The Captain’s Cook

＂The wind is like a dance partner, always changing, always leading us in a different direction . . .＂

When an ad for a luxury yacht searching for a chef crosses Jessica Kline’s eyes, she knows this it it: the chance for a fresh start. Broke, divorced, uninspired in her career, and unlucky in love in her late fifties, she finds herself at Marina del Rey’s California Yacht Club, staring down the Slow Dance as it waits to embark on a voyage to Tahiti and beyond. It is time for her interview to be the captain’s cook.

Jess’s culinary skills aren’t in question. The real test is whether she’s willing to take the leap of rediscovery into unchartered waters-with no guarantee this time she’ll make it out unharmed. But as soon as Jess meets Captain Cliff Reed, she begins to get the sense she’s not the only one who’s been tossed around by life’s waves . . .

Once upon the high seas, Jess must balance her ship duties with navigating the unpredictable winds of the skies and her crewmates alike-her enigmatic captain not excluded. But as she becomes filled with the breath of adventure and the fire of renewal, she soon realizes that it will be up to her to find the courage to face what lies ahead with an open heart and a sense of wonder.

Victoria Vanransom’s extensive travels and rich experiences in the culinary world are reflected in The Captain’s Cook. Asian culture profoundly shaped her culinary philosophy because she had the unique opportunity to learn directly from native women. Sharing time in the kitchen taught her about their cuisines, spices, and time-honored cooking techniques. These immersive experiences have given her a deep appreciation for the cultural significance of food and the stories it tells.

A graduate of culinary school, Victoria spent years honing her skills. In 1977, she joined The Good Earth Restaurant in Boulder, Colorado and spent 12 years developing recipes and opening new locations. Victoria owned her own restaurant in Encinitas, California, for 4 years, and in 1997, she was back to corporate life as Executive Chef for a Palm Springs Marriott property. When her heart longed to see the ocean again, she moved to Malibu where she catered to private clients.

In addition to her culinary expertise, Victoria is an accomplished sailor, having logged over 150,000 sea miles as chef aboard sailboats. Her journey at sea began in 2010, where her love for the ocean and culinary arts converged. Cooking at sea has allowed her to adapt to the challenges of limited resources while still creating flavorful, satisfying meals that reflect her diverse background. Ms. Vanransom is an avid reader of fiction, non-fiction and current events. She lives in California with her whiskered writing assistants Cleo, Juji, and Piper.