Tidewater Bride

 Title: Tidewater Bride

Author: Laura Frantz

Publisher: Revell

Publication Date: January 5, 2021

Genre: Historical Fiction

Synopsis: 

Selah Hopewell seems to be the only woman in the Virginia colony who has no wish to wed. True, there are too many men and far too few women in James Towne. But Selah already has her hands full assisting her father in the family’s shop. And now she is in charge of an incoming ship of tobacco brides who must be looked after as they sort through their many suitors.

Xander Renick is perhaps the most eligible tobacco lord in the settlement. His lands are vast, his crops are prized, and his position as a mediator between the colonists and the powerful Powhatan nation surrounding them makes him indispensable. But Xander is already wedded to his business and still grieves the loss of his wife, daughter of the Powhatan chief.

Can two fiercely independent people find happiness and fulfillment on their own? Or will they discover that what they’ve been missing in life has been right in front of them all along?

Bestselling and award-winning author Laura Frantz takes you to the salty shores of seventeenth-century Virginia in this exploration of pride, honor, and the restorative power of true love. (taken from Laura Frantz's website)

My Review:

    Laura Frantz's Tidewater Bride is the newest release for this Christy Award winner and the ECPA bestselling author of eleven historical novels. Frantz has been writing since she was seven years old and never had a desire to be published, yet here we are. I am thankful that the Lord saw fit to change her plans so that readers could have access to books written from this interesting author.

    Tidewater Bride is set in James Towne, Virginia Colony, during the spring of 1634. This is a time of unrest between the colonists and the Powhatan nation, an era when Tobacco was a huge commodity. A time when marriage was more about a business arrangement than about love.

    Selah Hopewell is not one of the Tobacco brides, but she is put in charge of them when they come to James Towne. Selah has a hard time understanding the concept of women coming to her town looking for a marriage. Her thoughts are scandalous for the time period as she states, "I would rather marry for love than the price of tobacco." To which her father replies, "Love hardly fills the larder. Marriage is first and foremost a business matter. Affection may come in time, but 'tis clearly secondary to prudence." However, someone catches her eye and changes things for her.

    Xander is a tobacco lord, married to his job. His character is surprising as we continue to learn new information about him as the story unfolds. He has had no desire to remarry since his late wife passed. However, as time passes, he warms to the idea of a new bride, the choice is, which one?

    This story has many layers. Every time you think you have a grasp on the story, a new detail emerges. At first I was not sure where the story was going, or if I was going to even like it. However, there are many twists and turns in this book. New characters are constantly emerging, changing the dynamics and the drama. There is also an incredible mystery that kept me hanging on the edge of my seat, and made the book impossible to put down.

    I would highly recommend this book to anyone who likes historical fiction, clean romance stories, and stories shrouded in mystery.  With engaging characters, with minds of their own, this book is a good read. This is the first book that I have read by this author, but it will not be my last.

Thank you to Revell for the opportunity to read this book. I was not required to give a positive review, but was happy to do so. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

    For those who want more, the author has put together a Pinterest board that brings the novel to life, visually. Laura Frantz says on her website: "You’ll see the inspiration for our heroine, Selah Hopewell, & other characters & scenes from the novel. Imagination is a wonderful thing!"