Tidewater Bride (Hardcover)

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.

Once I saw this new book coming out from Laura Frantz I just knew I had to read it. Laura knows how to entail the history of the time into her writings. The story of Xander and Selah did not disappoint. She made their love story into one of for the heart. Their story is intertwined with heartache and heartfelt moments. The historical aspects draw you into wanting to know more and for the story to keep going. She spins a tale of the early days of the settlers in Virginia and the rise of discovery of the new world by them with a sense of wonder. I have read many of her books and am never let down and I hope to read many more. Selah is put in charge of the new brides coming in from the old world for the tobacco farmers carving their way in the new world. Ever so busy to find love herself. Xander is the most prominent of those tobacco farmers, he has the weight of many things on his plate and never time for love again himself, but will they find time when their worlds are more alike than different? I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are mine alone.