Tidewater Bride

Tidewater Bride by Laura Frantz Mailorder brides is a very favorite genre of mine, so I thought I would love this new book by Laura Frantz. But this was not the case, I could not get into the book, let alone love it. I have read other books by Laura Frantz, and love them, but this book did not work for me. I will read again in a few months and see if my opinions change, if so, I will amend this review. I received a complimentary copy from #netgalley and #revell with no obligation to post a review.

This story was so beautiful! Selah was such a strong character and she loved her family a great deal. So many things came into her path that would have collapsed most people but she clung to God and pushed forward for the sake of her family and those in the community that needed her. This story was not devoid of tragedy. I loved that Frantz did not make life as a Christian seem trite and saccharine. I loved the historical aspect of the story with the true depiction of the horrible tragedy that was slavery of that time. I love that it showed both sides of that coin with those who were cruel and those who were moral and upstanding in their treatment of people of other races. The main male character, Xander, and his family refused to have slaves. They had indentured servants who were paid and treated well as employees of his farm. Not all farmers in the area felt this way. The connection between Xander and the Natives of the Powhatan tribe was quite honorable. Xander sought to keep peace and an open relationship with them because of his wife, even after her death. I would love to read more about this tribe in history. This was a story filled with Christian charity and redemption. I saw God’s hand throughout the story as He protected and restored the characters in this story. Of course not all wanted to know Him but those who did were strengthened through the hardships and trials of the story. I received this book as part of the book tour team. I signed up and requested this book of my own accord and received a free copy to read and review as part of the team.

Evocative and heartfelt, this story brings to life the hardships and heartache of the unforgiving New World. Selah Hopewell has her hands full with tending her father's shop and settling the tobacco brides to give much thought to her own unmarried state. I liked that she knew her mind, and had her own opinions, yet she never felt improper or inauthentic to place in history. I admired her faith and knowledge of Scripture, her heart for others, and could definitely relate with being hard on myself when falling short. Laura Frantz brings James Towne to life in this historically rich novel, especially in how she committed to the dialect and speech patterns of the times. This book also doesn't shy away from the harsh realities of the cruelties inflicted, and the unstable peace with the Powhatans. It is obvious that Ms. Frantz did an excellent job with meticulous research each detail making the story more immersive. Xander Renick is a successful landowner and natural leader, he doesn't shy away from danger or duty. One of my favorite parts of this book was the warming chemistry between him and Selah, as they traded remarks and Scripture. I've been a long time Laura Frantz fan, but upon reading this book it floated to the top as being one of my all-time favorites by her. Steady in pace it became unputdownable at chapter 32, I simply had to find out what would happen next! One of my favorite things in this book were the glimpses into Powhatan life and culture. Overall, I'd say this is an absolutely excellent read, well researched, with authentic dialect, compelling characters, sweet children, and woven into the fabric of the story. I loved how this book gives a panoramic view of life in and around James Towne, bringing to life the dangers, and tensions, politics and matters of the heart. An excellent book well worth your time, definitely recommend! I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Tidewater Bride by Laura Frantz is a stand-alone novel set in the Virginia colony of James Towne in the year 1634. Selah Hopewell is in charge of the Tidewater Brides along with all her other duties. Xander Renick is a tobacco lord. Both are very independent and not looking for love. But will it find them anyway? I really enjoyed this book; it is the first I’ve read by this author. Selah was so independent yet always willing to help others. The give and take between Selah and Xander was a delight. I liked getting a glimpse of early colony days. There was so much struggle to survive, yet there was a joy and peace in creating a new way of life. The story moved along very quickly and smoothly. I will definitely be reading more of Ms. Frantz’s books. I received this book from the publisher for my honest review.

Tidewater Bride is another captivating historical fiction story from Laura Frantz. She somehow magically set this reader right down into the setting of the 1634 James Towne, Virginia Colony. Historical detail, authentic setting, strong and vibrant characters--people who struggled for survival in a new land--people I'd like to have known in real life--and, of course, a romance that had its ups and downs, but finally came to a more than satisfactory conclusion, all are blended so well together that I could hardly put the book down. One historical tidbit that I found quite interesting was the information regarding the exchange of children between the colonists and the Powhatan nation with the intent of keeping the peace. I thoroughly enjoyed Tidewater Bride, and readers who like historical romance will not want to miss it. I read a complimentary copy of the book and was not required to write a review. The opinions are my own.

"I will not give you what you are yet unsure of, thus forming a bond between us that might well break." What an incredible historical romance! Laura Frantz is a masterful storyteller, weaving history and fiction into a touchable and absorbing world that captivates, enraptures, and inspires. I wasn't expecting a novel inspired by Pocahontas when I picked up the book but I thoroughly enjoyed my stay in 1634 James Towne, learning about the colony and its trade as well as the Powhatan nation. There is sweet and slowly building romance, shocking betrayal and twists in the plot, deeply layered characters who tug at the heart, and profound spiritual truths that guide the characters even in their trials, tribulations, grief, and sorrow. It's a must-read historical romance that will definitely start your 2021 right. Selah, an intelligent, witty, and outspoken daughter of the head merchant of James Towne, is almost a spinster and an unlikely match to Xander, the reticent and driven owner of the largest tobacco plantation and a widower of his beloved Powhatan princess. Yet as different as their personalities may be, they are drawn to each other by a desire to see justice, peace, and fair treatment among all men prevail in their new land. Their respective families are endearing, especially Selah's younger brother Shay. This book....it will stay with you a long time after finishing the last page. I received a copy of the book from Revell and was under no obligation to post a positive review. All comments and opinions are solely my own.