Tidelands by Philippa Gregory is a richly atmospheric historical novel set in 17th-century England. The story follows Alinor, a strong-willed woman living in a small coastal village, who must navigate love, betrayal, and the harsh realities of life on the margins. Gregory’s vivid portrayal of the tumultuous political landscape and the stark, salt-soaked beauty of the marshlands creates a haunting backdrop for the characters' struggles. The novel weaves together themes of power, survival, and ambition, with Gregory’s signature ability to bring historical detail to life. While the pacing can be slow at times, the depth of the characters and the evocative setting make Tidelands an immersive and engaging read for fans of historical fiction.

It’s difficult for me to get really interested in historical fiction, but Philippa Gregory really knows how to write a compelling story. In tidelands, she takes us to England 1648, a time when to say it is tough to be a woman is an understatement. Alinor is a midwife whose husband has deserted her and her two children. When she hires a priest, James, and he becomes indebted to her, her life changes. But is it for the better? I was totally pulled into this story even though it took place so long ago.

This was my first Philippa Gregory novel and I really wanted more from it. It felt too long and I couldn't root for the characters by the end of the novel. Poor Alinor just can't catch a break. By the end, I was really struggling with Alinor's saintly attitude, her daughter as a person, and the romance overall. I will not be reading the second in the series.

I have read a number of Philippa Gregory and I so appreciate the work and research she puts into her books. Starting in 1648 in a southern coastal area of England we meet Alinor, a young wife and mother. Alinor doesn't know if her husband is alive or dead since he had sailed off a fisherman and never returned. She is very poor and struggling to maintain a home with her two preteen children as they begin their lives away from home; kids had jobs and marriages much younger than do kids of today.

Alinor's life is turned upside down and a lot of good things start happening after she meets a young man who is a Roman Catholic Priest, someone banned in England at that time. She helps him get to safety and is rewarded yet also starts falling for the young priest.

Good thing I read this book on my kindle because I had to use the dictionary for some of the terms used, Gregory does a good job keeping it real with the times she writes about but there are a lot of terms I was unfamiliar with.

Looking forward to reading book two in the series.

Thanks to NetGalley.

Interesting time period, with a strong sense of place, but I felt the story itself was a bit lackluster especially given the length. This is my first Philippa Gregory read, so I can’t compare it to her others, but I did keep reading til the end, so a three started for me.

I read this book back when I first got it and didn’t realize I was supposed to be reviewing on NetGalley also. On Goodreads I rated it four stars but didn’t write a review. I do remember that I enjoyed it, but I tend to forget the details. But isn’t that what matters most, how a book made you feel?

I love pretty much anything by this author, and this book was no exception. The character development, the storyline and the historical aspects all came together wonderfully for an entertaining and emotional story.

Such a great fan of Philippa's writing, and this one is no different. She has such a way of weaving history to entertain and engross the reader. Her writing is phenomenal and no one tells historical fiction tales like Philippa Gregory. In the tumultuous times of witch-hunters, Alinor finds herself the focus of accusations and suspicion, as she is husbandless and adept at herbs and remedies. It is so easy to be pulled in and enthralled by the writing, and one of my favorite parts of her stories is the way she is able to describe the ways of life in a specific time period. A great start in this book 1 of the series, and definitely leaves you wanting to read the rest. Thanks so much to Philippa Gregory, the publisher, and NetGalley for the opportunity to review this e-arc.

I am not normally a fan of historical fiction but decided to remedy that with Tidelands by Philippa Gregory. Taking place in southern England during the time of Cromwell, this novel provides many historical details (eg, specific details describing the gap between the nobles and the poorest citizen) which make for vivid reading. The romance itself was, for me, hard to believe especially at the climactic reunion between the protagonists. If you're a fan of doomed love, this novel is for you!

<b>Characters</b>: 7, Alinor is a pretty memorable character. Alys as well, eventually, though she spends much of the book being unreasonably able-bodied and beautiful and charming; more or less a plot device. Rob is less distinguishable and definitely more of a plot device, though at least he was given some strengths and personality traits. James is also memorable, especially for how he changes and grows throughout the book. I stopped caring about what happened to him toward the end, because of some choices he made (in contradiction of the choices Alinor makes). Every other character in this novel exists to toss tension into the storyline, but several of them have names and little moments of kindness or cruelty that serve to flesh out the world.

<b>Atmosphere</b>: 9, some parts of the tidelands (like the rife), I had difficulty keeping track of what it was. But for the most part, the physical setting was very clear in both its dangers and its charms, and place played an important part in setting the atmosphere and creating backstory. Likewise, the emotion of the scenes was mostly very palpable, believable, and compelling. There were several points where I had to stop and just process, because we know the lives of common women in the 1600s sucked but Gregory makes it feel immersive enough to be the current situation (and, too, there's a segment of the American population that believes they'd like to bring us back to those times, which added a layer of intensity to the reading of this).

<b>Writing</b>: 7, I struggled with the sudden changes of POV that happened mid-chapter, but this was an eARC so perhaps that's different in the published version? Aside from those rapid-fire switches, I enjoyed the writing style as I always seem to enjoy Gregory's writing style.

<b>Plot</b>: 8, the pacing was consistent though there were a few places that dragged a bit (then it caught steam for the final 20% or so). Even if you aren't aware of England's history from 1630-1680, you can see how the story is going to end pretty early on- there are plenty of hat-tips from Gregory (maybe too many? But then again, that serves to lay the tension because you have a constant low-level dread). So most of the plot is watching it unfold. That said, a few things surprised me, which I appreciated. And I spent many hours binge-reading the last half.

<b>Intrigue</b>: 6, the first half of the book, I wasn't called to read this very much. Alinor seemed too simple of a character (and entirely too good to be real, with plenty of off-stage suffering that should've given her a little bitterness or trauma, at least). The second half of the book, more or less, I didn't want to put it down.

<b>Logic</b>: 8, as I understand it, this is relatively true to the history of that era. We often get stories centered in large populations or historically significant areas, so it was nice to get a glimpse into a forgotten area of Sussex. A few things were incredibly convenient to the plot, and highly unlikely, but it didn't throw me out of the story (just raised an eyebrow).

<b>Enjoyment</b>: 8, this could be a 7 but for the final 10% of the book which had me hooked like a fish on a line and prompted me to get the sequel right away. When I balance my engagement and my investment against my criticisms, on the whole I enjoyed it.

I don't often post a trigger warning, but in this case I feel the need to because Alinor is a bit of a suffer-puppet for the author:
<spoiler>mention of rape, mention of physical abuse, mention of emotional abuse, misogyny, religious-based persecution, torture (more mentally through trauma than bodily, but still), mention of miscarriage, death, pregnancy, adultery, public shaming, mention of murder/execution, regicide.</spoiler>

I have tried and tried, but I just couldn't get into this. Philippa Gregory is one of my favorite historical fiction authors, but this just doesn't do it for me.

*Thank you @atriabooks for the copy in exchange for an honest review. Review not posted to Amazon/Goodreads because less than 4 stars or DNF.*

The Tidelands, by Philippa Gregory, takes readers on a captivating journey through the tumultuous and dangerous world of 17th century England. Set during the Civil War, the novel tells the story of Alinor, a woman trapped in limbo, neither maiden, wife nor widow, searching for her missing husband on Midsummer’s Eve. It is on this fateful night that she meets James, a young man on the run who she helps navigate the treacherous marshlands of the Tidelands, unaware that she is leading a spy and an enemy into her life.

As the political and religious turmoil of the time reaches fever pitch, Alinor finds herself under suspicion from her neighbors for her ambition and independence. She is marked out as a woman who doesn't follow the rules, with her beauty and secrets only adding to the rumors that surround her. The threat of witch-hunts and accusations looms large, as the villagers turn on each other and anyone suspected of disloyalty to the new parliament.

The Tidelands is a masterfully crafted historical novel, with Philippa Gregory's attention to detail transporting readers to the sights, sounds, and smells of 17th century England. The novel seamlessly blends together romance, intrigue, and historical detail, painting a vivid picture of the dangers and injustices of the time. Alinor is a complex and compelling protagonist, a woman ahead of her time, whose struggles and sacrifices are portrayed with empathy and insight.

Overall, The Tidelands is a captivating and engrossing read, perfect for fans of historical fiction, romance, and suspense. Philippa Gregory has once again demonstrated her ability to bring the past to life, and this novel is sure to be a hit with readers looking for a thrilling journey back in time.

I received an advanced digital copy of this book from the author, publisher and NetGalley.com. Thanks to all for the opportunity to read and review. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Tidelands is a brilliant piece of historical fiction that you come to expect from Phillipa Gregory. The first in a new series that I can't wait to read the rest of.

5 out of 5 stars.

The first in a new series, this book has the typical historical fiction/romance mash up that I've come to expect from Philippa Gregory's books.

Being trapped in a marriage where tenderness and understanding are foreign concepts is not easy at all. Harassed by her drunken husband,
Alinor only wishes for a little freedom and peace for herself and her children.

Her husband disappears, and no one knows where or how. Using her unique gift, Alinor heads into the churchyard in an attempt to gain insight. But instead, there she meets a young man who needs her help.
Lending a helping hand will only be part of the actions that will happen to this brave woman...

An interesting story with hints of witches and supernatural gifts that will draw you in from the very beginning. A very lyrical writing style with perfectly balanced descriptions and interactions that won't let you get bored.

Also, characters that are skillfully built with enough complexity to allow you to understand and sympathize with them...
All in all, a great story that will delight all lovers of historical fiction.

I really wanted to like this book but I was not able to finish it. Set in the civil war the story follows the protagonist and the hard life she leads. I haven’t read other books by this author and I will try her again.

Tidelands is another wonderfully written historical novel, by Philippa Gregory. It focuses on a time in British history that isn't written about too often, after Charles 1 has been forced to abdicate the throne. I did a "study", mostly through novels, on British royalty, from Alfred the Great to modern times. There's precious little on various reigns throughout the centuries. While this doesn't focus on the royal family, it gives you a real taste of their life and times.
Alinor is a fisherman's wife without a husband. She hasn't gotten word from him since he left and disappeared the year before. One night when she goes to the church graveyard, in hopes of seeing her husband's ghost, instead she meets a young priest.
James is on a secret mission for the recently ousted King Charles 1, He's part of a movement to reinstall the king to his throne when he finds himself in a churchyard surrounded by the unsafe, marshy Tidelands. When he spots Alinor, he talks her into hiding him, in her shed, for just the night.
Meanwhile, the rest of England is in the middle of an ugly civil war. As it continues to impact those in this little village, neighbors become more suspicious of each other. Alinor’s desire to see her children well settled only fuels their ugly gossip. When her efforts start to come to fruition, the townspeople's jealousy leads to tragedy.

Continue the story. Well researched installment of this historical story. I’d love it in an audiobook, as well

Aliner has The gift of site and this is why we meet her in the church yard at midnight. She is looking to see an aperition of her husband. He has been missing for months and this is causing her many problems in her little island village. On this night however she meets James he is a man of the cloth unfortunately it isn’t the same cloth that those in her village support. They support the parliament and he still has confidence in the king in the Catholic Church but he needs her help and something inside of her wants to help him.. he was supposed to be taken in by Lord Williams and when he eventually is he is introduced as a tutor to his son. He is known as a scholar and a gentleman in the village but not everyone is taken by him especially Aliner’s Brother Ned despite her dirty dress she is a beautiful woman but she doesn’t know if she is a widow or a wife that causes distress in the other women Edwin James makes her son the companion to the Lord Williams boy and secretly gifts her with the boat the razor suspicions and jealousy around Tha lands but this is just the beginning of her and Jameses problems. After all he is a priest and a spy so falling in love with Aliner Will not only cause him problems and distract him from his cause but he made an oath not to. As for her she is conflicted between waiting for her husband and letting her guard down but before it’s over both of their lives will be changed forever. Will they get out of this unscathed? This book swiftly moves through the story in the way this author writes historical fiction it’s as if you’re reading a first person account and reads more like a witness statement as opposed to someone far remove by hundreds of years. Leave it to Phillipa Gregorie to write an unputdownable book that is 462 pages and unfortunately I decided to start reading this at night but I love this authors books and can’t think of a better reason to stay up late. I received this book from NetGalley and a publisher but I am leaving this review voluntarily please forgive any mistakes as I am blind and dictate my review.

This story was just too slow for me. It was my first by Gregory. Sadly, I won’t be continuing the series,