The Golden Age of Piracy. Salem Witch Trials.

High seas pirate king Samuel Bellamy is bewitched with beautiful and strong-willed Maria Brown. This novel sang to me of social justice and how badly two entwined fates can get so brutally twisted awry from one another.

Wealthy families and disloyal mothers. Sea ports and ships and gossiping wives tales. A forced marriage with an old horrible man because a beautiful soul grows within the womb of a heartsick woman, close to being disowned by parents embarrassed by her love.

A sister who refuses to give up. Whipping and breathless babes. A deceitful, lying letter. Raging waves, stealing the lives that are thrown overboard a ship of a man who left his heart behind. Storms rage on whilst a jilted lover bears the pain of lives lost and the sting of torture marrs her backside.

The power of faith and the power of love keeps a strong woman alive in a cold bitter world content to excommunicate her. A surprising alliance and friendship saves her, unwilling to leave her struggling and gives her purpose, rather than just surviving.

The will of Maria gripped me and I could not look away from this book for a moment. Her tenacity and unwillingness to give up, how she kept going inspired me in my daily life. She is a survivor, with or without the man she swore to never give up on, even when the world stopped at nothing to convince her of his absence.

This is a difficult book to read, with the loss and the tragedy and the torture. It was hard to read, though I am glad I did. I recommend readers finish this book at least once. It is inspiring and encouraging, despite the darkness the world insists upon us as humans. 🌟🌟🌟🌟/5 Stars!

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Rachel Rueckert for providing me with a complimentary digital ARC for If the Tide Turns coming out March 26, 2024. The honest opinions expressed in this review are my own.

This is the first book I’ve read by this author. I love pirate stories! So the plot sounded really fun. I thought it started off really well. I loved that Sam was teaching Maria how to swim. I’m not sure how much time really passed, but it was a little too instalove for me. I think the parents weren’t as fleshed out as I thought they’d be. I’m not really sure what their motives were. They seemed to hate their daughters for little reason. There was certainly a lot of tragedy. I don’t want to give anything away, but at times it felt like Sam was having all the fun. I didn’t really enjoy that for Maria and what she had to go through. There was also a lot of time spent apart. I would’ve liked to see a little more adventure together. I liked the story, but wasn’t in love with it. I would check out other books by this author though.

Overall, this is a well written book of historical fiction that tells the story of Sam Bellamy and Maria- two star crossed lovers, based on a mix of historical facts, myths and suppositions, intent on highlighting the desperate and disparate positions of marginalized people in the era of piracy and colonialization in the US.
Sam meets Maria, a woman who's intent on having a few experiences before she must settle down and marry a much older and very uninteresting man who has high standing in her very religious colonial community. He teaches her swimming, they come to love each other, and because of his lack of standing, he leaves on a fool's errand in an attempt at a chance at "quick cash". Unfortunately he leaves Maria pregnant and unmarried, and in the age of bad communication options, this is not a good thing at all (cue storm clouds). Maria hastily marries, and eventually miscarries forcing her to face the shame and punishments heaped on women in that time. After a brave escape, she exiles herself and learns the hard lessons of survival. All the while, Sam becomes Black Sam Bellamy- a feared pirate, which he also feels is somewhat shameful, but needed for his survival. Will the two ever meet again? You'll have to read to find out!
The book had a bit of a YA feel to it, which isn't necessarily a bad thing, in general I felt like things were possibly made more black and white than the likely actuality of anyone's situation, which made the story very easy to follow, but made it feel as if it lacked a certain depth, and the writing seemed to be at exactly the 8th grade level, which is not to say it wasn’t good, it just seemed sort of perfect for YA.
This book would make a good book club book, it's a fast, easy read with lots of action and adventure to engage the reader. It lends itself easily to topics of discussion of equality, conformity, justice, and community.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!

DNF'd at 25%

2.5 out of 5*s
I liked the idea of this book but honestly it was just too mundane for me. The story was so hard to stay engaged with because nothing ever made me go "omg I want to keep reading to find out what happens". The book is split up into 4 sections & through the first section only one kind of big thing happened but the outcome didn't push me to continue. I did continue up until the second chapter of the second part where I just felt like I lost all interest. Another thing that wasn't pushing me to finish was the fact that Sam & Maria are supposed to be madly in love but you really don't feel any connection between them at all & everything about them is very very surface level. I really wanted to love it but it was just not it for me.

Pirates! Based on the life of Sam Bellamy, it's an interesting look at piracy in the 1700s but also at the lives of women in the period. Maria, who fall in love with Sam, is struggling against the expectations of her father and her Cape Cod community, An adventure and a love story all at once, Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. A very good read.

This was an interesting story set in a time when suspicions about people practicing witchcraft was very much a part of life. The main character , Maria, is determined to have fun before she ends up in a marriage her father wants for her with an older man who has basically cheated her family. Maria's father, I'm sure, is hoping for a better relationship at the expense of the daughter he adores.It all changes when maria falls in love with a younger, penniless male, and refuses to do what her father wants. .

Well written with good details.

Thank you NetGalley for this ARC!

This was a lovely historical romance about a story I knew nothing about. If the Tide Turns is an imagining of the legend of the pirate Sam Bellamy and his lover Maria. The story opens with a gorgeous set up for the romance and you fall absolutely in love with both characters. As the story unfolded I loved the historical details that brought that time period to life. I felt very grounded with the characters and was so invested in their story! Overall, I felt the story had awesome Elizabeth Swan/Will Turner vibes.

I would highly recommend for historical fiction readers who like pirates and romance.

Review posted on tiktok: Historical fiction + romance + PIRATES?! Yes please!! https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZT8TDv6ke/

A fun, historical fiction/romance story. I've never read a story about pirates, and this is not the type of book I normally gravitate to, but I enjoyed it. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

If The Tides Turn is a different kind of pirate adventure, less swashbuckling and more struggling to live free from society’s expectations.

If you like your heroes to go against the grain then Maria and Sam’s story will appeal to you.

The writing was well researched and the reader gets to know the legendary pirate Sam and his love Maria- who has her own story to tell.

Where it fell short for me was modern sensibilities and progressive ideas being discussed by people from the mid 1700’s. Actual speeches by the characters was too much telling instead of showing the inequities taking place.

Everyone loves a good pirate novel, and this one is quite out of the ordinary. Based on the life of the actual pirate chief Sam Bellamy, who lived in the late seventeenth and early eighteenth centuries, it explores the events leading up to his decision to, in the terminology of the day, “go on the account” (become a pirate) and his short-lived career. What is most interesting is that these pirates are in many ways the opposite of what we have been taught to expect, whether that is lawless and cruel adventurers à la Blackbeard or would-be comedians like Disney’s Jack Sparrow. These pirates run a fledgling democracy where all decisions are taken by majority rule, and they prefer to avoid killing, as well as harsh punishments such as keelhauling and walking the plank. They would much rather invite the often-downtrodden crewmen of the ships they attack to join the pirate ranks. And that’s the historically attested part.

The focus of the story, though, alternates between Sam’s perspective and the much more fictionalized character of Maria Brown, the most beautiful woman in Eastham, Massachusetts, a small town on Cape Cod. Maria’s wealthy family has every expectation that she will bow to convention, which in 1715 means that she will marry well, take care of her husband’s household, and bear as many children as possible. Maria herself has no such ambitions—at least not if they involve the man her parents have selected for her. She and Sam click at first sight, but his misfortunes and her family’s opposition force them apart. He swears he will make his fortune and return, but as the months go by, Maria’s hope that he will keep that promise becomes harder to sustain.

The third element that sets this novel apart is the inclusion of the Wampanoag, the native people of Cape Cod, who welcomed the Pilgrims shortly after the arrival of the Mayflower but by 1715 have developed far more jaundiced views of the white colonists, who first seize, then destroy, the tribal lands and the economy based on them. Through the character of Abiah Sampson, a Native American healer and activist, we get an additional perspective on the impact of colonization on the people and the environment that had existed in Massachusetts for millennia before the Puritans arrived.

Set a bit more than halfway between that fateful arrival and the 1776 Revolution, this novel reveals the costs as well as the benefits of the American Dream. I look forward to hosting the author on my blog (link below) in late March 2024.

I loved how this was loosely based on facts. I really liked how the book went back and forth between the POVS. I did want to punch him though just a little bit. Men haha Definitely something that will be a hit with the right marketing.

I applaud the author's research and use of historical places, names, and ideas. It was interesting to read something that takes place AFTER the Salem Trials, which is definitely a bit different.

I grabbed this title originally because it promised pirates and witches. As a huge fan of the Pirates of the Caribbean films (and ride), I was intrigued by that combination!

But the writing lags for me. It isn't a fast-moving swashbuckling adventure. It's more of a slow romance type social commentary trying too hard to be a serious version of the Odyssey.

Although it didn't really work for me, I liked that this book is out in the world. Applause for history buffs turned writers!

"Survival alone is not living... It is difficult, the struggle of hope."

Not a bad book but not for me. The writing style was good and the author is obviously a very capable writer. The characters were well-fleshed out too. But the story didn’t really work for me because while I found Sam to be a very compelling character, Maria and her story weren’t that interesting. As for their romance and relationship, it was all right. Again, I found Sam by himself to be the highlight of this book.

Also, I really didn’t care for the constant reference to just how green Maria’s eyes are. It almost had me wondering if he would have cared less about her if she’d had brown or blue eyes.

Thank you to Kensington Books and NetGalley for this DRC in return for an unbiased review

Trapped by the puritanical standards of her village and family Maria yearns to have the freedom to swim like a boy and not marry who her father chooses for her. When she meets Sam and falls in love this freedom is put to the test. They each make an unconventional choice which leads to a dangerous path. Sam will become the pirate of legends while Maria will be cast as an adulterer and witch. A wonderful seafaring adventure combined with historical fiction revolving around strong women held in contempt by powerful men. It also touches on the dilemma when loyalty to your country disagrees with your own moral compass. A love story for the ages based on true historical figures in Colonial America. My thanks to the publisher for the advance copy.

This story, set in Cape Cod a few years after the Salem Witch Trials, involves the unemployed young seafarer Sam Bellamy and Maria Brown, his true love. On the docks of Eastham searching for work, Sam spots a young woman flailing in the ocean. After coming to her rescue, he learns that all she wants is to learn how to swim and asks him to teach her. As he gives her lessons, he finds a kindred spirit in Maria-they are both courageous and principled and soon fall in love. But Maria's parents have big plans for her as she is to save their family farm by marrying a much older widower and settling down to a life of female subservience. Although Sam asks for Maria's hand in marriage, her parents drive him away and he vows to return a rich man and marry their daughter anyway. Before he leaves, they consummate their love on a deserted beach.
The book then separates into the tale of Sam and the tale of Maria. The only position that Sam could get was that of a privateer-essentially a pirate who did not attack British ships. But he and his fellow sailors gave up the pretense of following these customs and sought the most lucrative cargoes through full-blown piracy. He was soon given captaincy of the ship Wydah and the name Black Sam Bellamy. Life as a pirate was not as bad as being an ordinary sailor-the crew was well fed, there was diversity and egalitarianism, and rules were followed. He never forgot his sweetheart though, and he wrote Maria a letter, asking if she still wanted him. A letter returns to him that tells him to stay away.
Maria spurns the widower Hallett and takes refuge in her mastery of the craft of weaving. She discovers that she is pregnant, and her mother forces her to marry Hallett and convince him that the baby is his. Unfortunately, the baby is stillborn and Maria is cursed as a witch for killing her baby. She runs away to a shack in the forest of a neighboring town where she is aided by a native American woman. She never receives a letter from Sam.
Based on historical records and local folklore, the story of Sam and Maria is a fascinating adventure of a love that has survived through the ages. An enjoyable and enlightening read.

I'm giving this new to me author 5 stars for an awesome adventure.
I love every minute of this tale of forbidden love and romance.
The swashbuckling scenes were my favorite because I could actually see myself doing the swashbuckling. I bet those sword were heavy!
I couldn't put the story down it was so good! I had an awesome time reading this especially with the aftermath of the Salem Witch trials also one of my favorite time periods.

“If the Tide Turns” by Rachel Rueckert is an enthralling historical fiction romance set in 18th-century Eastham, Massachusetts. Maria Brown, the daughter of a wealthy family, finds herself at odds with societal expectations and her parents’ wishes. Unwilling to marry the elderly John Hallett, Maria’s world takes an unexpected turn when she encounters Samuel Bellamy, an orphaned sailor with dreams that transcend his social status. The novel beautifully captures the essence of forbidden love, reminiscent of a Romeo and Juliet tale. Maria’s strength and determination shine as she grapples with family and societal pressures, making her a compelling and relatable protagonist. The characters, inspired by real historical figures, add authenticity to the narrative, enriching the storytelling experience.

The story unfolds through alternating chapters between Maria and Sam, providing readers with insights into the perspectives of both characters. While Sam’s journey into piracy adds an element of danger and adventure, Maria’s struggle against societal norms forms the emotional core of the narrative. Rueckert skillfully weaves historical facts with fictional elements, creating a captivating blend of myth and romance. The seamless integration of Sam and Maria’s story into the fabric of historical events adds depth to the novel, making it both informative and emotionally resonant.

The exploration of societal constraints, forbidden love, and the characters’ resilience in the face of adversity keeps readers engaged throughout. Rueckert’s narrative prowess shines, making “If the Tide Turns” a delightful read for fans of historical fiction and romance. The book is a testament to the enduring power of love and the strength required to defy societal expectations. In conclusion, “If the Tide Turns” is a beautifully crafted historical fiction romance that transports readers to a bygone era, exploring themes of love, sacrifice, and societal constraints. Rueckert’s storytelling prowess and well-developed characters make this novel a compelling and emotionally resonant journey into the heart of 18th-century Eastham.

My thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Books for this ARC of Rachel Rueckert’s If the Tide Turns, which I received for my free and unbiased review of the book.

Rueckert’s well-researched and perfectly paced narrative tells the story of Black Sam Bellamy, a real pirate commodore who lead a diverse crew of ships in a highly unusual, egalitarian society, and his mythic lady love Maria, something of an urban legend in the Cape Cod area. Their story is one of the original woman watching the sea for her sailor tales. Maria and her talent as a weaver evoke Penelope, while Sam’s adventures to come home to her cast him alternately as Robin Hood and Ulysses.

There’s enough verifiable information about the pair, including the finding of Bellamy’s ship the Whydah in 1984, that Rueckert’s is able to spin the yarn in full, filling in historical gaps and absences as she goes. What emerges from her loom is a tapestry of devotion, survival, and being true to oneself. Sure, it’s a love story, but that aspect bookends the individual growth Sam and Maria experience separately, only to return to each other wiser, if not wealthier.

Is this high art / literature? Perhaps not. But it is excellent historical fiction that avoids the treacle-sweet sap of some romances in the genre. I read this book in a day. It’s a page turner and a great yarn 🧶.

Premise sounded interesting, but it didn't work for me. It's a cross between historical fiction and romance, but neither angle pulled me in. I like alternating POVs, but I just never connected with the characters.

A historic adventure/romance set against the backdrop of a New England that is changing. Both Maria Brown and Samuel Bellamy are both headstrong and looking for more than the simple routine life that’s to be had in any number of identical fishing villages. They might be separated by miles and years, but they ultimately conquer their individual and shared adversities to chart a new life together.