If the Tide Turns Audiobook By Rachel Rueckert cover art

If the Tide Turns

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If the Tide Turns

By: Rachel Rueckert
Narrated by: Pilar Witherspoon
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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 Genre Fiction Historical Historical Fiction Sea Adventures Pirate

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Historical Authenticity • Engaging Storyline • Excellent Narration • Emotional Depth • Immersive Experience
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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.”

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

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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.

Interesting history

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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.

Evokes every human emotion!

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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.

Superb voicings, pauses, and emphasizing!!!

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Recommended to anyone who enjoys historical fiction…different but now one of my favorite pirate stories…I enjoyed the pacing and pauses by the narrator…it allowed me to really absorb what was written…just a short time listening and I was immersed in the story…couldn’t put it down…😊

Excellent In every way…

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The epilogue helps inform the reader of how this story was born. The narration doesn't bring this story into its full potential. The more I listened, the more annoyed I became. Female voices are okay but the prominent male roles are poorly recreated in this audio. The storyline is good, but I was disappointed in the ending. It was like sewing up someone who was bleeding to death. After ten hours of listening, a smoother ending with clear conclusions would have done the story and the reader justice.

Better Story in Print

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

great book

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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.

Not your typical pirate tale

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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.

How women in history suffered by the hands of men!

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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.

Beautiful characters with relatable growth in extraordinary circumstances

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