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The Tidewater Chronicles #2
The Shipwreck Secret
Truth or treasure? The sea guards its secrets.
On the last night of 1888, the schooner Iona runs aground in waters known as the Graveyard of the Pacific. Battling a brutal storm, girl reporter Jo Felch and her friend Amity rush to the scene. Looters descend on the wreck, ignoring the helmsman’s warning that the ship is cursed.
Stranded in Astoria, Oregon, survivors of the wreck offer contradictory versions of what happened aboard the cursed ship. With Amity falling for the ship’s second mate, Jo is determined to uncover the truth. But Jo has been duped before, and she’s not sure who she can trust. As she delves deeper into the tangled web of secrets, she finds that someone wants to silence her – for good.
In present-day Astoria, a treasure hunter comes into Tidewater Books asking for titles on the wreck. His persistence troubles bookshop owner Olivia Crawford, especially after she discovers her business partner Finn Parsons is in cahoots with the stranger. She hates to let Finn down, but the more she discovers about the cursed ship, the more she fears his involvement could ruin them both.
On the last night of 1888, the schooner Iona runs aground in waters known as the Graveyard of the Pacific. Battling a brutal storm, girl reporter Jo Felch and her friend Amity rush to the scene. Looters descend on the wreck, ignoring the helmsman’s warning that the ship is cursed.
Stranded in Astoria, Oregon, survivors of the wreck offer contradictory versions of what happened aboard the cursed ship. With Amity falling for the ship’s second mate, Jo is determined to uncover the truth. But Jo has been duped before, and she’s not sure who she can trust. As she delves deeper into the tangled web of secrets, she finds that someone wants to silence her – for good.
In present-day Astoria, a treasure hunter comes into Tidewater Books asking for titles on the wreck. His persistence troubles bookshop owner Olivia Crawford, especially after she discovers her business partner Finn Parsons is in cahoots with the stranger. She hates to let Finn down, but the more she discovers about the cursed ship, the more she fears his involvement could ruin them both.
- GenresHistorical Fiction
242 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 27, 2023
26 people are currently reading
53 people want to read
About the author
Vanessa Lind
19 books51 followersVanessa Lind loves writing about strong women from the past, especially the ones who’ve got a secret or two. She enjoys heartfelt stories that keep readers turning pages with characters that aren’t easily forgotten.
Vanessa grew up in Illinois but has since migrated to the Pacific Northwest, where she lives near a town rich in history (and breweries). She has a serious book-buying problem, never turns down a cup of tea, and gets her best ideas while walking her boxer dog. Her goal in life, besides writing unforgettable books, is to be a good ancestor.
Vanessa grew up in Illinois but has since migrated to the Pacific Northwest, where she lives near a town rich in history (and breweries). She has a serious book-buying problem, never turns down a cup of tea, and gets her best ideas while walking her boxer dog. Her goal in life, besides writing unforgettable books, is to be a good ancestor.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
July 30, 2023
Who doesn't love a good shipwreck and sunken treasure story? I know, right. I really enjoyed "The Shipwreck Secret" by Vanessa Lind it had all the adventure and drama I would expect from a good sunken ship and possible sunken treasure story. The characters were well written, and all seemed to fit into the story perfectly.
Josephine (Jo) is a reporter, actually she now owns the paper but that's not a popular decision in 1888 when the Iona shipwrecks off the coast of the Pacific Northwest. Jo's right there to get the story since it's in her own neck of the woods but what she gets is waaaay more than a sunken ship story, she gets murder!
Olivia owns a bookstore in current day and a treasure hunter shows up at her bookshop looking for books on shipwrecks in the area, she helps him but there's more to this guy. Once Olivia finds out this guy and his partner have persuaded someone she cares about, the co-owner of her building to get involved in their scheme, she balks!
The story was really very exciting, I never knew what was going to happen next. And I always love a dual time period book, so this fits that bill well.
The book was a quick read because I just couldn't put it down every time I thought it was settling down something else would come to light. I've read Vanessa Lind books before and have always enjoyed how she tells a story. There's lots of action, great dialogue and intriguing mysteries to figure out! It's got it all, oh and perhaps a bit of romance! I say this is a definite yes! Happy Reading!
Josephine (Jo) is a reporter, actually she now owns the paper but that's not a popular decision in 1888 when the Iona shipwrecks off the coast of the Pacific Northwest. Jo's right there to get the story since it's in her own neck of the woods but what she gets is waaaay more than a sunken ship story, she gets murder!
Olivia owns a bookstore in current day and a treasure hunter shows up at her bookshop looking for books on shipwrecks in the area, she helps him but there's more to this guy. Once Olivia finds out this guy and his partner have persuaded someone she cares about, the co-owner of her building to get involved in their scheme, she balks!
The story was really very exciting, I never knew what was going to happen next. And I always love a dual time period book, so this fits that bill well.
The book was a quick read because I just couldn't put it down every time I thought it was settling down something else would come to light. I've read Vanessa Lind books before and have always enjoyed how she tells a story. There's lots of action, great dialogue and intriguing mysteries to figure out! It's got it all, oh and perhaps a bit of romance! I say this is a definite yes! Happy Reading!
August 12, 2023
I really enjoyed book 2 of The Tidewater Chronicles. It was a welcome return to my favorite leads from 2 different times, whose stories are weaved and told on similar parallel paths by the author.
The similarities of the 2 female lead characters, there inquisitive natures, and there unrelenting curiosities carry the reader through another adventure.
Fantastic sequel to the first book in this series, and I look forward to meeting these characters again in future books!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The similarities of the 2 female lead characters, there inquisitive natures, and there unrelenting curiosities carry the reader through another adventure.
Fantastic sequel to the first book in this series, and I look forward to meeting these characters again in future books!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 18, 2023
This is the second book in the Tidewater Chronicles series and it’s a good one! The story is complete but it is helpful to have read the first book, The Shanghai Secret, just to get to know some backstory and the dynamics between the major characters: Jo and Amity in the 1880s story, and Olivia, Naomi and Finn in the present day story, all set in Astoria, OR. Ms. Lind has a wonderful way of intertwining the past story with the present, which she demonstrated in the first book. I like this tale even better as we are past the setting up of why Olivia has moved from the East Coast to Astoria (she inherited her great-aunt’s bookstore) and in the 1880s story, we are past how Jo has come to run the local evening paper. The focus is on the two stories – the shipwreck in 1888 and the present day search for the wreck and possible gold.
The details that Ms. Lind gives in each story speak to the research she does for each book she writes. This was true in her Secrets of the Blue and Grey series, too – and if you’ve read that series of 4 books, you’ll be pleased to recognize some familiar names that show up in the 1888 shipwreck story! The reader is truly transported to December, 1888 in Astoria and the travails of the sailors who survive the wreck. Present day Astoria has grown and the reader feels like they are a part of the town as they read about the bookstore, the quilting circle, and Finn’s work as a fisherman facing some hard times. That’s why he is eager to take on the work of helping Jimmy and Jillian find the wreck of the ship Iona, a ship that seemed to be cursed. It’s good money and they pay in cash. Olivia is leery of these two, though, and between Jo’s investigative reporting in 1888-89 and Olivia’s “snooping” in the present day, we get to the bottom of all the secrets of the ship, past and present.
Sadly, we still don’t have resolution of a couple of the loose ends from back in 1888 – Jo hasn’t given up, though – but I won’t say more about that, since I don’t want to spoil the story for you future readers. I expect that Ms. Lind will give us a resolution at some point in the series.
Ms. Lind writes strong female characters, whether they are spies for the North (or South) in the Secrets of the Blue and Grey series, or in this Tidewater Chronicles series. I like how she has tied in some of the characters from the Blue and Grey books into this series. The characters are well developed and believable, the dialogue seems true to the times (whether past or present), the details add to the stories without being cumbersome, and the endings are satisfying. I hate to see the end of each book but I look forward to reading about more secrets in Astoria, OR!
I received an Advance Reader Copy of this book through Booksirens, and I leave this review voluntarily and with pleasure.
The details that Ms. Lind gives in each story speak to the research she does for each book she writes. This was true in her Secrets of the Blue and Grey series, too – and if you’ve read that series of 4 books, you’ll be pleased to recognize some familiar names that show up in the 1888 shipwreck story! The reader is truly transported to December, 1888 in Astoria and the travails of the sailors who survive the wreck. Present day Astoria has grown and the reader feels like they are a part of the town as they read about the bookstore, the quilting circle, and Finn’s work as a fisherman facing some hard times. That’s why he is eager to take on the work of helping Jimmy and Jillian find the wreck of the ship Iona, a ship that seemed to be cursed. It’s good money and they pay in cash. Olivia is leery of these two, though, and between Jo’s investigative reporting in 1888-89 and Olivia’s “snooping” in the present day, we get to the bottom of all the secrets of the ship, past and present.
Sadly, we still don’t have resolution of a couple of the loose ends from back in 1888 – Jo hasn’t given up, though – but I won’t say more about that, since I don’t want to spoil the story for you future readers. I expect that Ms. Lind will give us a resolution at some point in the series.
Ms. Lind writes strong female characters, whether they are spies for the North (or South) in the Secrets of the Blue and Grey series, or in this Tidewater Chronicles series. I like how she has tied in some of the characters from the Blue and Grey books into this series. The characters are well developed and believable, the dialogue seems true to the times (whether past or present), the details add to the stories without being cumbersome, and the endings are satisfying. I hate to see the end of each book but I look forward to reading about more secrets in Astoria, OR!
I received an Advance Reader Copy of this book through Booksirens, and I leave this review voluntarily and with pleasure.
July 21, 2023
Another great story from Ms. Lind! At first, I was concerned that dual timelines might be somewhat confusing, but Ms. Lind wove the storyline(s) so intricately and with such detail, that it was a true delight! Having read the first book in this series was a help as the characters were established, but not a necessity to enjoy The Shipwreck Secret.
In 1888, as Amity and Jo rush to help survivors of a shipwreck during a terrible New Year's Eve storm, mysteries begin arising. The ship Iona was deemed "cursed", looters have come and stolen the spoils, there's a dead sailor on the beach, and several deaths of crew members have occurred previously. Are any of these events related, or merely part of "the curse"? Jo has a tenacious determination to not only help the survivors of the Iona, but to find answers to some of these questions. She's also the editor and key reporter for the local newspaper. But will she live long enough to solve anything? I loved the details the author includes to bring to the reader the life, amongst much prejudice, of a woman reporter in 1888 as well as description of the characters to make each one come alive!
The interwoven story takes us to present-day Astoria where a treasure hunter and his assistant befriend Finn and hire him to find the missing gold from the Iona shipwreck. As bookshop owner Olivia begins looking into the detailed reports of the shipwreck to protect her friend Finn, dangerous facts begin surfacing--as well as several questions.
A wonderful clean read with some romance and lots of mystery that held my interest and kept me turning pages throughout. I highly recommend The Shipwreck Secret as well as The Tidewater Chronicles Series! I received a complimentary ARC of this book and have voluntarily given my honest opinion in this review.
In 1888, as Amity and Jo rush to help survivors of a shipwreck during a terrible New Year's Eve storm, mysteries begin arising. The ship Iona was deemed "cursed", looters have come and stolen the spoils, there's a dead sailor on the beach, and several deaths of crew members have occurred previously. Are any of these events related, or merely part of "the curse"? Jo has a tenacious determination to not only help the survivors of the Iona, but to find answers to some of these questions. She's also the editor and key reporter for the local newspaper. But will she live long enough to solve anything? I loved the details the author includes to bring to the reader the life, amongst much prejudice, of a woman reporter in 1888 as well as description of the characters to make each one come alive!
The interwoven story takes us to present-day Astoria where a treasure hunter and his assistant befriend Finn and hire him to find the missing gold from the Iona shipwreck. As bookshop owner Olivia begins looking into the detailed reports of the shipwreck to protect her friend Finn, dangerous facts begin surfacing--as well as several questions.
A wonderful clean read with some romance and lots of mystery that held my interest and kept me turning pages throughout. I highly recommend The Shipwreck Secret as well as The Tidewater Chronicles Series! I received a complimentary ARC of this book and have voluntarily given my honest opinion in this review.
October 19, 2023
Was it the power of suggestion that sank the ship? Could have been the crew thought. . .a little, old apple seller across the pond in Liverpool hissing a curse over her shoulder as she was carted off the Iona. . .was that all it took to sink their robust ship. . .? It did make it all the way to the mouth of the mighty Columbia River before being stopped dead on the Clatsop sands. . . but not without losing key parties, and experiencing the worst kind of luck. Still, gold was onboard, and that made thieves of every one, it seemed. . .
Book Two in the Tidewater Chronicles, The Shipwreck Secret tracks a timeline in the 1880's and one in present day, both in Astoria, on the Pacific NW coastline, now known as Oregon, my home state. It is always a joy to pick up a story and read an adventurous, rollicking story about a place I know so well, shorelines, waterways nestled hard up against tall pines and craggy cliffs. It doesn't take much to imagine shipwrecks in that wild coast. As for the Peter Iredale wreck mentioned? My son bears a scar on his left knee from a deep slash delivered by the steely metal bones of all that remains of that ship during a family beach trip many years ago. No imagining needed. It's there, all right.
The dual timelines provided views of Astoria and its close-knit community that helped a reader appreciate the vast differences in how we've changed as people - use of resources, treatment of people, change of lifestyles, commercial centers waxing and waning. I warmed up to the characters easily, starting with Pablo, the pup, Amity and Jo, dear Effie, and then Olivia and Naomi.
Altogether, an exciting read about history here at home.
*A sincere thank you to Vanessa Lind and BookSirens for an ARC to read and independently review.*
Book Two in the Tidewater Chronicles, The Shipwreck Secret tracks a timeline in the 1880's and one in present day, both in Astoria, on the Pacific NW coastline, now known as Oregon, my home state. It is always a joy to pick up a story and read an adventurous, rollicking story about a place I know so well, shorelines, waterways nestled hard up against tall pines and craggy cliffs. It doesn't take much to imagine shipwrecks in that wild coast. As for the Peter Iredale wreck mentioned? My son bears a scar on his left knee from a deep slash delivered by the steely metal bones of all that remains of that ship during a family beach trip many years ago. No imagining needed. It's there, all right.
The dual timelines provided views of Astoria and its close-knit community that helped a reader appreciate the vast differences in how we've changed as people - use of resources, treatment of people, change of lifestyles, commercial centers waxing and waning. I warmed up to the characters easily, starting with Pablo, the pup, Amity and Jo, dear Effie, and then Olivia and Naomi.
Altogether, an exciting read about history here at home.
*A sincere thank you to Vanessa Lind and BookSirens for an ARC to read and independently review.*
December 9, 2023
I wasn't able to read the first in this series, so I didn't realize right away the connection to the author's Civil War series. How exciting when I realized the characters are related!
Set in two time periods, this book follows the fate of those aboard the ship, Iona, and their descendants. In the modern day, bookshop owner, Olivia, works to figure out what type of scheme her friend/business partner has become involved with. I never really understood the relationship between Olivia and Finn, which I think may be because I didn't read the first book in the series. Anyway, Finn is involved with a pair of sketchy characters bound and determined to loot a ship that they think is loaded down with gold (although Olivia's initial research suggests otherwise).
In the last, newspaper reporter Jo investigates the death of a sailor who was murdered at the same time the Iona was destroyed during a storm. There is much for Jo to uncover - which of the sailors are trustworthy, is there really a curse, what about the young stowaway discovered on the ship?
Using Jo's newspaper articles from the last, Olivia is able to connect the pieces of the past to protect herself, her business, and Finn. This book reminded me somewhat of the "Constance Kopp" series by Amy Stewart. Like Constance, Jo is a trailblazer in a field previously dominated by men. I recommend this book for those who enjoy history, mysteries, and ladies who get the job done.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
Set in two time periods, this book follows the fate of those aboard the ship, Iona, and their descendants. In the modern day, bookshop owner, Olivia, works to figure out what type of scheme her friend/business partner has become involved with. I never really understood the relationship between Olivia and Finn, which I think may be because I didn't read the first book in the series. Anyway, Finn is involved with a pair of sketchy characters bound and determined to loot a ship that they think is loaded down with gold (although Olivia's initial research suggests otherwise).
In the last, newspaper reporter Jo investigates the death of a sailor who was murdered at the same time the Iona was destroyed during a storm. There is much for Jo to uncover - which of the sailors are trustworthy, is there really a curse, what about the young stowaway discovered on the ship?
Using Jo's newspaper articles from the last, Olivia is able to connect the pieces of the past to protect herself, her business, and Finn. This book reminded me somewhat of the "Constance Kopp" series by Amy Stewart. Like Constance, Jo is a trailblazer in a field previously dominated by men. I recommend this book for those who enjoy history, mysteries, and ladies who get the job done.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
November 23, 2023
I read The Shanghai secret, the book before this and enjoyed it and Vanessa Lind gave with it the Novella "The Errand" that tells of the origin of the bookshop in the story and Aunt Ingrid, who left it to Olivia, the modern day heroine of this dual timeline historical and contemporary mysteries. I was happy to read this book, the next in the series as an ARC reader. In the 1890's Jo (Josephine) Feltch, daughter of a cannery owner in Astoria on the Oregon coast, has inherited the evening newspaper from the proprietor, who was murdered. A ship that was supposedly cursed is wrecked in a storm and there have been several mysterious deaths Jo stops at nothing to get to the truth. In the contemporary time, Olivia, part owner of the bookshop with Finn, a solitary fisherman, is as determined as Jo to get at the truth when she's suspicious that Finn is into something nefarious with two people determined to find treasure on the shipwreck. I personally like the dual timeline in historical mysteries and Vanessa Lind works the two stories together very well, devoting a few chapters to each one rather than alternating them. I like all the characters and both plots are interesting. If I have a criticism it's that occasionally I wasn't sure who was speaking. Good series though. Interesting enough to keep reading
July 27, 2023
This book is the second installment on the Tidewater Chronicles, and even though it can be read as a standalone I recommend reading the first one before starting this one, there are quiet a lot references in it to events that happened book one.
We found ourselves reading about a shipwreck that happens on New Years Eve 1888/1889 in the town of Astoria Oregon but also how this event is connected to the present day in the same town.
We read about Jo, the fierce editor and journalist always looking for the truth in 1889, and about Olivia, our present day bookstore owner and amateur detective also always looking for the truth. These two strong woman are connected thru history.
Ms. Lind has a way to write and make the reader feel like it is living the adventures with the protagonists, the way that she pays attention to every detail and writes about them sets the tone for really good books, ones that are hard to put down.
The story grabs you since the beginning and keeps your interest until the last pages of the book, there are still some unresolved issues for Jo that carry from book one, which makes me happy, because it means that a book three of the series is in the works.
We found ourselves reading about a shipwreck that happens on New Years Eve 1888/1889 in the town of Astoria Oregon but also how this event is connected to the present day in the same town.
We read about Jo, the fierce editor and journalist always looking for the truth in 1889, and about Olivia, our present day bookstore owner and amateur detective also always looking for the truth. These two strong woman are connected thru history.
Ms. Lind has a way to write and make the reader feel like it is living the adventures with the protagonists, the way that she pays attention to every detail and writes about them sets the tone for really good books, ones that are hard to put down.
The story grabs you since the beginning and keeps your interest until the last pages of the book, there are still some unresolved issues for Jo that carry from book one, which makes me happy, because it means that a book three of the series is in the works.
October 18, 2023
Wow, this book definitely was an amazing follow up from book one. The second book in a series can be a hit or miss, but damn, this book was spot on.
It follows the same set up from first book with the characters Jo and Olivia and you follow their journey.
I loved how Olivia found the newspaper articles written by Jo and how informitave they were for her. And how well a head Jo actually was for her time with her strong independ opinions, which she carefully created based on facts and not just hearsay.
I adored the simple and sweet relationships this book kept with friends and possibly lovers.
Most times the POV changed it kept you hanging on a cliffhanger with the need to keep reading to find out what happens. Only to get lost in the other POV and have the same thing happen again!
Can’t wait to see what else Vanessa Lind writes!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this honest review voluntarily.
It follows the same set up from first book with the characters Jo and Olivia and you follow their journey.
I loved how Olivia found the newspaper articles written by Jo and how informitave they were for her. And how well a head Jo actually was for her time with her strong independ opinions, which she carefully created based on facts and not just hearsay.
I adored the simple and sweet relationships this book kept with friends and possibly lovers.
Most times the POV changed it kept you hanging on a cliffhanger with the need to keep reading to find out what happens. Only to get lost in the other POV and have the same thing happen again!
Can’t wait to see what else Vanessa Lind writes!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this honest review voluntarily.
October 21, 2023
This engaging dual-timeline novel by Vanessa Lind is an entertaining read. Not fully predictable, a number of minor (page-time) characters who have major roles (significant events or choices) in a story that flows back and forth from the late 1880s to present day pretty smoothly.
I'd definitely recommend if you're looking for a tale about the sea, mystery, murder, and constructive relationships.
I'd love to give five stars, but I was disappointed in the misspellings/errors for some Spanish usage in the book. That sounds so arrogant - in my defense, when I taught Spanish, I refused to give full credit to a student unless they included all the accents correctly. There are too many words where the meaning completely changes if you don't have the accent - it's a totally different word - so I can't in good conscience give full credit. The story was still very good, in spite of the errors.
I'd definitely recommend if you're looking for a tale about the sea, mystery, murder, and constructive relationships.
I'd love to give five stars, but I was disappointed in the misspellings/errors for some Spanish usage in the book. That sounds so arrogant - in my defense, when I taught Spanish, I refused to give full credit to a student unless they included all the accents correctly. There are too many words where the meaning completely changes if you don't have the accent - it's a totally different word - so I can't in good conscience give full credit. The story was still very good, in spite of the errors.
July 29, 2023
The Shipwreck Secret: A riveting dual timeline historical mystery is the second installment of The Tidewater Chronicles series written by Vanessa Lind. The story is complete but it is helpful to have read the first book, The Shanghai Secret, just to get to know some backstory and the dynamics between the major characters: Jo and Amity in the 1880s story, and Olivia, Naomi and Finn in the present day story, all set in Astoria, OR. Ms. Lind has a wonderful way of intertwining the past story with the present, which she demonstrated in the first book.
A wonderful clean read with some romance and lots of mystery that held my interest and kept me turning pages throughout. I highly recommend The Shipwreck Secret as well as The Tidewater Chronicles Series!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
A wonderful clean read with some romance and lots of mystery that held my interest and kept me turning pages throughout. I highly recommend The Shipwreck Secret as well as The Tidewater Chronicles Series!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 30, 2023
The second novel in this series, Vanessa Lind again has fulfilled with intrigue and mystery over two time periods. This is a continuation of her first novel in the series so it is helpful to read the first book for character development and continuity of the stories.
Her descriptions of Astoria, Oregon where the story occurs in both 1888 and present day are inviting and makes me want to travel there and be immersed myself in this quaint town.
Both her central characters, Jo and Olivia are connected through the history of this town. Vanessa Lind's ability to make us invest in their stories is undeniable.
There are still some unresolved issues in the stories both in the past and the present which leads me to hope that this delightful series will still be continuing on!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Her descriptions of Astoria, Oregon where the story occurs in both 1888 and present day are inviting and makes me want to travel there and be immersed myself in this quaint town.
Both her central characters, Jo and Olivia are connected through the history of this town. Vanessa Lind's ability to make us invest in their stories is undeniable.
There are still some unresolved issues in the stories both in the past and the present which leads me to hope that this delightful series will still be continuing on!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 30, 2023
The Shipwreck Secret was a very interesting story for anyone who enjoys tales from being on the seas in all kinds of conditions.
Stowaways and treasures, unexplained mysteries of the crew members and add to that the toll that weather has had on these ships and you have a good chance of finding a mystery at sea.
I enjoyed reading all about the Iola and all the happenings on board. Taking myself back to the 1800's when shipping and crossing large bodies of water was not as easy as it might be today. So many things could and do go wrong.
You won't want to put this book down. It's an easy read, yet captivating as well.
Thank you for the opportunity to read it!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Stowaways and treasures, unexplained mysteries of the crew members and add to that the toll that weather has had on these ships and you have a good chance of finding a mystery at sea.
I enjoyed reading all about the Iola and all the happenings on board. Taking myself back to the 1800's when shipping and crossing large bodies of water was not as easy as it might be today. So many things could and do go wrong.
You won't want to put this book down. It's an easy read, yet captivating as well.
Thank you for the opportunity to read it!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 11, 2023
Wow! Just wow! I received an ARC of this book so naturally I read the first before this. While you can read them as stand-alone, reading both gives you a bit more perspective and they are both amazing books. The details are right on point for the time period that they were written for. The characters are well-developed and the storyline - a dual line - is awesome. I love how this book switches between the past and the present as the mystery unfolds. Reading how women got involved in the press business and how they had to persevere for that time period just adds to the charm of this book. I highly recommend this book!
March 27, 2024
As with all of the other books in the Tidewater Chronicle series, Ms. Lind seamlessly weaves the past and present into a fascinating and entertaining mystery. The characters (past and present) are relatable and engaging. And the mystery has enough twists and turns to keep you guessing. Meticulously researched, Seamstress is filled with enough historical details to pull you right into the Gilded Age in Astoria, Oregon. The present-time part of the story is great too. Olivia is smart and strong. I enjoy sleuthing along with her and her friends.
I received an advance review copy of this book for free and am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy of this book for free and am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 27, 2023
Wow!
I read the first book in this series and I loved it. I was so excited to read this second one.
This story finds Jo and Amity at a New Years Eve party during bad storm. Lots of heavy rain and wind.
This wind causes a ship just off the coast to go off course and run into the Columbia bar (a major shallow water sand area). There is a very serious shipwreck that happens, on a schooner called the 'Iona'.
Jo and Amity help save the men aboard, but the next day, they discover a dead body that has washed up with some of the crew's personal cargo.
Needless to say, Jo investigates this event and discovers a really big secret that someone will kill for to retrieve.
I won't give away anymore of the story. Suffice to say, Ms Lind has hit another home run with this one.
I received a free ARC of this book and am leaving my voluntary review.
I read the first book in this series and I loved it. I was so excited to read this second one.
This story finds Jo and Amity at a New Years Eve party during bad storm. Lots of heavy rain and wind.
This wind causes a ship just off the coast to go off course and run into the Columbia bar (a major shallow water sand area). There is a very serious shipwreck that happens, on a schooner called the 'Iona'.
Jo and Amity help save the men aboard, but the next day, they discover a dead body that has washed up with some of the crew's personal cargo.
Needless to say, Jo investigates this event and discovers a really big secret that someone will kill for to retrieve.
I won't give away anymore of the story. Suffice to say, Ms Lind has hit another home run with this one.
I received a free ARC of this book and am leaving my voluntary review.
November 29, 2023
The story has two time lines. One in the past and one in the present. What happened in the past is rediscovered in the present.
The author did a good job with the research about shipwrecking and the laws that come with it.
Because every two chapters the story switches between past and present, it got me confused now and then. She is with Ethan. Wait. What happened to Noah? O no, mistake. He is with the other girl in the past. :-)
Both stories are about the gold in the ship. Greed is the word.
What I like about this story is that there are no questions unanswered.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The author did a good job with the research about shipwrecking and the laws that come with it.
Because every two chapters the story switches between past and present, it got me confused now and then. She is with Ethan. Wait. What happened to Noah? O no, mistake. He is with the other girl in the past. :-)
Both stories are about the gold in the ship. Greed is the word.
What I like about this story is that there are no questions unanswered.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 27, 2023
I love Vanessa Lind's Civil War series, so had to have this dual timeline (1-1-1899 and present-day) novel about a lady newspaperman in the old days and a bookstore owner in the current time in the small town of Astoria, Oregon, Clatsop Sands, where the mouth of the Columbia River meets the Pacific Ocean. We watch our bookstore owner/operator Olivia dodge bad guys and snack on Finnish pastry as our intrepid editor/journalist Jo attempts to understand a shipwreck in the-long-ago. There have been over 2,000 shipwrecks over time in these treacherous Clatsop Spit waters, but the one in question, the sinking of the clipper Iona, took place in a doozie of a storm on the night of New Year's Eve, 1898. Several people died on that voyage, but not from the weather or the shipwreck.
This is a short, fast-paced tale, a quick read, and one you are going to adore. Just make sure the coffee is on and there are lots of cookies, preferably Finnish. Ms. Lind does not disappoint. I am pleased to recommend her work to friends and family. She brings the olden days to life. As always, the extensive research behind the tale is obvious, and the story comes alive on the page. This is the first of a series, for which I am grateful. Something else to look forward to.
I received a complimentary electronic ARC of this novel from BookSirens, the author Vanessa Lind, and Publisher BookBub. This purely voluntary review reflects my honest opinion of this work.
Reviewed on July 14, 2023, at Goodreads, BookBub, and BookSirens. On July 27, 2023, reviewed on BarnesI&Noble. Not available for review on Kobo.
This is a short, fast-paced tale, a quick read, and one you are going to adore. Just make sure the coffee is on and there are lots of cookies, preferably Finnish. Ms. Lind does not disappoint. I am pleased to recommend her work to friends and family. She brings the olden days to life. As always, the extensive research behind the tale is obvious, and the story comes alive on the page. This is the first of a series, for which I am grateful. Something else to look forward to.
I received a complimentary electronic ARC of this novel from BookSirens, the author Vanessa Lind, and Publisher BookBub. This purely voluntary review reflects my honest opinion of this work.
Reviewed on July 14, 2023, at Goodreads, BookBub, and BookSirens. On July 27, 2023, reviewed on BarnesI&Noble. Not available for review on Kobo.
July 27, 2023
This was great! This is the second book in the series, however you don’t need to have read the first book (it is however helpful and also a great read!). I love how this story had two timelines, and the author did a great job of making sure that this wasn’t confusing to follow. I loved the characters and how strong and determined they are. A captivating, entertaining read! I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 29, 2023
I enjoyed this book I think even more than the previous one. It was great to follow the characters I'd gotten to know. This is a clean well written story with good character development. There is some romance though that isn't the main part of the story, which has adventure and mystery. Vanessa does a great job of intertwining the two time frames, the past and the present.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 9, 2023
I am a fan of Ms Lind's work and have enjoyed all of her stories so far and this one is no different. The dual timelines is a great way to get a feel for the Pacific Northwest today and in the past.
As usual the mystery has multiple layers - this time teaching the readers a bit about shipwrecks and ghost ships. Super fascinating.
Looking forward to the next one!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
As usual the mystery has multiple layers - this time teaching the readers a bit about shipwrecks and ghost ships. Super fascinating.
Looking forward to the next one!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 7, 2023
This is the second book in the series and I would definitely recommend reading them in sequence. What a great read! I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Loved the characters and how they have grown. A great historical fiction.
Love the travel between the present and past.
A story with a lot of mystery, adventure and action.
Can’t wait for the next adventure!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Love the travel between the present and past.
A story with a lot of mystery, adventure and action.
Can’t wait for the next adventure!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 10, 2024
I didn’t get into this story at first, but soon found myself looking forward to when I could read more. I appreciated the convergence of two distinct time periods to craft a captivating narrative. The strength and inquisitiveness of the women in both eras added depth. My only critique lies in the author's use of present tense in the modern chapters, which felt a bit awkward during the read. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 27, 2023
This is the first novel I've read by this author, but will not be the last. I enjoyed this book immensely. It reads between the past and present but wasn't distracting. Great characters. Great story. I was sad to see the last page. Will be waiting for more.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 29, 2023
Riveting story about buried treasure with a dual timeline which is always fun to read. You bounce from the past to the future and it is entertaining reading. Great characters to follow along on this treasure hunt. Hard to put down.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 3, 2023
Love the dual time frame, it gives you a more in depth storyline. This is the second book in the Tidewater Chronicles series, and is just as good as the first book!! The story takes place in Astoria Oregon, where a shipwreck occured in 1888. Was their gold on the ship/shipwreck? Can anyone find anything? Love the plot, great setting and strong intense interesting characters.
September 2, 2023
This is such a great book. The characters are realistic and interesting. I especially enjoyed the dual storylines. They're very intriguing and quickly pulled me in.
I voluntarily read an Advance Reader Copy of this excellent book and can definitely recommend it to anyone who loves great storytelling.
I voluntarily read an Advance Reader Copy of this excellent book and can definitely recommend it to anyone who loves great storytelling.
June 19, 2025
Book #2 is just as marvelous as Book #1 in the Tidewater Chronicles series by Vanessa Lind. I enjoy the dual history line she has included in this series. Oftentimes, it is boring or becomes confusing when a writer does this, but not so with Ms. Lind. I recommend reading the first book in the series before this one, as it sets the scene for the complete series.
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August 14, 2023I think this book is one of the best historical fictions. To have a historical mystery with female sleuths mirrored with present day female sleuths is terrific, you actually have two mysteries in one. I for one will continue to read novels written by Vanessa Lind.
August 19, 2023
Another great historical fiction by this author. I love how the excitement of what is happening to the characters comes through the pages of the book. I feel like I'm right there observing whenever I read Vanessa Lind's books.
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