Review: Tidewater Bride by Laura Frantz

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

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?

My Review

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.