The Charm School.

In this historical sea-romance, by Susan Wiggs, we meet Isadora Peabody, the black sheep of her perfect family. Her comical struggles to fit into Boston society lead her to a voyage to Rio once she hears that a sea captain - Ryan Calhoun, is in need of an interpreter, & she finds her way aboard despite his open opposition towards her.

We see her go from awkward ugly duckling to beautiful swan throughout the story and finally become accepted into society as she so longed for, only to leave that dream behind when her heart is re-captured by the captain she thought dead on her return home.

This was a very enjoyable book, and I look forward to the sort of continuation with Ryan's brother, whenever I can get to it on my reading list. :)