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Charleston Brides #1
The Pirate's Purchase
Escaping to the New World is her only option...Rescuing her will wrap the chains of the Inquisition around his neck.
Marisol Valentin flees Spain after murdering the nobleman who molested her. She ends up for sale on the indentured servants' block at Charles Town harbor—dirty, angry, and with child. Her hopes are shattered, but she must find a refuge for herself and the child she carries. Can this new land offer her the grace, love, and security she craves? Or must she escape again to her only living relative in Cartagena?
Captain Ethan Becket, once a Charles Town minister, now sails the seas as a privateer, grieving his deceased wife. But when he takes captive a ship full of indentured servants, he's intrigued by the woman whose manners seem much more refined than the average Spanish serving girl. Perfect to become governess for his young son. But when he sets out on a quest to find his captured sister, said to be in Cartagena, little does he expect his new Spanish governess to stow away on his ship with her six-month-old son. Yet her offer of help to free his sister is too tempting to pass up. And her beauty, both inside and out, is too attractive for his heart to protect itself against—until he learns she is a wanted murderess.
As their paths intertwine on a journey filled with danger, intrigue, and romance, only love and the grace of God can overcome the past and ignite a new beginning for Marisol and Ethan.
Marisol Valentin flees Spain after murdering the nobleman who molested her. She ends up for sale on the indentured servants' block at Charles Town harbor—dirty, angry, and with child. Her hopes are shattered, but she must find a refuge for herself and the child she carries. Can this new land offer her the grace, love, and security she craves? Or must she escape again to her only living relative in Cartagena?
Captain Ethan Becket, once a Charles Town minister, now sails the seas as a privateer, grieving his deceased wife. But when he takes captive a ship full of indentured servants, he's intrigued by the woman whose manners seem much more refined than the average Spanish serving girl. Perfect to become governess for his young son. But when he sets out on a quest to find his captured sister, said to be in Cartagena, little does he expect his new Spanish governess to stow away on his ship with her six-month-old son. Yet her offer of help to free his sister is too tempting to pass up. And her beauty, both inside and out, is too attractive for his heart to protect itself against—until he learns she is a wanted murderess.
As their paths intertwine on a journey filled with danger, intrigue, and romance, only love and the grace of God can overcome the past and ignite a new beginning for Marisol and Ethan.
Kindle Edition
First published December 1, 2023
238 people are currently reading
153 people want to read
About the author
Elva Cobb Martin
16 books63 followersElva Cobb Martin's passion is to write adventurous, romantic novels that not only entertain, but celebrate the moral truths found in classic fiction. Truths like honor and respect, fidelity and reverence. She lives in the South Carolina upstate with her husband and a mini-dachshund. For more information visit her web site at: elvamartin.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
November 13, 2019
What do you get when you cross a Spanish lady on the run for murder with a handsome pirate who used to be a priest? A great adventurous romance with tons of twists and turns, romance, danger, suspense, and well, everything you'd want in a good book. I immediately connected with the characters, felt sympathy for them, and rooted for them as they faced one harrowing situation after another. Rarely does a book keep me on the edge of my seat through the entire story! Ms. Martin has a real knack for keeping the action and romance going without cluttering things up with unnecessary details. You'd be a fool to pass on this one.
October 9, 2019
Action and intrigue from the first page. Marisol has to make the best decisions for herself and her son. Her life is filled with danger and uncertainties, but she will do anything to provide protection for the ones she cares about. The author gives great details that brought the scenes to life. I could picture the ships, the stables, the homes and Marisol. I look forward to reading more by Elva Cobb Martin. I was given a complimentary copy of the book. No review was required.
November 19, 2019
Several things drew me to this book. It is the first in Elva Cobb Martin’s new Charleston Brides series, and when possible, I like to start at the beginning of a series. It is also set during the Colonial era, which I always enjoy reading about, and the book summary sounded interesting. Had I not been given the opportunity to review it, I probably would not have picked this one up, and as I have mentioned before, this is one of the best parts of being a book reviewer. I try to challenge myself to read outside my standard categories and hopefully learn something and discover new (to me, at least) Christian authors. This book delivered on all counts.
“She’d killed him, but she’d had no choice.”
Immediately, Martin seizes the reader’s attention with the opening scene of “Marisol: Spanish Rose”. Sexual assault and a murder force 18-year-old Marisol Valentin to flee her native Spain, although her plans go awry and she finds herself bound in indentured servitude to Captain Ethan Becket in Charles Town, South Carolina. Becket, a former Presbyterian minister and native of England, now makes his living as a privateer. Haunted by the death of his wife, he hopes to rescue his captured sister, following up on a lead that she is in Cartagena. As Marisol’s and Ethan’s courses become increasingly intertwined, the stakes rise higher and they realize that they need each other’s help, but even more so, they need God’s.
Overall, my impressions of this book are positive. Martin crafts a redemptive story that is different from any Christian fiction I have previously read because of the setting and characters. The tension between Catholicism and Protestantism is clear, and it was interesting to see how this plays out in America, England, and Spain, with the Spanish Inquisition also factoring in here. Add to that seemingly antithetical main characters, with Marisol being Catholic and Ethan a Lutheran convert, both of whom have wavered in their faith, and the action never ceases. This latter point is, however, the issue that I had with the narrative. The beginning chapters seem rushed, with gaps in time and events mentioned after the fact without much, if any, detail. Although I hoped that this was would change after the first few chapters, it continued throughout the book. I understand not writing a Dickensian description, but I did feel jarred at many of the time lapses and was disappointed at the lack of details for some of the events that transpire. Nevertheless, “Marisol: Spanish Rose” is a stimulating read that explores the consequences of polarization, particularly among Christians, and reminds us of the one true God and the undying power of His forgiveness and love.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through CelebrateLit and was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are my own.
“She’d killed him, but she’d had no choice.”
Immediately, Martin seizes the reader’s attention with the opening scene of “Marisol: Spanish Rose”. Sexual assault and a murder force 18-year-old Marisol Valentin to flee her native Spain, although her plans go awry and she finds herself bound in indentured servitude to Captain Ethan Becket in Charles Town, South Carolina. Becket, a former Presbyterian minister and native of England, now makes his living as a privateer. Haunted by the death of his wife, he hopes to rescue his captured sister, following up on a lead that she is in Cartagena. As Marisol’s and Ethan’s courses become increasingly intertwined, the stakes rise higher and they realize that they need each other’s help, but even more so, they need God’s.
Overall, my impressions of this book are positive. Martin crafts a redemptive story that is different from any Christian fiction I have previously read because of the setting and characters. The tension between Catholicism and Protestantism is clear, and it was interesting to see how this plays out in America, England, and Spain, with the Spanish Inquisition also factoring in here. Add to that seemingly antithetical main characters, with Marisol being Catholic and Ethan a Lutheran convert, both of whom have wavered in their faith, and the action never ceases. This latter point is, however, the issue that I had with the narrative. The beginning chapters seem rushed, with gaps in time and events mentioned after the fact without much, if any, detail. Although I hoped that this was would change after the first few chapters, it continued throughout the book. I understand not writing a Dickensian description, but I did feel jarred at many of the time lapses and was disappointed at the lack of details for some of the events that transpire. Nevertheless, “Marisol: Spanish Rose” is a stimulating read that explores the consequences of polarization, particularly among Christians, and reminds us of the one true God and the undying power of His forgiveness and love.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through CelebrateLit and was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are my own.
November 12, 2019
You’ll almost smell the salt in the air as you set sail on the Dryade with Ethan Becket and Marisol Valentin. From Spain to Charles Town to Cartagena, the English captain and Spanish beauty attempt to outrun their pain and secrets, only to find the strength to face their pasts together, in the light of God’s forgiveness and love. High seas adventure and romance by Elva Cobb Martin you don’t want to miss!
I was given an advance reader copy of this title by the author but not required to leave a review. All opinions are my own
– Denise Weimer, multi-published author of Fall Flip and The Witness Tree
I was given an advance reader copy of this title by the author but not required to leave a review. All opinions are my own
– Denise Weimer, multi-published author of Fall Flip and The Witness Tree
January 13, 2020
Marisol ~ Spanish Rose is an emotional journey that crisscrosses the Atlantic Ocean during the period of the inquisition. Filled with fascinating, up-close glimpses of history, this story takes you on an adventure that keeps you guessing what will happen next. The heroine is strong but vulnerable and as the reader I was rooting for her to not only survive, but thrive. She is both compassionate and headstrong. There were moments when I wanted to shake her a little bit and demand she exercise more caution, yet I understood her reasons for doing the things she did. The hero’s past engaged my heart from the beginning and I wanted nothing more than to see him healed and blessed. He’s an honorable man, fully worthy of the heroine’s heart and I was eager to see where their journey would take thier relationship. Several times I couldn’t see how she or the hero would escape the trouble they’d gotten into, and each situation kept me turning those pages to see how they would survive. Toward the end, there were one or two small things I’d like to have been different, but overall, I was satisfied with this read. I recommend this novel to those interested in this period of history, as well as to those who enjoy a high-seas adventure.
TRIGGER WARNING: Please be aware that the very first scene references an act of sexual violence. The descriptors are minimal, but I always try to point these out when I see them because I know some readers prefer to avoid them due to their own past.
I did receive a free digital copy of this novel from the author, but I was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed above are 100% sincere and my own.
TRIGGER WARNING: Please be aware that the very first scene references an act of sexual violence. The descriptors are minimal, but I always try to point these out when I see them because I know some readers prefer to avoid them due to their own past.
I did receive a free digital copy of this novel from the author, but I was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed above are 100% sincere and my own.
November 12, 2019
An event beyond Marisol's control sets her on a different course. She must hide who she really is. If anyone finds out what she's done, her life will be over. Captain Ethan buys her as an indentured servant, to be a governess to his son. When he gets another lead as to where his sister might be, Marisol is the only person who can help him find her.
I love this story by Elva Cobb Martin. After Marisol has to kill a man to protect her honor, finds herself with child, and is bought and paid for, Marisol does not see how God could be in control of her life. The characters have doubts and fears about God that I could relate to. Marisol doesn't have the assurance that God will protect her due to the things she experienced. Her past keeps her from trusting God's truths. Where was God when life came against her? Ethan doubts God cares about him as he allowed his wife to die. He had prayed for her and she had died anyway.
Marisol is full of adventure and romance. Will Ethan and Marisol learn to trust God and open their hearts to love? If you enjoy Christian fiction with romance and adventure, you will love this story.
I received a free copy in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.
I love this story by Elva Cobb Martin. After Marisol has to kill a man to protect her honor, finds herself with child, and is bought and paid for, Marisol does not see how God could be in control of her life. The characters have doubts and fears about God that I could relate to. Marisol doesn't have the assurance that God will protect her due to the things she experienced. Her past keeps her from trusting God's truths. Where was God when life came against her? Ethan doubts God cares about him as he allowed his wife to die. He had prayed for her and she had died anyway.
Marisol is full of adventure and romance. Will Ethan and Marisol learn to trust God and open their hearts to love? If you enjoy Christian fiction with romance and adventure, you will love this story.
I received a free copy in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.
February 3, 2020
Knowing my love for books upon the open sea, Marylu suggested this one after she finished it. I didn't realize that I've read one of Ms. Martin's books prior.
I thoroughly enjoyed this read. It hits the ground running for life, literally! Take that and then add miscreants, slavery, privateers, and lots of adventure on the ocean, and I'm sold!
I enjoyed Marisol's story. Her love and devotion to a child born out of violence. I loved that she could see beyond the horrid experience and cherish life.
Enter the hero, Ethan! An English privateer with a grudge against G-d for his wife and child dying during childbirth.
Never fear. There's plenty of swordplays, dancing horses, kidnapping, murder, and restoration to please just about anyone!
Thanks, Marylu! You were right...I liked it a lot!
I thoroughly enjoyed this read. It hits the ground running for life, literally! Take that and then add miscreants, slavery, privateers, and lots of adventure on the ocean, and I'm sold!
I enjoyed Marisol's story. Her love and devotion to a child born out of violence. I loved that she could see beyond the horrid experience and cherish life.
Enter the hero, Ethan! An English privateer with a grudge against G-d for his wife and child dying during childbirth.
Never fear. There's plenty of swordplays, dancing horses, kidnapping, murder, and restoration to please just about anyone!
Thanks, Marylu! You were right...I liked it a lot!
January 7, 2020
This was a fast reading book. I enjoyed the mystery and suspense.
December 10, 2023
Plenty of Twists and Action
This author did a great job keeping me invested in these characters and their stories. I don’t want to say too much because I might spoil the story for others. It was a clean story with some characters exhibiting strong faith in the face of serious opposition. Some of the dialectic dialogue, though rare, seemed like it didn’t fit as well as it could’ve. That was really the only issue I noticed. I’d definitely read more books by this author.
This author did a great job keeping me invested in these characters and their stories. I don’t want to say too much because I might spoil the story for others. It was a clean story with some characters exhibiting strong faith in the face of serious opposition. Some of the dialectic dialogue, though rare, seemed like it didn’t fit as well as it could’ve. That was really the only issue I noticed. I’d definitely read more books by this author.
December 29, 2023
This story has all the elements for an exciting adventure and meets every expectation. Privateer Ethan saves Marisol from slavery and buys her indentured contract. After setting Marisol free from her contract, Marisol stows away on Ethan ship to the West Indies to the only family she has left. It's an adventure on the high seas and an unexpected love. It's a wonderful love story and a great high sea adventure worth reading.
January 24, 2021
A fun, easy read
Martin weaves an adventurous story that starts with pain and ends with happily ever after.
Marisol, fearing for her life, flees Spain for her aunt's home in the West Indies, but ends up as an indentured servant. Ethan Becket is a minister-turned-privateer who purchases Marisol as a governess for his young son.
Sparks and swords fly in this captivating novel.
Martin weaves an adventurous story that starts with pain and ends with happily ever after.
Marisol, fearing for her life, flees Spain for her aunt's home in the West Indies, but ends up as an indentured servant. Ethan Becket is a minister-turned-privateer who purchases Marisol as a governess for his young son.
Sparks and swords fly in this captivating novel.
April 6, 2023
This was my first book I've read from Elva Cobb Martin and love it. It had a great story, adventure, and swoony kisses. But it was still clean without any language or super steamy love scenes. However it does start out with an act of sexual violence. Though it wasn't descriptive you definitely knew what had happened, so definitely leaving that trigger warning.
December 12, 2023
High adventure
This is a real page-turner. Loved every minute of it. Reminds me of good old movies, where the heroine is full of surprises; the hero a true gentleman underneath a rough exterior, and plenty of adventure to keep you riveted until the very end. A good fun read with faith and a good ending. Loved it.
This is a real page-turner. Loved every minute of it. Reminds me of good old movies, where the heroine is full of surprises; the hero a true gentleman underneath a rough exterior, and plenty of adventure to keep you riveted until the very end. A good fun read with faith and a good ending. Loved it.
January 8, 2024
good story
I did enjoy the story but it did seem a little rushed maybe? I’m not sure I just know that I do think the characters needed a little more depth and a diving more into their emotions rather than surface descriptions of their feelings. I did enjoy it though but perhaps not the best story I’ve read
I did enjoy the story but it did seem a little rushed maybe? I’m not sure I just know that I do think the characters needed a little more depth and a diving more into their emotions rather than surface descriptions of their feelings. I did enjoy it though but perhaps not the best story I’ve read
January 26, 2024
ebook
She’s raped, then killed the Spanish noble. She flees to the port to escape but is kidnapped but pirates. She’s sold as an indentured slave to a boat captain. He is drawn to her but realizes something isn’t true about her story. They weather another kidnapping, her killers mother stealing her son and finally admitting they love each other
She’s raped, then killed the Spanish noble. She flees to the port to escape but is kidnapped but pirates. She’s sold as an indentured slave to a boat captain. He is drawn to her but realizes something isn’t true about her story. They weather another kidnapping, her killers mother stealing her son and finally admitting they love each other
May 24, 2024
This book is full of adventure, suspense, and romance.
Marisol, a Spanish lady on the run for murder, had some extremely hard things happen to her (trigger warning). Ethan, a former minister turned handsome pirate, has experienced loss that has almost broken him. I enjoyed seeing Marisol and Ethan’s relationships with God grow as well.
Marisol, a Spanish lady on the run for murder, had some extremely hard things happen to her (trigger warning). Ethan, a former minister turned handsome pirate, has experienced loss that has almost broken him. I enjoyed seeing Marisol and Ethan’s relationships with God grow as well.
June 10, 2024
Extremamente entediante. Não é o tipo de história que eu gosto de ler, talvez se eu estivesse esperando um livro assim. É basicamente um livro sobre voltar a acreditar em Deus, nos milagres da manifestação dEle e no poder da oração. Tudo muito lindo, mas eu só queria ler um romance bobinho com um pirata, erro meu por não ter pesquisado o livro ou até mesmo lido a sinopse.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 29, 2020
Great pirate book
Finally a pirate/privateer book that is not steamy! Love this genre but is usually not fit to be read by a Christian. This one fits the bill! Plenty of romance, mystery and intrigue. Love it!
Finally a pirate/privateer book that is not steamy! Love this genre but is usually not fit to be read by a Christian. This one fits the bill! Plenty of romance, mystery and intrigue. Love it!
June 21, 2020
Excellent historical novel
I really enjoyed this book about a young woman fleeing from a tragic event who meets a dashing privateer. Both of them learn to place their trust in God through harrowing circumstances.
I really enjoyed this book about a young woman fleeing from a tragic event who meets a dashing privateer. Both of them learn to place their trust in God through harrowing circumstances.
December 22, 2023
A wonderful fast moving and inspiring story!
So well written and so descriptive that I could see, hear, and smell the action and feel the emotion. I was encouraged how faith was woven into the story in such a real and meaningful way.
So well written and so descriptive that I could see, hear, and smell the action and feel the emotion. I was encouraged how faith was woven into the story in such a real and meaningful way.
January 13, 2024
Good story
This book was a good story that kept my interest. I wanted to know what was going to happen. I didn't feel any connection with the characters, and sometimes, the story seemed choppy. But overall, it was a nice little quick read.
This book was a good story that kept my interest. I wanted to know what was going to happen. I didn't feel any connection with the characters, and sometimes, the story seemed choppy. But overall, it was a nice little quick read.
January 17, 2024
Life Changing
Who knew when sea captain Ethan purchased an indentured servant to keep her from falling into sinister hands, how life changing it would be, for all involved.
Who knew what adventures lay before them? Charles Town was only the beginning.
Who knew when sea captain Ethan purchased an indentured servant to keep her from falling into sinister hands, how life changing it would be, for all involved.
Who knew what adventures lay before them? Charles Town was only the beginning.
February 5, 2024
I wasn't sure if I was going to like this story, but the characters drew me in, and I wanted to find out what happened. There's lots of drama - pirates, murder, storms at sea, conniving villains, etc. I'm not ready to buy the sequels, but at least they're available on Kindle Unlimited.
February 8, 2024
Loved this book from the beginning to the end. Great characters and storyline. Wonderful story of adventure,love and redemption with a handsome pirate and a strong ,brave ,beautiful woman. Highly recommend!
January 30, 2025
Amazing story!
This was one of those books that you cannot put down. Marisol and Ethan’s story was so full of danger, intrigue, lies found out, and at the end a beautiful love story fulfilled.
This was one of those books that you cannot put down. Marisol and Ethan’s story was so full of danger, intrigue, lies found out, and at the end a beautiful love story fulfilled.
June 2, 2020
Fast moving
I like the way the story kept moving!
Much enjoyable and history is brought in well.
Look forward to more books in this series
I like the way the story kept moving!
Much enjoyable and history is brought in well.
Look forward to more books in this series
June 8, 2020
Wonderful book, very hard to put down, action packed, so many twists and turns to the story. This will definitely be a book I want to reread! Loved it!
November 20, 2020
Marisol
Too choppy in certain areas of the story. One minute here, then the next day. Overall, it was a great story.
Too choppy in certain areas of the story. One minute here, then the next day. Overall, it was a great story.
September 19, 2022
Great book
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was complete with adventure,suspense and of course love. I recommend this book to anyone.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was complete with adventure,suspense and of course love. I recommend this book to anyone.
May 19, 2023
This was an fast and easy read, lots of twist and turns. A good romance between one who has lost his faith in God and one who has been hurt badly, finding each other and redemption for both.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews