Alas, my time with this exquisite book is at an end, and I am bereft.

(Ok, that’s probably the extent of my ability to write anything even remotely matching the tone and language of this marvelous novel.)

I barely know where to begin, so can I just start with how perfectly named these characters are?! No boring Janes or Marthas or any of the other mundane names that were so common during this time period. No, we had a resilient heroine named Selah (gorgeous choice) and her hero, Xander (loved this since my husband shares the same name).

Now for the story itself… I was brand new to this time period and the earliest days of James Towne from a fictional perspective. The language was much different from our own, and I confess that some of the older spellings and usages were much more beautifully written and spoken compared to their modernized versions.

The story woven through this time period was second to none as well. Men outnumbered women by far, and women were brought to the New World from England regularly to be wives to the tobacco farmers. Xander was one such tobacco farmer and owned the largest property in all of Virginia. He was regularly goaded to choose a tobacco bride for himself, but he had his sights set on someone far different. Selah’s hesitancy to consider Xander as her beau was warranted since her dowry includes another 100 acres of land that borders Xander’s own. Her desire was to marry for love alone, and not just any man would be able to stake their claim to her confident and devoted nature. And in true, Laura Frantz fashion, the delicate romance that blossomed between these two was so beautifully written. By the time these two finally acknowledge their feelings for one another, I was near to bursting from the anticipation. Don’t even get me started on the scene with the shell beads, their meaning, and how they were shared between Selah and Xander…some of the most exquisitely tender writing I’ve ever read.

Laura Frantz’s attention to detail in each of her novels is testament to all the research that she pours into them. Not only did she research the history of John Wolfe and Pocahontas (which the novel is loosely based upon), but also the surroundings, daily tasks, sicknesses, and difficult life of this early Virginia settlement. I always believe that she outdoes herself with every new novel because I cannot imagine how she’ll ever top them. Tidewater Bride is not only worthy of a place on the keeper shelf, but one to be shared and recommended to all who love historical fiction.

5 Stars

Originally posted at https://blissbooksandjewels.com/tidewater-bride-book-review/

I really enjoyed reading the book and seeing it in the historical context. Selah has gone against convention not wanting to marry but instead wants to continue working with her father. She also decides instead of finding a suitor for herself, she will work with the incoming brides to help them match up suitable. Along the ways she begins to interact with Xander and the soon become more committed to each other than either though was possible.

I received a copy to read, the review is mine.

Tasked with helping make matches for the tobacco brides arriving in the Virginia Colony, merchant’s daughter Selah Hopewell finds that she herself has a burgeoning attraction to one of the most eligible of local bachelors. But the history she shares with widower Xander Renick, along with his roles as both a tobacco planter and a member of local government, and her desire to marry only for love may prove even more of an impediment.

With both local politics and relations with the Powhatan chief, the ongoing animosity between Xander and another man whose interest Selah attracts, as well as the tensions between those who choose to purchase slaves and those like Xander who refuse, this is a multi-layered story that forms a well researched portrait of life in 1634 James Town.

From their first encounter until the final page, Selah and Xander capture the reader’s imagination. Tidewater Bride is a richly imagined and deftly told tale, that grows ever more interesting as each characters is introduced and each event unfolds.

Each new book by Laura Frantz is one I look forward to, but none so much as Tidewater Bride and it still managed to exceed my expectations. For those who appreciate thoroughly researched history seamlessly woven into a Historical Inspirational Romance, this is a novel to savor. Very highly recommended.

This review refers to a finished paperback copy I voluntarily received from the publisher. A positive review was not required and these are only my own, honest opinions.

Wow! It’s been a while since I’ve done a review. With the holidays, I took some time off, but now I’m planning on being back for 2021 reviews!

First up is Tidewater Bride by Laura Frantz. Frantz starts us out with a scenario that was new to me about tobacco brides. I love the way Frantz intertwines lesser known history with the story line to not only be interesting to the reader, but also spur interest into the time period.

Frantz has a great plot line as well as fascinating character building. The reader is carried along on an adventure back in time by the mere action of opening a book and reading!

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to give a positive review. All opinions are my own.

Susan F's Reviews > Tidewater Bride
Tidewater Bride by Laura Frantz
Tidewater Bride
by Laura Frantz (Goodreads Author)
983488
Susan F's reviewJan 10, 2021 · edit
it was amazing

What a story! Laura Frantz has created characters that are dimensional and interesting. She makes me want to look up the wording from the time period so that I better understand the dress and daily life of those who immigrated to Virginia. An important character to the story is based on Pocahontas. She has already left life behind but influences a special part of the plot.
So much happens in the book that I took longer to read it so as not to miss anything. Frantz offers a look into the way of life of those who grew or sold supplies to a growing citizenry during the early 1600's. I like the fact that a romance takes place slowly with characters who were realistic in questioning how they felt, did the other feel the same and easy misconceptions humans can have about one another.
The author has drama, unsavory characters and situations appropriate to the time. The main characters, Selah and Xander were most likeable, even in their weaknesses so I cared as a reader about what happened with and to them.
This book is well worth reading especially if you enjoy historical novels. I enjoyed it. I want to thank the publisher and NetGalley for my advanced reader's copy.

In “Tidewater Bride”, Laura Frantz transports readers to seventeenth century Virginia, where the honorable values of commendable pride and the restorative power of pure love blend together, in a beautiful inspirational historical romance, with its well-rounded characters and tense frontier conflicts. Two fiercely independent main characters, Alexander Renick and Selah Hopewell, are inexplicably drawn together by conspiring circumstances. Can they find true happiness and ultimate fulfillment on their own or together?

Xander is a man of singular intentions and sterling qualities. No finer man could be found in Virginia. He was determined and resolute, with piercing, quicksilver eyes and an elusive smile that revealed nothing. Xander knew his own mind, having accomplished much, and honestly too, by the sweat of his brow and his agile mind.

Selah Hopewell, lovely with her corn-silk hair and intelligent green eyes, called Xander “irreplaceable”. He called her generous with her praise, confident that her prayer would go with him, being a far more formidable weapon than warfare.

Xander’s late wife, the beautiful Mattachana, was gracious and astute. Her heartfelt plea was to be instructed in Christianity, to learn more about ‘the talking book’, and the living God of the Bible. Because of her openness to Xander’s faith, their own relationship had blossomed in engagement, and flowered in marriage, with the birth of their only son, Oceanus. Selah and Mattachana had been good friends.

Whenever Selah thought of Xander, a wistful twinge wrung her sensitive heart, beauty intermingled with bittersweet. When Selah’s father invited Xander to share a meal with them, to be comforted in his trouble by the comfort with which they themselves were comforted by God, Selah longed to rewind the sad past, turn the tide back and greet Xander with the solace and understanding he so deserved in such a time of grief.

In this deeply-moving story of honorable Christian values, award-winning fiction author, Laura Frantz delights readers with her lyrical, historically accurate novels, and gifted art of story-telling, that swings early America back to life, with the dramatic swish of a pen! I highly recommend this beautiful book to all readers who want the highest and best to grace their bookshelves for all time to come.

I liked this book a lot. The historical facts and components were interesting without bogging down the storyline. There was a lot that I didn't know before reading this book. And I know the author mentions having taken some liberties with the timeline of events, but for me it didn't distract from the story.

I thought the characters were well-written, and even though I didn't feel like I related to them personally (who has to work that hard in this day and age just to eat?) I did think they seemed true-to-life, and were enjoyable to read about. The spiritual element was nice without being obviously preachy, or heavy. The character truly tried to live out their faith.

The bad guy was infuriating, as he should be. I did think the ending had a bit of an easy 'clean up', as I'm sure the events that happen just before the end of the story would have more far-reaching consequences than were stated.

I would definitely read another book by this author, and I would read another in this series, too.

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.

With her signature sweeping prose, Laura Frantz delves into colonial Virginia with her latest release Tidewater Bride.

Laura Frantz has this amazing ability to create compelling characters that draw you into her stories. While some may complain the plot was slow, I enjoyed it. The focus was more on the characters, especially Selah and Xander’s growing relationship. I would categorize it as a slow-burn romance for sure.

Now, there have been some books of hers in the past that I had to take a break from right around the middle because they were so long and I felt like they dragged. Tidewater Bride, however, was not one of them. I was sucked into the story from the beginning and eager to see how events played out throughout the story.

Frantz explores a lot more than just Xander and Selah’s relationship: Indian-English relations, survival, and the politics of early James Towne. With rich description I’ve come to associate with her style, she pulls you into the period until you can almost imagine yourself strolling along the James River.

I also enjoyed the faith elements. The characters discuss matters of faith and waiting on God, and there’s a great arc about misunderstanding and judgment.

Overall, Tidewater Bride is a deftly written tale historical romance authors will love.

(Note: I received a complimentary copy via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.)

I haven’t read a novel by Laura Frantz in a while, but this one caught my eye, so I thought to give it a go. And I quite enjoyed it! I had forgotten how rich and colorful her stories are and it’s not often I read a book set during the settling of America, so I found the history behind the fiction very interesting.
Ms. Frantz has a beautiful way of bringing history to life and this book is full of such lively descriptions and details, that I often found myself having to stop and remember that I’m in the 21st century. I enjoyed getting thoroughly engrossed in the story, though at times, I found it difficult to read, especially in solving the mystery towards the end. It wasn’t graphic, or anything like that, just the ugliness and racism that was so prevalent hurt my heart. Despite that, it’s also the mark of a great storyteller, if their words on a page invoke that kind of reaction. I really liked Xander and Selah, though at times I wanted to Gibbs slap them both and tell them to stop fiddling around with their feelings! I will say that is one place where the story drug just a bit for me, where they were tiptoeing around, unsure of their own feelings and questioning if the other would feel the same. Though I know it wasn’t very common for such things to be spoken of, especially during that period.
Overall, I really enjoyed this foray into early American history!

*My thanks to the publisher for my copy of this book! I was not required to write a review, positive or otherwise, and have not been compensated for it in any way. All opinions expressed are my own.

Tidewater Bride is another great novel by Laura Frantz. It takes place in 1634 in the Jamestown, Virginia area when it was still called James Towne, a part of the Virginia Colony.
The main character was Selah Hopewell, daughter of a local merchant and organizer of the tobacco brides, ladies from across the ocean who came to be brides to the tobacco farmers. Selah is a young lady who is a big help to her family both at home and in the family business. Her parents also own a section of land up the Powhatan River with a neighbor, Alexander Renick. Xander, as he is called by his friends, owns a lot of land and has quite a tobacco empire. He uses indenture servants to help him with his crops and not slaves as some of the other neighbors do. Xander was once married to a Powhatan bride, a union that brought peace between the whites and Indians. As part of the story, there will be a trade of some children as another means of peace. Selah’s brother is part of the transaction and the granddaughter of the chief comes to live with the Hopewell’s.
Selah and Alexander are very independent individuals who each secretly have feelings for the other but will circumstances ever let them be able to act on those feelings? The author paints quite a wonderful picture of what life was like in early America and the hardships that they endured.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. #Tidewater Bride #Laura Frantz #NetGalley

What I loved reading about Tidewater Bride is the obvious research the author has put into this book.
The book starts out in James Towne,Virginia Colony Spring 1634.
We find our main character, Selah Hopewell, a cape merchant's daughter in charge of the tobacco brides though she has no intentions of being marriage minded herself.
Xander Renick is the uppermost eligible tobacco grower in the area. He keeps himself distant from the others but he is indispensable because of his knowledge and his position as a mediator between the colonists and the powerful Powhatan nation .
He is still grieving the loss of his wife, daughter of the Powhatan chief.
Can two very independent people find a happiness that may have been right in front of them the whole time?
The perfect blend of history,slow burn romance,suspense,faith and family.
Every book I read by this author tops the last one. I just love her writing style and how engaged I become with the characters.
I highly recommend this book to history lovers and if you haven't tried this author's books yet you must!

Pub Date 05 Jan 2021
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. Thank you.
All opinions expressed are my own.

Tidewater Bride by Laura Frantz is set in the early days of American history. The Virginia Colony is still new enough for those who survived the first years to remember all of the hardships. But things always progress, and men’s pride and arrogance often blur lessons of the past. That’s what I found in this recommended historical romance.

James Towne and the upriver Hundreds are prospering, but there is a lack of women to help maintain and grow the Colony. Selah Hopewell is tasked with making the transition easier for the English women who are to become tobacco brides. I loved Selah’s perspective and her faith. Her admiration for tobacco lord, Xander Renick increases after her family moves upriver and closer to his farm. There’s a good bit of chemistry between the two and the obstacles to their relationship are soon removed. That’s not to say that the road to happily-ever-after is smooth. Tidewater Bride has an especially distasteful villain who seeks to undercut all that Xander and Selah hope to build. Frantz is deft at weaving historical details throughout the narrative. I especially liked the insight into a woman’s role and place in that time. A differing opinion by a woman could send her to the stocks! It was definitely a white man’s world in those days. Frantz does not sugarcoat the treatment of Native Americans, or Naturals as the colonists termed them. She also explores the beginnings of slavery in the New World. The faith of many of the founding colonists is related as well. Both Selah and Xander depend on God, even as they experience doubts in difficult situations. I found their reliance on scripture to be especially inspirational.

For fans of Frantz, Tidewater Bride will be a must read. For others new to her writing, I say give this one a try. Historical background, complex characters, and a great story make it a recommended read.

Recommended.

Audience: adults.

(Thanks to Revell for a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)

Set in the 1600's in the new colonies in America, we get to see life in James Towne and how hard it was on the people. There was the learning curve of getting food from the land, waiting for ships to deliver supplies from England and the struggle to gain land, as well as work with the Indian population who was being driven out (and not always super excited about it, understandably!)

Sela has been tasked to welcome a ship of brides that have sailed from England to be courted by the plethora of single men in the colonies. We get to know her and why she is still single, and little by little see into her heart and soul.

Then there's Xander Renick who is the foremost tobacco farmer in the area. He is very quiet and elusive to those around him. His Powhatan wife had died 4 years prior while visiting Scotland and Xander left his young son behind to be cared for by family. When he is ready to open his heart back up again to his son and for a new wife, we get to watch that progression.

This was just a really good story. Had all the right components- villains, danger, unrequited love, funny relations, personal struggles, but ultimately a happy ending. I enjoyed this very much. And I loved that it was clean enough that I can let my older kids read it as well!

Thank you to Net Galley and Revell for the chance to read and review this book. The opinions expressed are my own. This is my first book by author Laura Frantz, but it will not be my last. It was so good! This story takes place in James Town, which is located in the Virginia Colony. Selah Hopewell has no wish to marry, and her family is getting a little worried. Xander Renick is a great friend of the family as well as the most eilgible tobacco lord in the settlement. This is their story and all the adventures and hardships that go along with it. This book will appeal to many readers. It contains a lot of history, romance and family love. I also liked all the references to the Lord, and how the family always knew they could count on him even in the worst of times. Once I started this book, it was hard to stop. I read it in two days. I highly recommend this great story!

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 was chosen to read and review ¬Tidewater Bride by Revell. This book was written by Laura Frantz. I have read and enjoyed other books that she has written.

This story takes place in the Virginia Colony and Jamestown. The heroine is Selah Hopewell, whose father runs a mercantile. She is also in charge of the brides on a ship carrying brides for the men of the colony. Upon their arrival, Selah is charged with trying to find a suitable spouse for them.

Xander Renick is an eligible tobacco grower in the settlement. He is also a liaison between the colonists and the Powhatan Indiana nation that surrounds the colony. He has been instrumental in negotiation peace between them. He is a widower and seems to be happy with this wife-less state. Selah has always carried a torch for him and their journey to find each other is fraught with danger and grief. Neither seems to be aware of the other’s affection.

I enjoyed this book, not only for the story line, but also because of the view of the history of the first settlements in the New World. I think you will enjoy this book as much as I did.

Tidewater Bride by Laura Frantz is a good book. I referred to it as a good book because the style of writing and the plot is cool.

Although it started slowly, you will need a great deal of patience to continue reading.

I admire Selah and Xander. I was looking forward to their scenes in the plot.

The book cover is beautiful and the title got me so curious to know who was the “Tidewater Bride”.

Overall, it is a Christian Fiction historical book. I am sure somebody would love it.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell Reads Bloggers Program. Opinions expressed in this review are mine.

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 found Tidewater Bride to be a very interesting book. It is clear that Ms. Frantz has done her research in this historical fiction. My favorite characters are Selah and Xander, but other characters were very good even the one you wanted to loath. It takes place in a time of our history when it was difficult to just stay alive. There are many twist and turns, suspense, history to learn, a sweet clean romance, love of family and God. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys history.

Thank you for my free copy in return for my honest review.