Momentum Lost

Coming Soon

On a crisp May morning, 220 miles east of the Chesapeake Bay in the Atlantic Ocean, crew members of oil tanker investigate a distant object. They recover a life raft and two people – one dead, the other barely alive – and a backpack that provides the sole clue to unraveling the mystery behind their discovery.

Months earlier, Nelson Sharpe and his fiancée, Quinney, had signed up to be part of a crew of four on a 1200-mile sailboat delivery. Nelson set out determined to improve his maritime competency by overcoming his fear of sailing at night and in stormy weather. Mechanical malfunctions plagued their departure. They then missed a critical weather window and eventually found themselves on a collision course with a colossal Canadian weather front.

As the day passed, Nelson’s confidence faltered. He lost the captain’s respect and faced persistent bullying from a crew member who disregarded boundaries with Quinney. Having contended with high seas, draining aloneness, debilitating seasickness, and nose-to-nose confrontations – the crew was forced to come together to battle a powerful storm that not everyone has survived.

KIRKUS REVIEWS

"A thrilling adventure that offers a compelling glimpse in the perils of life on the ocean."

“Inspired by true events, the story follows a diverse group of sailors navigating the treacherous waters of the Atlantic Ocean in the boat Momentum in 2010. The four crew members, each with their own strengths and flaws, must face the perils of nature while battling internal tensions that threaten their cohesion. At the heart of the narrative is Nelson Sharpe, whose reflections on fear, leadership, and survival weave a compelling thread through the story. The author expertly conveys the claustrophobic atmosphere of life on a vessel, where personalities clash and the strain of endless waves takes a toll. Over the course of the novel, his detailed depictions of maritime procedures, such as managing a vessel through squalls and other emergency situations—add a layer of authenticity, making readers feel the bone-chilling spray and relentless churn of the sea. “Wind howled in the rigging like a haunting beast. Breaking waves were omnipresent, thundering like giant waves on a beach.” The book particularly shines in its ability to balance technical details with scenes of emotional depth; even as it delves into the character’s raw terror at facing nature’s fury, it finds space for introspection as the protagonist grapples with the meaning of courage and the shadows of past failures. Yet, amid the chaos, moments of vulnerability resonated deeply. Overall, the narrative proves to be a tribute to the power of teamwork, with each chapter capturing the unpredictable rhythm of a dangerous situation.” — Kirkus Reviews

From the moment I started reading Momentum Lost, I was swept up into the storm…. I mean story. The author has a compelling way of telling his story that captivates and leaves the reader wanting to find out what happens. With accurate descriptions of sailing and the boat itself, one feels that she is onboard throughout the adventure and wants to hurry through the pages to see what happens. Character development adds to the suspense as the reader learns more about Nelson, Quinney, and the rest of the crew. We’re left holding on for dear life as we ride out the storm along with the characters.

The title may be “Momentum Lost,” but the book itself is anything but. From stem to stern, the storyline sweeps the reader along, riding the crest of a wave that is doomed to break. Can the captain and crew on this Atlantic passage come together to survive the impending storms, one interpersonal, the other frighteningly real? Author Jeff Denning’s imagery is beautiful and vivid, his characters well-drawn and complex. This book has everything: heart-stopping drama, deep self-reflection, the thrill of sailing, and both tenderness and tension. Most of all, it has heart. I couldn’t put it down.

Author Jeff Denning is a gifted storyteller. In "Momentum Lost," the pace is fast and the tension relentless. The book begins with a long-time sailor putting himself to the test in an effort to confront his fears and self-doubts. Following a brief but idyllic interlude, the sailor's search leads to a harrowing journey in which a mismatched crew battles an unforgiving sea and, at times, each other. Dennings descriptions are so vivid I felt myself being tossed around along with the crew as they fought for their very survival. Read this book, but you may want to take some Dramamine and don a life jacket before you start!

A well-executed journey, a riveting irresistible thriller with flawless attention to detail, holds the reader in the nightmare of the being in the open sea dealing with a powerful storm, and conflicting personalities. This is a roller-coaster ride!