The Pirate Bride

This book was a fun, sweet mystery filled adventure. I felt as if I was swept away on a privateer ship in the Caribbean. With a little red headed girl who endeared herself to the crew as Red.The Captain, a handsome, feared, and brave man who had me swooning. I was captivated by this read.

The talented author is new to me and I will most definitely be reading more from her. With that said, I would love to see these characters again with maybe William Spencer as the hero.😉

*I was given a copy of this book by the publisher. This is my honest opinion.

This book was a fun-filled mystery! It was a bit longer than expected, but with all this snow and ice, there's plenty of time for reading! Actually, it was perfect because I felt as though I was swept away on a privateer ship to the warm Caribbean. The characters were believable and easy to relate to, with a sweet girl, a fearsome captain, and a brave hero. One thing I like about this book is that it's part of a multi-generational series. We met the great-grandmother back in the Pilgrim Bride (is that the right title? Maybe it's the Mayflower Bride...), and will follow the family through American history. Looking forward to the next installment!

This book was such an enjoyable read. It followed Maribel Cordoba (Red) the young daughter of a Spanish ship captain and Jean-Luc a French ship captain. After taking over the ship of Maribel and her father, Jean-Luc forms a special place in his heart for Red, though he does not realize it for years later. Maribel is a reader of pirate books, knowing all ships, the duties of all aboard, and cannot help but irritate the French captain. After years of searching for the rebellious Red who has grown up in a convent on a Caribbean island, Maribel finds her family, and Jean-Luc finally finds her by pure chance.

I liked this book for its story on the ocean, the life of a privateer, and of course the love it brought to Maribel and Jean-Luc. I have to admit it did take me a good bit to get into, but once Maribel made her way to New Orleans, the story really picked up and I enjoyed where it was going. I would recommend this book, especially if you enjoyed the Mayflower Bride. This is a great series and I cannot wait to read the next.

I received this from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for my honest review.

An enjoyable read full of adventure! A descendant from the Lytton family tree from book one of the series, Maribel Cordoba finds herself having quite an adventure as a twelve year old when out at sea with her estranged father. The story fast forwards to eleven years later on as she begins a new life in New Orleans, in 1724.

I enjoyed the character of Maribel, with her insatiable curiosity, friendly nature and intelligent bantering with the shipmates, especially Captain Jean. It was a fun story to read, and had me guessing how she would adjust to life later on as an adult. The twists and turns with the many characters popping in and out of her life, made it move along quickly. The ending felt a bit rushed and condensed, with the romance part a bit awkward, but it was a satisfying read overall.

Recommend to fans of sea going tales, Christian historicals and clean romances. Reads fine as a standalone.

My only disappointment in this book, I could not read it in one night and had to put it down. It was so enjoyable with lots of adventure, excitement, suspense and great characters. The love demonstrated in this novel was much more than a romantic love between the two main characters. Without giving the story away, there is a deep friendship between two orphans Maribel Cordoba 11 and William Spencer 12 years old. Captain Jean -Luc of the Pirateer ship Vanganza , his first Mate Mr. Bennett, Rao and Piper from the crew, who are more like brothers. Then add the precocious 11 year old Maribel. She wraps each and every one of them around her little finger. St. Mary of the Island Orphanage is where you will find the loving Mother Superior and other compassionate nuns. Besides this love and friendship, the story is full of faith and family. Kathleen Y'Barbo tells such a wonderful story, I can't wait to read the other books to this series. I love when an author gives you added details regarding what details are actual, in case you want to research the topic further. I highly recommend this book. One of the best I've read in awhile. I thank Net Galleys and Barbour Publishing for a copy of this book. I freely give my honest opinion in this review and thank them for this opportunity.

The Pirate Bride is the exciting second installment from the Brides of the Mayflower series. I am enjoying this series and The Pirate Bride did not disappoint. I was hooked right from the start and absolutely loved Maribel. She is a strong and admirable woman. Kathleen Y’Barbo does a fabulous job with the historical details, making a reader feel as though they are part of the story.
I cannot wait to read the next one from the Brides of the Mayflower series. I give The Pirate Bride 5 plus stars and highly recommend it.
I received this book from the publisher, but was not required to write a review. This review is 100% my own honest opinion.

This story stole me away! And I loved every minute of it. The book is quick moving, kept me guessing, and had twists and turns I hadn't expected. I loved that the romance elements were kept to the end, but I do wish it had been a little more involved and in-depth. That being said, I enjoyed the sweetness of it and the eye-opening experience of a young girl turned woman!

The story is very well written and the title fits the story perfectly. I thoroughly enjoyed it and cannot wait for the next book in the Mayflower Bride series!

One hundred years after Mary Chapman and her family arrived in the New World on the Mayflower, Maribel Cordova arrives in New Orleans to find the man who holds the key to finding her father's lost treasure. Attorney Jean-Luc Valmont has buried his past so deep that he hopes that no one will ever be able to find it, especially since he just accepted a position on the governor's staff. But, the daughter of an infamous pirate threatens his new life. Can Maribel and Jean-Luc compromise so they can both get everything they want?

This was the second in the Daughters of the Mayflower series and the first in the series written by Kathleen Y'Barbo. It was incredibly well written and I could tell that she did a huge amount of research into the customs and history of that time period, even into the differences between piracy and privateering. The characters were all very well written and I particularly liked Maribel and Jean-Luc, but really enjoyed all aboard the ship and the nuns, as well. Really, this was an all around enjoyable read and I'm really looking forward to reading both more of the series and this author's work.

The Pirate Bride by Kathleen Y’Barbo is an exciting historical novel that will keep you reading till the end.
Twelve-year-old Maribel is aboard her father’s ship as the story begins. The only thing she left of her mother is her memories and her scarf. She loves to read, especially about pirates, so she also has a book with her. Her father has not been an active part of her life but showed up to tell Maribel that her mother and grandfather have been killed in an accident and to take her with him on his ship sailing from Spain to the Caribbean where he has been named Consul General. They are soon overtaken by French privateers and Maribel is captured while her father drowns. What will the French captain do with a girl on his ship? The answer is found within the pages along with lots of exciting adventures.
I loved this book! It is full of excitement and keeps the reader engaged the whole time. Kathleen’s characters are full of life and each one is unique. This is a very fresh and unique take on pirate stories and the pirates or privateers are not at all the stereotypical pirates. There are a lot of twists and turns in the plot that surprised me and kept me reading; it is hard to put this book down. The actual history is blended seamlessly along with the fictional characters. The characters and reader is reminded throughout that God is always in control. I give this book 5 of 5 stars. I highly recommend it to everyone who enjoys history along with romance and a trust and dependency on God.
I received an advance copy of this book through Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.

This was an enjoyable historical Christian fiction read with a romantic element. I found this entertaining and easy to read, while also feeling as if I were realistically experiencing a slice of history. I think this will especially appeal to readers who enjoy stories involving privateers and pirates, especially when there is a strong female lead and an honorable captain. This book is also for readers who like a happy and neatly tied up ending.

There is an unmistakable Christian bent to this book in the sense that the Christian religion is a natural and essential part of many of the main character's lives, and they mention things such as praying and answered prayers. There were also short bible passages in a few places, such as a verse from the Book of Psalms at the beginning of a section. However, nothing upstages the story.

The Pirate Bride, by Kathleen Y'Barbo - Daughters of the Mayflower, book 2








The Pirate Bride
The Daughters of the Mayflower - book 2
Kathleen Y'Barbo
www.kathleenybarbo.com


256 pages
Barbour Publishing
Coming April 1, 2018









Can a former privateer and a determined heiress find lost treasure in 1725?
A brand new series for fans of all things related to history, romance, adventure, faith, and family trees.

Pasts Collide in New Orleans when a Treasure Goes Missing
The last time New Orleans attorney Jean-Luc Valmont saw Maribel Cordoba, a Spanish nobleman’s daughter, she was an eleven-year-old orphan perched in the riggings of his privateering vessel proving herself as the best lookout on his crew. Until the day his infamy caught up with them all and innocent lives were lost. Unsure why he survived but vowing to make something of the chance he was given, Jean-Luc has buried his past life so deep that no living person will ever find it—until a very much alive and very grown up Maribel Cordoba arrives on his doorstep and threatens all he now holds dear.

Join the adventure as the Daughters of the Mayflower series continues with The Pirate Bride by Kathleen Y’Barbo.

More to come in the Daughters of the Mayflower series:
The Mayflower Bride by Kimberley Woodhouse – set 1620 Atlantic Ocean (coming February 2018)
The Pirate Bride by Kathleen Y’Barbo – set 1725 New Orleans (coming April 2018)
The Captured Bride by Michelle Griep – set 1760 during the French and Indian War (coming June 2018)
The Patriot Bride by Kimberley Woodhouse – set 1774 Philadelphia (coming August 2018)?
The Cumberland Bride by Shannon McNear – set 1794 on the Wilderness Road (coming October 2018)
The Liberty Bride by MaryLu Tyndall – set 1814 Baltimore (coming December 2018)



Months ago, I was initially drawn to this series by the beautiful book covers and the premise of the series appealed to me so I was looking forward to reading my first story from the Daughters of the Mayflower. Although this is marketed as a series you don't need to have read The Mayflower Bride in order to thoroughly enjoy The Pirate Bride. I am reading The Mayflower Bride now, having read The Pirate Bride first.

I have never read anything written by Kathleen Y'Barbo and I have to say I found this story to be quite enjoyable. The Pirate Bride is a fun, entertaining story that I would categorize as "light reading". I really enjoyed Maribel's banter and how she just never. stops. talking. The story has a strong emphasis on faith, forgiveness, and the power of prayer. I wished that the story had been a little longer and has eased into the romance component and lingered there for a while.

If you are looking for a light hearted read that is satisfying and adventurous, then The Pirate Bride is the book for you! It will be available for purchase from your local or online book retailer on April 1, 2018

Thank you Barbour Publishing and Net Galley for the free e-copy of The Pirate Bride to read in exchange for my honest review.

This is the kind of book, that I call a treat. Well, romance is always a snack- and if it's got shifters, then it's a delightful snack, but this was indeed a guilty and fun pleasure!
You've got pirates, sorry...I mean privateers, and a young girl called Mirabel with green eyes and red curls and a whole lot of spunk! If you're looking to delve into some historical fiction that has witty characters who surprise you when they make a turn in their lives, then this would be a great story to snack on. There's also the author's way of touching on the rivalry between the French and the Spanish and slave trade that's cleverly woven into the tale. Thank you NetGalley for the eARC.

The Pirate Bride was a wonderful and delightful read. Join Jean-Luc and Maribel on the adventure of a lifetime. Their journey together and apart is filled with excitement, growth, and romance. This’ was my first book by Kathleen Y’Bardo but not the last.
I received this book as ARC from netgalley , however the review is my honest opinion of the book. ( Which I throughly enjoyed and would highly recommend!

Such a fun book. I loved the young Maribel dedicated to becoming a pirate and her love of reading books in trees. Adventure on the high seas is a dream of many young boys, but seldom of the girls. Maribel’s love of her pirate book was quite endearing to me as an ex-tree climbing reader.
The story unfolds in such a carefully planned plot to drag the reader into the admiration that Maribel carries for “her captain” Even the ending was quite a surprise. I won’t spoil this delightful read by giving away too much of the plot. Please don’t miss this one.

I also really enjoyed the authors note at the end of the book about some of the historical background of the book she authored. I rarely read those so congratulations on holding my interest there as well.

Enjoyed this clean, historic adventure! This is history and fiction very well done. It's about a love that began on the high sea, she was a child, he was a grown man. As fate would have it they were separated for 11 years, met again and she no longer a child. Pirates, Privateers, New Orleans, the French and the Spanish. Loved it all, and the fact that God was a part of it made it even better. A must read and keeper!

The Lytton family saga continues with the great-granddaughter of the original couple to come over on the Mayflower. I found The Pirate Bride more enjoyable that the first book in the series, The Mayflower Bride. In the Pirate Bride we meet Maribel Cordoba & Capitan Jean Beaumont. Who are thrown together and separated by acts beyond their control. Each of them deal with their own life and death situations and a sacrifice is made to save Jean. They are thrown into dangerous and complicated situations that you as the reader believe are settled but surprises arise in their lives as family secrets come to light and the people who are thought dead but are not including Maribel and Jean. Secrets are kept to protect both Maribel and Jean and their families only to be revealed when the circumstances bring them back together. Between the alleged death of Maribel's family and her reunion with her Capitan enough time has elapsed for her to grow into a young woman. In the meantime Jean has loved and lost and continued with his life under his real name. Maribel is reunited with her family which brings her into Jean-Luc's life once again. Both are stunned that the other lives and begin to work together to bring an old enemy to justice even though he has a family connection. A misunderstanding threatens the happiness of Maribel and Jean. Kathleen Y'Barbo weaves a story of intrigue, love and separation and reunions, and all in God's intended time line.

Book Review

“The Pirate Bride” is the second novel to release in a new, multi-author series – The Daughters of the Mayflower – being published by Barbour Publishing. Release date is April 1, 2018. For me, the main female character, Maribel Cordoba, is a mixture of the plucky, inquisitive Anne from Anne of Green Gables and the more determined, [and let’s face it, pirate-fixated] Elizabeth Swan from Disney’s Pirates of the Caribbean series. I happen to love both of those story-lines, so Maribel was rather a fun character.

This book is very clean, and is not at all preachy. For these reasons I believe both a Young Adult reader and the average Christian fiction reader would enjoy it. I also believe it is aimed at a female reader more than at a male reader. Though there is some high-seas drama involving cannon ball fire etc. the motivation to follow the story through until the end is primarily via the point of view of the female lead. And … as the title’s inclusion of the word ‘bride’ gives away – it is a bit of a romance. Not that there isn’t any adventure too …

I’m rating this one 4 out of 5 anchors.

Cover Review

The trend of the closely cropped main character filling the cover space has grown on me. I used to be a little bothered by it to be completely honest. After much examination I think it’s tied closely to the fact that I’m of a certain age … and cutting off people’s heads in photos was a big no-no when cameras still required the use of film. [And my ten-year-old just wandered into the room and asked me why they were showing the lady’s back? ha ha] But it’s 2018 … and now that this trend has been around a few years to grow on me I find this style to be artistically expressive.

I am free to picture the rest of the character on the cover – much the same as I do the other characters when I’m reading the novel itself. The beautiful blue color of her dress against the elegant white lace, and white text is both eye-catching and effective. I would be drawn to this novel if I spotted it on the shelf or saw it for sale in my favorite online store. The only negative I still harbor is that without the text I would have no idea it involved pirates. I feel like there is room in the skyline for at least the faintest hint of a ship’s mast on the horizon? It could be extremely subtle, but right now … on first glance, I only know it’s a historical due to the style of the dress.

I’m rating this cover 4.5 anchors out of 5.

Please note: I received this title from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

A dauntless redhead, pirates, a fearless captain, high seas and a mystery.  "The Pirate Bride" by Kathleen Y'Barbo has all the elements to captivate readers. It's the second book in "The Daughters of the Mayflower" series featuring the great-granddaughter of Mary Elizabeth Chapman, whom we met in the first book, "The Mayflower Bride" by Kimberley Woodhouse.

Maribel Cordoba, the daughter of a Spanish ship captain, is captured and taken aboard a French ship.  She knows all about being a privateer, but has two things against her.  She is a girl and she is only twelve, nearly thirteen.  She and her

fellow captive, thirteen year old William Spencer, both make good cases as to why they are needed onboard, but French Captain Jean-Luc doesn't agree. Bantering continues throughout this book and I found the dialogues as charming as the story itself.

There is so much to like about "The Pirate Bride".  The characters are diverse with interesting personalities and the relationships among them are unexpected. The storyline is exciting and moves quickly, making it a book I couldn't put down. There were twists and turns that intensified the mystery, and the settings (some, of which, are the ships) are describe in such a way that I could easily imagine the swaying and the breeze. This is a very clean book with faith content relevant to the story and without being preachy.

There were a few scenes that I wished had lasted longer only because I enjoyed  how the characters interacted. They seemed like my friends and I wanted to see what  choices they made and how it would affect their lives.

I would easily recommend this book to ages thirteen and older and would especially recommend it to those who enjoy high sea adventures.

Note:  I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Books through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Personal Rating: 4.52              Star Rating: 

Title: "The Pirate Bride"
Author: Kathleen Y'Barbo
Publisher: Barbour Publishing
Published: April 1, 2018
Series: "The Daughters of the Mayflower"

The Pirate Bride, by Reader’s Choice Award recipient, and winner of the 2014 Inspirational Romance of the Year, Kathleen Y’Barbo, is the second in a series titled “Daughters of the Mayflower”. Interestingly, each book in the series is by a different author.

This is the story of a precocious twelve-year-old girl, Maribel Cordoba, who is kidnapped from her home in Spain by her father, then rescued by a French privateer who leaves her with nuns at a Jamaican orphanage, where she becomes a teacher. Her father, the criminal Antonio Cordoba, tells her that her mother and grandfather are dead.

Cordoba’s ship is overtaken by the French attorney, Jean-Luc Valmont, posing as a privateer using the name Jean Beaumont. In the ensuing fight, Maribel and a young man she has befriended are rescued by Captain Beaumont.

Jean-Luc has secrets -- honorable secrets -- that could get him in a lot of trouble in 1700s America. Knowing a life at sea, especially with his risky activities, is not the proper place for a young lady to grow up, Jean-Luc leaves Maribel at an orphanage in Jamaica. Eleven years later, her grandfather finds her, and has her delivered to his and her mother’s new home in New Orleans.

Jean-Luc returns to New Orleans to address some of his family’s business and financial issues. He quickly runs into Maribel. Of course, they soon realize they are in love.

Set mostly in 1700s Jamaica and New Orleans, the story deals with some of the issues of the day. For example, Jean-Luc’s second-in-command is Israel Bennett, an African man he had previously “captured” then paid to work on his ship, treated as an equal, and trusted with his life.

Jean-Luc, Maribel, and Israel are Christians, who pray daily, and depend on God to protect them. When politics becomes a problem, Jean-Luc decides to return to his law practice, he says, “…maybe it was just God’s way of letting me know that it was time to stop and follow Him instead of trying to do things my way….”

This beautiful, Christian fiction story of romance, family love and dynamics, and history is one lovers of romance novels will not want to miss. The Pirate Bride is due out April 1, 2018.

What Makes This Book Reviewer Grumpy?

While the story is delightful, there are a few things that need correcting, such as:
• incomplete sentences;
• using “try and…” rather than “try to…”;
• beginning sentences with conjunctions.

The Pirate Bride by Kathleen Y'Barbo is second in the Daughters of the Mayflower series. It appears the tie-in to the historical novels of the series is that the characters in each book are from the same family tree and the books are standalone stories written by different authors. And this author writes a great pirate story set in the Caribbean Sea and Louisiana during the early 1700s! There is action, intrigue, and romance enough to keep the pages turning quickly. Not wanting to put the book down, I pretty much read the book in one day. Maribel and Jean-Luc meet when she is just a preteen girl, feisty with a bit of an attitude and enamored with pirate stories. And oh, the adventures they go on, both together and separately. When they meet again years later, the sparks still fly. These two main characters and others as well have depth and reality, and their emotions, strengths, and foibles resonate well with readers. The historical background of The Pirate Bride is a great story in and of itself and seeing it through these fictional characters is fantastic. Y'Barbo does a good job of bringing this era to life with scenes that I felt as if I was right there in the midst of the action. I loved this story and am looking forward to the rest of the books in this series. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review. The opinions are my own.

Generations down the line, we now follow firey Maribel. It begins with action as her Spanish ship is taken by French privateers. The love story is slow to blossom, and the author does a very good job showcasing that even though the romance is between two people with a wide age gap, he was never once interested in her romantically as a child.

The second book in Daughters of the Mayflower, Kathleen Y'Barbo is a new author for a fresh take. Though this book moves just as quickly as the first, Y'Barbo does a brilliant job helping the reader to become invested in young and grown Maribel and the romance that blossoms at the end. She introduces a lovely Caribbean Robin Hood and sprinkles enough faith in to be considered Christian without being preachy. This was fun, sweet, quick, and clean. The perfect Sunday read.

Thank you to NetGalley, Barbour Publishing, and Kathleen Y'Barbo for this free ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I had fun reading this grand adventure story. It’s a sparkling, swashbuckling tale of ships, pirates, rescues, and romance. The heroes were brave and noble; the villain was cunning and dastardly; and the heroine was feisty and wise. What more could you want in an adventure story? To make it even better, this is a sweet, clean Christian fiction book with no bad language or embarrassing scenes to spoil the story.

Although all the characters in the book were great, it’s the character of Maribel Córdoba that gives this book its energy. The storyline follows Maribel from the age of 11 to 22. It’s great fun following Maribel as she grows up to solve the mystery of who she really is and finding her happily-ever-after. There are unexpected twists and turns in the storyline to keep your interest to the end of the story.

My only drawback to this book is that I wish it could have been a full length 300+ page novel and filled in a little more of Maribel’s childhood and the happenings with the family in New Orleans.

This book is the second book in a series. You will not have had to read the first book as there’s only a couple of brief references to the first book.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to give a positive review. This is my honest opinion of the book.

Swashbuckling pirate adventures aplenty, endearing characters, plot twists, and faith. A keeper!

Maribel Cordoba loves to read... especially a certain book about pirates. When her much-absent father spirits her away on the sea, they are discovered by none other than the Ghost Ship. So the thrilling times begin.

I just loved this book about a forbidden love. Maribel is such a sweet tomboy, fiercely independent, and determined to prove she can hold her own.

Conflicting times cause confusion in roles, self-identity, and safety. With twists and turns like the rolling sea, I wasn’t ever sure exactly on which shore many of the characters would land...literally and figuratively.

Notes are reserved for the end of the book, thank you. Highly recommended imagination of history. I received a copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley. No positive review is required and all opinions expressed are solely my own responsibility.

There are very few pirate--I mean, privateering--novels in the Christian market, so this was a fun change-up. It reminded me of (and made me want to reread) such swashbuckling classics as Captain Blood and The Black Swan by Rafael Sabatini. I enjoyed Maribel's precocious nature and love of books and high places (having frequently partaken of such pleasures myself, in my youth).

I was surprised by a number of turns the story took. I should have seen the romance coming sooner (more careful attention to the book blurb would have done that for me), but other twists were genuinely surprising. I think the story could have benefited from being longer (especially having Maribel and Jean-Luc spend more time together as adults, as that would make the romance a little more believable), but it's a fun romp.

Thank you Barbour and NetGalley for the free e-book. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions are my own.

This is an exciting historical romance!

I adore Maribel! She is delightful and so fun to keep up with. As a bookworm myself I immediately connected with her love of reading.

Jean-Luc seems to be hiding something from the very beginning. It was quite entertaining to follow through the story and figure out what it was and all the twists to this wonderful character.

This book is packed with a lot of action and adventure. I wasn’t at all surprised by that though given the title. Then there were a few really great surprises that caught me completely off guard. It was fun learning what the difference was between pirates and privateers.

I absolutely loved this second installment in the series. I’m looking forward to seeing what happens the next time I look in on the Lytton family descendants.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Books, through NetGalley. I have chosen to write this review to express my personal opinion.

In the second book of the Daughters of the Mayflower series, readers are taken back to the sea. This time in the waters of the Caribbean with threats of pirates and privateers to travelers.

Eleven-year-old Maribel Cordoba is fearless when it comes to experiences on the water even though all of her knowledge has come from books. When she joins up with Captain Beaumont’s privateers, her favorite place on the ship is up high as the lookout. The precocious girl charms the crew and eventually wins over the captain.

Kathleen Y’Barbo’s The Pirate Bride is a bit different from many historical romance reads out there in the fact that the hero and heroine are separated for much of the book. The romance portion is minimal up until the last quarter of the book.

Don’t let that deter you from reading this one, though. Maribel is a girl you are immediately drawn to and as she becomes a young woman, that doesn’t change. The Captain’s air of mystery, as well as his uncertainty regarding one former member of his crew who was lost to him, will keep you reading these pages.

Y’Barbo’s portray of life on the high seas, on a Caribbean island home to children and the nuns who care for them and the fledgling city of New Orleans are descriptive and picturesque.

The Pirate Bride raises the bar set with The Mayflower Bride.

Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

I really enjoyed reading this book. It was an exciting adventure that was hard to put down. I found Maribel to be a delightful character, and I loved reading her story. The reason that I did not give the book five stars was that I felt the end wrapped up a bit too quickly and easily. I wish a few parts had been fleshed out a bit more. Overall, this was a fun read, and I look forward to reading more in this series.

The Pirate Bride is the second book in The Daughters of the Mayflower series. Each book in this series, which tells the story of Mary Chapman, William Lytton and some that number among their descendants, is written by a different author. This story recounts the adventures of Maribel Cardoba, Mary and William Lytton’s great granddaughter. Maribel’s mother left the Colonies and her family to marry Spaniard, Antonio Cordoba. She soon realized that Cordoba was not a man of integrity, but fortunately his father was because she needed his support once Antonio kidnapped their daughter only to lose her at sea. Maribel, always one to romanticize adventure was thrilled to end up as an unlikely crew member about a privateer’s ship until she was once again lost at sea.
Those of us who are avid readers will feel a kinship with Maribel whose favorite pastime is to get lost in a book in out of the way places. This book is one that will make one want to do just that. Maribel’s forthright nature makes her all the more endearing as does her ability to cheerfully adapt to her circumstances. Her refreshing honesty and spirit are not lost on the crew of the privateer’s ship or on its captain, resulting in relationships that stand the test of time and of hard times.
Y’Barbo did a wonderful job of developing her characters, and of whisking her readers into the various settings within this story. My only concern was that the ending felt a bit rushed, as if Y’Barbo had spent a great deal of time developing her plot and all of a sudden realized she was running out of pages. That said, I would still recommend this well-researched book to friends and family who love historical fiction and quirky characters. I thank NetGalley and Barbour Publishing for providing me with a copy of The Pirate Bride in exchange for an honest review. I received no monetary compensation.

From the moment I started the story I was swept back in time in the early 1700s where we find pirates and privateering going on. I loved the swashbuckling scenes and felt myself on the ship as it swayed back and forth. What would you do if you found yourself on a ship that was being overtaken? I know I would be fighting for my life or maybe hiding so no one could find me.

Maribel is everything I wanted to be as a child. She is very brave and knows exactly what she wants. It doesn’t matter that girls are not allowed on ships. So what if everyone thinks girls are back luck . Maribel wants to sail the seas and be a pirate. Those sound like wonderful dreams but unfortunately things turn out differently for her. When the ship she is on is attacked, she finds herself suddenly in the brisk water trying to survive. Will the captain save her before she drifts off too far from the ship? Her last thoughts before everything becomes dark is where is Captain Jean-Luc and his men? Why are they allowing her to be lost at sea?

As the story moves forward we are reacquainted with Maribel who has lived at a convent for many years. She has snippets of her past surface and still remembers being on a ship. Jean-Luc is a distant memory but something is about to change in her life. I loved Jean-Luc and his bravery. He was a fierce person to be reckoned with. What will happen when he sees Maribel after all those years she was left behind swimming for her life? The adventure and history is epic as the story is filled with danger, secrets and a bit of romance. The author really had me on the edge of my seat as Maribel and Jean-Luc see each other after so many years. I know I would be little upset to see the person who left me in the deep sea and never looked back. Can Maribel and Jean-Luc work things out? What secrets have Jean-Luc been hiding all these years? I can't wait to read more books from this series. Don't miss the captivating historical facts the author includes at the end of the book.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.

Such a fabulous read!! It truly is an adventure story - orphans lost at sea, pirates, mistaken identities, smugglers! This is such a rich setting in the Caribbean and New Orleans, and the characters are well-developed over the course of the story. The story takes place over an 11-year time span, but the plot never lags. I loved that there's a touch of romance to the story, but it's not the focus.
Without spoiling the plot, I was sucked in completely through the cases of mistaken identity and "ships passing in the night", quite literally. My heart went right out to the characters just begging and hoping they would find one another.
I would also like to thank the author for characters of faith. The characters rely on God and their faith is a significant guiding force in their decisions. This is such a fantastic story. I'm really enjoying seeing that the books in this series are written by different authors, but with some common characters and themes. Each of them bring their own style to the characters, creating an intriguing series. Looking forward to reading more!

Sweet Christian Adventure… Maribel Cordoba is an independent resourceful 12 year girl, who is not afraid to speak her mind. Maribel loves to read and believes that she know everything there is to know about pirates. When the ship that she is traveling on is captured by privateers, she wants to join the crew. After some initial resistance, her job is to man the crow's nest looking for ships. The privateer ship is run by Captain Beaumont, who splits the loot fairly with the French Crown and the crew. Maribel is held in high affection by both the Captain and the crew. Due to misfortune, Maribel is separated from the ship and ends in an Orphanage. Eleven years later, Maribel has grown into a beautiful, unconventional and strong woman that can take care of herself. Her life reflects scenes from the adventure book that she loves to read. I loved Maribel and this book and plan on reading more of the series. This book was given to me by Barbour Books through Net Gallery. This is my honest and voluntarily given review.

Do you like adventures sailing the high seas?  Especially ships captained by pirates, lonely island thrown in, then this book is for you. The Pirate Bride will capture your attention from the first page and will keep you turning them.  Our first glimpse in this exciting book is through the eyes of a precocious, wise-beyond-her-years  twelve year old. We also get to see a very young New Orleans and some of the wealthy elites of the era. Ships captured, slave trading and so much adventure in this thrilling novel and even romance to keep you reading.  I was gifted this book by the publisher and was happy to leave a review.

This is the second book in this series, however, the only thing really connecting the two is the family tree, so you could pick this one up and not be lost at all.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book, it was so good. I was surprised how long we were with Maribel as a child and not an adult, pretty much half of the book was her very young. But I understood why the more I read. It really established the relationship between Jean and Maribel.

That being said, I couldn’t wait for them to meet again when she was an adult and it did not disappoint.

This was a quick read for me because it was so engaging.

I can’t wait to read the next book (all books are by different authors).


A copy of this book was given to me through Netgalley.com. All opinions are my own.

My imagination and my heart were captured and swept out to sea on a Pirate (cough, clears throat, errr) Privateer ship! I enjoyed the action and the drama in the story. I was a greedy book dragon devouring every word! These fantastic characters will take captive of your heart.

In the beginning, I felt sad for Maribel, orphaned at a young age. Yet I cheered for her as she quickly rose above the devastation and we got to see her fiery personality and spunk. She is such an endearing character and one that will stay with you long after you finish the story.

Jean-Luc is a strong and dashing hero. Watch out ladies, he may just abscond with your heart!

This delightful, fast-paced story is sure to entertain and delight. I highly recommend you find a copy of this energetic 5-star adventure to enjoy for yourself as soon as you are able.

(I receive complimentary books for review from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including Netgalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own.)

This is a suspenseful and engrossing story. Jean Luc's is a fascinating character, he's cocky, amusing, caring and honorable. He's a lawyer who prefers to spend his life on the high seas. Maribel is bold, smart, saucy and stubborn. As a child Maribel ended up on Jean Luc's ship, where they developed a bond based on mutual respect and admiration. An accident and conspiracy separate them for years, but eventually they meet again, and the drama and intrigue heat up again. They have an unusual relationship from the beginning that is entertaining and captivating. The storyline captures your attention and the characters capture your heart.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley. This is my honest and voluntary opinion of it.

The Pirate Bride (Daughters of the Mayflower #2)
by Kathleen Y’Barbo

Release Date: April 1, 2018

My rating: 5 stars

SUMMARY: Adventure on the high seas, privateers, a feisty heiress, and lost treasure, oh my! What is not to love!? This second book in the Daughters of the Mayflower series can be read without reading the first. (But, if you’re into family trees, you’ll want to!) It is now one hundred years later, and 11-year-old Mayflower descendant Maribel Cordova loves reading, particularly books about pirates and adventures. Little does she know, she’s about to become a pirate—um, privateer—and have a great adventure! This book covers about ten years. I can’t say a whole lot about the story because I don’t want to give anything away.

MY THOUGHTS: Maribel is a spitfire you’ll fall in love with. I enjoyed this book even more than the first one, and I wasn’t expecting that. I laughed and I sighed...I might have even shed a tear or two. It kept me turning the pages to see how it all would end. It’s a story of redemption and second chances. This book is recommended to anyone who likes ocean adventures, pirates, or genealogy. I’m looking forward to book 3!


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At my request, I received a free electronic copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. I was not required to give a positive review. This review reflects my honest thoughts and opinions on the book, and I received no compensation for this review.

It's been a little while since I've stayed up all night and read a book. Spring break was last week for my kids and with lots of projects and activities planned as a family, I hardly even sat down to read at all. Not even audiobooks. Well Saturday evening after all the kids were in bed, I told my hubby that I was disappearing in a book. Ha! I had just finished a collection of novellas that I read so piecemeal that I just wanted to sit and devour a book. Now, I hadn't intended to read the whole thing in one sitting. Nope. Just wanted to read a few hours and then bed. Well, that was one good intention that went out the window when I was hooked from the very beginning of this book and kept saying, "just one more chapter because I have to know what happens next." I honestly did not want to set it down and wait. And, what's more, I didn't want the book to end.

Now, I will say that there were a couple things that I wanted more clarification for and something with her father didn't quite add up, or maybe I should say, it just needed a little more info/clarification. But other than a couple very minor things, this book was wonderful! Unputdownable! I enjoyed the first book well enough, but it didn't suck me in like this one did. The story line and setting, the characters and their personalities...just loved it! I actually want to go back it pick it up again right now.

I think I might need to add a few more pirate books into my reading list in the near future. I love them. Captain Jack Sparrow, eat your heart out because captain Jean-Luc is here to save the day!

Revenge, devious characters, pirate books, precocious children, loving parents and grandparent, ships galore, Havana, New Orleans, orphanage, Nuns, Islands, cannonballs, topmast, stars, friends, slaves, rag tag band of pirates (er um, excuse me privateers), French, Spanish, enemies, scheming thieves, money, beauty, time, adventure and love.

Mirabela Cordova is pulled away from everything she knows and loves when her father tells her that her mother and grandfather are dead and she must relocate with him. Thus she finds herself crossing the ocean, caught up in a pirate attack, losing her father and joining said pirate crew. Captain Jean-Luc, leader of said pirate crew doesn't know what to do with this redhead precocious child who has his crew bowing to her every whim and willing to mutiny for her sake.

Maribela was such a fun character. She begins the story at the age of 12 and is just a spitfire and a handful, but most importantly a good friend. She endears many hearts to her precocious ways and becomes in a way the heart of the ship. Many adventures abound until nefarious schemes are put into play and her life on the ship is turned topsy-turvy.

Jean-Luc has many secrets and will work very hard to keep them all hidden. For his safety, his family's safety, the safety of the crew, but most especially for young Maribela. When schemes come against him and he loses Maribela, his life balances on the edge of death and defeat. Years later everything he's believed and known will change by a chance encounter. But he must work quickly to uncover the plots that have been building for years if he is to have a chance to fix what was wrong.

I really enjoyed this one. Hence, me staying up all night...like ummmmmm, maybe I shouldn't tell you how late. *blushes* Ok, I stayed up until about 2:30. I just couldn't help myself. Well, actually, I read the book until 2:30 at which time I finished it. Then I laid in bed thinking over and over about it and wishing that there could be more. I wanted more, I had questions and I wanted answers. It ended in a way that worked but after growing to enjoy these characters, I wanted more. No, I didn't stomp my foot on the ground like a petulant child who didn't get their way. Although, I might have been tempted. Ha! Just kidding. I guess it's left to my imagination to decide what happens.

Something that I didn't realize when I picked up this second book (they can be read as stand alone novels-at least the first two that I have read-we'll see about the others when they come out), is that the characters are related. Maribela is the great-grandaughter of the couple from the first book. So that was a fun connection. There's just a very minor mention of them. I am excited to see if that familial connection continues on in the third book, The Captured Bride. I have the third one waiting for me as I received an ARC of it. Can't wait to read it!

Obviously I highly recommend this book for sure. A fun read that hooked me from the beginning. Some reviewers have said that they didn't get hooked until Maribela was finally in New Orleans, which is almost half way through the book. Nope, I was hooked right away. I loved her character. Innocent, naive and a spitfire that melted my heart. If you're looking at reading this series, or a couple of the books, I have to say read this one for sure! And probably the Captured Bride as well because Michelle Griep is a favorite author. This is my first full length novel by Kathleen Y'Barbo, although I think I might have read a novella by her (not positive though), but it won't be my last. I really enjoyed her writing style a lot. If you're a fan of hers then I think you'll be in for a treat with this one.

Content: Clean. Religious aspects throughout but it was not preachy. I really enjoyed how it was woven into the story and fit perfectly for the characters and time period. Mostly just talking about allowing God to judge and for us to not hold onto our anger, that he will take care of everything. Some battles, on land and sea but nothing overly graphic. There is some death. No sexual content.

I received a copy from the publisher, Barbour Publishing, via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.

Happy Reading!!!

I immensely enjoyed this book. It was so cool being able to see the heroine Maribel Cordoba both as a child and as a young adult. I easily grew to love her exuberance and excitement. Seeing life as an adventure was such a fun point of view and I had difficulty putting the book down. Jean-Luc Valmont was also easy to love. A stern Capitan, but also a gentle and caring man, what’s not to love? I was whisked away to another time and taken on a great adventure on the sea. Seeing faith through the characters eyes as they lived their lives was a great reminder that He is with His children always. This book was not what I expected, and I loved every minute of it. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Historical Romance. The characters were unique and I wasn’t ready to say goodbye to them yet. I would love to see a sequel with the secondary characters (hint hint). I received a complementary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.

The enjoyable storyline of intrigue, greed, and mystery that focuses on an honest, kind-hearted privateer, operating throughout the Caribbean. The author does an admirable job weaving history, government, and trade, with charity, wisdom, and kindness. Love, family, and respect round out the pirate's attributes making the ending somewhat unpredictable yet plausible.

The Pirate Bride was such a great book. It is book two in the Daughters of the Mayflower series, but it could easily be read as a standalone. The characters are just delightful, the supporting characters are endearing as well. The book is so well written that it is hard to put down.

Maribel Cordova is a young girl who finds herself on a ship with her Spanish, father. He has told her that her mother and grandfather have died. While on the ship Maribel, who is full of sassy personality, befriends a young man who works on her father's ship. While they are on the ship, they are approached by the "Ghost Ship" that is captained by Jean Luc. A fight between Jean Luc and Maribel's father takes place. Maribel witnesses the death of her father. She and her friend find themselves aboard the "Ghost Ship" with Jean Luc as captain. Both Maribel and her friend earn a position on the ship. While on the ship, Maribel firmly grabs Jean Luc's heart. When their ship is attacked Maribel falls off of the ship and Jean Luc is gravely injured. He believes Maribel is dead.

Maribel is raised into womanhood in a convent by a wonderful group of nuns. She accepts a teaching position there but her sassy spirit is still firmly in place. She recalls her time on the ship fondly but has been told that that time never occurred and it is in her imagination. Jean Luc has also healed up. He has gone on with his life but his heart has not forgotten Maribel. When the two meet again years later in New Orleans, they find themselves working together to protect Maribel and to uncover family secrets. The love and affection they feel for one another rekindles and Maribel finds herself to be a pirate bride.

Maribela Cordova is a sweet 12-year old girl when her father whisked her away – telling her that her mother and grandfather were dead. While on board the ship, they are attacked, her father presumably dead and she is taken to Captain Jean-Luc’s ship. When a mishap sends her sailing into the water, Maribela and Jean-Luc are separated and do not see each other for eleven years. Maribela has always thought about Jean-Luc. Likewise, Maribela has always been on Jean-Luc’s mind, especially after he lost his wife and child, but when he sees her again, the spark is re-ignited. Can love span eleven years? Great historical fiction read. I love the way the author included historical facts from which parts of the story bloomed. There is historical fiction, romance, Christian fiction, and adventure in this one. I received an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley but this in no way sways my review.

Cover

I loved the cover of this book. It is very elegant and intriguing. It promises a good historical fiction drama – and delivers.

The Back Story

Thanks for NetGalley for providing me an advanced free copy of this book. When I started reading, I noticed that it was actually a sequel to a previous book, written by another author, but this fact didn’t ruin the book for me at all. I believe that “The Pirate Bride” can be read and enjoyed as a stand-alone as well.

Personal Thoughts (Spoilers?)

Pirates – I was really excited to read a book about pirates, just because it coincided with my vacation in Maui. And what a better way to start a vacation than with a pirate book!? My only knowledge about pirates came from the ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ movie franchise, so I was pleasantly surprised with this read. You can really sense the historical period in the writing, but its never overbearing or too overwhelming. Thus, a perfect beach read.

Romance – I liked the easy going romance in the book, which was a bit predictable but enjoyable nonetheless. I rooted for the main characters and their love story and felt for them.

Educated Lady – Maribel, the heroine, is very smart, well read, pretty and sophisticated. Her only flaw was that she liked to climb on trees to escape from other grownups and her responsibilities. Another flaw would make her more rounded as a character, and slightly more believable. Women didn’t get much education back then and she seems very bright for a girl of her time and position. I think that the author loved her heroine way too much, therefore making her a bit too perfect.

After finishing the book, which was filled with sweet romance and adventures at sea, I have to say that I would love to read more about these colorful characters and their endeavors. It is a great beach read that will transport you to another time and place!

This review first appeared here: https://svetareads.wordpress.com/2018/04/07/the-pirate-bride-book-review/

Kathleen Y'Barbo is a talented author and this book does not disappoint and just proves it. There are two main characters in this book and they are very well developed. You almost feel like you are there. The few supporting characters are done well also.

The book was an advanced reader copy so I cannot comment on the editing, but what I saw so far, it will be well done.

The book is a Christian romance and does not disappoint. The romance part is a bit of a stretch but very well done. The Christian part is not preachy but shows that the characters believe in God. It isn't just a "clean" book but does show they are active Christians.

The plot is a very new idea to me. Starts and ends on the seas. The title does give away the ending to some degree but with a nice twist. There are a few strings that I wish were more neatly tied at the end but they do not distract from the book. It's just my opinion.

I chose to read and review this book through Netgalley.com and I thank them for the opportunity. I do not give a synopsis in my review as you can read that on the book description. I give you my opinion on if the book was worth reading or not. This book is worth your time and money. Enjoy.

My review is 4.5 Stars

Privateer, not pirate! At least that is what Captain Beaumont would tell you. The author explains that there is a fine line between the two, but not necessarily one big enough to keep either one from hanging if caught by the right person.

I loved this fun adventure that follows Maribel from the time she is just 11 years old, crossing the Atlantic with her father after the death of her mother and grandfather. It is on this journey that their ship is attacked by pirates, um, privateers, and she ends up spending the next two months on their ship, charming each of the men of the crew.

Quote from book:

“Considering what I’ve heard, I’d agree, Miss Maribel.” He nodded toward the corridor ahead. “Now follow me or you’ll get lost. And remember you just decided you’d follow orders from now on.”

“Yes I did, Mr. Bennett, but I feel like I ought to warn you about me. See, what I decide to do and what I turn out to do is not always the same thing. So if I don’t follow orders very well right now, I would like you to know I will only get better at it the longer I keep trying. I’m working on it, but I’ve got a long way to go.”

Again he chuckled. “Miss Maribel, you and me both. You and me both.”

The characters in this book were wonderful! From the feisty and precocious, Maribel to the gentleman privateer, Jean, to the former slave, Mr. Bennett and the rest of the crew, each one was developed so well you couldn’t help but feel that you knew them. There were many twists and turns in this story, with many things not what they seemed.

This second installment of The Mayflower Brides series was a very enjoyable read. The common thread in these stories is one of family, allowing each book to stand by itself, though the first book was enjoyable as well, so it makes sense to read them all.


This review was originally posted on AmongTheReads.net


I would like to thank Netgalley for giving me this item. My opinion and review were not influenced by this gift.

Kathleen Y’Barbo has long been recognized as an excellent writer, and that continues to be true as she crafts the latest installment of The Daughters of the Mayflower series, The Pirate Bride.
This story is unique, because a large part of it starts in Maribel’s childhood. Her adventures on the privateer ship were so fun to read about, which tempered the intensity of Jean-Luc’s own troubles.
Fast forward to the future, and you have a young woman who is still not quite proper, but fiery and fun to read about. Jean-Luc is his own fascinating character, with his day-to-day life so different from what he does secretly. There’s an instant connection when Jean-Luc and Maribel come face-to-face again, and I loved watching their relationship deepen beyond the friendship of youth to the love of two adults.
This story is colorful and fun, as it spans the seas, tropical islands, and early New Orleans. It’s flavored with unforgettable characters, and a faith that helps Maribel and Jean-Luc hold on.
I’m getting the feeling that you do not want to miss any of The Daughters of the Mayflower series!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

The Pirate Bride is a reader's delight with noble privateers, an island paradise, captives, mysteries, and romances! Maribel Cordova is a spunky, pirate obsessed twelve-year-old girl. Young Maribel is both completely enchanting and determinedly fearless. Jean-Luc Valmot is guided by a strong moral compass and stalwart work ethic. He leads and inspires men as he fights to right the wrongs in this world.

A stellar supporting cast, intriguing storyline, and the inclusion of fascinating historical events round out this literary treasure trove of pirate indulgence! I simply could not put this book down and I look forward to picking it up again! I highly recommend this story and it has earned a place among my all-time favorites.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and was under no obligation to post a review. The opinions expressed are my own.

I enjoyed this book very much. It wasn’t as faith-based or as history-laced, but it was also written by a different author and so it had a completely different style. I loved the character Maribel Cordoba. She is a feisty, pirate-loving red-head and her quick wit will tickle your funny bone. This book was so fun and so funny! I so enjoyed the witty banter between Maribel and Jean-Luc (Captain Beaumont). Maribel is determined to join the crew aboard the “Ghost ship.” Nothing will stop her from getting her way. She is stubborn and she is brave, qualities that will not only serve her well, but will also lend to her eventual dispatch from the lookout post via cannon ball. Is it all historically accurate—not according to some reviews, but it’s fiction. Read it for entertainment, not for a history lesson about pirates and privateers. There were some things I found confusing along the way, most of them were ironed out by the end. Also, it does seem a little odd for Jean-Luc to be so madly in love with Maribel, when he hasn’t seen her in eleven years and she was just a child when she was lost at sea. While I understand her importance to the crew and their affection for the girl, it would have seemed prudent for Jean-Luc to get to know her again as the woman she became and then fall in love with her. After all, eleven years is a long time!
There is the spiritual lesson of overcoming fears and praying for strength when fear comes. There is also the topic of seeking revenge. It does not bring peace or relief. The Lord says that vengeance belongs to him. It is better to forgive and allow God to judge.

Such a wonderful book! I loved the characters, and that the book was based on piracy. Such a fun read. This book had many heart warming pages that make you smile. I highly recommend!

This book was not quite what I expected as I thought it would be about another woman who was on the Mayflower. Instead, it is about Maribel Cordoba, a descendent of Mary Chapman Lytton the heroine of Book 1. But it was a well written, high seas adventure with pirates, appealing characters, plot twists, and faith.

Maribel is a sweet tomboy, fiercely independent, intelligent, determined, unforgettable, and a bookworm. Her favorite book is about pirates and she spends many an hour of being a member of a pirate ship crew. When her much absent father spirits her away and they are forced aboard Jean'Luc's privateer ship known as the Ghost Ship, her adventures begin. Life takes unpredictable twists and turns for Maribel just like the rolling ocean she learned to love.

The romance thread was sweet with Marible dreaming often of the much older Jean-Luc; and, in turn, Jean-Luc fighting constant memories of the independent, outspoken, "I can do anything," Maribel. I felt the ending was rather rushed and somewhat predictable; but still, overall, this was a very enjoyable book.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson through NetGalley. Opinions are mine alone. I was not compensated for this review.

This is the second book in the Daughters of the Mayflower series. A wonderfully enjoyable read . I enjoyed reading about this scrap of a girl, a fiery redhead. I don't read many books taking place mostly on a ship let alone a privateer ship in the warm Caribbean. I love following the family through American history. A bit of a mystery follows the family. Likable, for the most part characters , believable plot that wrapped up nicely. It was refreshing to see Maribel Cordoba is not one of those prim and proper females simpering around males with her fan. She was her own person and stayed true to her beliefs even though her relatives tried to change her. Well done, Maribel. Looking forward to the next book in this series.
Pub Date 01 Apr 2018
I was given a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing, Inc. through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.

The Pirate Bride by Kathleen Y’Barbo

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

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Story Notes

Kathleen Y’Barbo (what a fun last name!) presents her readers with a wonderful adventure through the era of privateering in which two people will discover that the greatest treasures in life are not gold and rare jewels.

I am a big fan of all things pirate. One of my all time favorite rides at Disneyworld is Pirates of the Carribean and when the first movie based on the ride was released, was one of the first to go see it, as well as the next three. So how perfect it was for me to be offered a book entitled “The Pirate Bride” for review? I’ll tell you – I was beyond excited and read it through in almost one sitting! I know that real “pirates” were not great heroes and rescuers but it was still fun to imagine what it would have been like to have lived in that time and with those circumstances. Ms. Y’Barbo created a wonderful story that will make readers want to join a privateering crew tomorrow. She begins her story with a young lady named Maribel who is traveling with her father, Antonio Cordoba, to Havana where he is to be the new Consul General for Spain. Maribel is grieving the recent deaths of her mother and grandfather and traveling with a man who has been her father in name only. With little to occupy her time as her father will not let her wander the ship, Maribel spends much time rereading her favorite book The Notorious Seafaring Pyrates and Their Exploits. Young and adventurous, Maribel would like nothing better than for their ship to be overtaken by pirates and herself be allowed to join their crew. Several weeks into their trip her wishes will come true but not in the way she imagined. Captain Jean Beaumont (aka Jean Luc Valmont) and his crew overtake the Cordoba’s ship with one goal in mind: vengeance for the lives of their family members Antonio Cordoba has taken. But when the smoke clears and all those on board are subdued, Captain Beaumont is confronted by a determined little Spaniard who will not take no for an answer. Jean Luc knows it is not safe for a young woman to be part of a privateering crew and attempts to place her in a secure home – with little success. Maribel has no intention of missing out on what she sees as the greatest adventure of her life and she will do whatever it takes to keep her place on board. And given her quick memorization of ship types and her exceptional vision, Jean Luc will place her in the safest place he can on board – the eagle’s nest lookout. It is while she is manning her post one night that Maribel will be crashed from her post into the sea by a cannonball from a French military ship, separating her from the captain and crew for many years. She is found after the ship is overtaken by two crewmen who managed to escape and will take her to the convent on the Isla de Santa Maria for safe keeping. As the years pass, Maribel will grow and learn much at the convent, but she will never forget her captain, Jean Luc. When the ship was overtaken, Jean Luc is gravely injured and barely survives the trip to New Orleans. Taken to his parent’s home, he will spend many months recuperating his strength and planning his future. He is heartsick over the idea that little Maribel might have been killed in the attack and has determined never to forget her name and face. When she is suddenly thrust back into his life when her’s is once again in danger, Jean Luc will have to be careful or he will lose his heart to this grown up version of his favorite crew member. Maribel is determined to stay with Jean Luc no matter the cost to herself and as she spends more time with him, she will see that her childhood hero worship has slowly turned to love for a man who would give all to keep those he loves safe from harm. It will take all their love and courage to face their enemies and come through the trials with their faith intact. Ms. Y’Barbo’s created such detailed characters for her story that her readers will feel they are on board a ship and part of the conversations. Maribel’s incessant chatter when she is nervous and Jean Luc’s exasperation with her will ensure many good laughs throughout the pages. I loved the sacrificial way in which Jean Luc took care of Maribel. He would do anything to keep her safe, even risking his own life and livelihood. She in turn was able to help him realize that revenge for past wrongs will never satisfy the resentment that is carried. We must give all hurts to God and let Him take care of those who do wrong. Maribel as well will find that forgiveness is the only way to let go of the past and keep her heart from becoming bitter. There wasn’t an amazingly deep plot to this story but I found it had just enough suspense and drama to keep me interested. Its nice to read a story that flows well but doesn’t require you to think about each thing that happens to understand the conclusion. The only thing that made me a bit confused was the rushed way that Jean Luc’s life was described between when he was injured and when he found Maribel again. It was too much information given to really tell that part of the story well so I wish Ms. Y’Barbo had given that time a bit more description. But the rest of the story was very well done and for that reason I will be highly recommending this book to others. I’m also looking forward to her next story as it has been offered to me for review in a couple of months. Here’s hoping the next book will be as wonderful as this one!

I received this E-Book free of charge from Barbour Publishing/Barbour Books via NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review. I will receive no fiscal compensation from either company for this review.

This book had me so excited! There were spunky heroines, dastardly relatives, and pirates... Oops, I mean "privateers." (That will make more sense after you read the book!) There was cannon fire and battles at sea, colorful supporting characters, a good plot...and then all of a sudden, there wasn't. Just as everything was starting to come together and I thought that the final scene of action was coming, the story just petered out. It wrapped up way too quickly and didn't match the exciting pace of the rest of the book. The romance came up way too quickly, especially considering the age difference between the main characters. Additionally, the antagonist was dealt with in just a few paragraphs. I was hoping for an epic pirate battle, but I was let down. The Pirate Bride could've used 15-20% more story, and then it would've been a 5-star book! As it currently stands, I'm rounding up from 3.5 to 4 stars because my attention was riveted through the whole book.

***I received a copy of this book from Barbour Publishing through NetGalley and under no obligation to provide a positive review. All opinions are my own.

I loved the adventure in this book! I learned the important difference between a pirate and a privateer, and loved Maribel's enthusiasm for her adventure at sea. The story begins with a young Maribel being kidnapped by her absentee father who is being chased by the infamous privateer Captain Jean Beaumont. Her immediate allegiance to Jean was interesting, and he and his crew couldn't help but be won over by her bright and frank personality. There are politics, skirmishes, and intense battles that led to unexpected plot twists. The pace was swift but felt a bit disjointed as the author took large jumps forward in time and switched perspectives unevenly. I enjoyed Maribel's spunky character immensely and felt that she was very well-written. Jean's motivations for privateering were murky until the very end of the book, and I felt like it was a bit harder to get to know him, that the depths of his characters weren't fully explored, although he is likeable enough. I appreciated that this story veered from the usual clichés and took me on an adventure that kept me turning the pages to see what would happen next.

(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)

This is the first book in the Daughters of the Mayflower series that i have read. i would say it was not a disappointment at all , A wonderfully enjoyable read & as this was my 1st book by Kathleen ,liked her writing style & quite talented she is... The story is about Maribel who is a sweet tomboy, fiercely independent, intelligent, stubborn,daring,bold and a bookworm. Her favorite book is about pirates and she spends many an hour dreaming of being a member of a pirate ship crew. Jean-Luc is a privateer who has a ship known as the Ghost Ship.Jean-Luc is a strong , dashing pirated & when Maribel is rescued by Jean .her adventures begin. Life takes unpredictable twists and turns for Maribel just like the rolling ocean she learnsto love. The book has all the elements Pirates, adventures aplenty, endearing characters, plot twists, politics, action, Romance,intrigue,mystery , suspense, heart warming love, sizzling chemistry . The pace was fast not boring at all but a bit lengthy but still a very well developed plot .. I definitely recommend this book for sure. A fun read me which i liked very much ..Kathleen's penmanship is excellent . i would very much like to read more books in this series ...Well done Kathleen ...keep up the good work...

I really enjoyed Jean and Maribel's story. The first few chapters are a little bit slow and lengthy, but hang in there, it is worth the time! The story has a good foundation and trust me when I say that several times you go "oh no"!! You are sucked in and keep being engaged throughout the chapters to see what happens to Jean and Maribel after they get separated! I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own

This swashbuckling tale was fun to read. I enjoyed sailing the seas with these characters. I felt like so much of the story takes place while Maribel is a twelve year old that it left the ending feeling rushed and the romance a little creepy. Twenty something year old man who is far too concerned for and obsessed with a twelve year old girl. Even when reunited years later the switch from captain/older brother to lover seemed a little disturbing. An interesting read and fun characters but story is a little disturbing as written. Need a little more time to establish the characters as adults and events to play out a bit more coherently.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing, Inc. through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Kathleen Y’Barbo’s, The Pirate Bride is a throughly exciting read full of adventure, hidden secrets and romance. I could hardly put it down!
When Maribel Cordova, a young girl with fiery red hair and a personality to match, is torn from her home in Spain by a father she barely knows, a series of events leads her on a an unexpected adventure involving pirates. When that comes to an abrupt end, she finds herself on an island in the Caribbean being raised by nuns. Always imagining another life of adventure she eventually finds herself uncovering family secrets with one pirate that always held her heart.
The author did a wonderful job developing her characters, however, I found by the end I was hoping for a little bit more. Overall, beautifully written and a lovely read. I look forward to ready more from Kathleen Y’Barbo.

I have posted a review on both Goodreads and Amazon.

I fell in love with this book by the end of the first chapter. I had never read a book by this author so I was excited to find I really liked it. I liked the plot. I don't think I've read a book with a plot quite like this one. It was an exciting book that kept my attention the whole way through. I found myself cheering for the characters that everything would work out right for them. I am looking forward to reading more books by this author. It was a well written and edited book, which is important to me.

Delightful! In book two of the Daughters of the Mayflower Series, the main character Maribel "Red" Cordoba is a spunky ten year old enamored with the lives of pirates and her head stuck in a book. The banter she has with the captain of her ship is pure fun. Secondary characters added depth and enjoyment to the first part of the novel.

Maribel is a young woman in the second half of the story. Her spunk and love for books is still pleasantly in place. I would have liked for the second half to been a bit more developed. I felt like a bit of it was rushed.

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this novel and am so pleased to have found a new author with a back list to investigate. If you enjoy humor with your historical romance, don't miss The Pirate Bride!

Novels about pirates have always been a favorite of mine. Love the drama that can occur on the high seas and this book delivered that in its storyline. I loved Maribel—her wonderful high-spirited personality and unconventional behavior were a high point in this book. Jean-Luc was a strong male, living two very separate lives, as both a pirate and a lawyer, both lives lead by his great integrity. I enjoyed reading about their lives both together and apart, however, I wish there would have been more to the development of their romance (it seemed too rushed). The author has done her research and she includes some added information of great interest (especially to history buffs) at the end in her "Author's Notes". I was given a copy of this book for my honest review and I would definitely recommend this to anyone who loves pirate stories, as well as those who love historical novels.

I absolutely adored this book!!! I was super intrigued by this book after I saw a review where they said they loved the character in this book more than Jack Sparrow!! Mix that in with the fact that this is Christian Fiction and I am sold. Plus I also think the cover is absolutely beautiful! This book packed an amazing action packed adventure. I love how in the beginning you get to see the MC as a small precocious child at age 12.and you get to see her later in life and how she got where she was. This book really was wonderful in its historical aspect. I felt like the author put a lot of research into this novel. There was lots of pirate lore to it. There was a wonderful underlying message to this novel as well but you will have to read it to find out. This book was a one click read for me and I highly recommend it. 5 stars from me!

11 yr old Meribel's absentee Father lies, & tells her her Mom & Grandfather have died. He quickly takes her to a ship leaving Spain for the Caribbean. Meribel first meets young Captain Jean-Luc as the Privateer, who rescues her, after her father drowns. But his Privateer Name isn't his Real Name.

After some sea adventures, a tragedy separates them. Meribel is left at a Catholic Orphanage to be raised by Nuns, on a Cuban Island. Jean-Luc ends back in New Orleans, with his wealthy & influencial family, & his responsibilities as the family Lawyer.

Subsequently, Meribel's Mom & Grandfather come to New Orleans to conduct their search for her in the Caribbean. They become close friends with Jean-Luc's parents, over the years.

10 years pass. Meribel is now a young adult, & a Teacher at the Orphanage. An investigator has found Meribel at last. She travels with him to New Orleans, & is joyfully reunited with her Mother & Grandfather. But there's a problem with their finances. Where did it all go?

This is where Meribel & Jean-Luc meet again. He dearly remembers her, but isn't sure if she remembers him. She does! As a lawyer, he helps Meribel figure out what happen to her Grandfather's money? They fall in love in the process.

But they also find danger too. Why do they flee New Orleans together? Will God bring Meribel & Jean-Luc their HEA? I Highly Recommend you get the book & find out. This is the 2nd story in Kathleen Y'Barbo's wonderful, enthralling "Daughters of the Mayflower" Christian Historic American Romance series. It's a real page-turner you won't be able to put down!

I received a free copy of this eBook from NetGalley, & voluntarily chose to review it. 😍📖

The Pirate Bride Broccoli a the second book in the Daughters of the Mayflower series. This one is just as good as the first one, which I didn't know if it could be done. This one is about a fierce and fiery red head. Which includes a good mystery - that sounds like a good mixture to me. Maribel is the descendant of Mary (the one who came over on the Mayflower). She is wanting to find something of her dad's. This book is about treasures, pirates, mysteries, plot twists and most of all Faith. She runs into Jean Luc - if you want to call it running into - I do say that tongue in cheek - you have got to see how they meet. So what happens? Something you won't believe and you have got to read it for yourself.

"We are privateers, not pirates… We operate legally under Letters of Marque, and we conduct ourselves with honor and in accordance with the laws of France."

"The Pirate Bride" (2018, Barbour) by Kathleen Y'Barbo is second in the "The Daughters of the Mayflower" series. It is a Christian historical novel (with some romance) in multiple settings: "in the waters of the Caribbean Sea; April of 1724" and on the fictional "Isla de Santa Maria … and New Orleans, Louisiana; May of 1735." It is definitely a standalone story, linked to the previous book only in that the heroine is a descendant of a character in book one. I requested "The Pirate Bride" from Netgalley because two of my favorite authors each have a book in this series.

Rating: 4 stars

The heroine: Maribel Cordoba, 12, is the great-granddaughter of Mary Chapman, who was the heroine of "The Mayflower Bride." This book opens with Mirabel mourning "that Mama and Abuelo were now with the angels" while enroute from Spain to the Caribbean with her father. Mirabel likes to keep her nose in a book - especially in high places - and her favorite book is "The Notorious Seafaring Pyrates and Their Exploits." Soon after the book opens, she ends up on a privateer's ship… and spiritedly requests to become a crew member. She was "a wisp of a girl with flaming hair who was better at spotting and naming vessels than any man…" Mirabel is awesome. She's very loyal, a book nerd, and full of pluck. In the second half of the book, she is a 23-year-old adult, but I feel it's too spoiler-y to discuss that portion of the story at all.

Mirabel: "...I feel like I ought to warn you about me. See, what I decide to do and what I turn out to do is not always the same thing. So if I don't follow orders very well right now, I would like you to know I will only get better at it the longer I keep trying. I'm working on it, but I've got a long way to go."

Privateer: "Miss Maribel, you and me both. You and me both."

Christian elements:

*There are a few Bible verses and some mentions of God throughout. There's one point where God's voice is audible to one of the main characters. Even with that, it did not feel as if God or the Bible were pervasive. I wouldn't say this was Christian Lite, but it didn't feel preachy either.

*"Just as Mama had taught her [Mirabel], she turned her fear of this unknown place that would become her new home into prayer." Turning fear to prayer. I love that!

*Regarding a former slave: "How was a man who was taken prisoner at the hands of his enemies and sold into slavery able not only to forgive those men but to rise above it all and still hold on to his faith in God? It made no sense."

Is it clean/chaste? Yes!

What I liked:

*Part of the story is a seafaring one. I liked that about "The Mayflower Bride" as well.

*The main and secondary characters are great. There's one character that confuses me a little bit, but everyone else is great.

*There's a blind character in the story.

*There's a character who I felt sure would end up being a bad egg, but that person turned out to be just the opposite. Kudos to the author for fooling me so completely!

*There's a very nice section at the end with historical notes.

What I didn’t like:

*In my opinion, a person who says, "I will tell no lies" did so.

*Instalove is very definitely present here. I checked back, and I felt that "The Mayflower Bride" also had instalove, which makes me wonder whether the entire series is going to be more adventure-driven than romance-driven. In general, I think it's still possible to have a romance occur more slowly and naturally, even when romance isn't the primary focus. However, I do acknowledge that it would have been extremely difficult to do that in this book since Mirabel is an adult only for the second half of the story, and the romance was in maybe the last quarter.

*This is an issue of personal preference only: This book spans years, and the story skips ahead several times, sometimes once jumping by about a decade. It gives the story more of an epic feel, which is not my personal preference. However, it does makes sense for this particular story.

***********

The bottom line: "The Pirate Bride" is quite an adventure that held several surprises for me as a reader. I recommend this book to fans of historical Christian fiction and swashbuckler tales. I look forward to reading more books by this author, and plan to read "Beloved Castaway." I also plan to read the next in the series, "The Captured Bride" by Michelle Griep.

Maribel Cordoba loves to read adventure stories, especially pirate stories. One day she is forced to live out her own adventure when her father kidnaps her and takes her aboard a ship sailing for Havana. A privateer vessel catches up to them, and Maribel ends up sailing with them instead and becoming fast friends with the captain and his crew. After many years, Maribel is reunited with the captain in New Orleans under unique and dangerous circumstances, and both of them must make difficult decisions concerning life and love.
I enjoyed this book, but I think I would have enjoyed it more if it would have been longer. I really liked the concept of the story (because pirates are awesome), but I felt like the first half of the book was so much more detailed than the second half. I thought the portion where Maribel became an adult was too rushed and contrived, and the romance seemed odd because they fell in love in a matter of days based on childlike affection from years earlier. That being said, I did enjoy the story and I thought the writing was very descriptive and interesting. If you like adventure and pirate stories, you will like this book!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. A positive review was not required, and all opinions expressed are entirely my own.

On the whole, I like this series very much. The titles are all standalone and make for great recommendations to patrons who read a certain period of history. Of course, it is a great series to read through from beginning to the ultimate end as the historical research to this point has been outstanding

This is the second book in the "Daughters of the Mayflower" series by Barbour Books.  It was written by Kathleen Y'Barbo.

I truly loved it. Immediately after reading it, I put the first book on hold at my local library! If you enjoy a bit of romance with a lot of adventure this book is for you. Most romances are so predictable, but this one had several twists I wasn't expecting.  She adds just enough of the gospel to share the love of Christ, while allowing some characters to remain skeptical. I enjoyed the characters as well as the story line, and since I was unfamiliar with Miss Y'Barbo's work, I was a bit hesitant when it was offered as a book to review. But I'm glad I did!!!

#ThePirateBride #NetGalley

I received this book from Net Galley in exchange for my honest review.

I loved this book. I fell in love with Kathleen Y'Barbo's writing. This is the first book I ever read by her and I will definitely be reading all her other novels. The character development and the plot that was created was action packed as well as swoon worthy. I could not put this book down. I constantly wanted to know what was going to happen the Maribel.

The characters relationships throughout the novel were extremely sweet and made the story even better than it already was. Maribel's spunk and stubbornness made me laugh out loud in some parts or say to myself, "I so see myself in her". I loved that this novel was not focused on the love interest. It was focused on the story of how they lost each other and found each other which I thought was beautifully executed.

As someone who is in love with historical fiction, pirates, and a woman who fights for what she believes in, this novel had it all for me. I could not recommend it enough

This is the second book in the Daughters of the Mayflower series that is written by different authors. This is the first book that I have read by Ms. Y’Barbo. The Pirate Bride is a historical novel that occurs during 1700’s. Maribel Cordova is stolen away by her father as a young girl. Then, she is taken by a privateer. Many years later she meets the privateer in New Orleans. This novel has suspense at different times as well as the historical aspect. This series is an interesting series in that the main female characters are strong women and come down through a common family line. I am continuing to read the other books in this series. The historical information in the book is fascinating as well as the story of the main characters. I highly recommend not only this book, but the series as well. Readers, you will not be disappointed in the writings of Ms. Y’Barbo or the storyline!
***I was given a free electronic copy of this book from the publisher. This is my honest opinion. Even though I received this copy free, this is my own opinion.

Second in the Daughters of the Mayflower series, this short (288 page) novel ticks all the boxes of and still manages to surprise a bit. As twelve-year-old Maribel Cordoba, great-granddaughter of Mary Chapman and William Lytton from The Mayflower Bride, has her first encounter with brash privateer Captain Jean Beaumont, she and her friend William are both enthralled with the idea of joining a "pirate" crew. But all of their paths diverge, and all three are older, a bit wiser, but never having forgotten their adventure together.

There are trials, dangers, disguises, and a mystery or three along the way to love between a now grown Maribel, who retains just enough of her childhood impishness to be relatable and adorable as a heroine, and the complex pirate/privateer who she has almost been convinced was merely a dream.

A thoroughly enjoyable tale, bringing to mind some of the pirate romances from the 80's in the best of ways, while being wholly it's own tale of adventure and romance on and off the high seas as Maribel and her pirate Captain find that not all, and not everyone, is what they seem to be.

Recommended for lovers of Historical Romance with a faith element and those who like a shorter novel at 251 pages, but still a bit of a romp. Though reading the novels in order is part of the fun of a family tree series, it is not necessary and The Pirate Bride could easily stand alone.

This review refers to an e-galley copy read courtesy of the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.

Maribel Cordova is an intelligent young woman, she loves to read about pirates, but never in her wildest dreams did she imagine that her father's ship would be attacked by pirates. Maribel never knew much about her father, but when he comes to her demanding that she go with her, telling her that her mother is dead, she sees no choice but to go with him.



Jean-Luc Valmont is a privateer, pirating under the letters of mark from France. He has worked hard to bury his past, but the beautiful daughter of a pirate threatens to undo everything, and upend his plans for revenge.



Maribel is a charming young woman, with a thirst for adventure. She charms Jean-Luc's crew, playing games with them, and listening to their stories. She wants adventure like the ones that she read about in her books, Maribel loves to climb up into the crows nest, and has a good eye for scouting for ships.



Jean-Luc is very educated and skilled, and he even teaches her another language. He doesn't want to like the beautiful and adventurous red-head, but the more he gets to know her, the more he questions if he can carry out his plans and walk away from her forever.



This a fun action-packed read, the story takes place over the course of a couple decades. I really liked Maribel and her spunky, ready for anything spirit. It was fun seeing her grow up, and how the story came together. A highly enjoyable read from beginning to end!



Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and testimonials in Advertising."

The Pirate Bride by Kathleen Y'Barbo is book 2 in the Daughters of the Mayflower series. Although this book is part of a series, it is definitely a standalone novel. This book tells the story of a young girl who finds herself on a pirate ship for various reasons. The book spends a good amount of time on the character's youth, but I would not say that this book is for adolescents. The first half does move a bit slowly, but if you keep reading, it is well worth it because you won't be able to put the book down. I read this book on an airplane and was nearly done when we were landing. I did not want to put it away! Overall, this is a phenomenal book and I highly recommend it to anyone who loves maritime adventures, coming of age stories, and love stories. I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher. These opinions are entirely my own.

I absolutely adored the child Maribel, who served as the foundation for the grown-up Maribel. I really wish that as readers, we had been afforded a little more time to get to know her! But the love story of Jean-Luc & Maribel, from set sail to safe harbor, was destined from the beginning. The history of the time & places was rich and fascinating. This series just keeps getting better!

This is a fantastic read. The twists and turns of the novel are entirely captivating and I adore books about pirates. The characters are flushed out really well. This is a second book in a series, but it can stand-alone. The writing style is intriguing, and I read through the story within hours. My only compliant is that the formatting for the novel was horrible on my kindle and very distracting. I hope this is fixed before it is published.

This was a beautifully told story of life on the high seas. Jean-Luc Valmont was a privateer under the French flag who had watched his family be murdered by a Spanish pirate. He vowed to make the man pay for his actions and he searched for him for years. When he finally found him, he was traveling with his daughter and while Jean-Luc was able to exact his revenge on his enemy, it left his young daughter, Maribel, an orphan, or so it was thought.

Maribel was determined to learn the life of a privateer and she began to "work" on the ship. Under a sneak attack, she was through from the ship and finally made her way to an island where she was raised by nuns. During the attack, Jean-Luc was gravely injured and was taken to his family to heal with hopes and prayers that he would survive.

I won't give away any more of the story, but suffice it to say, that I enjoyed the book very much and will read others in the series. I was given an arc copy of this book and I enthusiastically provide an review.

Aye, If ye be seeking adventure with pirates, privateers, and a feisty heroine, then The Pirate Bride by Kathleen Y’Barbo is the book you need to be reading! I have always loved tales of pirates and sword fights and adventures on the high seas so I was very excited to read this book. While not exactly the story I thought it would be, it still held my attention all the way to the end. While this book could stand alone, it was fun for me to know that the heroine, Maribel was related to Mary and William Lytton whose story takes place in the first book in the series. I loved how courageous and feisty, Maribel was and how tough yet kind Captain Beaumont was. They seemed like the perfect match. The one problem I had with the book was that at least half the book was just on Maribel’s younger life which seemed more like a young adult adventure novel than a romance. The last half advanced the story to over a decade later, and then the romance between the two happened very abruptly. I could have guessed the romance would happen, but it seemed like there needed to be more time for it to develop. However, in spite of the sudden romance, I still enjoyed the book and the adventure it took me on.
I would recommend this book for someone who enjoys reading books about pirates. It is a fun continuation of the family tree that starts in the first book in the Daughters of the Mayflower series.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It kept me engaged the entire time reading it. I enjoyed the way history and fiction were intermingled together. I liked that it continues the family from The Mayflower Bride, but definitely can be a stand-alone book. I found myself wanting to get back to the story when I was required to be elsewhere. I think this is one of those books you can just read and enjoy. My only criticism is that it ended too soon. I saw potential for some adventures in the ending but the book wrapped up. I guess our imaginations will just have to suffice.

Ahoy Mateys! Arrrre you ready to read a thrilling book filled with privateers, ghost ships, battles, captains, romance, and high sea adventures? Then look no further than "The Pirate Bride" by Kathleen Y'Barbo. This book hooked me from the start and I finished it within only a couple sittings. Twelve year old Maribel Cordova is on board her father's Spanish ship when it is overtaken by French privateers. After her father's death, this red headed spitfire boards the French privateer ship and instantly wins over its crew and captain despite having quite the feisty personality. After this point in the story there is hardly a dull moment. I was swept away and anxiously kept reading to find out what would happen to each character especially to the two main characters Maribel and Jean-Luc Valmot. I liked how there were many twists and turns especially near the end of the book and many surprises too. I don't even think I could tell you where the climax is in this book if I were to put it on a story map. There's just so many high points in the book that include a lot of action. I would consider this book more of an adventure book rather than a romance book despite the word "bride" in the title.

This is the second book in the series that I have read and they are definitely stand-alone books. The main characters are connected genetically and there's a helpful family tree in both books to see the connection but you could read them out of order which is what I have done without any problem at all. Set aside a few hours of uninterrupted reading time when reading this book. I think you will be swept out to sea like I was and won't want to come back to shore until the book's satisfying conclusion.
Thank-you to Barbour Publishing and Net Galley for a copy of this book.

A whole lot of excitement adventure and intrigue. A very well written read with a lifelike feel that makes you feel like your there watching it through a window! Amazing chemistry! Intense, exciting, heartfelt and a rollercoaster ride of engrossing twists! An enjoyable must read!

Amazing! I love books with wonderful characters and stories! Especially those where I can actually learn of the past! Though the character are fictional, there truly are historical facts that are woven throughout! I truly loved this story, though at times it was difficult reading through my tears. If you love fictional historical romances that you can actually learn of history from, especially emotional ones, then this book is perfect for you!

Book 2 in the Daughters of the Mayflower series, The Pirate Bride was a relatively quick read - coming in at 251 pages . Maribel Córdoba is a precocious 10 year old in love with reading and pirates.

Her adventure on the high sea sets the course and concludes when she is a young woman in New Orleans. I won’t go into details about the in between time suffice to say her life takes a direction in the least expected way.

The Pirate Bride is a story of mystery, adventure, new beginnings and faith. This works well as a stand-alone with Mirabel being a descendant of the heroine in Book 1, The Mayflower Bride. The series continues with The Captive Bride (already released).

Kathleen Y’Barbo is a new author for me, I enjoyed her writing style, she captured the essence of the high sea and lifestyle of the era. Definitely a series I will continue to read.

My thanks to the publisher via Netgalley for an copy of this book, though due to personal issues I went the audio route (via Hoopla)

Rating 4,5 stars

I loved this book. It was filled with adventure, humour, fun memorable characters and twists I did not see coming.

Maribel was a fun, independent, adventurous 12 year old and later 23 year old women. I loved her love for books and adventure and how she stayed true to herself, even though society saw things different when she came to New Orleans.

Jean-Luc was a dashing spirited character. I enjoyed all his adventures and especially the scenes with him as a privateer.

I adored Abigail, she brought such a different atmosphere with her care and truthfulness.

The ending was a bit of a let down. I was expecting a bit more action.

The other reason for deducting 0.5 stars, is that the synopsis gives me an entirely different expectation for the story than what it was actually about.

I will definitely read more from this author. This was the first book I've read from her and really enjoyed her style.

Recommended to fans of Historical fiction filled with adventure.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Books through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.*

The Pirate Bride is book 2 in a series that I'm just loving! It is a series called The Daughters of the Mayflower and we are studying American History in school this year so the series title has caught my eye. I just love history. This was a story about adventures on the sea and some time spent on land. It involves twists and turns and time and love and pirates and even nuns. I enjoyed following all the developments that were involved and I find Kathleen's writing to be well executed. Can’t wait to read the next one!

I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Also posted on Amazon, B&N, Christianbook

3.5 stars

The Pirate Bride was so much better than the first book, The Mayflower Bride. I really liked the characters and found it interesting how the story started out with the MC being young and then jumped ahead 11 years. I found both portions of the book to be interesting.

The romance was okay; I didn't connect to it, but that may have just been me and my reading mood at the time. The writing style was great and I found it to be an easy read.

All in all, The Pirate Bride was a good read and I am looking forward to the next one in this series.

*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free 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 am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*

Consider this book another great addition to this bride series. While you can read this story as a stand-alone, reading the previous books in the series will add to the enjoyment. Looking forward to more books in the series.

I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by the publisher and Net Galley. However, the thoughts expressed are totally my own.

Red, a young girl as the story begins, is on her way to Havana, Cuba with her seldom before seen father when the ship is overtaken by Privateers (NOT Pirates!). She and another young man a few years older than her are taken aboard the Privateer's ship along with the cargo from the ship they were traveling aboard. During the ship's capture, Red's father is killed by the Captain of the Ghost Ship. She believes she is now an orphan since her father has told her that her mother and grandfather were both dead. She is also convinced that the Captain is a good man who will not harm her. The Pirate Bride is a fun, exciting adventure full of surprises, that I really enjoyed reading. I wish there was a sequel!

I quite enjoyed this story, with its spunky heroine, dashing hero, and a plot that held plenty of intrigue and adventure on the high seas. Maribel is a child of twelve during Part I of the story (almost the first half of the book) and first meets Jean-Luc when he takes command of her father's ship under his Letters of Marque as a privateer. I wasn't sure how I felt about this at first, in view of the romance to come, but Maribel was such a bright, vibrant child that it was easy to see how she captured the affections of Jean-Luc's entire crew. It is only in Part II that this affection begins to take a romantic turn for the hero and heroine--and the second half of Part II at that.

Part II picks up the story about ten years after Part I ends, but I won't say where or under what circumstances because that will spoil the story. Suffice it to say there were plenty of twists and turns, some heart-wrenching moments, and even some gasps of surprise as this story unfolded. The romance, when it did eventually unfold, was rather low-key, so if you're looking for romance in particular, this one may disappoint, but if you're after adventure and intrigue, this is a good pick!

*thank you to Netgalley and Barbour publishing for this eARC in exchange for an honest review*

I am a huge historical fiction fan and I’m liking pirate tales lately so this book was perfect for me! Our MC, Maribel, is so fun of attitude and curiosity...the story is easily driven along by her adventures.

I really enjoyed this author’s use of the time period as a setting. Pirates and swashbuckling is always fun!

I enjoyed this a lot! I mean what's not to love? This book is full of rich history and wonderful characters!
I spent a wonderful evening reading this book. I did not want to come back to the real world! I finished thos in one evening it was so good!
Just simply amazing!
I strongly recommend this book!! It has everything you'll ever need in a good clean read!
My thanks to Netgalley. All opinions are my own. NO compensations were received

It was a sweet and interesting tale. Pirates and faith? Somehow Kathleen Y’Barbo makes it work in this tale.

The Pirate Bride was even better than the first book in this series. There was mystery, action, and emotion. The Pirate Bride did well with historical facts, as well. Once I got started I had to keep reading. The Pirate Bride kept me on the edge of my seat and wondering what was going to happen next. The story was well written and had a wonderful beginning and middle. The ending was excellent and made me feel all cozy and warm inside.