Tidewater Bride, (Paperback)

Tidewater Bride is another example of Laura Frantz's amazing ability to weave a tale with engaging characters and an exciting plot. It also proves her commitment to fully research the time period that she is writing about. This fascinating story is set in James Towne, Virginia Colony, in 1634, and the opening sentence immediately grabbed my interest because of the tobacco crops that my husband and I raised for over thirty years! 'Alas, she was not a tobacco bride, but she had been given charge of them.' Frantz transports readers back to the Virginia colony and vividly illustrates all that these colonists endured. She shares the story of men who were willing to pay one hundred fifty pounds of good leaf tobacco for a bride, the young women willing to be claimed, and the efforts to find a peaceful co-existence with the Powhatan Indians. Hard work is the norm and danger is ever present but she also shows the strong faith that helped them through their trials. As the relationship between Selah and Alexander progresses, and we see hia character change for the better, we are reminded of the universal need for love and the absolute need to fully trust in God. Tidewater Bride is a thrilling story of love and hope and I was pleased to learn the identity of the real-life people who inspired this story. I highly recommend it to all who enjoy historical Christian fiction. I received this book courtesy of Revell through Interviews

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 Gods 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.

This tale of long ago is set in the 1600s, which is at least a century earlier than I usually read about. To be honest, I wasnt sure how I would receive this book, but knowing Laura Frantz had penned it made it an easy choice of to read or not to read. The characters within the pages of this story were masterfully created and honed out of the heart and soul of the author. The historical detail throughout reads like an interesting and flawless text book of the highest standard. Frantz leaves no subject of the time untouched. She tactfully broaches hard subjects. One of the reasons I admire this author is her ability to have her characters conquer each test with the Word of God, just as we should be doing in our own lives today. With a Laura Frantz book, such as Tidewater Bride, it is easy to see that, although there have been many changes to and in our country, the solution remains the same. We will find our answers in the Holy Bible and Jesus paid the price for all of our sins. We should praise God and seek His face in all that we do.

TIDEWATER BRIDE by Laura Frantz is a pearl of a story, touching on themes of love, sacrifice, cross-cultural understanding and respect, and reconciliation. This tale is not so much read as lived. The sense of place so strong, youll step into the Virginia Colony and walk streets filled with the noise of anvils and gossip, or saunter crushed-shell paths in your garden, meander aisles in a shop. Youll be gently rocking along on horseback or gliding down the river in a canoe. You will join Selah Hopewell and a throng of others on the wharf, awaiting the arrival of the tobacco brides amid the stench of fish and tar and tobacco. And so begins your immersion in the Virginia Colony. Here we also meet the people of Jamestown and appreciate neighbors with a generous heart and noble spirit. Learn that a little kindness goes a long way. And we experience the intersection of cultures as colonists, Indians, Africans, and English tentatively meet and slowly grow to understand each other and develop ways of interacting ~ for some the slow growth of insight and respect, for others not. From the amalgam of these people in this place, the story effortlessly rises like smoke from a fire. Frantzs consummate skill draws a clear picture of the different perspectives of these peoples. In fact, in 3 short paragraphs she shares 3 storieson one pagethat convey the absolute and deep differences between the Powhatan tribes world and the colonists culture. I cant wait for you to read this! Her powerful insight and creativity are displayed as she shows a fear-filled woman pale as frost, a storm approaching with clouds like pewter cannonballs, and a man impacted by the rigid class system that plants him in the lonesome middle. As the Jamestown residents grow and harvest, buy and sell, marry, have children, and bury loved ones, we experience grief slicing a heart; the clawing terror of hoof beats pounding in the night; the lonely, the hollow cavern of loss. And as always, Frantz has a perfect way of drawing children with their unique viewpoints and sparkling with spontaneity, delight, and generosity; and sharing the joy and distraction of a new puppy. I ran into a few new words, as you would if immersed in an unfamiliar place or experience. Some new things were introduced and I realized the Colonial Era has some major differences compared to the Early American, such as tobacco brides, peace children, that church attendance was required, and children were active in civic and commercial activities. The deep involvement of colony officials in the settlers lives was also new to me. And all of this contributes to that sense of walking along with the characters, not merely reading about them. TIDEWATER BRIDE is masterful storytelling, filled with plot twists and surprises! I highly recommend it.

For those who know the story of Jamestown, John Rolfe, and Pocahontas; comes this amazing reimagining from the pen of historical fiction maestro Laura Frantz. In Tidewater Bride, we reconnect with bits and pieces of the past lives of three friends, to find out what keeps two of them from being romantically involved after the death of the beloved third. Frantz paints beautiful Virginia scenery, two, make that many, cultures at odds with each other, striving for survival and supremacy in a wild and untamed land. Romance beckons but struggles to stay aflame amidst the winds of distrust and treachery which threaten. When you finish with this novel, you will be amazed at what you have learned about the political climate of the times, the way people groups treated each other, and the strength that some individuals showed in standing true to honest principles. True Word is a name given Alexander Renick because he was one of very few the Naturals ( I love that designation) could trust. The premise for peace among the settlers and the Naturals is amazing, and my heart broke and cheered for those brave souls involved. I loved the growth we see in Selah, Renick, and Shay. May there be more parents like Selah's and Shay's, who taught their children to be colorblind to skin tone, but to examine the mettle of another's soul. And may we be careful not to assume and judge that which we don't know for fact about another. So much history woven into fiction from Laura Frantz, and so much romance, suspense, and intrigue that you'll be spellbound. I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author and the publisher and through Netgalley and Library Thing. I also bought copies as prized gifts. All opinions are my own. No positive review was required.

I can always count on this author to transport me to an historical era with well-researched details and mannerisms true to the time period. The harsh realities of early colonial life make me grateful for those early settlers, but the joys are focused on as well. Selah's relationships with her close family and few friends are what she cherishes the most. I especially enjoyed her father, mother and brother and their personalities and mannerisms. Even though the story seems to start out on the slow side, it allowed me to get a sense of their lives and the pace steadily increases as more complications arise. The turbulent political climate of the town itself, along with the additional strain of tensions with the Native Americans, are the background for the events in the lives of the characters. Secrets from the past are revealed to Selah as her relationship with Xander develops, and it's a bit heartbreaking to learn of injustices unresolved. Their romance is hopeful and sweet among long hard days of work, and their stolen moments together were all the more special. A wonderful reading experience and highly recommended for fans of historical fiction! Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.

Love love and love this story!! Trying to wait for God to move in various situations in our lives can feel next to impossible. We don't know the process that he's working in our lives, we just see the past and the here and now. But when we release everything and everyone into His care that peace that only comes from Him will invade out hearts and minds in a way that we can't even imagine. That's how we know that it could only be from Him. He's got it all under control, always has and always will. I received a copy from the publisher, all thoughts 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.

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 Ive 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. Frantzs books. I received this book from the publisher for my honest review.

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.