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If the Tide Turns  By  cover art

If the Tide Turns

By: Rachel Rueckert
Narrated by: Pilar Witherspoon
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Publisher's summary

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, Massachusetts: 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. Young, 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 even 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.

Sam is drawn into piracy and discovers a brotherhood more equal and fulfilling than any on land, despite its dangers. Beguiled by the chance to both fight for justice and make a fortune to bring home to Maria, Sam is torn between duty to his crew and his desire to return. Separated by more than just the ocean, time slips by as Sam and Maria cling to their love for each other. Maria is determined to stay strong in her conviction in Sam, but as rumors swirl and her position in Eastham turns perilous, Maria is forced into an impossible decision.

Now, on a journey no less treacherous and eventful than Sam’s, Maria draws on every shred of her courage and resilience not merely to survive, but to honor her own yearning for freedom …

©2024 Rachel Rueckert (P)2024 Recorded Books

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Beautiful characters with relatable growth in extraordinary circumstances

Well-written and well-researched with compelling and diverse characters. This book swept me up so that I was plotting how to make it last longer when I was less than 20% done with the book.

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  • 03-29-24

Adventurous story set in golden age of pirates

Rachel Rueckert does a beautiful job telling the story of true historical figures, pirate Sam Bellemy and Maria, a fiery woman accused of witchcraft. The story alternates narrators, taking us through the action on the seas and at home as each faces challenges and nearly insurmountable odds to try to find their way back to each other. Ruckert’s meticulous research shines through, taking modern readers into life in Cape Cod in the golden age of pirates. Pilar Witherspoon does a great job with the narration, though I was surprised that she pronounced the main character's name as "Mariah" instead of "Maria."

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