What do you think?
Rate this book
If the Tide Turns: A Thrilling Historical Novel of Piracy and Life After the Salem Witch Trials
Set in the Golden Age of pirates and the shadowy aftermath of the Salem witch trials, this vivid, gorgeously written novel inspired by a captivating true story, combines high seas adventure, star-crossed longing, and the emotionally satisfying tale of one strong-willed young woman determined to choose her own path.
1715, Eastham, As the daughter of a wealthy family, Maria Brown has a secure future mapped out for her, yet it is not the future she wants. Seventeen, headstrong, and restless, Maria has no desire to marry the aging, mean-spirited John Hallett, regardless of his fortune and her parents’ wishes. As for what Maria does want—only one person has ever asked her that question.
Samuel Bellamy, an orphaned sailor searching for work, meets Maria by chance, enthralling her with talk of far-flung places and blasphemous ideals. But neither is free from the social order into which they were born. When Sam is banished from Maria’s parents’ home after asking for her hand, he vows to return a wealthy man, and Maria promises to keep the faith until then.
Drawn into piracy, Sam discovers a brotherhood more equal than any on land, despite its dangers. But Maria, pregnant and forced into an abusive marriage, is accused of witchcraft when tragedy strikes. Pressed to confess to fabricated sins, she instead chooses exile.
Now, on a journey no less treacherous and eventful than Samuel’s, she draws on every shred of her courage and resilience not merely to survive, but to honor her own yearning for freedom . . .
1715, Eastham, As the daughter of a wealthy family, Maria Brown has a secure future mapped out for her, yet it is not the future she wants. Seventeen, headstrong, and restless, Maria has no desire to marry the aging, mean-spirited John Hallett, regardless of his fortune and her parents’ wishes. As for what Maria does want—only one person has ever asked her that question.
Samuel Bellamy, an orphaned sailor searching for work, meets Maria by chance, enthralling her with talk of far-flung places and blasphemous ideals. But neither is free from the social order into which they were born. When Sam is banished from Maria’s parents’ home after asking for her hand, he vows to return a wealthy man, and Maria promises to keep the faith until then.
Drawn into piracy, Sam discovers a brotherhood more equal than any on land, despite its dangers. But Maria, pregnant and forced into an abusive marriage, is accused of witchcraft when tragedy strikes. Pressed to confess to fabricated sins, she instead chooses exile.
Now, on a journey no less treacherous and eventful than Samuel’s, she draws on every shred of her courage and resilience not merely to survive, but to honor her own yearning for freedom . . .
384 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 26, 2024
198 people are currently reading
25319 people want to read
About the author
Rachel Rueckert
4 books249 followersRachel Rueckert has been pirate-obsessed since she was a young girl. She wore a plastic sword through her belt loops, drew ships on tests when she didn’t know the answers, and dressed as a pirate every year for Halloween—including in her high school senior picture. She is now an award-winning writer, editor, and teacher who holds an MFA from Columbia University and an M.Ed from Boston University. She is fascinated by unconventional journeys and enjoys excavating real-life people—such as Mary Read, Anne Bonny, and Sam Bellamy—from the sands of history.
Find her books and newsletter: Website
Find her books and newsletter: Website
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 497 reviews
March 21, 2024
Maria Brown’s parents are very strict, they want her to marry and the man is much older than her and she finds him repulsive. Maria is very headstrong and determined, she has premonitions and can sometimes see what’s going to happen in the future. Her mother has told her to never mention this to anyone, the Salem Witch Trials took place only a couple of decades ago and she risks being burned at the stake.
Samuel Bellamy was eight years old when he was snatched off the docks of London, to be a captain boy and now he’s a deckhand. The War of the Spanish Succession is over, he and thousands of other sailors find themselves out of work. By chance he meets Maria, she wants to learn how to swim, and he offers to teach her. Sam wants to court Maria, her father flatly refuses and explains she’s promised to another man and Sam vows he will make enough money to win over Mr. Brown and change his mind.
Sam returns to the sea, he’s drawn into piracy, soon he’s known as Black Sam Bellamy, and he’s the Robin Hood of the ocean. Despite wanting to return for Maria, everything seems to get in his way and stopping him from going back to Cape Cod. Maria's determined to wait for Sam, but her parents are putting pressure on her to marry, Sam thinks she’s waiting for him and Maria is getting desperate in Eastham, Massachusetts.
I received a copy of If the Tide Turns by Rachel Rueckert from Kensington Publishing and Edelweiss Plus in exchange for an honest review. The well written debut novel is told from the points of view of Maria and Sam and inspired by a real-life pirate Sam Bellamy. The reader's given an idea of what piracy was really like in the early 1700's, life in Colonial America, use of herbal medicine, banishment of women, evils of slavery and the plight of the Native American Wampanoag people.
An historical saga about the lure of the sea, overcoming obstacles, young love and four stars from me.
Samuel Bellamy was eight years old when he was snatched off the docks of London, to be a captain boy and now he’s a deckhand. The War of the Spanish Succession is over, he and thousands of other sailors find themselves out of work. By chance he meets Maria, she wants to learn how to swim, and he offers to teach her. Sam wants to court Maria, her father flatly refuses and explains she’s promised to another man and Sam vows he will make enough money to win over Mr. Brown and change his mind.
Sam returns to the sea, he’s drawn into piracy, soon he’s known as Black Sam Bellamy, and he’s the Robin Hood of the ocean. Despite wanting to return for Maria, everything seems to get in his way and stopping him from going back to Cape Cod. Maria's determined to wait for Sam, but her parents are putting pressure on her to marry, Sam thinks she’s waiting for him and Maria is getting desperate in Eastham, Massachusetts.
I received a copy of If the Tide Turns by Rachel Rueckert from Kensington Publishing and Edelweiss Plus in exchange for an honest review. The well written debut novel is told from the points of view of Maria and Sam and inspired by a real-life pirate Sam Bellamy. The reader's given an idea of what piracy was really like in the early 1700's, life in Colonial America, use of herbal medicine, banishment of women, evils of slavery and the plight of the Native American Wampanoag people.
An historical saga about the lure of the sea, overcoming obstacles, young love and four stars from me.
March 31, 2024
Calling all pirate story lovers! And lovers of stories about early colonial America too. If The Tide Turns will satisfy both with this fictionalized version of the life of Samuel Bellamy and his reputed love interest Maria/Mehitable Brown. So if you’re a fan of star-crossed lover stories, this will also appeal to you!
I was sucked into the story right from the start. The time is 1715 to 1717, when despite decades having passed since the Salem Witch Trials, there was still widespread belief in witches and very strict religious and societal pressures to conform in the Massachusetts Bay colony. Maria’s parents want her to marry a much older widower, a wealthy and influential man in their town. Maria absolutely does not want to do this! She was a wonderfully independent spirit, which was not an easy road for a woman in that place and time. (She wants to learn to swim, GASP!) A lot of the story takes place on Cape Cod, in the area in around Eastham and Wellfleet. Once Sam sets out as a pirate, we get to travel with him to various Caribbean locations. Life aboard ship and daily life in Eastham are described so well that I had no trouble picturing them.
Many real historical figures show up in these pages, including famous names like Cotton Mather and Edward Teach (“Blackbeard”), as well as less widely known ones. We get a bit of information about how the indigenous people were treated and how the colonists destroyed the environment on the Cape, turning meadows into farms with methods that depleted the soil and turned many areas into sand. I enjoyed having the perspective of the fictional Abiah, and appreciated learning about the Wampanoag people. While we follow Sam’s travels, we come across the evils of slavery.
The chapters alternate between Maria’s POV and Sam’s.
I bounced between the audiobook and the ebook for this title, which was very convenient, and allowed me to continue with the story even when I could not sit down and read - or when I could not listen. The audiobook is beautifully narrated by Pilar Witherspoon.
Thank you to Kensington Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read a review copy of this book and to Recorded Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to a review copy of this audiobook. All opinions are my own.
I was sucked into the story right from the start. The time is 1715 to 1717, when despite decades having passed since the Salem Witch Trials, there was still widespread belief in witches and very strict religious and societal pressures to conform in the Massachusetts Bay colony. Maria’s parents want her to marry a much older widower, a wealthy and influential man in their town. Maria absolutely does not want to do this! She was a wonderfully independent spirit, which was not an easy road for a woman in that place and time. (She wants to learn to swim, GASP!) A lot of the story takes place on Cape Cod, in the area in around Eastham and Wellfleet. Once Sam sets out as a pirate, we get to travel with him to various Caribbean locations. Life aboard ship and daily life in Eastham are described so well that I had no trouble picturing them.
Many real historical figures show up in these pages, including famous names like Cotton Mather and Edward Teach (“Blackbeard”), as well as less widely known ones. We get a bit of information about how the indigenous people were treated and how the colonists destroyed the environment on the Cape, turning meadows into farms with methods that depleted the soil and turned many areas into sand. I enjoyed having the perspective of the fictional Abiah, and appreciated learning about the Wampanoag people. While we follow Sam’s travels, we come across the evils of slavery.
The chapters alternate between Maria’s POV and Sam’s.
I bounced between the audiobook and the ebook for this title, which was very convenient, and allowed me to continue with the story even when I could not sit down and read - or when I could not listen. The audiobook is beautifully narrated by Pilar Witherspoon.
Thank you to Kensington Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read a review copy of this book and to Recorded Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to a review copy of this audiobook. All opinions are my own.
September 24, 2023
I got the arc for review on netgally.
This was one of the kind of books I could see other people really enjoying it but it didn't work out for me. It had characters, plot and a romance that I didn't know would end in tragedy or joy. Maybe I wasn't in the right mindset.
This was one of the kind of books I could see other people really enjoying it but it didn't work out for me. It had characters, plot and a romance that I didn't know would end in tragedy or joy. Maybe I wasn't in the right mindset.
April 6, 2024
I have mixed feelings about this novel. At first glance, I thought it was YA, then I thought it was a pirate romance, then I realized it was not only adult, but SUPER sad, and basically about two people living completely different lives for two years after a brief romance. The writing is good, and both stories are interesting and compelling. However, after reading the author's note, I wish that she had taken more liberties with this entirely fictional account to make it more romantic/dynamic than "we met, we got together for a minute, now we're separate until the last few chapters." Because their time together felt so short, I didn't get to connect with them as a couple, but their individual stories were compelling and filled with drama. There was a lot of sadness for each of them, and I definitely was more interested in Sam and his journey to piracy. Seeing Maria be beat down by almost everyone around her was difficult, especially as she suffered loss after loss. A well-written story that suffers from unfulfilled expectations.
May 26, 2025
This is an entertaining, well-written, historical fiction novel which is based on actual persons, places and events. It is told from the point of view of its likable, strong and courageous female protagonist, and its engaging, brave male protagonist. I enjoyed being immersed in the culture, customs, and hardships of colonial America and the life aboard a pirate ship. The author's notes are interesting and informative, and are truly appreciated. I won the fabulous book in a Goodreads giveaway. This is my honest opinion.
March 10, 2024
Incredibly beautiful book! I love how the author included both Native Americans and Black people, both of whom were an obvious part of the narrative at that time—but are often left out of the story by white authors. Thank you Rachel for being so adamant about including everyone and making the story as real as you could. This book takes on hard social questions and is an incredible look at people who don’t just accept the constraints, rules and mistreatment of people in society, but fight back in ways they can.
March 27, 2024
Review 4.5 stars!❤️
This is a historical fiction set during the Golden Age of Pirates and the aftermath of the Salem witch trials. The story is so beautifully written and captivating! ✨
I could picture each scene perfectly in my mind. The authors writing style really stands out and you can tell the amount of research that went into this book! Besides the lush writing, one of the elements that I loved about the story is the female-lead, Maria. She’s such a strong and inspirational character. She’s way ahead of her time, going against the injustice of the patriarchal society of that period. The story gives the reader a sense of determination and fight for freedom. Combine this lush writing with a forbidden romance, I was hooked! Maria’s family has determined who she will marry, a man 3 times her age, however her heart belongs to another … 👀❤️
Sam is swoony and you can tell he’s head over heels for Maria since they first met. I loved their swimming lesson moments. I also surprised by the amount of plot twists that the story had! There were many heartfelt moments, adventurous and funny moments and it just really felt like watching an amazing historical movie!
Thank you to the author for gifting me a copy for review
This is a historical fiction set during the Golden Age of Pirates and the aftermath of the Salem witch trials. The story is so beautifully written and captivating! ✨
I could picture each scene perfectly in my mind. The authors writing style really stands out and you can tell the amount of research that went into this book! Besides the lush writing, one of the elements that I loved about the story is the female-lead, Maria. She’s such a strong and inspirational character. She’s way ahead of her time, going against the injustice of the patriarchal society of that period. The story gives the reader a sense of determination and fight for freedom. Combine this lush writing with a forbidden romance, I was hooked! Maria’s family has determined who she will marry, a man 3 times her age, however her heart belongs to another … 👀❤️
Sam is swoony and you can tell he’s head over heels for Maria since they first met. I loved their swimming lesson moments. I also surprised by the amount of plot twists that the story had! There were many heartfelt moments, adventurous and funny moments and it just really felt like watching an amazing historical movie!
Thank you to the author for gifting me a copy for review
September 28, 2023
Thank you to the publishers - Kensington Books, Kensington – for giving me access to this book as an E-ARC via Netgalley- All opinions are my own.
If men think about the Roman Empire a lot I think that many women (myself included) often think about the Golden Age of Piracy and/or the Salem witch trials, and of course the mentions of these two historical events draw me into requesting this book. I’m sad to say, however, I don’t think it was that interesting.
Two points of view in Samuel Bellamy and Maria Brown who meet by chance and fall in love. It was quite sweet, I suppose, but 25% of the book was him teaching her how to swim? Felt a bit like that time could be used for something else. But who am I to judge – I’m not a published author.
Setting was interesting. Characters were not.
If men think about the Roman Empire a lot I think that many women (myself included) often think about the Golden Age of Piracy and/or the Salem witch trials, and of course the mentions of these two historical events draw me into requesting this book. I’m sad to say, however, I don’t think it was that interesting.
Two points of view in Samuel Bellamy and Maria Brown who meet by chance and fall in love. It was quite sweet, I suppose, but 25% of the book was him teaching her how to swim? Felt a bit like that time could be used for something else. But who am I to judge – I’m not a published author.
Setting was interesting. Characters were not.
September 5, 2023
I received an advanced copy of this book and wow, it was incredible! This beautifully written story combines adventure, love, and a quest for freedom. The characters and their love story were so compelling that I found myself unable to put the book down. I loved every minute of my time with this story.
March 26, 2024
I read an early draft of this book and cannot wait to reread it!!! Amazing pirate forbidden love story, amazingly researched.
March 26, 2024
When Kensington Books asked me to write a blurb for Rachel Rueckert’s debut novel, I jumped at the opportunity. Although I don’t read many romance novels, I do enjoy stories that take place in or near the water. The feel of the salty breeze and the mist stinging your face---that sort of thing. Set during the waning days of the Golden Age of Pirates (1689-1718; who knew there was such a thing?), If the Tide Turns is the “captivating true story of real-life pirate Samuel Bellamy, combining high seas adventure, star-crossed longing, surprisingly timely questions about social justice and freedom, and the emotionally satisfying tale of one strong-willed young woman
determined to choose her own path.”
This is the blurb I wrote: “Two lovers, separated by their stations in life, fight their way back to each other’s arms. On land and on the sea, Sam and Maria overcome the hardships of the mid-1700s. Rueckert’s new novel is a tale of daring, courage, aching loneliness and two people willing to face any obstacles to be together.”
It’s 1715 in Eastham, Massachusetts. Maria Brown is the beautiful, hard-headed daughter of a wealthy family who has arranged a marriage for her. She doesn’t want any part of the much older (shall we just say old?), also wealthy and abusive John Hallett.
Maria has her heart set on a young, orphaned sailor, Sam Bellamy. They met as Sam had been laid-off (yes, laid-off from his previous ship when it docked and no longer needed his services) and searched for another ship. The two are drawn together. Sam to Maria for her beauty and her self-determination. Maria to Sam for his idealistic opinions. The two are smitten with each other. Sam wants to marry her, but her father forbids it, in fact banishing him from their home. Maria, characteristically, vows to wait for him, to wait until he can make his fortune and offer everything her father deems, she should have.
Eager for success, Sam becomes involved with a pirate ship. But Sam isn’t your ordinary run-of-the-mill pirate. He is only interested in taking other ships’ bounties, not lives nor ships. His reputation as a “nice” pirate precedes him.
Maria leaves home, bent on following him from port to port. It’s a dangerous path she has chosen--- a woman traveling alone.
If the Tide Turns has all the aspects of a swashbuckling delightful read as Sam and Maria fight for their love. If the Tide Turns gets 6 out of 5 stars in Julie’s world.
determined to choose her own path.”
This is the blurb I wrote: “Two lovers, separated by their stations in life, fight their way back to each other’s arms. On land and on the sea, Sam and Maria overcome the hardships of the mid-1700s. Rueckert’s new novel is a tale of daring, courage, aching loneliness and two people willing to face any obstacles to be together.”
It’s 1715 in Eastham, Massachusetts. Maria Brown is the beautiful, hard-headed daughter of a wealthy family who has arranged a marriage for her. She doesn’t want any part of the much older (shall we just say old?), also wealthy and abusive John Hallett.
Maria has her heart set on a young, orphaned sailor, Sam Bellamy. They met as Sam had been laid-off (yes, laid-off from his previous ship when it docked and no longer needed his services) and searched for another ship. The two are drawn together. Sam to Maria for her beauty and her self-determination. Maria to Sam for his idealistic opinions. The two are smitten with each other. Sam wants to marry her, but her father forbids it, in fact banishing him from their home. Maria, characteristically, vows to wait for him, to wait until he can make his fortune and offer everything her father deems, she should have.
Eager for success, Sam becomes involved with a pirate ship. But Sam isn’t your ordinary run-of-the-mill pirate. He is only interested in taking other ships’ bounties, not lives nor ships. His reputation as a “nice” pirate precedes him.
Maria leaves home, bent on following him from port to port. It’s a dangerous path she has chosen--- a woman traveling alone.
If the Tide Turns has all the aspects of a swashbuckling delightful read as Sam and Maria fight for their love. If the Tide Turns gets 6 out of 5 stars in Julie’s world.
May 12, 2024
Genre: Historical Fiction
Format: Audio
3.75🌟 - it was good!
Thank you @kensingtonbooks and the author for the #gifted book and PR box!
It’s been awhile since I’ve read a historical fiction book, and it was so fun being swept away in the world of pirates and post Salem witch trials! Man it’s tough being a woman, but reading books like these makes me so thankful I was not alive during these times 😂.
I’ve never read a HF set in this time period, and I feel liked I learned so much! I especially appreciated the authors note at the end and how much research she put into the novel, it really shows!
This was a great debut, and I can’t wait to see what the author does next!
Format: Audio
3.75🌟 - it was good!
Thank you @kensingtonbooks and the author for the #gifted book and PR box!
It’s been awhile since I’ve read a historical fiction book, and it was so fun being swept away in the world of pirates and post Salem witch trials! Man it’s tough being a woman, but reading books like these makes me so thankful I was not alive during these times 😂.
I’ve never read a HF set in this time period, and I feel liked I learned so much! I especially appreciated the authors note at the end and how much research she put into the novel, it really shows!
This was a great debut, and I can’t wait to see what the author does next!
September 1, 2024
Not my cup of tea...or mug of anything else. Did not finish. Managed just for a quarter of the book.
January 27, 2024
I received this book through a Goodreads giveaway.
The book is historical fiction based on real life people from the early 1700’s living in early colonial Cape Cod. The main characters, Sam and Maria seemed to have many “modern” opinions on justice, equality, choosing one’s own destiny that didn’t seem to jive with the realities of life in the 1700’s. Sam was a “good” pirate doing everything in an honorable way. Maria was able to escape her horrible marriage and survive as an outcast of society. They were portrayed as victims of society instead of showing that for many, life was incredibly challenging and there was little hope of drastically changing life’s course and living happily ever after.
Many of the minor characters were names of real colonists and I respect that the author chose to honor and recognize these real people even though there were a lot of characters keep track of.
It was a quick read. Maybe the book would be better for young adults looking for a good, relatively clean love story, but it’s too much “modern” thinking to be believable as historical fiction.
The book is historical fiction based on real life people from the early 1700’s living in early colonial Cape Cod. The main characters, Sam and Maria seemed to have many “modern” opinions on justice, equality, choosing one’s own destiny that didn’t seem to jive with the realities of life in the 1700’s. Sam was a “good” pirate doing everything in an honorable way. Maria was able to escape her horrible marriage and survive as an outcast of society. They were portrayed as victims of society instead of showing that for many, life was incredibly challenging and there was little hope of drastically changing life’s course and living happily ever after.
Many of the minor characters were names of real colonists and I respect that the author chose to honor and recognize these real people even though there were a lot of characters keep track of.
It was a quick read. Maybe the book would be better for young adults looking for a good, relatively clean love story, but it’s too much “modern” thinking to be believable as historical fiction.
February 17, 2024
Thank you to Kensington Publishing for the ARC.
This book was an incredibly heartfelt story that had me engaged from the first page. I really felt for the characters and wanted everything to be ok for them. At its heart this is a love story but it showcases many different kinds of love throughout: romantic love, platonic love, love for those who are different than you, love for oneself. It’s a story of survival. It’s a story of compassion. It’s a story of adventure.
If you want to be captivated, pick up this book.
This book was an incredibly heartfelt story that had me engaged from the first page. I really felt for the characters and wanted everything to be ok for them. At its heart this is a love story but it showcases many different kinds of love throughout: romantic love, platonic love, love for those who are different than you, love for oneself. It’s a story of survival. It’s a story of compassion. It’s a story of adventure.
If you want to be captivated, pick up this book.
March 27, 2024
✨ Thank you so much Bibliostyle & Kensington Books for the gifted copy of If the Tide Turns by Rachel Rueckert! ✨
I was 100% sold the minute I saw the words “Pirates” and “Salem Witch Trials”! This sweeping historical romance is an emotional rollercoaster full of yearning, love, loss, heartbreak, adventure, strength and the fight for a better future.
📜 Inspired by True Events
📖 Historical Fiction
🏴☠️ Pirates
🧹 Post Salem Witch Trials
🌊 Call of the Sea
♥️ Romance
🗺️ Adventure
❤️🩹 Heartache
🎢 Emotional Rollercoaster
If the Tide Turns completely captivated me from the first page and I read the entire book in one sitting! 100% recommend and cannot wait to see what Rachel Rueckert has in store for us next!
Method Read: 📖
*Please check TW before reading.
I was 100% sold the minute I saw the words “Pirates” and “Salem Witch Trials”! This sweeping historical romance is an emotional rollercoaster full of yearning, love, loss, heartbreak, adventure, strength and the fight for a better future.
📜 Inspired by True Events
📖 Historical Fiction
🏴☠️ Pirates
🧹 Post Salem Witch Trials
🌊 Call of the Sea
♥️ Romance
🗺️ Adventure
❤️🩹 Heartache
🎢 Emotional Rollercoaster
If the Tide Turns completely captivated me from the first page and I read the entire book in one sitting! 100% recommend and cannot wait to see what Rachel Rueckert has in store for us next!
Method Read: 📖
*Please check TW before reading.
July 20, 2024
2.5 stars. I just couldn’t get into it.
This book felt like a pirate book, more so than other pirate books I’ve read, which I appreciated. It could have had a little more action, but it was still mostly what I look for in a pirate book with sailing on the seas and plundering.
I think I liked the side characters better than the main characters to be honest, like Williams and Julian. They really made a brotherhood and I enjoyed that.
Maria was very headstrong, which I liked about her, but a lot of her parts especially by the end of act three were really boring. I did feel very bad for her when she lost her baby, but everything else I didn’t really care for.
I liked Sam but he wasn’t super compelling as a person. I liked his morals and thought he was a cool pirate. His parts were much better than Maria’s, but there was still something about it.
Their relationship was total insta love and I didn’t care a second for it. Even if that was the case in real life, I did not enjoy the romance one bit lol
Honestly the Author’s Note at the end was probably the most interesting thing of the whole book. You can really tell she cares about the subject matter, which is cool because I love pirates a lot too. Even if it was mainly fiction, you can tell she tried to blend facts and fiction well.
I wish we could have had more answers, the ending was really abrupt. From what we heard from the Author’s Note and what we know of true history, it was a very abrupt ending for most of these men, so I can’t really get upset by it.
This book felt like a pirate book, more so than other pirate books I’ve read, which I appreciated. It could have had a little more action, but it was still mostly what I look for in a pirate book with sailing on the seas and plundering.
I think I liked the side characters better than the main characters to be honest, like Williams and Julian. They really made a brotherhood and I enjoyed that.
Maria was very headstrong, which I liked about her, but a lot of her parts especially by the end of act three were really boring. I did feel very bad for her when she lost her baby, but everything else I didn’t really care for.
I liked Sam but he wasn’t super compelling as a person. I liked his morals and thought he was a cool pirate. His parts were much better than Maria’s, but there was still something about it.
Their relationship was total insta love and I didn’t care a second for it. Even if that was the case in real life, I did not enjoy the romance one bit lol
Honestly the Author’s Note at the end was probably the most interesting thing of the whole book. You can really tell she cares about the subject matter, which is cool because I love pirates a lot too. Even if it was mainly fiction, you can tell she tried to blend facts and fiction well.
I wish we could have had more answers, the ending was really abrupt. From what we heard from the Author’s Note and what we know of true history, it was a very abrupt ending for most of these men, so I can’t really get upset by it.
March 11, 2024
If the Tide Turns by Rachel Rueckert
Overall Grade: A
Plot: A
Characters: A-
Writing: A
Ending: A
Pacing: A-
Setting: A
Best Aspect: I don’t read a lot of historical fiction so this was a fresh topic for me. Love the pirate theme and the details in the story.
Worst Aspect: I wish I connected to the characters a little more.
Recommend: Yes.
Overall Grade: A
Plot: A
Characters: A-
Writing: A
Ending: A
Pacing: A-
Setting: A
Best Aspect: I don’t read a lot of historical fiction so this was a fresh topic for me. Love the pirate theme and the details in the story.
Worst Aspect: I wish I connected to the characters a little more.
Recommend: Yes.
January 29, 2025
An interesting and sweeping story that dips a toe into both Historical Fiction and Adventure.
For a pirate book this isn’t very swashbuckling, making it less of an adventure and more of a snapshot of a point in time, a love story set against all odds in the brutal environment that is puritan America.
Despite half the story taking place mostly on pirate ships, it’s Mariah, a young woman living on Cape Cod, who experiences most of the story’s brutality. It seems it was safer—or at least kinder—to be a pirate than a woman in this place and time, which is both horrifying and unfortunately not that surprising.
That said, some dramatic license has been taken here, particularly with regard to the utopian idealogical pirate society. While pirates were indeed remarkably democratic, the warm and fuzzy war buddy stuff is mostly myth. Sam the pirate with a heart of gold isn’t an impossible historical figure, but he’s definitely an unlikely one.
Mariah’s story is, sadly, the far more realistic of the two. This world had no place for women with guts, dreams, or brains, and despite the hardships and horrors she faced, Mariah was probably lucky that she didn’t fare far worse.
This is a slow read (especially the first 1/3 of the book), but far from boring, and it kept my attention easily all the way through. There’s a touch too much silly coincidence in the climax and ending, but overall it’s a great story.
*I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.*
For a pirate book this isn’t very swashbuckling, making it less of an adventure and more of a snapshot of a point in time, a love story set against all odds in the brutal environment that is puritan America.
Despite half the story taking place mostly on pirate ships, it’s Mariah, a young woman living on Cape Cod, who experiences most of the story’s brutality. It seems it was safer—or at least kinder—to be a pirate than a woman in this place and time, which is both horrifying and unfortunately not that surprising.
That said, some dramatic license has been taken here, particularly with regard to the utopian idealogical pirate society. While pirates were indeed remarkably democratic, the warm and fuzzy war buddy stuff is mostly myth. Sam the pirate with a heart of gold isn’t an impossible historical figure, but he’s definitely an unlikely one.
Mariah’s story is, sadly, the far more realistic of the two. This world had no place for women with guts, dreams, or brains, and despite the hardships and horrors she faced, Mariah was probably lucky that she didn’t fare far worse.
This is a slow read (especially the first 1/3 of the book), but far from boring, and it kept my attention easily all the way through. There’s a touch too much silly coincidence in the climax and ending, but overall it’s a great story.
*I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.*
May 9, 2025
Thank you Bibliolifestyle Tours for the ARC.
MIDDLE OF THE ROAD.
BLOG || INSTAGRAM || TIKTOK
I had high hopes for this one after seeing some good reviews but I find myself with middle of the road thoughts about how everything went down. The insta-love was a bit meh. I was a little bit charmed by the swept away vibes of it, but he mostly taught her to swim and then they were in love and I feel like I’m missing something.
Then for 90% of the story they are in separate parts of the world both doing completely different things. It made this hard to call a romance (which was my expectation). There’s some good self growth journey moments and I liked where things ended up at the closing pages at least. There was a lot of pirate content, which is always my favorite and I could tell this book was well researched. I always appreciate that aspect when reading a historical book.
Overall audience notes:
- Historical Fiction + Romance
- Language: low
- Romance: closed door
- Violence: moderate
- Trigger/Content Warnings: still birth, mistreatment/shaming of a women, death of friends
MIDDLE OF THE ROAD.
BLOG || INSTAGRAM || TIKTOK
I had high hopes for this one after seeing some good reviews but I find myself with middle of the road thoughts about how everything went down. The insta-love was a bit meh. I was a little bit charmed by the swept away vibes of it, but he mostly taught her to swim and then they were in love and I feel like I’m missing something.
Then for 90% of the story they are in separate parts of the world both doing completely different things. It made this hard to call a romance (which was my expectation). There’s some good self growth journey moments and I liked where things ended up at the closing pages at least. There was a lot of pirate content, which is always my favorite and I could tell this book was well researched. I always appreciate that aspect when reading a historical book.
Overall audience notes:
- Historical Fiction + Romance
- Language: low
- Romance: closed door
- Violence: moderate
- Trigger/Content Warnings: still birth, mistreatment/shaming of a women, death of friends
June 12, 2024
Ahoy. Not the book for me, but it was free, so I can’t complain
December 4, 2024
I honestly don’t know how I finished this. I wanted to like this so bad! It had such a good setting and a promise of a good plot, but it just didn’t work out.
April 3, 2024
Maria is the daughter of a gentleman. She is betrothed to an "honorable" ( older) man. Her whole life mapped out for her. She has always known this. She just wants to have an adventure first.
Sam Bellamy is a sailor. His contract is just about up when he finds a drowning Maria. He does his best to be courteous. He doesn't realize his planned destiny is about to change.
My Thoughts
At its core, I felt like this book was about freedom. The difference in the meaning of freedom based on gender, race, and status. Not everyone has the same opportunities for the same freedoms.
"No one can decide what freedom means for someone else."
Set in colonial New England, where women have few freedoms, especially not the freedom to love who they choose, Maria and Sam find each other.
A chaste love story. A brush of the hand and the blush of the cheek. First love between two people of very different social statuses. What spice is alluded to is very fade to black.
This book was heart-wrenching and made me glad to be born in the time period I was. Single women were more or less ostracized, and being a single unwed mother was a punishable offense. I longed to reach through the pages and give Maria a hug, letting her know this would not always be the female fate.
Maria's character strength was awe aspiring. She holds her head high through the worst life has to throw at her. She stays strong for those she loves even when her loved ones turn their backs to her to save face.
I wasn't a huge fan of Bellamy. I understand he was the MMC and the love interest, but his lack of understanding of what Maria faced when he left made him come across a callous. I wanted to shake him as he groaned about his own trouble, when he was having adventures and making friends, while she was cast out to fed for herself in a world that didn't take kindly to women.
The author isn't afraid to touch on hard truths of the time period. The plight of the native Americans and their treatment from the settlers. The way women were more property than people. The lack of ability in society to love the same sex. I greatly admired how she wove in plot with history.
Sam Bellamy is a sailor. His contract is just about up when he finds a drowning Maria. He does his best to be courteous. He doesn't realize his planned destiny is about to change.
My Thoughts
At its core, I felt like this book was about freedom. The difference in the meaning of freedom based on gender, race, and status. Not everyone has the same opportunities for the same freedoms.
"No one can decide what freedom means for someone else."
Set in colonial New England, where women have few freedoms, especially not the freedom to love who they choose, Maria and Sam find each other.
A chaste love story. A brush of the hand and the blush of the cheek. First love between two people of very different social statuses. What spice is alluded to is very fade to black.
This book was heart-wrenching and made me glad to be born in the time period I was. Single women were more or less ostracized, and being a single unwed mother was a punishable offense. I longed to reach through the pages and give Maria a hug, letting her know this would not always be the female fate.
Maria's character strength was awe aspiring. She holds her head high through the worst life has to throw at her. She stays strong for those she loves even when her loved ones turn their backs to her to save face.
I wasn't a huge fan of Bellamy. I understand he was the MMC and the love interest, but his lack of understanding of what Maria faced when he left made him come across a callous. I wanted to shake him as he groaned about his own trouble, when he was having adventures and making friends, while she was cast out to fed for herself in a world that didn't take kindly to women.
The author isn't afraid to touch on hard truths of the time period. The plight of the native Americans and their treatment from the settlers. The way women were more property than people. The lack of ability in society to love the same sex. I greatly admired how she wove in plot with history.
July 7, 2025
At first glance this looks like a young adult fantasy, but it's actually an adult historial fiction of the pirate Samuel Bellamy and the woman he loved.
There was so much going for this. The historical ties were strong and kept the story exciting. I loved the writing and that's what kept me listening and gripped to learn more.
I was hooked to the historical tidbits and insights to life in the 1700's. I know very little about pirates at this time and it was fascinating to learn. I also loved how much time we spent on the ships with Samuel.
The romance had a couple sweet scenes.
THOUGHTS: The narrator impacted my experience, because she wasn't my favorite, but the story is interesting and one I hadn't heard before.
The romance was rushed. They meet, suddenly are in love and near the end, the reunion needed more page time. I waited hours for this moment, and it was a little deflating. While this isn't a historical romance, the inspiration for this story was a love story, and it didn't have enough for me.
I wanted so much more from many of the side characters.
OVERALL: I would recommend this to anyone wanting a pirate historical fiction. you may love it, and it's worth a try.
There was so much going for this. The historical ties were strong and kept the story exciting. I loved the writing and that's what kept me listening and gripped to learn more.
I was hooked to the historical tidbits and insights to life in the 1700's. I know very little about pirates at this time and it was fascinating to learn. I also loved how much time we spent on the ships with Samuel.
The romance had a couple sweet scenes.
THOUGHTS: The narrator impacted my experience, because she wasn't my favorite, but the story is interesting and one I hadn't heard before.
The romance was rushed. They meet, suddenly are in love and near the end, the reunion needed more page time. I waited hours for this moment, and it was a little deflating. While this isn't a historical romance, the inspiration for this story was a love story, and it didn't have enough for me.
I wanted so much more from many of the side characters.
OVERALL: I would recommend this to anyone wanting a pirate historical fiction. you may love it, and it's worth a try.
April 7, 2024
I didn’t know this book was exactly what I needed right now! Much thanks to bibliolifestyle and Kensington books for the gifted copy and for introducing me to this wonderful author and story. This is an extremely well-researched story based on actual historical figures and events. 1715 Cod Massachusetts. Maria Brown falls in love with Sam Bellamy. Their romance is ill-fated. He is a poor sailor and she’s the daughter in a well-to-do family. He decides to take to the seas in search of a ship-wrecked treasure to bring back home in order to be worthy of Maria’s family. In other words — Sam becomes a pirate. This story is so layered, I can’t even scratch the surface in a review or summary. Let’s just say I loved it so much. I learned so much about pirates from this time period. There were so many different levels of pirating on the seas, and Sam’s feelings about being called a pirate were so conflicted. He didn’t want to use fear as a weapon — rather respect. The whole thing is so fascinating. Meanwhile, we have Maria left back on land with no idea what really happened to Sam and where he went. She ends up undergoing a dramatic transformation herself and I don’t want to say much because of spoilers, but her story is extremely fascinating as well. I just couldn’t put this book down. I can’t wait to see what this author writes next.
May 9, 2024
I loved being transported to Cape Cod in the 1700s!
But I’m so happy I could close the book and instantly return to the present. Being a woman in modern-day America is hard enough; I’d never survive back then.
IF THE TIDE TURNS is an immersive, entertaining, emotional read. I was right there in the small village, on the sandy beaches, and on the rocking ship.
These characters are so well developed! I felt their emotions. The complexities of their situations had me on edge, and I badly wanted them to have a happily ever after.
If you’re looking for historical fiction that will take you on a realistic adventure, this is the book for you.
*I received a free copy from Kensington Books, via BiblioLifestyle Tours.*
But I’m so happy I could close the book and instantly return to the present. Being a woman in modern-day America is hard enough; I’d never survive back then.
IF THE TIDE TURNS is an immersive, entertaining, emotional read. I was right there in the small village, on the sandy beaches, and on the rocking ship.
These characters are so well developed! I felt their emotions. The complexities of their situations had me on edge, and I badly wanted them to have a happily ever after.
If you’re looking for historical fiction that will take you on a realistic adventure, this is the book for you.
*I received a free copy from Kensington Books, via BiblioLifestyle Tours.*
May 11, 2024
This was very interesting and apparently based on real people from history. I didn't realize that until after I finished the book. I think if I had known from the beginning, I would have enjoyed it even more. As it was, I liked their individual stories, especially Maria's . However, I didn't truly feel a connection between them as a couple. Their time together before they parted was very brief.
There was so much sadness in this for them both. Maria's story was heartbreaking and showed how strong and resilient she was. Sam's story was filled with adventure and danger on his way to becoming a pirate. Overall, this was a very well written story about love, loss, and endurance.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are my own.
There was so much sadness in this for them both. Maria's story was heartbreaking and showed how strong and resilient she was. Sam's story was filled with adventure and danger on his way to becoming a pirate. Overall, this was a very well written story about love, loss, and endurance.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are my own.
December 2, 2023
I was fortunate enough to receive an advanced copy and I Loved It! Historical fiction is my genre of choice and this ranked up there in my top five of all times. I look forward to reading other books by this author.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 497 reviews