Different Tides: An 1800s historical romance set in Dorset, England by Janet Woods

by Janet Woods

1835. Clementine Morris, despite her youth and inexperience, is hired by Zachariah Fleet to care for his recently orphaned niece and nephew. He tells her he wishes the young children to have more than a governess, and her heart goes out to the grieving infants. Clementine, too, is an orphan, and all alone in the world. But little does she know that Zachariah Fleet is interested in her for more than just her usefulness as a governess. He believes she is a distant relation of his by marriage, and there is a chance she is a legatee for a useful amount of money. There are troubles ahead, though, when another young woman turns up with a claim to the inheritance.

Genres: Historical Romance

Hardcover

First published September 1, 2014

Reviews

[Bree Verity · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved this novel - I was looking for a read with a strong hero and heroine, a great plot, excellent storytelling and above all else, romance.
And I got it all in this novel.

[Helen Glasgow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Different Tides

I enjoyed every minute of this book and couldn’t put it down I thoroughly recommend anyone to read it and enjoy it as I did

[Sandy Crux · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an excellent historical novel, written from the point of view of a very poor, orphaned young woman, Clementine Morris, who rises above her life in a Workhouse by becoming employed as a governess. Her employer, Zachariah Fleet, hires her because he sees she is trying to get ahead as he himself did. In fact, at the opening of the story, he is already a very wealthy self-made investor.

Actually, the book is a rare glimpse at someone moving above their social station to become a fully functioning member of English society in 1835 just before Queen Victoria comes to the throne. Remember, this was when everyone had "their place" in or out of the "ton."

Interestingly, Zachariah wants nothing to do with the ton per se but does want to be able to move comfortably among all of society, even with those who have titles and wealth due to heredity.

In any event, Clemmie, as she is nicknamed, finds herself working for a man she respects and likes and dreads the day when she will have to leave both the two children she learns to love and Zachariah.

While I really enjoyed this book, I have one complaint, and that is the sub-plot involving a second young woman, Alexandra. I won't give that storyline away but, in my opinion, the whole section seems no more than a diversion that turns out not to be related to the main story at all.

Rather, what is related to the main story is the mystery and dangers relating to the death of Zachariah Fleet's brother and his wife in Australia and a gradual love that grows between Clemmie and Zachariah.

I can certainly see an opening for a trilogy on this family. For instance, I can envision a book about what happens in the years beyond this book, followed by a book about young Edward, who is actually the heir to his father's baronetcy.

My blog review is here.

[Rosemary Morris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Different Tides by Janet Woods 05/11/2016

The plot of Woods’ novel, Different Tides, a blend of romance and mystery is carefully constructed.

I read Woods’ intriguing novel fast because I wanted to know how it would end. When she tied up all the lose knots in the plot I wasn’t disappointed.

In 1835, why does Zachariah Fleet, a wealthy business man, with a troubled past, employ young Clementine Morris from a workhouse to take care of his orphaned nephew and niece, who are on their way to England from Australia. Why is his nephew, Edward, frightened to speak? His sister says he is remains silent because he is afraid his tongue will be cut out. As the children gain self-confidence and begin to recover from their parents’ deaths, there are more and more intriguing twists in the tale.

I finished Different Tides in a single day, but the novel would be excellent to read at bedtime.

[Regina Spiker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Clementine is an 20 year old orphan who has a heart for little ones so when she is ask to be a governess to two lonely, orphaned children, she jumps at the chance. One of the children is a 5 year old Earl and the other, his 4 year old sister, both fresh from Australia. Both have experienced too much tragedy for being so young and carry the scars of fear. Can Clementine ensure they have a happy childhood...one that she, herself, did not enjoy?

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Janet Woods does it again. Such a good storyteller. Thanks!!

[Donia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another well written story by a prolific author. This is light reading but understand that Janet is a very skilled and entertaining author who knows how to develop a good plot and characters.

[Janice Tolifson]

A fun read about a governess caring for 2 children of their uncle.