Behind Ocean Lines

I’ve always been a fan of cruising and while I’ve been on on few small sailboats and half a dozen massive cruise ships, I’ve never been on the type of ships Ms. White describes in the book. That being said I’ve always wondered what working at sea must be like. As far as I know the only TV shows that offer any kind of incite into the subject are the Below Deck shows, but I’ve never believed that ‘reality’ TV shows give an accurate portrayal of … well reality, so I was thrilled to read Melanie’s account of her life on the ocean. From her time at University, to her first post university job on land (which she clearly didn’t enjoy) to taking a chance to live and work aboard luxury yachts, Ms. White chronicles her time on the ocean, giving us a fascinating look at the highs (travel/beautiful vistas) and lows (long hours/tight quarters/lack of privacy and more) life at sea, heck she even throws in a few of her shipboard recipes. After reading Behind Ocean Lines and I can definitely say two things. 1) As interesting as it sounds, I don’t think it’s a job I could ever do. 2) Everyone has a story to tell. Thanks so much to Lemon Quartz Publishing and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review an eARC of Behind Ocean Lines.

Behind Ocean Lines is a look behind the curtain into the oft-thought luxury life of yachting. While the book has a bit of a slow start I soon found myself completely sucked into Melanie’s world, and could feel the palpable exhaustion through the pages as I read on.
Lovers of the glitz and glamour of reality TV series Below Deck should read this for a real look at the harsh realities of yachting and the sea. Would recommend! 3.75/5 stars (rounded up to even four).

A well-written and candid memoir about Melanie White’s experiences as a chef on sea vessels we can only dream about enjoying. I really don’t think I can do her job - I’d probably be thrown overboard within a day. I mean, how do you plan for meals for weeks without the chance to replenish supplies on a yacht with tiny fridges. I shudder to think about it.

Interesting and eye-opening book. Essential reading for anyone considering such a career.

Interesting read. Loved hearing the personal side of it.

Thanks to author, publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book. While I got the book for free, it had no bearing on the rating I gave it.

Thank you for the advanced copy of this book. Behind Ocean Lines is a Riveting story courage, strength, and perseverance, while giving you an insiders look into the not so glamorous life of yachting. It was interesting reading how she experienced such variety of people, and traveling with her as she navigated both the sea and people, I also loved that it was written in a sequential collection of essays, which made the book fly by. It was a great read.

An interesting read and insight into the world of yachting. As someone who suffers badly from seasickness this book made me feel better as even yachties get seasick. The book is made up of essays rather than an continuous story which meant sometimes I wanted to know more and chapters ended before I was ready for them to end. I was really pleased that a couple of recipes were included and I really enjoyed the descriptions of the shopping expeditions. The book was interesting from the perspective of life at sea, the level of luxury that the super rich expect and the food related parts were an added bonus for me.

A very powerful and gripping story that is difficult to read in some parts but worth sticking with. This is a first for me by the author and one I enjoyed and would read more of their work. The book cover is eye-catching and appealing and would spark my interest if in a bookshop. Thank you very much to the author, publisher and Netgalley for this ARC.

Really interesting look behind the scenes of working on a yacht of the super rich. I enjoyed learning about places I've never been, and how Melanie did the job. I had very little knowledge of this subject, and it was interesting to learn the training you need, and how people find jobs in this industry.

I thought it was very well done---against the backdrop of some fabulous places, the author gives a realistic portrayal of living a exciting life, but how not everything is wonderful. The isolation, the difficulties of being in such small quarters, how bad coworkers can be detrimental to your mental health---especially when you literally can not escape them!

Thank you Netgalley and Lemon Quartz Publishing for the ARC!

A fascinating and in depth look at life living and working on a yacht the highs and many lows and as others have said I too love cruising so was a real eye opener,very interesting read,a very different ‘chatty’ informal type of writing

This is a great read that I thoroughly enjoyed reading. I tried desperately to finish this book off in one afternoon but didn't get to finish it before bed time gutted. But I was up early to finish it off. This book was very interesting. There was so difficult moments for the author and I commend her for allowing us to read and learn from her story. She has definitely lived a very interesting life. I found it funny they way she became a yacht chef. Especially when she confesses not being the greatest cook. It was so interesting reading about cooking at sea and learing just how hard it is. I loved reading about all the interesting shopping trips and all the different foods. I thought it was great that this book contains a number of recipes with interesting means to measure the ingredients. I definitely learnt a fair bit from reading this book and would love to read more from this author. It was great that the yacht moved around warmer countries and then off season went to the Arctic so you got the best of both worlds. I definitely recommend reading this book if you love learning about being a chef on a yacht cooking for the rich and famous. Or those who love travelling the world through different jobs.

So much praise goes out to the author and publishers for bringing us this brilliant story that was very hard to put down. 

The above review has already been placed on goodreads, waterstones, Google books, Barnes&noble, kobo, amazon UK where found and my blog https://ladyreading365.wixsite.com/website/post/behind-ocean-lines-by-melanie-white-lemon-quartz-publishing-4-stars either under my name or ladyreading365

Melanie has shared a warts and all insightful memoir charting her life in early 20's, her highs and lows of following loves young dream alongside her boyfriend and his maritime passions. Mental health and the darker side of being a seafarer is what you will read about in Behind Ocean Lines.

It's excellent, gripping and I have a new found respect for anyone who chooses a seafarering career.
Another aspect of this book I particularly enjoyed was Melanie's passion for food and her journey into becoming a chef so not only does this memior uncovers harsh realities of yacht life Melanie also shares some recipes she's perfected for budding foodies like me.