Tidewater Bride by Laura Frantz {Book Review}

Hey Gems!!! Another book review to close out the month! This one is curtesy of Revell Reads. I was excited to get my hands on this book for two reasons: 1) the cover was gorgeous and 2) the main characters name. Keep reading for my thoughts...

Title: Tidewater Bride
Author: Laura Frantz
Age: Adult
Genres: Christian Fiction, Historical Fiction, Romance
Publication Date: February 5, 2021
Publisher: Revell
Source: Paperback
Purchase: Paperback | Kindle | Audible | Christian Book
Synopsis:

Selah Hopewell seems to be the only woman in the Virginia colony who has no wish to wed. True, 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. And now she is in charge of an incoming ship of tobacco brides who must be looked after as they sort through their many suitors.

Xander Renick is perhaps the most eligible tobacco lord in the settlement. His lands are vast, his crops are prized, and his position as a mediator between the colonists and the powerful Powhatan nation surrounding them makes him indispensable. But Xander 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?

My Rating:

Though my rating looks to be a 4 star, this is really a 3.75 star rating for me. This was an enjoyable read. I was enjoying the setting, time period and characters, but the pacing pulled me out of enjoying the story. I was drawn into the life that Selah had and the hardships. She was a strong heroine character for me and I could see me loving her a ton. Xander was an interesting guy and though he complemented her, the two of them were such a comical pair. 

The chemistry and romance between Selah and Xander was so well-written. They were both head-strong, independent characters. They had moments when they clashed, but when they meshed I swooned a bit for them.

For a Christian fiction, I wanted more of the faith aspects to pull through, but I do plan to re-read this book down the line again to see if my thoughts change. Though I didn't give this a full four star rating, I am intrigued to read more from the author. My next read of hers will either be A Bound Heart or Love's Awakening.

Blessings,