Tidewater Bride

Tidewater Bride by Laura Frantz is a fascinating historical novel. It is well-written with developed characters. The pace starts off a little slow, but it soon picks up. I soon found myself engrossed in the story. It is rich with historical details. It is obvious that the author did her research. I found myself wanting to know more about the time-period and area after reading Tidewater Bride. It was interesting learning about the Powhatan people. The romance between Selah Hopewell and Xander Renick developed slowly which I appreciated. I enjoyed the interactions between Selah and Xander. Tidewater Bride is more than a historical romance. The story has the tobacco brides searching for husbands, illness in the area, merchandise being arriving and being sold, Powhatan nations concerns, a man determined to win Selah’s hand, and much more. I thought it was interesting when colonist children and Powhatan children were exchanged (a peace gesture). The Hopewell family took in an adorable girl named Watseka while Selah’s brother went to life with the Powhatan’s. One little incident could have caused an uprising. The descriptive writing brought the story to life. Christian elements are beautifully woven into the story. Laura Frantz crafted a multifaceted, engaging story. The story has history, romance, suspense, and intrigue. I look forward to reading her next enriching novel. Tidewater Bride is a fascinating historical tale with a bevy of brides, Indian injustices, swamp sickness, a missing moppet, and a rare romance.

Take a journey back in time to 1634 James Towne! This novel was just beautiful! The language, the atmosphere...everything was sewn seamlessly to transport and completely immerse me into another time. Never have I ever read a book that so totally captured an era and location that, with every sentence consumed, it left me with no doubts as to where and when I was in the story. Incredible! I loved Xander and Selah, along with all of the supporting characters. (I believe I was repeating Powhatan names in my mind even in my dreams because I loved the sound of them so much, lol!) The tensions between the Naturals and the Settlers felt so palpable and added background anxiety into every decision to be made. And then, right when you have settled into the routine of colony life, BAM! Everything happens at once and sets you in a tailspin! (Or, in the world of story, is it a talespin?) Author Laura Frantz has created an amazing novel here with her Tidewater Bride. The setting, the cast...everything is alive and tangible and REAL! The story is begging to be devoured, the romance is waiting patiently to bring a satisfied smile to your face, the danger has come calling and is waiting at your door... Will you answer? (p.s. This is my first novel by this author. My sister loves her books and has been telling me I ought to read them. I should’ve heeded her advice sooner!) I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

Tidewater Bride is the exciting and adventurous love story of Selah Hopewell and Xander Renick, whose romance blossoms amid the strife of the early Jamestown settlement. Both fiercely independent, Selah and Xander wonder if they are too busy for love but are still drawn to each other. In the midst of this, they work together to deal with the colony’s precarious relationship with the Powhatan nation and the dangerous scheming of fellow Jamestown settlers. Incredibly detailed and historically accurate, this love story shows the struggles and victories of actual Jamestown settlers in the early 1600s. I am taken aback at how much research must have gone into writing this tale, which was full of knowledge of early colonist life and relations with Native Americans at that time. I absolutely love Laura Frantz’s ability to sweep you away to another time and place with descriptions and settings that make you feel as if you are standing right in the middle of the story. The plot for Tidewater Bride was extremely well-written and included even more adventure in the last half of the book than you expect. The best part of this story was the romance between Selah and Xander, which slowly built from an attraction evident in the first chapter to a steadfast love that overcame all adversity. As always, Laura Frantz manages to weave deep spiritual lessons into her story, and we see wonderful examples God’s faithfulness, providence, and comfort. I absolutely adored this book and wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone looking for a great read. Laura Frantz has delivered another captivating Christian historical romance not to be missed, and it is one of her best releases yet. I was given a copy of this book by the author and publisher for review purposes. My thoughts are my own. I really did love it!