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If the Tide Turns
Set during the Golden Age of Pirates and the shadowy aftermath of the Salem witch trials, this vivid literary debut is inspired by the captivating true story of real-life pirate Samuel Bellamy, combining high seas adventure, star-crossed longing, surprisingly timely questions about social justice and freedom, and the emotionally satisfying tale of one strong-willed young woman determined to choose her own path.
1715, Eastham, Massachusetts: As the daughter of a wealthy family, Maria Brown has a secure future mapped out for her, yet it is not the future she wants. Young, headstrong, and restless, Maria has no desire to marry the aging, mean-spirited John Hallett, regardless of his fortune and her parents’ wishes. As for what Maria does want—only one person has ever even asked her that question.
Samuel Bellamy, an orphaned sailor searching for work, meets Maria by chance, enthralling her with talk of far-flung places and blasphemous ideals. But neither is free from the social order into which they were born. When Sam is banished from Maria’s parents’ home after asking for her hand, he vows to return a wealthy man, and Maria promises to keep the faith until then.
Sam is drawn into piracy and discovers a brotherhood more equal and fulfilling than any on land, despite its dangers. Beguiled by the chance to both fight for justice and make a fortune to bring home to Maria, Sam is torn between duty to his crew and his desire to return. Separated by more than just the ocean, time slips by as Sam and Maria cling to their love for each other. Maria is determined to stay strong in her conviction in Sam, but as rumors swirl and her position in Eastham turns perilous, Maria is forced into an impossible decision.
Now, on a journey no less treacherous and eventful than Sam’s, Maria draws on every shred of her courage and resilience not merely to survive, but to honor her own yearning for freedom . . .
1715, Eastham, Massachusetts: As the daughter of a wealthy family, Maria Brown has a secure future mapped out for her, yet it is not the future she wants. Young, headstrong, and restless, Maria has no desire to marry the aging, mean-spirited John Hallett, regardless of his fortune and her parents’ wishes. As for what Maria does want—only one person has ever even asked her that question.
Samuel Bellamy, an orphaned sailor searching for work, meets Maria by chance, enthralling her with talk of far-flung places and blasphemous ideals. But neither is free from the social order into which they were born. When Sam is banished from Maria’s parents’ home after asking for her hand, he vows to return a wealthy man, and Maria promises to keep the faith until then.
Sam is drawn into piracy and discovers a brotherhood more equal and fulfilling than any on land, despite its dangers. Beguiled by the chance to both fight for justice and make a fortune to bring home to Maria, Sam is torn between duty to his crew and his desire to return. Separated by more than just the ocean, time slips by as Sam and Maria cling to their love for each other. Maria is determined to stay strong in her conviction in Sam, but as rumors swirl and her position in Eastham turns perilous, Maria is forced into an impossible decision.
Now, on a journey no less treacherous and eventful than Sam’s, Maria draws on every shred of her courage and resilience not merely to survive, but to honor her own yearning for freedom . . .
368 pages, Paperback
First published March 26, 2024
About the author
Rachel Rueckert
3 books190 followersRachel Rueckert is an award-winning writer, editor, and teacher based in Boston. On a visit to Provincetown, Massachusetts, she learned about the true events behind If the Tide Turns and vowed to write Maria and Sam's story. She returns to Cape Cod regularly for research and freedom in the shape of solace. This is her debut novel, though she continues to excavate fascinating real pirates—such as Mary Read and Anne Bonny—from the sands of history. She holds an MFA from Columbia University and an M.Ed from Boston University.
Find her books and newsletter: Website
Find her books and newsletter: Website
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 251 reviews
March 21, 2024
Maria Brown’s parents are very strict, they want her to marry and the man is much older than her and she finds him repulsive. Maria is very headstrong and determined, she has premonitions and can sometimes see what’s going to happen in the future. Her mother has told her to never mention this to anyone, the Salem Witch Trials took place only a couple of decades ago and she risks being burned at the stake.
Samuel Bellamy was eight years old when he was snatched off the docks of London, to be a captain boy and now he’s a deckhand. The War of the Spanish Succession is over, he and thousands of other sailors find themselves out of work. By chance he meets Maria, she wants to learn how to swim, and he offers to teach her. Sam wants to court Maria, her father flatly refuses and explains she’s promised to another man and Sam vows he will make enough money to win over Mr. Brown and change his mind.
Sam returns to the sea, he’s drawn into piracy, soon he’s known as Black Sam Bellamy, and he’s the Robin Hood of the ocean. Despite wanting to return for Maria, everything seems to get in his way and stopping him from going back to Cape Cod. Maria's determined to wait for Sam, but her parents are putting pressure on her to marry, Sam thinks she’s waiting for him and Maria is getting desperate in Eastham, Massachusetts.
I received a copy of If the Tide Turns by Rachel Rueckert from Kensington Publishing and Edelweiss Plus in exchange for an honest review. The well written debut novel is told from the points of view of Maria and Sam and inspired by a real-life pirate Sam Bellamy. The reader's given an idea of what piracy was really like in the early 1700's, life in Colonial America, use of herbal medicine, banishment of women, evils of slavery and the plight of the Native American Wampanoag people.
An historical saga about the lure of the sea, overcoming obstacles, young love and four stars from me.
Samuel Bellamy was eight years old when he was snatched off the docks of London, to be a captain boy and now he’s a deckhand. The War of the Spanish Succession is over, he and thousands of other sailors find themselves out of work. By chance he meets Maria, she wants to learn how to swim, and he offers to teach her. Sam wants to court Maria, her father flatly refuses and explains she’s promised to another man and Sam vows he will make enough money to win over Mr. Brown and change his mind.
Sam returns to the sea, he’s drawn into piracy, soon he’s known as Black Sam Bellamy, and he’s the Robin Hood of the ocean. Despite wanting to return for Maria, everything seems to get in his way and stopping him from going back to Cape Cod. Maria's determined to wait for Sam, but her parents are putting pressure on her to marry, Sam thinks she’s waiting for him and Maria is getting desperate in Eastham, Massachusetts.
I received a copy of If the Tide Turns by Rachel Rueckert from Kensington Publishing and Edelweiss Plus in exchange for an honest review. The well written debut novel is told from the points of view of Maria and Sam and inspired by a real-life pirate Sam Bellamy. The reader's given an idea of what piracy was really like in the early 1700's, life in Colonial America, use of herbal medicine, banishment of women, evils of slavery and the plight of the Native American Wampanoag people.
An historical saga about the lure of the sea, overcoming obstacles, young love and four stars from me.
March 31, 2024
Calling all pirate story lovers! And lovers of stories about early colonial America too. If The Tide Turns will satisfy both with this fictionalized version of the life of Samuel Bellamy and his reputed love interest Maria/Mehitable Brown. So if you’re a fan of star-crossed lover stories, this will also appeal to you!
I was sucked into the story right from the start. The time is 1715 to 1717, when despite decades having passed since the Salem Witch Trials, there was still widespread belief in witches and very strict religious and societal pressures to conform in the Massachusetts Bay colony. Maria’s parents want her to marry a much older widower, a wealthy and influential man in their town. Maria absolutely does not want to do this! She was a wonderfully independent spirit, which was not an easy road for a woman in that place and time. (She wants to learn to swim, GASP!) A lot of the story takes place on Cape Cod, in the area in around Eastham and Wellfleet. Once Sam sets out as a pirate, we get to travel with him to various Caribbean locations. Life aboard ship and daily life in Eastham are described so well that I had no trouble picturing them.
Many real historical figures show up in these pages, including famous names like Cotton Mather and Edward Teach (“Blackbeard”), as well as less widely known ones. We get a bit of information about how the indigenous people were treated and how the colonists destroyed the environment on the Cape, turning meadows into farms with methods that depleted the soil and turned many areas into sand. I enjoyed having the perspective of the fictional Abiah, and appreciated learning about the Wampanoag people. While we follow Sam’s travels, we come across the evils of slavery.
The chapters alternate between Maria’s POV and Sam’s.
I bounced between the audiobook and the ebook for this title, which was very convenient, and allowed me to continue with the story even when I could not sit down and read - or when I could not listen. The audiobook is beautifully narrated by Pilar Witherspoon.
Thank you to Kensington Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read a review copy of this book and to Recorded Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to a review copy of this audiobook. All opinions are my own.
I was sucked into the story right from the start. The time is 1715 to 1717, when despite decades having passed since the Salem Witch Trials, there was still widespread belief in witches and very strict religious and societal pressures to conform in the Massachusetts Bay colony. Maria’s parents want her to marry a much older widower, a wealthy and influential man in their town. Maria absolutely does not want to do this! She was a wonderfully independent spirit, which was not an easy road for a woman in that place and time. (She wants to learn to swim, GASP!) A lot of the story takes place on Cape Cod, in the area in around Eastham and Wellfleet. Once Sam sets out as a pirate, we get to travel with him to various Caribbean locations. Life aboard ship and daily life in Eastham are described so well that I had no trouble picturing them.
Many real historical figures show up in these pages, including famous names like Cotton Mather and Edward Teach (“Blackbeard”), as well as less widely known ones. We get a bit of information about how the indigenous people were treated and how the colonists destroyed the environment on the Cape, turning meadows into farms with methods that depleted the soil and turned many areas into sand. I enjoyed having the perspective of the fictional Abiah, and appreciated learning about the Wampanoag people. While we follow Sam’s travels, we come across the evils of slavery.
The chapters alternate between Maria’s POV and Sam’s.
I bounced between the audiobook and the ebook for this title, which was very convenient, and allowed me to continue with the story even when I could not sit down and read - or when I could not listen. The audiobook is beautifully narrated by Pilar Witherspoon.
Thank you to Kensington Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read a review copy of this book and to Recorded Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to a review copy of this audiobook. All opinions are my own.
September 24, 2023
I got the arc for review on netgally.
This was one of the kind of books I could see other people really enjoying it but it didn't work out for me. It had characters, plot and a romance that I didn't know would end in tragedy or joy. Maybe I wasn't in the right mindset.
This was one of the kind of books I could see other people really enjoying it but it didn't work out for me. It had characters, plot and a romance that I didn't know would end in tragedy or joy. Maybe I wasn't in the right mindset.
March 10, 2024
Incredibly beautiful book! I love how the author included both Native Americans and Black people, both of whom were an obvious part of the narrative at that time—but are often left out of the story by white authors. Thank you Rachel for being so adamant about including everyone and making the story as real as you could. This book takes on hard social questions and is an incredible look at people who don’t just accept the constraints, rules and mistreatment of people in society, but fight back in ways they can.
September 5, 2023
I received an advanced copy of this book and wow, it was incredible! This beautifully written story combines adventure, love, and a quest for freedom. The characters and their love story were so compelling that I found myself unable to put the book down. I loved every minute of my time with this story.
March 27, 2024
Review 4.5 stars!❤️
This is a historical fiction set during the Golden Age of Pirates and the aftermath of the Salem witch trials. The story is so beautifully written and captivating! ✨
I could picture each scene perfectly in my mind. The authors writing style really stands out and you can tell the amount of research that went into this book! Besides the lush writing, one of the elements that I loved about the story is the female-lead, Maria. She’s such a strong and inspirational character. She’s way ahead of her time, going against the injustice of the patriarchal society of that period. The story gives the reader a sense of determination and fight for freedom. Combine this lush writing with a forbidden romance, I was hooked! Maria’s family has determined who she will marry, a man 3 times her age, however her heart belongs to another … 👀❤️
Sam is swoony and you can tell he’s head over heels for Maria since they first met. I loved their swimming lesson moments. I also surprised by the amount of plot twists that the story had! There were many heartfelt moments, adventurous and funny moments and it just really felt like watching an amazing historical movie!
Thank you to the author for gifting me a copy for review
This is a historical fiction set during the Golden Age of Pirates and the aftermath of the Salem witch trials. The story is so beautifully written and captivating! ✨
I could picture each scene perfectly in my mind. The authors writing style really stands out and you can tell the amount of research that went into this book! Besides the lush writing, one of the elements that I loved about the story is the female-lead, Maria. She’s such a strong and inspirational character. She’s way ahead of her time, going against the injustice of the patriarchal society of that period. The story gives the reader a sense of determination and fight for freedom. Combine this lush writing with a forbidden romance, I was hooked! Maria’s family has determined who she will marry, a man 3 times her age, however her heart belongs to another … 👀❤️
Sam is swoony and you can tell he’s head over heels for Maria since they first met. I loved their swimming lesson moments. I also surprised by the amount of plot twists that the story had! There were many heartfelt moments, adventurous and funny moments and it just really felt like watching an amazing historical movie!
Thank you to the author for gifting me a copy for review
March 26, 2024
I read an early draft of this book and cannot wait to reread it!!! Amazing pirate forbidden love story, amazingly researched.
March 26, 2024
When Kensington Books asked me to write a blurb for Rachel Rueckert’s debut novel, I jumped at the opportunity. Although I don’t read many romance novels, I do enjoy stories that take place in or near the water. The feel of the salty breeze and the mist stinging your face---that sort of thing. Set during the waning days of the Golden Age of Pirates (1689-1718; who knew there was such a thing?), If the Tide Turns is the “captivating true story of real-life pirate Samuel Bellamy, combining high seas adventure, star-crossed longing, surprisingly timely questions about social justice and freedom, and the emotionally satisfying tale of one strong-willed young woman
determined to choose her own path.”
This is the blurb I wrote: “Two lovers, separated by their stations in life, fight their way back to each other’s arms. On land and on the sea, Sam and Maria overcome the hardships of the mid-1700s. Rueckert’s new novel is a tale of daring, courage, aching loneliness and two people willing to face any obstacles to be together.”
It’s 1715 in Eastham, Massachusetts. Maria Brown is the beautiful, hard-headed daughter of a wealthy family who has arranged a marriage for her. She doesn’t want any part of the much older (shall we just say old?), also wealthy and abusive John Hallett.
Maria has her heart set on a young, orphaned sailor, Sam Bellamy. They met as Sam had been laid-off (yes, laid-off from his previous ship when it docked and no longer needed his services) and searched for another ship. The two are drawn together. Sam to Maria for her beauty and her self-determination. Maria to Sam for his idealistic opinions. The two are smitten with each other. Sam wants to marry her, but her father forbids it, in fact banishing him from their home. Maria, characteristically, vows to wait for him, to wait until he can make his fortune and offer everything her father deems, she should have.
Eager for success, Sam becomes involved with a pirate ship. But Sam isn’t your ordinary run-of-the-mill pirate. He is only interested in taking other ships’ bounties, not lives nor ships. His reputation as a “nice” pirate precedes him.
Maria leaves home, bent on following him from port to port. It’s a dangerous path she has chosen--- a woman traveling alone.
If the Tide Turns has all the aspects of a swashbuckling delightful read as Sam and Maria fight for their love. If the Tide Turns gets 6 out of 5 stars in Julie’s world.
determined to choose her own path.”
This is the blurb I wrote: “Two lovers, separated by their stations in life, fight their way back to each other’s arms. On land and on the sea, Sam and Maria overcome the hardships of the mid-1700s. Rueckert’s new novel is a tale of daring, courage, aching loneliness and two people willing to face any obstacles to be together.”
It’s 1715 in Eastham, Massachusetts. Maria Brown is the beautiful, hard-headed daughter of a wealthy family who has arranged a marriage for her. She doesn’t want any part of the much older (shall we just say old?), also wealthy and abusive John Hallett.
Maria has her heart set on a young, orphaned sailor, Sam Bellamy. They met as Sam had been laid-off (yes, laid-off from his previous ship when it docked and no longer needed his services) and searched for another ship. The two are drawn together. Sam to Maria for her beauty and her self-determination. Maria to Sam for his idealistic opinions. The two are smitten with each other. Sam wants to marry her, but her father forbids it, in fact banishing him from their home. Maria, characteristically, vows to wait for him, to wait until he can make his fortune and offer everything her father deems, she should have.
Eager for success, Sam becomes involved with a pirate ship. But Sam isn’t your ordinary run-of-the-mill pirate. He is only interested in taking other ships’ bounties, not lives nor ships. His reputation as a “nice” pirate precedes him.
Maria leaves home, bent on following him from port to port. It’s a dangerous path she has chosen--- a woman traveling alone.
If the Tide Turns has all the aspects of a swashbuckling delightful read as Sam and Maria fight for their love. If the Tide Turns gets 6 out of 5 stars in Julie’s world.
March 27, 2024
✨ Thank you so much Bibliostyle & Kensington Books for the gifted copy of If the Tide Turns by Rachel Rueckert! ✨
I was 100% sold the minute I saw the words “Pirates” and “Salem Witch Trials”! This sweeping historical romance is an emotional rollercoaster full of yearning, love, loss, heartbreak, adventure, strength and the fight for a better future.
📜 Inspired by True Events
📖 Historical Fiction
🏴☠️ Pirates
🧹 Post Salem Witch Trials
🌊 Call of the Sea
♥️ Romance
🗺️ Adventure
❤️🩹 Heartache
🎢 Emotional Rollercoaster
If the Tide Turns completely captivated me from the first page and I read the entire book in one sitting! 100% recommend and cannot wait to see what Rachel Rueckert has in store for us next!
Method Read: 📖
*Please check TW before reading.
I was 100% sold the minute I saw the words “Pirates” and “Salem Witch Trials”! This sweeping historical romance is an emotional rollercoaster full of yearning, love, loss, heartbreak, adventure, strength and the fight for a better future.
📜 Inspired by True Events
📖 Historical Fiction
🏴☠️ Pirates
🧹 Post Salem Witch Trials
🌊 Call of the Sea
♥️ Romance
🗺️ Adventure
❤️🩹 Heartache
🎢 Emotional Rollercoaster
If the Tide Turns completely captivated me from the first page and I read the entire book in one sitting! 100% recommend and cannot wait to see what Rachel Rueckert has in store for us next!
Method Read: 📖
*Please check TW before reading.
April 6, 2024
I have mixed feelings about this novel. At first glance, I thought it was YA, then I thought it was a pirate romance, then I realized it was not only adult, but SUPER sad, and basically about two people living completely different lives for two years after a brief romance. The writing is good, and both stories are interesting and compelling. However, after reading the author's note, I wish that she had taken more liberties with this entirely fictional account to make it more romantic/dynamic than "we met, we got together for a minute, now we're separate until the last few chapters." Because their time together felt so short, I didn't get to connect with them as a couple, but their individual stories were compelling and filled with drama. There was a lot of sadness for each of them, and I definitely was more interested in Sam and his journey to piracy. Seeing Maria be beat down by almost everyone around her was difficult, especially as she suffered loss after loss. A well-written story that suffers from unfulfilled expectations.
March 11, 2024
If the Tide Turns by Rachel Rueckert
Overall Grade: A
Plot: A
Characters: A-
Writing: A
Ending: A
Pacing: A-
Setting: A
Best Aspect: I don’t read a lot of historical fiction so this was a fresh topic for me. Love the pirate theme and the details in the story.
Worst Aspect: I wish I connected to the characters a little more.
Recommend: Yes.
Overall Grade: A
Plot: A
Characters: A-
Writing: A
Ending: A
Pacing: A-
Setting: A
Best Aspect: I don’t read a lot of historical fiction so this was a fresh topic for me. Love the pirate theme and the details in the story.
Worst Aspect: I wish I connected to the characters a little more.
Recommend: Yes.
September 28, 2023
Thank you to the publishers - Kensington Books, Kensington – for giving me access to this book as an E-ARC via Netgalley- All opinions are my own.
If men think about the Roman Empire a lot I think that many women (myself included) often think about the Golden Age of Piracy and/or the Salem witch trials, and of course the mentions of these two historical events draw me into requesting this book. I’m sad to say, however, I don’t think it was that interesting.
Two points of view in Samuel Bellamy and Maria Brown who meet by chance and fall in love. It was quite sweet, I suppose, but 25% of the book was him teaching her how to swim? Felt a bit like that time could be used for something else. But who am I to judge – I’m not a published author.
Setting was interesting. Characters were not.
If men think about the Roman Empire a lot I think that many women (myself included) often think about the Golden Age of Piracy and/or the Salem witch trials, and of course the mentions of these two historical events draw me into requesting this book. I’m sad to say, however, I don’t think it was that interesting.
Two points of view in Samuel Bellamy and Maria Brown who meet by chance and fall in love. It was quite sweet, I suppose, but 25% of the book was him teaching her how to swim? Felt a bit like that time could be used for something else. But who am I to judge – I’m not a published author.
Setting was interesting. Characters were not.
February 17, 2024
Thank you to Kensington Publishing for the ARC.
This book was an incredibly heartfelt story that had me engaged from the first page. I really felt for the characters and wanted everything to be ok for them. At its heart this is a love story but it showcases many different kinds of love throughout: romantic love, platonic love, love for those who are different than you, love for oneself. It’s a story of survival. It’s a story of compassion. It’s a story of adventure.
If you want to be captivated, pick up this book.
This book was an incredibly heartfelt story that had me engaged from the first page. I really felt for the characters and wanted everything to be ok for them. At its heart this is a love story but it showcases many different kinds of love throughout: romantic love, platonic love, love for those who are different than you, love for oneself. It’s a story of survival. It’s a story of compassion. It’s a story of adventure.
If you want to be captivated, pick up this book.
April 3, 2024
Maria is the daughter of a gentleman. She is betrothed to an "honorable" ( older) man. Her whole life mapped out for her. She has always known this. She just wants to have an adventure first.
Sam Bellamy is a sailor. His contract is just about up when he finds a drowning Maria. He does his best to be courteous. He doesn't realize his planned destiny is about to change.
My Thoughts
At its core, I felt like this book was about freedom. The difference in the meaning of freedom based on gender, race, and status. Not everyone has the same opportunities for the same freedoms.
"No one can decide what freedom means for someone else."
Set in colonial New England, where women have few freedoms, especially not the freedom to love who they choose, Maria and Sam find each other.
A chaste love story. A brush of the hand and the blush of the cheek. First love between two people of very different social statuses. What spice is alluded to is very fade to black.
This book was heart-wrenching and made me glad to be born in the time period I was. Single women were more or less ostracized, and being a single unwed mother was a punishable offense. I longed to reach through the pages and give Maria a hug, letting her know this would not always be the female fate.
Maria's character strength was awe aspiring. She holds her head high through the worst life has to throw at her. She stays strong for those she loves even when her loved ones turn their backs to her to save face.
I wasn't a huge fan of Bellamy. I understand he was the MMC and the love interest, but his lack of understanding of what Maria faced when he left made him come across a callous. I wanted to shake him as he groaned about his own trouble, when he was having adventures and making friends, while she was cast out to fed for herself in a world that didn't take kindly to women.
The author isn't afraid to touch on hard truths of the time period. The plight of the native Americans and their treatment from the settlers. The way women were more property than people. The lack of ability in society to love the same sex. I greatly admired how she wove in plot with history.
Sam Bellamy is a sailor. His contract is just about up when he finds a drowning Maria. He does his best to be courteous. He doesn't realize his planned destiny is about to change.
My Thoughts
At its core, I felt like this book was about freedom. The difference in the meaning of freedom based on gender, race, and status. Not everyone has the same opportunities for the same freedoms.
"No one can decide what freedom means for someone else."
Set in colonial New England, where women have few freedoms, especially not the freedom to love who they choose, Maria and Sam find each other.
A chaste love story. A brush of the hand and the blush of the cheek. First love between two people of very different social statuses. What spice is alluded to is very fade to black.
This book was heart-wrenching and made me glad to be born in the time period I was. Single women were more or less ostracized, and being a single unwed mother was a punishable offense. I longed to reach through the pages and give Maria a hug, letting her know this would not always be the female fate.
Maria's character strength was awe aspiring. She holds her head high through the worst life has to throw at her. She stays strong for those she loves even when her loved ones turn their backs to her to save face.
I wasn't a huge fan of Bellamy. I understand he was the MMC and the love interest, but his lack of understanding of what Maria faced when he left made him come across a callous. I wanted to shake him as he groaned about his own trouble, when he was having adventures and making friends, while she was cast out to fed for herself in a world that didn't take kindly to women.
The author isn't afraid to touch on hard truths of the time period. The plight of the native Americans and their treatment from the settlers. The way women were more property than people. The lack of ability in society to love the same sex. I greatly admired how she wove in plot with history.
April 7, 2024
I didn’t know this book was exactly what I needed right now! Much thanks to bibliolifestyle and Kensington books for the gifted copy and for introducing me to this wonderful author and story. This is an extremely well-researched story based on actual historical figures and events. 1715 Cod Massachusetts. Maria Brown falls in love with Sam Bellamy. Their romance is ill-fated. He is a poor sailor and she’s the daughter in a well-to-do family. He decides to take to the seas in search of a ship-wrecked treasure to bring back home in order to be worthy of Maria’s family. In other words — Sam becomes a pirate. This story is so layered, I can’t even scratch the surface in a review or summary. Let’s just say I loved it so much. I learned so much about pirates from this time period. There were so many different levels of pirating on the seas, and Sam’s feelings about being called a pirate were so conflicted. He didn’t want to use fear as a weapon — rather respect. The whole thing is so fascinating. Meanwhile, we have Maria left back on land with no idea what really happened to Sam and where he went. She ends up undergoing a dramatic transformation herself and I don’t want to say much because of spoilers, but her story is extremely fascinating as well. I just couldn’t put this book down. I can’t wait to see what this author writes next.
December 2, 2023
I was fortunate enough to receive an advanced copy and I Loved It! Historical fiction is my genre of choice and this ranked up there in my top five of all times. I look forward to reading other books by this author.
April 9, 2024
This book, just like Rueckert’s memoir, is so thoughtfully done. There is a purpose for every word. I was also HERE for the story and rooting for its star crossed lovers. I’ve been googling all sorts of things since I finished, and I loved how historically accurate this was— even though it at times made for a much sadder story. As Rueckert notes in the author’s note: this was a really difficult time to be alive. Absolutely loved this.
Also thank you so much to Kensington and Rachel for sending me a PR box and advance reader copy for this book. Rachel is now an auto-read author for me.
Also thank you so much to Kensington and Rachel for sending me a PR box and advance reader copy for this book. Rachel is now an auto-read author for me.
April 10, 2024
Great historical fiction! First love, pirates, the days following the Salem witch trials, so many interesting characters.
March 30, 2024
If the Tide Turns is a captivating historical adventure novel rooted in primary resources and Cape Cod folklore. The plot follows Maria Brown and Sam Bellamy from their first meeting, enthralling connection, and then their separation due to societal differences. Determined to return to Maria as an established and wealthy man, readers follow real-life Sam’s harrowing journey from privateer to his ascent into piracy. Sam’s bravery and sharp mind eventually lead him to become an esteemed captain of an entire flotilla and society of men founded in ‘blasphemous’ ideals of equality.
Despite her love of Sam and the time and distance of their separation, Maria herself also faces her own danger in the form of patriarchal oppression and suspicion of witchcraft.
Rueckert has brilliantly combined high-seas adventure, star-crossed longing, and timely discussions on social justice and freedom. Maria and Sam’s love and their desire to break free of the 1700’s social restrictions were palpable and admirable. The character growth was hard-earned revealing such bravery and courage! I fell in love with the way this story drew on real-life records and local folklore stories while blended with the author’s own imagination.
Readers interested in historical fiction, the golden age of piracy, the legacy of the Salem Witch trials, and sweeping romance should absolutely read this novel!
Despite her love of Sam and the time and distance of their separation, Maria herself also faces her own danger in the form of patriarchal oppression and suspicion of witchcraft.
Rueckert has brilliantly combined high-seas adventure, star-crossed longing, and timely discussions on social justice and freedom. Maria and Sam’s love and their desire to break free of the 1700’s social restrictions were palpable and admirable. The character growth was hard-earned revealing such bravery and courage! I fell in love with the way this story drew on real-life records and local folklore stories while blended with the author’s own imagination.
Readers interested in historical fiction, the golden age of piracy, the legacy of the Salem Witch trials, and sweeping romance should absolutely read this novel!
January 27, 2024
I received this book through a Goodreads giveaway.
The book is historical fiction based on real life people from the early 1700’s living in early colonial Cape Cod. The main characters, Sam and Maria seemed to have many “modern” opinions on justice, equality, choosing one’s own destiny that didn’t seem to jive with the realities of life in the 1700’s. Sam was a “good” pirate doing everything in an honorable way. Maria was able to escape her horrible marriage and survive as an outcast of society. They were portrayed as victims of society instead of showing that for many, life was incredibly challenging and there was little hope of drastically changing life’s course and living happily ever after.
Many of the minor characters were names of real colonists and I respect that the author chose to honor and recognize these real people even though there were a lot of characters keep track of.
It was a quick read. Maybe the book would be better for young adults looking for a good, relatively clean love story, but it’s too much “modern” thinking to be believable as historical fiction.
The book is historical fiction based on real life people from the early 1700’s living in early colonial Cape Cod. The main characters, Sam and Maria seemed to have many “modern” opinions on justice, equality, choosing one’s own destiny that didn’t seem to jive with the realities of life in the 1700’s. Sam was a “good” pirate doing everything in an honorable way. Maria was able to escape her horrible marriage and survive as an outcast of society. They were portrayed as victims of society instead of showing that for many, life was incredibly challenging and there was little hope of drastically changing life’s course and living happily ever after.
Many of the minor characters were names of real colonists and I respect that the author chose to honor and recognize these real people even though there were a lot of characters keep track of.
It was a quick read. Maybe the book would be better for young adults looking for a good, relatively clean love story, but it’s too much “modern” thinking to be believable as historical fiction.
March 29, 2024
Rachel Rueckert does a beautiful job telling the story of true historical figures, pirate Sam Bellemy and Maria, a fiery woman accused of witchcraft. The story alternates narrators, taking us through the action on the seas and at home as each faces challenges and nearly insurmountable odds to try to find their way back to each other. Ruckert’s meticulous research shines through, taking modern readers into life in Cape Cod in the golden age of pirates.
December 31, 2023
I received an advanced reader copy from NetGalley and Kensington books. What a great book to jump into the genre of Historical Fiction. I was not sure it would be a book for me but I am glad that I was wrong! What a page turner. I could not put it down. If The Tide Turns was a tale of freedom and adventure, self reliance and strength. Happy to end my year on this one!
February 14, 2024
If the Tide Turns on preorder--cannot wait to read it!!
April 6, 2024
The story has everything action, adventure, love, sea adventures, strong FMC and Salem Witch trials.
I am deeply touched by the story and I felt so many emotions while reading it. This wasn’t my usual read but the book was so compelling and gripping. The writing is poetic and lyrical. This book has been narrated in dual perspectives and set during the golden age of pirates and aftermath of the Salem Witch trials.
Maria is a highly spirited person and she always followed her heart until one day, destiny became just too cruel for her. But in the hardest times, we actually find ourselves. The story is inspired by the real-life pirate Samuel Bellamy. Maria is from a wealthy family while Samuel is an orphaned sailor. The two of them forms an unbreakable bond and soon they begin to see future together but life is unpredictable. When he asks for Maria’s hand to her father, her father refuse him because he is not wealthy enough to provide her financial freedom. And in an order to give Maria financial freedom, he falls into piracy and a promise of returning in a month turns into months.
While so many things happen with Maria. She had to fight for herself. She unveils the real meaning behind the term sacred and how their religious beliefs has restricted women. Maria gets tangled in wrong accusations, injustice and the fight for her freedom. While the perilous sea adventures kept me on the edge. This is a story of courage and resilience with a woman determined to fight for her freedom.
About the Narrator
The Narrator did a good job here. I could feel everything in the story and all the emotions. The characters POVs were clear from the narration. The setting was portrayed so well. Each distinct POV made it interesting and I truly appreciate the narrator’s effort to bring each character and their opinions to life. The inner monologue of Maria,FMC was narrated so well.
Many Thanks to Publisher, Author, Narrator and Netgalley
I am deeply touched by the story and I felt so many emotions while reading it. This wasn’t my usual read but the book was so compelling and gripping. The writing is poetic and lyrical. This book has been narrated in dual perspectives and set during the golden age of pirates and aftermath of the Salem Witch trials.
Maria is a highly spirited person and she always followed her heart until one day, destiny became just too cruel for her. But in the hardest times, we actually find ourselves. The story is inspired by the real-life pirate Samuel Bellamy. Maria is from a wealthy family while Samuel is an orphaned sailor. The two of them forms an unbreakable bond and soon they begin to see future together but life is unpredictable. When he asks for Maria’s hand to her father, her father refuse him because he is not wealthy enough to provide her financial freedom. And in an order to give Maria financial freedom, he falls into piracy and a promise of returning in a month turns into months.
While so many things happen with Maria. She had to fight for herself. She unveils the real meaning behind the term sacred and how their religious beliefs has restricted women. Maria gets tangled in wrong accusations, injustice and the fight for her freedom. While the perilous sea adventures kept me on the edge. This is a story of courage and resilience with a woman determined to fight for her freedom.
About the Narrator
The Narrator did a good job here. I could feel everything in the story and all the emotions. The characters POVs were clear from the narration. The setting was portrayed so well. Each distinct POV made it interesting and I truly appreciate the narrator’s effort to bring each character and their opinions to life. The inner monologue of Maria,FMC was narrated so well.
Many Thanks to Publisher, Author, Narrator and Netgalley
April 18, 2024
4.5 ⭐️
So honestly this book wasn’t on my radar and I didn’t know of this author until I came across a video she posted talking about how her book had been pirated. I totally felt for her and wanted to support so I bought the book and jumped into a buddy read with some friends.
Let me tell you. This author has some serious talent. This is not a book I likely ever would have chosen for myself and it just goes to show you that sometimes it’s good to step outside your comfort zone. I really really enjoyed this story. It is historical fiction but there is also a love story tied in. I feel like I learned things about this time period and pirate life that I never would have taken the time to learn. The characters drew you in and made you feel connected and wanting to root for them. It was a tough story to read, full of emotion, loss, and trauma. But at the same time the story of the FMC also felt so empowering. The story was very intentionally and beautifully written.
The research that the author put into everything about this novel is nothing short of mind blowing to me. Please do yourself the favor of reading the authors note at the end because it was one of my favorite parts! Having Rachel point out the pieces of real life history that she wove in compared to where she took creative liberties was so interesting.
I really well done historical fiction novel. Please do yourself a favor and check this one out.
So honestly this book wasn’t on my radar and I didn’t know of this author until I came across a video she posted talking about how her book had been pirated. I totally felt for her and wanted to support so I bought the book and jumped into a buddy read with some friends.
Let me tell you. This author has some serious talent. This is not a book I likely ever would have chosen for myself and it just goes to show you that sometimes it’s good to step outside your comfort zone. I really really enjoyed this story. It is historical fiction but there is also a love story tied in. I feel like I learned things about this time period and pirate life that I never would have taken the time to learn. The characters drew you in and made you feel connected and wanting to root for them. It was a tough story to read, full of emotion, loss, and trauma. But at the same time the story of the FMC also felt so empowering. The story was very intentionally and beautifully written.
The research that the author put into everything about this novel is nothing short of mind blowing to me. Please do yourself the favor of reading the authors note at the end because it was one of my favorite parts! Having Rachel point out the pieces of real life history that she wove in compared to where she took creative liberties was so interesting.
I really well done historical fiction novel. Please do yourself a favor and check this one out.
April 16, 2024
This book did not start strong, but it did kick into gear eventually. There's definitely a draw to the separated lovers unaware what the other is facing story. A bit of Princess Bride vibe.
But I will say that even with that, it was hard to really get invested when their romance in and of itself was rather underdeveloped. Both of the leads as characters and their "love" is pretty shallow. It's basically just enough to set up the idea of a pair that wants to be together before kicking off the real story that is their separation. I guess I'm saying this book is a lot of action (as in "things happening") and not much depth (what makes them love each other? why do they belong together? why do they believe in each other?)
The teeny tiny fantasy element was also completely out of place and didn't add to the story. I don't understand why it was included if it wasn't going to play a bigger part in the plot. It was fine, just random.
Even with underdeveloped characters, the sense of yearning and separation was strong enough that I was constantly rooting for them to find each other again. I wanted that emotional resolution of him finally finding out everything he missed while he was at sea. It could have been done better, but ultimately I was fairly satisfied.
But I will say that even with that, it was hard to really get invested when their romance in and of itself was rather underdeveloped. Both of the leads as characters and their "love" is pretty shallow. It's basically just enough to set up the idea of a pair that wants to be together before kicking off the real story that is their separation. I guess I'm saying this book is a lot of action (as in "things happening") and not much depth (what makes them love each other? why do they belong together? why do they believe in each other?)
The teeny tiny fantasy element was also completely out of place and didn't add to the story. I don't understand why it was included if it wasn't going to play a bigger part in the plot. It was fine, just random.
Even with underdeveloped characters, the sense of yearning and separation was strong enough that I was constantly rooting for them to find each other again. I wanted that emotional resolution of him finally finding out everything he missed while he was at sea. It could have been done better, but ultimately I was fairly satisfied.
March 28, 2024
Thank you @bibliolifestyle @kensingtonbooks #partner for the fun PR box and gifted copy!
I read the first few chapters when this arrived to get a feel for the book, and I couldn’t stop. I loved Rueckert’s writing and the story hooked me from the start. ⚓️
Set during the Golden Age of Pirates and the shadowy aftermath of the Salem witch trials, this vivid literary debut is inspired by the captivating true story of real-life pirate Samuel Bellamy, combining high seas adventure, star-crossed longing, surprisingly timely questions about social justice and freedom, and the emotionally satisfying tale of one strong-willed young woman determined to choose her own path.
𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐞𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐭:
🏴☠️ historical fiction
🏴☠️ forbidden love
🏴☠️ high seas adventure
🏴☠️ dual POV
🏴☠️ based on a true story
🏴☠️ The Scarlet Letter meets Pirates of the Caribbean
Well-researched, incredibly moving, and addictive. This was a fantastic debut from Rueckert. I highly recommend this to fans of historical fiction and readers looking for a real-life story of epic adventure and romance.
𝘔𝘺 𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨: 5⭐️
I read the first few chapters when this arrived to get a feel for the book, and I couldn’t stop. I loved Rueckert’s writing and the story hooked me from the start. ⚓️
Set during the Golden Age of Pirates and the shadowy aftermath of the Salem witch trials, this vivid literary debut is inspired by the captivating true story of real-life pirate Samuel Bellamy, combining high seas adventure, star-crossed longing, surprisingly timely questions about social justice and freedom, and the emotionally satisfying tale of one strong-willed young woman determined to choose her own path.
𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐞𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐭:
🏴☠️ historical fiction
🏴☠️ forbidden love
🏴☠️ high seas adventure
🏴☠️ dual POV
🏴☠️ based on a true story
🏴☠️ The Scarlet Letter meets Pirates of the Caribbean
Well-researched, incredibly moving, and addictive. This was a fantastic debut from Rueckert. I highly recommend this to fans of historical fiction and readers looking for a real-life story of epic adventure and romance.
𝘔𝘺 𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨: 5⭐️
March 26, 2024
Ever since Jack Sparrow and Pirates of the Caribbean, I have been fascinated by pirates and this book was a wonderful look into the life of a pirate and the ones they leave behind. Sam wants to find riches so he can marry Maria, but that involves leaving her for months. Anddd a lot can happen in a couple months. I loved that this book also takes place right after the Salem Witch Trials. You definitely feel the religious control in the colony as well as people being shunned as “witches” when they don’t fall in line. I am not a big fan of historical fiction, but this one had amazing action and an interesting story that kept me listening. I literally finished this one in a day at work 😂 And imagine my surprise when Amazon delivered this one a day early. Definitely recommend this one to anyone that loves pirates as well as some romance that’s based on actual historical figures. I know I’ll be looking up some more info on these two
April 10, 2024
Book #47 of 2024!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“I know something of ghosts, including some who had the audacity to survive.”
I mean… 😮
Where do I begin? 🏴☠️
When I saw that this debut author’s new book about pirates had been pirated right before its release my first thought was “hah-pirate pirated” but then quickly my thought was “THIS SHALL NOT STAND!” Helping right wrongs AND pirates? As someone who has always had a bit of a *thing* for pirates I couldn’t preorder this book fast enough. I’m not glad it happened but I’m also a 🤏🏼 grateful it did. Because I LOVED THIS!
Rachel doesn’t just know this topic and these characters (based on real historical figures!) Rachel KNOWS this topic. It is clear from every line that this is a work of passion and dedication. While it’s definitely a swashbuckling pirate tale it’s probably not like any pirate story you’ve ever heard before. The girl that’s a little different? WITCH! The treatment of Indigenous people? Yeah, not good. A super “woke” pirate, we love to see it! I could go on and on and on. But instead, I shall leave you with this. If you like pirate adventures, historical fiction, explorations of what it was to be a woman and/or other marginalized figure in history, romance, and incredible writing…well, you know what to do.
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