Author Talk with Rachel Rueckert: If the Tide Turns

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Titcomb’s Bookshop welcomes author Rachel Rueckert to speak about her new historical fiction novel set on Cape Cod, If the Tide Turns, on Tuesday May 7th at 6:00pm at Titcomb’s Bookshop.

Titcomb’s Bookshop bookseller Fran Ziegler says: “Pirates, adventure, romance, history and a Cape Cod setting are the best ingredients for superbly satisfying novel. If The Tide Turns depicts the lives and relationship of Pirate Sam Bellamy and local girl Maria Brown. The strict beliefs and the tough economy of the times force Sam and Maria to make drastic choices to survive in a harsh world. This captivating tale is guaranteed to please any and all readers.”

Fun fact: Rachel has been known to dress like a pirate for her events, so feel free to come adorning your pirate garb if you’ve got it!

This is a free event. Registration is required and space is limited. Registration can be completed HERE or by calling Titcomb’s Bookshop at 508-888-2331.

Books will be for sale at the event, and Rueckert will sign them after her presentation. Those who are unable to attend the event may order signed copies below by writing “signed copy” in the order comments, or by calling 508-888-2331.

ABOUT THE BOOK

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.

“If the Tide Turns weaves together two fascinating worlds in a page-turning story of love, friendship, and self-discovery. It transports the reader to the time of witch trials and piracy, shrugging off popular caricatures and exploring real-life people—the hardships they faced and the hope that sustained them. A stirring and luminous read!” —Amanda Skenandore, author of The Nurse’s Secret

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 . . .

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Rachel Rueckert is an award-winning writer, editor, and teacher who holds an MFA from Columbia University and an M.Ed. from Boston University. On her first visit to Provincetown, Massachusetts, she learned about the true story of Anne Bonny, Mary Read and Samuel Bellamy and vowed to write their story, returning to Cape Cod again and again over the years for research and freedom in the shape of solace. If the Tide Turns is her debut novel. She splits her time between Salt Lake City and Cambridge, Massachusetts and can be found online at RachelRueckert.com

Event address: 

Titcomb’s Bookshop
432 Route 6A

East Sandwich, MA 02537
508-888-2331
www.titcombsbookshop.com