Interesting read with great characters and a good storyline.

I just reviewed If the Tide Turns by Rachel Rueckert. #IftheTideTurns #NetGalley

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.

Review below is posted on goodreads.

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.

In the 18th century Maria and Sam fall in love and have to fight against the established norms of the time. In search of a better destiny, Sam ends up joining the pirates and Maria can only abide by what her family and society imposes on her.
A novel that is a cross between historical fiction and romance where, in my opinion, the female character stands out as she endures the unspeakable to stay true to her convictions.
The story is narrated alternating chapters between the two characters and at some point I have not felt so hooked to the part dedicated to Sam. Connecting historical and fictional characters the novel gives reality to the parts imagined by the author.
Nevertheless, it is an entertaining novel, well developed and with interesting characters.