Laura Frantz, did a remarkable job on her writing style and this story that draws you right into Jamestown and you become one of the characters. This is a exciting story ,one of many.that happened as this colony tried to survive with such different land and what they had and didn't have to make it in this new town of Jamestown. Not enough women they send for more so they ,the men,could marry and have a family and begin a town in the new world of Virginia! As their stories unfold you are drawn into their lives and the happiness and sadness and hardship that these women face to come to a new land and marry someone they do not know. Very well researched for this time and place.This story has you from the beginning where like I said,the story draws you in to not only face new men in their lives but the Indians!! It's a very much of a read and grab the tissues and follow who will love and who will lose! Received from Net Gallery!

What a great book. I enjoyed the suspense and tidbits of real historical truths wrapped into the story. I loved Selah’s character and and how the author brought to life the life in colonial times. This is such a great read that you won’t want to put down until the very end!!!!

I haven't read much of Laura Frantz work (only one or two of her other books) but I did enjoy this one. 17th century Colonial America isn't usually my "thing" and it took me a while to get into it, but once I did it was a good read.

What I liked most about Tidewater Bride was the portrait of life in the earliest European settlements in the Americas. I wasn't overly keen on all the characters, but most well realistic.

Thanks to Revell for granting my request for this title. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are my own.

As a member of Jamestown settlement, Selah Hopewell works to welcome the tobacco brides--women arriving from England to the Colonies in hopes of a better life as wives of the settlers. Alexander Renick only hopes to run his tobacco estate well, keep peace with the Native Americans, and someday bring home his son from England. But there is an underlying tension between Selah and Xander built from unforgiveness, guilt, and secrets. And an enemy with deeper depravity than Selah can guess lurks around the colony.

Laura Franz quite corners the market on clean romances set in Early American history. Tidewater Bride falls nicely into her line of previous stories, though is a standalone romance of its own. While the story is a bit of a slow build, you can't help but hope Selah and Xander can work out their differences and quit fighting the attraction they have for one another. There are a lot of twists in this story that are not obvious from the first few chapters, but which add a layer of intrigue to the story. Recommended for those who like Early American history and stories of frontier living.

Rated PG
--mild violence
--some adult themes (tactfully handled)
--clean romance
--no gore
--no language

I was provided this ebook free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I loved the sound of this book, unfortunately I didn't get to read much of it . The first page didn't load properly and was spread over about three pages with words dotted. Sporadically Then I had a few paragraphs I could read , it repeated the first pages with split words before the story carried on. Every time I'd read a few pages after this it would take me back to the beginning of the book for a few pages. Trying to piece together where I was in the storyline was tedious so I gave up after a few chapters . It was nothing to do with the writing . I think I would've liked the book but it wasn't loading properly

Another author Frantz read that is rich in historical detail, concerning Jamestown in 1634. At this time the men outnumber the women and England has been sending over what has been dubbed as tobacco brides. Kind of like modern day speed dating, but where these women have especially been sent over to marry.

Selah Hopewell is probably the only single woman that is allowed to stay single, and she keeps herself fairly busy. The man that she secretly loves appears to be keeping to himself and he is very busy as well.

Xander Renick has been married before and lost his wife. He really didn't seem to be too much in a hurry to wed again. These two were so perfect for each other and their slow burn romance burned hotter and brighter every time they saw each other or spoke to one another. I could not wait until these two finally figured out how perfect they were for each other.

I watched the first season of a show about Jamestown and the brides that came and it ended up more or less being a soap opera. This story, I think really captured the ambience of the time and place, the dangers of attack from the Native Americans, or the attacks some unscrupulous men may have been plotting on the Native Americans. These were perilous times as life and land were at stake and these women willingly ventured to the New World to begin new lives with strangers. This was a very good historical with a few surprises of the life and times and the danger that the Jamestown folks face.

I received a copy of this novel from the publisher. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.

While I don't consider myself a history buff in the slightest (names, dates and the link tend to just go right over my head more often than not), I find that the historical novels that I enjoy the most are those in which it is apparent that the author has done her research. Sure, I might not really know myself in reading it if it's historically accurate or not, there seems to be an authenticity to the writing that puts me in that time and place. Laura Frantz is great at that. She tells intriguing stories that make even the non-history person want to know more about that time and place. Yes, even the not so pleasant parts of history, which she handles with grace. Tidewater Bride is no exception giving us insight to early Jamestown, tobacco brides and Native American relations, etc... all while telling a beautiful romance too. This is a slower paced story overall, and a slow burn romance as well, and while I do often prefer a faster paced story, sometimes a slow down is needed and this is a good read for those moments. Fans of historical romance are sure to enjoy this one!

**Book received for consideration. All thoughts are my own.

Tidewater Bride is an enthralling new novel of early American history by Laura Frantz.

Selah Hopewell, unmarried herself, is tasked with the welcoming and placement of the tobacco brides, young women arriving in Virginia to find husbands and a new home. Standing on the dock awaiting the ship, she has no idea that her life is about to drastically change.

Buried secrets, rivalries and revenge come to light as Selah tries to sort through her feelings for Xander, her good friend's widower, and the changes to her own family. As the story unfolds, the reader is treated to the history of early Virginia, tobacco plantations and colonist/Indigenous relationships. Frantz creates characters you want to laugh with, to cry with and to cheer along with every step of the way!

Tidewater Bride by Laura Frantz

Mailorder brides is a very favorite genre of mine, so I thought I would love this new book by Laura Frantz. But this was not the case, I could not get into the book, let alone love it. I have read other books by Laura Frantz, and love them, but this book did not work for me. I will read again in a few months and see if my opinions change, if so, I will amend this review.

I received a complimentary copy from #netgalley and #revell with no obligation to post a review.

I had previously read a wonderful book by Laura fraternity entitled The Mistress of Tall Acre. Loved it!! Even read it as one of our book club selections based on my recommendation. They liked it as well.

So I was a bit disappointed by this book...could’ve been the time in history wasn’t as interesting to me, but I had to pretty much make myself keep reading. The redeeming feature was the love story between the two main characters, which I enjoyed. I’m sorry but I wouldn’t recommend this title.

I received this book from the publisher via net galley in exchange for an honest review.

First sentence: Alas, she was not a tobacco bride, but she had been given charge of them. A daunting task for a young woman of six and twenty, even if she was the cape merchant’s daughter.

Laura Frantz's newest historical romance is set in James Towne, Virginia Colony in 1634. Selah Hopewell, our heroine, has been placed in charge of the "tobacco brides" young, single women sent to marry colonists. Selah herself is single and still available, but marriage and future family isn't first on her list. The new arrivals will have plenty of colonists/settlers to choose from--and it wouldn't be surprising if more than one fell for the successful tobacco planter, Alexander Renick. But this widower (with a young son) isn't looking for a new bride--at least not from this group of arrivals. He's got plenty on his mind--things that are cause for concern--primarily the tense relationship between the (white) settlers and the Naturals. (Frantz uses the term Natural almost exclusively in place of Indian or Native or Native American. Occasionally she refers to a specific tribe. I am curious if this is a modern label or a historic one. I have not done any research to see what language, what words, what labels, the original Virginian settlers would have used. Not that she'd be bound to follow actual history necessarily.)

Tidewater Bride is historical fiction with some Christian elements--the characters pray, for example, and topics like evangelism come up fairly regularly.

There is a romantic element to the story--as you'd expect with the word BRIDE in the title. But it isn't exclusively a romance novel. There is plenty of history. For those wanting only a romance, the focus almost exclusively on the hero and heroine falling in love, facing obstacles and overcoming them, and ending with a happily ever after, this one may prove a slower read. It is very much grounded in history. I'd say a love of historical fiction--and American history--is a must.

I had not heard the term tobacco bride before reading this one.

I enjoyed this one. I did. I love Laura Frantz's books typically. This one was a bit slower for me honestly. (Though I still enjoyed it.) But I think that has more to do with how I read it--stretched out over two or three weeks--then the book itself. I appreciated the fact that the obstacles facing the characters seemed authentic or legitimate to the time period and not the work of an author seeking drama, drama, and more drama.

This novel was just beautiful! Laura Frantz told such a compelling and realistic love story about Selah and Xander that was so different from so many other books. Instead of the usual series of misunderstandings and trouble that keep the couple apart until the end, I love that she allowed them to be together and fight against their obstacles rather than each other! Also, the history woven into this story was interesting and captivating. This is my first book by this author but it won't be my last!!!

Tidewater Bride
by Laura Frantz
Revell
Christian | Historical Fiction | Romance
Pub Date 05 Jan 2021


I am reviewing a copy of Tidewater Bride through Revell and Netgalley:


Travel back with me to Seventeenth Century James Towne, Virgina County.



Selah Hopewell is seemingly the only woman in Virgina County who does not seem to have a desire to wed. It’s true that 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. Now Selah also finds herself responsible for an incoming ship of tobacco brides, who must be looked after, as they go through their many suitors.





Xander. Renick is likely the most eligible tobacco Lord in the settlement. He owns vast land, he has prized crops and his position as a mediator between the colonists and the powerful Powhatan nation surrounding them makes him indispensable. But Xander is webbed into his business and is grieving the loss of his wife, who was the daughter the Powhatan chief.




Will two fiercely independent be able to find happiness and fulfillment on their own? Or will they find out that what they have been missing has been right in front of them all along?



If you like Christian Historical Romances you will love Tidewater Bride!


I give Tidewater Bride five out of five stars!



Happy Reading!

As a lover of historical fiction I have been a fan of the novels by Laura Frantz from her very first offering. I love the opportunity to learn something new about the early years of our nation through the eyes of someone who experienced it firsthand, albeit in a fictional account. Tidewater Bride stayed true to my expectations and I enjoyed the book very much.

There is a lot going on within the pages of Tidewater Bride including interaction between the hero and heroine, although not in a romantic manner for much of their story. Without the interference of an early romance, I felt that I got to know both characters a bit better as I walked through their daily lives with them. Multiple other characters including the tobacco brides, a couple of endearing children, the Naturals, and household slaves as well as a villain or two, helped flesh out the tale even more. A strong but non-obtrusive thread of faith was woven throughout the narrative and it was obvious that the faith of the main characters influenced the way they lived their lives.

Tidewater Bride has it all, interesting historical facts, vivid imagery, a bit of action, danger, and mystery, plus a lovely romance and a satisfying ending. History lovers would do well to pick up a copy soon. Be sure to check out other books by this most excellent author.

*Sigh* Another Laura Frantz novel over too soon. She has such a wonderful ability to create characters that you want to continue to live with! Selah, Xander, and all the other beautiful people in this book are a true joy to meet.
Set during the very beginning of our nation, the author brings to life a story of faith, survival, love, and hope. I am always amazed at the quality of writing, abundant research, and unique stories that she creates and I believe Laura Frantz is absolutely the best for Christian historical romance.

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.

Tidewater Bride gives me yet another reason why Laura Frantz is among my top five favorite authors. I can not tell how much loved this story. The historical details were so vivid, I felt like I was transported back in time. Currently living where it is set, made me even more intrigued. I loved the bravery and courage of Selah. The chemistry she had with Xander was undeniable. It is an all around beautiful and inspiring tale.

Tidewater Bride will be getting a very well deserved five plus stars from me. I will be eagerly waiting for the another piece of historical fiction from the talents of Laura Frantz. This one goes with her other books on my limited keeper shelf.

I received Tidewater Bride from the publisher. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.

I love early American historical fiction. This book is set shortly after the establishment of the Jamestown colony in Virginia, as settlers are beginning to make further progress inland. I found the treatment of the relationships between the settlers and Naturals to be intriguing, especially including the idea of exchanging children in order to encourage more understanding and peace. I enjoyed the romance that developed, even amidst danger and grief. Overall, a very pleasant read. I look forward to reading more by Ms. Frantz.

I gratefully received a free ARC from the publisher and author via NetGalley in exchange for my unbiased review.

Such a wonderful story from Laura Frantz. I always appreciate her attention to historical detail. This book is highly recommended!

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/