If the Tide Turns

Written 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 …

• Language: English
• Publisher: Recorded Books, Inc.
• Release date: Mar 26, 2024
• ISBN: 9798891784291

Reviews for If the Tide Turns

[Emily Lassiter Branch · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I didn't re-read the publisher's blurb on this book before I started listening to it. So about halfway into it, I found myself checking to see whether this book was based on real people, because it definitely sounded as though it was. And sure enough, Captain Samuel "Black Jack" Bellamy and Maria "Goody" Hallett are both actual historical figures, whose paths cross in 1715 on Cape Cod. Sam has just lost his job on a British sailing vessel, Maria's family is negotiating her marriage to an older businessman that will be advantageous to her family financially. When Sam and Maria fall in love, he goes to her parents to ask to marry her. Unemployed and with no visible prospects, they chase him away. He vows to make his fortune and return for her, and sets off on a treasure-hunting expedition. But instead, he ends up living and loving the freedom of the pirate life, and becoming the commander of his own vessel. But always, he's anxious to return to Maria.
Meanwhile, Maria longs for Sam's return. She sees reports that he's become a pirate, but has difficulty believe the loving man she knew is now living that life. Her life becomes increasingly unbearable, and the one hope she clings to is that her Sam will return to her.
Rachel Rueckert does an excellent job of combining known facts and speculation in this story of two star-crossed lovers who both long for a life in a different, better world than the one they know.
The audiobook is narrated by Pilar Witherspoon, who does an excellent job with voicing multiple characters.
Thanks to Netgalley and RB Media/Recorded Books for providing a digital copy for an unbiased review.