Being my first Philippa Gregory novel, Tidelands was a lovely surprise. The writing style is fluid and readable, and the descriptions of the landscape and daily life are beautifully detailed, transporting the reader effortlessly to the 17th century. With well-developed and believable characters, It has the perfect balance of historical and imaginative components. The romance is at times a bit of escapist soap opera, but in the end the book, balances out into an excellent relaxing summer read. Highly recommended.

Tidelands by Philippa Gregrory is a departure from her most popular books. This story centers on Alinor a poor, abandoned, fisherman's wife living on the edge of a small village during the time of England's Second Civil War. As always, Ms. Gregory fills this novel with carefully researched details. This time the focus is the life of poor women and their options rather than those connected to the royal court. Politics still plays a part in the story, but it is a more minor role, not a major focus. For me the story was very slow to develop. The first half of the book is full of detailed descriptions and details that become important later, but it wasn't until the final few chapters that their importance is realized and the action really picks up. At the end, I could appreciate all of the details that built up to the climax. The publisher and NetGalley provided me with an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Philippa Gregory, with her detailed knowledge of history, brings us beautiful characters and storylines that are both heart wrenching and relevant. I could not put Tidelands down. As I read, I felt every ache and fear that each of the characters experienced. Gregory has done a phenomenal job with this novel. She gives us a true picture of the slave trade from the African's point of view, from the slave trader's perspective, and all those who were affected by this horrible practice of England's history.

I've read and enjoyed almost all of Philippa Gregory's books. This one was no different and when I saw an opportunity to read an advanced copy through NetGalley I jumped on it. What is different is that it isn't centered around royalty, but a poor woman living in 17th century England. Alinor is a poor woman who is trying to raise her two children after her husband goes fishing and doesn't return. All this is happening at a time when a woman being alone wasn't acceptable. It's a story of love and intrigue. It's the first of a series of books and I can't wait to read the next ones.

I have mixed feelings about this book. I love Gregory, and I love historical fiction. This book was filled with details. So many that it started to lull me to sleep. But yet I like the story. I’m looking forward to the next installment when I will be better able to decide how much I like the series.

Amazing book! So good! I stayed up until the wee hours finishing it and I'm devastated. I guess I wanted it have a happy ending but I knew that there wouldn't be one. I primarily know Phillipa Gregory through her novels of British royalty during the Tudor era I while knew that she writes excellent historical fiction, I wasn't sure what a book about a woman the lower classes set during the English Civil War era. I shouldn't have been skeptical because I was utterly riveted! Alinor is an incredibly strong character and her struggles to survive, protect her reputation and raise her family up was not only historically interesting but uncannily still relevant today. Up until the end, I loved James Summers and rooted for him. He who saw what a truly remarkable woman that Alinor was but the moment he showed that he was just all the other men in her life - men who desired her and wanted to own her or control her was so devastating! The daughter was infuriating, I kept having to remind myself that she was only 14! Thank God she finally stood by her mother. The historical details were fascinating and I found myself Googling the time period for background. I'm much more familiar with the Restoration period than the years leading up to it. My favorite parts were the bit where you learned about how Alinor and the other villagers lived. From the workings of the farms, going to church and how Alinor made her living. I hate that it ended on a cliff hanger. I must what happens next! I will recommend this to everyone and promote it through NYPL website!

I loved this book! I felt like I was part of Alinor's life. The detail is so beautifully rendered that I could imagine everything. It's a movie in my mind. This is a must-read for fans of historical fiction, particularly those with an interest in Cromwell's reign. The setting is bleak but somehow beautiful. Knowing that Alinor is a midwife heightens the suspense....no spoilers, but this line sums it up: "'It’s a crime to be poor in this county; it’s a sin to be old. It’s never good to be a woman.’" And it's deadly to be a smart woman.

I admired Alinor's courage and resolve, her integrity and wisdom, and, most of all, her indomitable spirit and faith. I cannot wait for the next chapter of her life.

A hearty thank you to the publisher and Net Galley for the advanced copy.

This DRC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

An unexpected offering from Phillipa Gregory, thematically quite different from her previous volumes. Her style remains quite readable, and her strong female characters will appeal as always.

Popular author in our library circulation department...
First time read for me and I loved it!
Plot. Detailed to writing and description of accurate era plus twists and turns make me decide to put this author on my favorite list now!
Read it and you wont be disappointed!

Honestly, you can't go wrong with Philippa Gregory. I haven't read a book of her that I did not love. Tidelands is another great novel, in my opinion. Ms. Gregory has a way of really bringing her characters to life, and the ability to describe people, places, and things so clear and detailed, that you feel as though you are right in the middle of it all. This book is definitely worth picking up and reading, as are all of her books.

I loved how much I learned while reading this book. I always enjoy Philippa Gregory's books and especially loves this novel. The book takes place during the exile of Charles I's exile and the battle between him and Parliament. Alinor, the main character, is a midwife raising two children. Her relationship with a priest had me racing to see how things would be resolved.

I can't wait to share this fascinating thriller.

I loved how this story started. I was hooked. I could not put the book down. The imagery was fantastic, the history spot on. Then about the halfway mark the story died for me. My interest waned. Nothing was really happening and my expectations - built up from the first half of the book - were let down. It is not until the end that the "action" happens. I wish she spent more time on this part. It was good but I did not really feel the chaos that would have ensued with witch accusations. Then the ending. It was an anti climax for me. Alinor and her daughter just go away. Alys leaves her husband and we have no real reason. We can guess of course and maybe that is the set up for future books. I went away from the ending feeling unfulfilled. There is something missing. It just ends. I will say that it does make me curious for a second book and hopeful for a payoff in my character investment. I do like the characters. Well not Mrs. Miller, and Ned for that matter, but Alinor and James really came to life for me. It was a good story, I just expected more.

Philippa Gregory is one of my favorite historical authors. I have read pretty much everything she has written. This novel centers on an ordinary woman, who specializes in herbs. She soon envokes fear among the villagers who see her as witch. I really love Alinor. She was a resilient and courageous heroine. Even though, she has her own trials, she never gives up. I also like the gothic setting because it seemed to fit the story well. Overall, this novel will not disappoint fans of Philippa Gregory and hopefully, it will be turned into a tv show. Full review to come!

Philippa Gregory is an amazing historical fiction author. I always look forward to her books on British royalty, so I was intrigued to read one about common folk of the same historical period. This book did not disappoint. It is a slice of women's life in a period when most women did not have a voice. It is the sort of book that makes you want to make a cup of tea, cozy up on the couch in comfy clothes and spend a good part of the day reading.
If you are a lover of historical fiction Phillippa Gregory's novels will keep you well satisfied!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for granting me this read!

Tidelands by Philippa Gregory is set in England in the mid-1600s and begins on Sealsea Island on Midsummer’s Eve. The book traces the issues that Alinor, a woman with different gifts, experiences in a world that is focused on male dominance. The back story of Alinor and her children by a n ’ere do well fisherman husband. The husband blames his wife for all his problems and even accuses her of being a witch. In these days being accused of being a witch, is something that often leads to death. Oliver Cromwell and the Puritan revolt is an undercurrent as the “parliament” men and the “royalist” men compete miring the country in a civil war. The upheaval apparent in politics and personal lives is a strong theme in the novel. Alinor wants to do what is right for her children but her husband has disappeared while being at sea and it is unknown whether he is alive or dead. The possibility of love comes to Alinor, but the politics of the time prevent her from being open to her feelings. Alinor is a skilled herbalist and healer but these help give rise to the witchcraft allegations. She must prove herself worthy and use her considerable skills to help her superstitious and jealous neighbors. A trial for the king; a witchcraft trial; an unattainable love; petty thievery--all are subplots running through the tidelands and the storyline.
The book is well written and fast-paced and is set in England during a time of upheaval and unrest. This novel is different from the other Gregory novels in that it is primarily a story told about common people. While royalty and nobility do make an appearance, the story of Alinor and her family and their trials and tribulations are the focus. The book is hard to put down and the end comes too soon.