If the Tide Turns

By: Rachel Rueckert

Narrated by: Pilar Witherspoon

Set in the Golden Age of Pirates and the shadowy aftermath of the Salem witch trials, this vivid, gorgeously written novel inspired by a captivating true story combines high-seas adventure, star-crossed longing, and the emotionally satisfying tale of one strong-willed young woman determined to choose her own path.

1715, Eastham, Massachusetts: As the daughter of a wealthy family, Maria Brown has a secure future mapped out for her, yet it is not the future she wants. Young, headstrong, and restless, Maria has no desire to marry the aging, mean-spirited John Hallett, regardless of his fortune and her parents’ wishes. As for what Maria does want—only one person has ever even asked her that question.

Samuel Bellamy, an orphaned sailor searching for work, meets Maria by chance, enthralling her with talk of far-flung places and blasphemous ideals. But neither is free from the social order into which they were born. When Sam is banished from Maria’s parents’ home after asking for her hand, he vows to return a wealthy man, and Maria promises to keep the faith until then.

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

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

©2024 Rachel Rueckert (P)2024 Recorded Books

Superb voicings, pauses, and emphasizing!!!

Interesting story that holds attention. The alternating story between the two main characters really works well with this author. Her Epilog describes and explains ALL, thereby wrapping up any questions the reader may have thought of during the book. During the several days that I listened to this while working on my hobbies as a retiree, it was easy to visualize the atmosphere presented whether it was on land or at sea. I frequently paused my hobby work to revel and take in the images I imagined. I'm positive that I'll be listening to this again, something I reserve for the finest of the nearly 800 books in my audio library. I'll be looking at other books by this author and other works of the narrator, a woman who really knows how to enhance a story without overdoing it.

I loved the attention to telling of a story based on such interesting facts

I enjoyed this story especially when I listened to the authors notes and realized how much of the story was true.
That made it much more interesting.
But so did not care for the narrator. She made the story feel uninteresting because she did not put much feeling into the voices of the characters.
I also did not feel it was necessary to write in “woke” mentality into a story that is 300 years old. It felt like the author was trying to “check off the boxes.”

Interesting history

enjoyed the beginning but seemed to drag a bit middle. Seemed a lot of the authors focus was more modern progressive ideas than would have been during time period of the book. Interesting history behind the story though.

Evokes every human emotion!

As other reviewers mentioned, it seemed slow in the middle, but picked back up and I couldn’t stop listening. The narration was excellent and the story made me laugh, cry, and ashamed of the way some humans seem to feel justified in treating others. Mariah’s unwavering faith and personal resilience were foundational to the excellent storyline.

great book

book was very well read and had a great story, it wasn't mushy and quick pace.

How women in history suffered by the hands of men!

The way the performer read was unbearable. I almost could not finish this book. All her accents for reading were always on the wrong word!! Loosing meaning often! Because of this, the book was not enjoyable for me.

Not your typical pirate tale

I enjoyed this story overall. I liked the alternating points of view. I occasionally found the characters to be one dimensional but overall I cared about them and connected to them. Make sure that you read the author’s note. It gave the story more depth and historical context.

Beautiful characters with relatable growth in extraordinary circumstances

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

Pirate Story

Overall the story was interesting. But I hate it when a lot of modern day writers feel they have to have at least one homosexual couple, bash on Christianity, portray all early American colonists as evil and interject modern opinions into historical accounts.

The Narrator’s over dramatization

I might have liked this book but the narrator irritated me so much I had to stop listening. She read every word and every sentence with such affectation and drama that it became tedious to listen to her. Sorry. Maybe I will try reading it.