP’s “The Roadhouse.”

Listen to the epilogue read on The North 103.3 Women’s Words.

Painting by  Sarah Brokke