Tidewater Bride by Laura Frantz

My thoughts:  As with the author's previous books, a beautifully woven historical story rich in detail and historical accuracy brings the reader an enriching and beautifully time spent between the pages of a book.

I totally enjoyed reading Tidewater Bride; and though I'm of a much later generation, I totally identify with the heat, mugginess that drains people experience living coastal in the southern parts of America.

James Towne was new but not so new that they didn't live civilized, constructed lives. Farming, shipping, blacksmithing, and shop keeping were means of provision and living. Large land holdings were farmed for tobacco and other crops. Some had slaves but most used labor provided by indentured servants. 

It was a time of relative peace with the area Indians or "Naturals" as the settlers called them. In an effort to maintain and further develop the peace and to generate trust, a temporary swap of children was embraced during this story. 

The character development in Tidewater Bride by author Laura Frantz is well done giving enough description and conversation to fully flesh out the individuals to the point that you love them or despise them. As in real life, there are good folks and there are those whose actions are despicable.

I highly recommend this book.

About the book: Selah Hopewell, Virginia Colony's most eligible woman, is busy matchmaking for a ship of brides, though she has no wish to wed.

Xander Renick is perhaps the most eligible tobacco lord in the settlement, but he is already wedded to his business and still grieves the loss of his wife, daughter of the Powhatan chief.

Can two fiercely independent people find happiness and fulfillment on their own? Or will they discover that what they've been missing in life has been right in front of them all along?

DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy from Revell a division of Baker Publishing to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given.