Can a former privateer and a determined heiress find lost treasure in 1725? A brand new series for fans of all things related to history, romance, adventure, faith, and family trees. Pasts Collide in New Orleans when a Treasure Goes Missing The last time New Orleans attorney Jean-Luc Valmont saw Maribel Cordoba, a Spanish nobleman’s daughter, she was an eleven-year-old orphan perched in the … eleven-year-old orphan perched in the riggings of his privateering vessel proving herself as the best lookout on his crew. Until the day his infamy caught up with them all and innocent lives were lost. Unsure why he survived but vowing to make something of the chance he was given, Jean-Luc has buried his past life so deep that no living person will ever find it–until a very much alive and very grown up Maribel Cordoba arrives on his doorstep and threatens all he now holds dear.
Join the adventure as the Daughters of the Mayflower series continues with The Pirate Bride by Kathleen Y’Barbo.
More to come in the Daughters of the Mayflower series:
The Mayflower Bride by Kimberley Woodhouse – set 1620 Atlantic Ocean (coming February 2018)
The Pirate Bride by Kathleen Y’Barbo – set 1725 New Orleans (coming April 2018)
The Captured Bride by Michelle Griep – set 1760 during the French and Indian War (coming June 2018)
The Patriot Bride by Kimberley Woodhouse – set 1774 Philadelphia (coming August 2018)
The Cumberland Bride by Shannon McNear – set 1794 on the Wilderness Road (coming October 2018)
The Liberty Bride by MaryLu Tyndall – set 1814 Baltimore (coming December 2018)
more
The Pirate Bride (2018) by Kathleen Y’Barbo is the second book in The Daughters of the Mayflower series. This novel comes in all forms including eBook, and is 251 pages in length. With a full-time job, a precocious five-year old at home The Pirate Bride took me one day to read. I received a copy of this novel in paperback form from Barbour Publishing. In no way has this influenced my opinion of the story. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. I give The Pirate Bride 4 STARS. This novel is a Historical Christian Romance.
If I had one word to describe The Pirate Bride by Kathleen Y’Barbo that word would be “fun”! This book is fast-paced and highly “un-put-downable.” The characters, especially Maribel, are well-written, and the action and adventure is non-stop. This is my first time to read a book by Y’Barbo, but it will not be my last. I enjoyed escaping into this story line and will miss Maribel’s fabulous antics.
Maribel is my favorite part of this book. She is brave, witty, perceptive, and hilarious. I laughed out loud quite a few times. She gets on these talking jags and they are just so funny. Whether a 12-year old aboard a Pirate’s — er, I mean — a Privateer’s ship, or a beautiful 23-year old on an island that houses the orphanage she grew up in, Maribel is a force to be reckoned with. What I liked best about Maribel’s character is her ability to not give in to fear. In fact, whenever she feels fear rearing its ugly head, she repeats “Pray away the fear, pray away the fear.” Maribel puts her focus on talking to God, which naturally takes her brain away from her fear and then she is able to act.
Jean-Luc, the Pirate hero, is an impressive character. He is handsome, intriguing, and kindhearted. But, he is also commanding and intense. He definitely needs Maribel in his life to help his lighter side come out every now and then. What is really fun about this book is the interesting and unusual ship that Jean-Luc captains. The men are all good. They have values and a moral compass. Not quite what one would expect when reading a Pirate story, so in that it is not quite historically accurate, but it does make for a very charming read. My favorite crew member is Israel Bennett. He loves God big time, defends those he cares for, and is so loyal. I love how protective he immediately feels towards Maribel — Israel becomes a stand-in father of sorts. It is sweet. In fact, I love how Jean-Luc’s entire crew immediately bonded to Maribel and took care of her in very considerate and tenderhearted ways.
If you are looking for a great story to escape into, then I highly recommend The Pirate Bride. There is not a boring moment in this book. It has pirates, battles, deception, mystery, and a sweet romance. I guarantee you will enjoy this fun adventure!
From the moment I started the story I was swept back in time in the early 1700s where we find pirates and privateering going on. I loved the swashbuckling scenes and felt myself on the ship as it swayed back and forth. What would you do if you found yourself on a ship that was being overtaken? I know I would be fighting for my life or maybe hiding so no one could find me.
Maribel is everything I wanted to be as a child. She is very brave and knows exactly what she wants. It doesn’t matter that girls are not allowed on ships. So what if everyone thinks girls are back luck . Maribel wants to sail the seas and be a pirate. Those sound like wonderful dreams but unfortunately things turn out differently for her. When the ship she is on is attacked, she finds herself suddenly in the brisk water trying to survive. Will the captain save her before she drifts off too far from the ship? Her last thoughts before everything becomes dark is where is Captain Jean-Luc and his men? Why are they allowing her to be lost at sea?
As the story moves forward we are reacquainted with Maribel who has lived at a convent for many years. She has snippets of her past surface and still remembers being on a ship. Jean-Luc is a distant memory but something is about to change in her life. I loved Jean-Luc and his bravery. He was a fierce person to be reckoned with. What will happen when he sees Maribel after all those years she was left behind swimming for her life? The adventure and history is epic as the story is filled with danger, secrets and a bit of romance. The author really had me on the edge of my seat as Maribel and Jean-Luc see each other after so many years. I know I would be little upset to see the person who left me in the deep sea and never looked back. Can Maribel and Jean-Luc work things out? What secrets have Jean-Luc been hiding all these years? I can’t wait to read more books from this series. Don’t miss the captivating historical facts the author includes at the end of the book.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.
I fell in love when I read the first book Daughters of the Mayflower series The Mayflower Bride and am so excited to be reviewing the second book in the series, The Pirate Bride.
We begin the story with Maribel Cordoba, a 11-year-old girl that is grieving the recent deaths of both her mother and beloved grandfather. The only family she has to speak of is her Spanish father who has brought her aboard a ship full of privateers and Captain Beaumont, a man that is harboring a vendetta for the spaniard. Cordoba murdered both his brother and his mother years before and Captain Beaumont is ready to settle the score. A brawl aboard the ship leads to Maribel becoming an orphan but she is quickly “adopted” by the many of the privateers and Captain Beaumont himself.
When the ship is attacked Captain Beaumont believes that the young Maribel is killed during the battle and is racked with guilt for years. You find out that Captain Beaumont is in fact Jean-Luc Valmont from the prominent Valmont family of New Orleans, Louisiana. No one knows that both men are actually the same person or that Maribel in fact survived the battle and has been growing up at an orphanage on a small island in the Caribbean.
I first want to say that I fell in love with the main premise of the book. The action was intriguing and I finished the book quite quickly. The characters were well developed and you can’t help but fall in love with Maribel’s tenacity.
The only fault I found with the story was the age difference between Jean-Luc and Maribel which, if you read other reviews, I am not alone in my opinion. When the story begins you see Captain Beaumont (Jean-Luc) more like a father figure to the fatherless Maribel. He is incredibly protective of her and his heartbrokenness from losing her is almost palpable. When the story fast forwards to Maribel as a young adult Jean-Luc is also quite a few years older and yet the age difference is not a major concern not only between the two of them but for any of their acquaintances.
Other than that I really enjoyed The Pirate Bride and cannot wait to read the next book in The Daughters of the Mayflower series, The Captured Bride which was just released last month.
A fantastic swashbuckling romantic adventure.
The Pirate Bride is a real treasure. It has been a long time since I read a novel featuring a pirate or rather privateer, as Captain Jean Beaumont continually reminds Maribel. The story and its characters engulfed me from the first page.
Y’Barbo has crafted an exciting tale of adventure on the high seas and in exotic locales. Combining snappy dialogue and witty characters, my attention never wavered. I did not experience one moment of boredom aboard ship or on land. The descriptions are incredibly vivid, creating pictorial images that made me long to spirit away on a ship to the islands. A hefty dose of danger and secrecy add paramount drama. And shiver me timbers, there is an unexpected twist to this story that made my jaw drop!
The Pirate Bride is the second book in The Daughters of the Mayflower series which will be comprised of six novels. Yes. Six! I have not read the first book in the series but I did purchase it as soon as I finished this one.
I was gifted a copy of The Pirate Bride from the publisher. I was not required to write a review. No compensation has been received.
The Pirate Bride Broccoli a the second book in the Daughters of the Mayflower series. This one is just as good as the first one, which I didn’t know if it could be done. This one is about a fierce and fiery red head. Which includes a good mystery – that sounds like a good mixture to me. Maribel is the descendant of Mary (the one who came over on the Mayflower). She is wanting to find something of her dad’s. This book is about treasures, pirates, mysteries, plot twists and most of all Faith. She runs into Jean Luc – if you want to call it running into – I do say that tongue in cheek – you have got to see how they meet. So what happens? Something you won’t believe and you have got to read it for yourself. I received a copy of this book from the Publisher and Netgalley; all of the opinions expressed in this review are all my own.
if you would like to read more of my Christian book reviews go to christianlybookreviewers.blogspot.com – I would love to see you there.
The Pirate Bride Kathleen Y’Barbo
I love history, always have. Not the kind often found in textbooks, though this too is interesting enough, but when an author uses the dry bones of historical facts and dates, fleshes it out with characters, while adding day to day activities, some as mundane as getting dressed, I’m very simply entranced.
When I heard Barbour Books would be releasing The Daughters of the Mayflower series I knew the reading world was in for a treat; little did I realize just how much of a treat it would become for this reader.
Each novel is written by a different author, providing varying perspectives of a particular time in history. In The Pirate Bride Kathleen Y’Barbo, the focus is on fledging New Orleans and a beautiful island in the Caribbean Sea. Maribel Córdoba is a Spanish noble men’s daughter, abandoned by her father; raised by her mother and her somewhat indulging paternal grandfather. By indulging, I refer to Maribel’s precocious love of learning and her grandfather’s very willing hand in supplying her with all the books she could absorb, along with the freedom to explore; something just not done in this historical period. Young girls were expected to be trained to be wives and mothers, and if one was of the aristocracy, training included manners, how to behave in “polite” society, something Maribel had very little use for.
Imagination, now that Maribel had plenty of…
Jean-Luc Valmont, a pirate. A very good one, commissioned by the French. Handsome, strong and a bit different from what most think of pirates, for Jean- Luc is not ruthless nor is he cutthroat. As a matter of fact, one can almost see hints of aristocratic training, if one looks hard enough.
When Maribel is kidnapped, at age 11 years, by her unscrupulous father, she manages to escape, stowing away on none other than Jean-Luc’s ship. She is found soon enough. And is sure she has found herself aboard The Ghost Ship, of which she has read some very interesting stories. Eventually, Maribel is placed in an orphanage on a Caribbean island as a pirate ship is no place for a child, especially a girl. Jean-Luc sails away on The Ghost Ship to continue his commission.
This is not the end of the story, it is truly a entrancing story across decades…
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Books, and was under no obligation to post a review.
This book had me so excited! There were spunky heroines, dastardly relatives, and pirates… Oops, I mean “privateers.” (That will make more sense after you read the book!) There was cannon fire and battles at sea, colorful supporting characters, a good plot…and then all of a sudden, there wasn’t. Just as everything was starting to come together and I thought that the final scene of action was coming, the story just petered out. It wrapped up way too quickly and didn’t match the exciting pace of the rest of the book. The romance came up way too quickly, especially considering the age difference between the main characters. Additionally, the antagonist was dealt with in just a few paragraphs. I was hoping for an epic pirate battle, but I was let down. The Pirate Bride could’ve used 15-20% more story, and then it would’ve been a 5-star book! As it currently stands, I’m rounding up from 3.5 to 4 stars because my attention was riveted throughout the whole book.
***I received a copy of this book from Barbour Publishing through NetGalley and am under no obligation to provide a positive review. All opinions are my own.
If you enjoy stories with swash buckling action, you will like this book. Author Kathleen Y’Barbo did a good job of describing the privateers in this book but the title is a bit confusing as Jean-Luc will not stand being called a pirate. He’s a “legal” privateer. Regardless of what he is, I think you’ll enjoy getting to know him. And Maribel made me laugh. What a spit fire! (You’ll need to read the book to find out why.)
A fast paced book, I learned a lot about life aboard ship and found it interesting. However I felt that the ending of the book was rushed. As if the author had to wrap things up quickly. Also, I would have preferred a bit more detail throughout the book.
All that said, it was a book that was sometimes funny, sometimes sad. Faith in God, and going to Him in prayer were woven throughout the book but not in a preachy way. I encourage you to give it a chance. Sail the seas with Jean-Luc!
I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.
Do you like adventures sailing the high seas? Especially ships captained by pirates, lonely island thrown in, then this book is for you. The Pirate Bride will capture your attention from the first page and will keep you turning them. Our first glimpse in this exciting book is through the eyes of a precocious, wise-beyond-her-years twelve year old. We also get to see a very young New Orleans and some of the wealthy elites of the era. Ships captured, slave trading and so much adventure in this thrilling novel and even romance to keep you reading. I was gifted this book by the publisher and was happy to leave a review.
Wow! This was an exciting adventure!
Told in two parts, the first being when Maribel is a twelve-year-old girl. I really enjoyed the adventure in Part One. Maribel is witness to her father’s death but it does not seem to phase her much. Captain Jean-Luc breaks his own rules and allows her to be part of his crew. Her favorite spot is the lookout post high up in the rigging. She seems to have a special connection to the Captain until the French attack the ship and she is separated from the ship and the crew. She is rescued and taken to a remote island and raised by nuns in an orphanage. She does not grow out of her love for high places nor does she forget the ships she used to recognize.
Eleven years later, I loved the mystery and surprises that filled Part Two. Maribel learns her mother and grandfather are alive and have been looking for her. She is reunited with them in New Orleans. She is also reunited with Jean-Luc. I can’t say more without spoilers.
I do recommend this book. My reason for four stars, I felt the second half was a bit rushed. I wanted more pages!
*I received a gift copy of this book from Barbour Publishing. I was not required to post a review. The opinion expressed is entirely my own.
Maribela Cordova is a sweet 12-year old girl when her father whisked her away – telling her that her mother and grandfather were dead. While on board the ship, they are attacked, her father presumably dead and she is taken to Captain Jean-Luc’s ship. When a mishap sends her sailing into the water, Maribela and Jean-Luc are separated and do not see each other for eleven years. Maribela has always thought about Jean-Luc. Likewise, Maribela has always been on Jean-Luc’s mind, especially after he lost his wife and child, but when he sees her again, the spark is re-ignited. Can love span eleven years? Great historical fiction read. I love the way the author included historical facts from which parts of the story bloomed. There is historical fiction, romance, Christian fiction, and adventure in this one. I received an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley but this in no way sways my review.
My review is 4.5 Stars
Privateer, not pirate! At least that is what Captain Beaumont would tell you. The author explains that there is a fine line between the two, but not necessarily one big enough to keep either one from hanging if caught by the right person.
I loved this fun adventure that follows Maribel from the time she is just 11 years old, crossing the Atlantic with her father after the death of her mother and grandfather. It is on this journey that their ship is attacked by pirates, um, privateers, and she ends up spending the next two months on their ship, charming each of the men of the crew.
Quote from book:
“Considering what I’ve heard, I’d agree, Miss Maribel.” He nodded toward the corridor ahead. “Now follow me or you’ll get lost. And remember you just decided you’d follow orders from now on.”
“Yes I did, Mr. Bennett, but I feel like I ought to warn you about me. See, what I decide to do and what I turn out to do is not always the same thing. So if I don’t follow orders very well right now, I would like you to know I will only get better at it the longer I keep trying. I’m working on it, but I’ve got a long way to go.”
Again he chuckled. “Miss Maribel, you and me both. You and me both.”
The characters in this book were wonderful! From the feisty and precocious, Maribel to the gentleman privateer, Jean, to the former slave, Mr. Bennett and the rest of the crew, each one was developed so well you couldn’t help but feel that you knew them. There were many twists and turns in this story, with many things not what they seemed.
This second installment of The Mayflower Brides series was a very enjoyable read. The common thread in these stories is one of family, allowing each book to stand by itself, though the first book was enjoyable as well, so it makes sense to read them all.
This review was originally posted on AmongTheReads.net
I would like to thank Netgalley for giving me this item. My opinion and review were not influenced by this gift.
“Pray away the fear. Pray away the fear. Pray away . . . . . then the world went dark.”
By no fault of her own, eleven year old Maribel Cordoba finds herself on board the famed “Ghost Ship”, manned by a notorious French privateer, Captain Beaumont. Her precocious nature has just landed her in the ship’s brig, to the amusement of the crew; and a stark testament to the captain’s determination to remind “Red” that he, not she, is in charge of his ship. Her whimsical dreams of high seas adventures turn into reality as she proves her worth as a night watchmen, until one fateful evening, when her future crashes around her.
Jean-Luc Valmont has wondered about his annoying young passenger for years, guilt-ridden that she may have perished at the bottom of the sea. Years have passed, when what to his wondering eyes should appear, but a very beautiful, grown-up version of his Maribel. Now what? She knows things about him that could prove dangerous to them both.
Sail on this high seas adventure as it survives numerous storms, produces many chuckles and remains true to the words of the psalmist when he declares, ” thou madest him to have dominion over the works of thy hands; thou hast put all things under his feet . . . . .. . the fish of the sea, and whatsoever passeth through the paths of the seas. O Lord our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth!” Psalm 8
A story that you grab you and hold you, right from the beginning we are on an adventure and one you would never expect, being on a privateer or what others call a pirate ship.
Can you see a young girl and leaving all you have ever known to cross the ocean not knowing what is ahead or really where she is going? We get to see this up close and personal through the eyes of the author, and what a great time you are in for?
This is the second book in the Mayflower Bride series, and definitely can be read alone, but you might just want to grab the whole series, they are that good.
I received this book through the Barbour Publishing Blogger Program, and was not required to give a positive review.
My imagination and my heart were captured and swept out to sea on a Pirate (cough, clears throat, errr) Privateer ship! I enjoyed the action and the drama in the story. I was a greedy book dragon devouring every word! These fantastic characters will take captive of your heart.
In the beginning, I felt sad for Maribel, orphaned at a young age. Yet I cheered for her as she quickly rose above the devastation and we got to see her fiery personality and spunk. She is such an endearing character and one that will stay with you long after you finish the story.
Jean-Luc is a strong and dashing hero. Watch out ladies, he may just abscond with your heart!
This delightful, fast-paced story is sure to entertain and delight. I highly recommend you find a copy of this energetic 5-star adventure to enjoy for yourself as soon as you are able.
(I receive complimentary books for review from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including Netgalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own.)
Pirates, privateers, ships and storms. Villians, deception, and intrigue. Heroes, heroines, loyalty, and love. There are so many facets to “The Pirate Bride” and all of them contribute to the fascinating relationship between young Maribel Cordoba and Jean-Luc Valmont. Maribel’s memories of her childhood are brushed off as “dreams” by the Mother Superior at the convent where she was raised and Jean-Luc believes that Maribel died at sea. It is only when they meet again eleven years later that the past is understood and their true feelings become apparent to both of them.
I liked learning more about the time of ships sailing the seas and the difference between pirates and privateers. Author Kathleen Y’Barbo explains how the volatile relationship between France and Spain in 1724 could easily earn a law abiding sailor the title of pirate. It is apparent that she put a lot of time and effort into writing an accurate story.
This book is filled with danger, adventure and romance. If you like historical fiction and faith-based stories you will enjoy “The Pirate Bride”.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review. This is my honest opinion and this review is voluntary.
This is an exciting historical romance!
I adore Maribel! She is delightful and so fun to keep up with. As a bookworm myself I immediately connected with her love of reading.
Jean-Luc seems to be hiding something from the very beginning. It was quite entertaining to follow through the story and figure out what it was and all the twists to this wonderful character.
This book is packed with a lot of action and adventure. I wasn’t at all surprised by that though given the title. Then there were a few really great surprises that caught me completely off guard. It was fun learning what the difference was between pirates and privateers.
I absolutely loved this second installment in the series. I’m looking forward to seeing what happens the next time I look in on the Lytton family descendants.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Books, through NetGalley. I have chosen to write this review to express my personal opinion.
Disclaimer: *Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion – which I’ve done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*
I found myself swept away into the world of privateering and the remarkable story of Maribel and Jean-Luc. I was engrossed in the second installment of The Daughters of the Mayflower series that works as a stand-alone. I felt towards the end, the story was more rushed and some questions that I wish were answered more fully, but all in all I found it very enjoyable and not wanting to put it down. I loved that Maribel wasn’t proper and obedient in a time period where it was expected, but that she had a voice and personality that I found endearing. I’m glad she wasn’t put into a box. She reminded me as an adult of Maria in the Sound of Music. I love how Faith and prayer were interwoven and influenced the characters lives. I admired Jean-Luc for the work he did to help free slaves and grew to love his heart for others. All in all this is a great adventure to curl up with on this rainy day.
I received a complimentary copy from Barbour Publishing. The honest review and opinions are my own and were not required.
This book was a real page turner. Who doesn’t like the excitement of reading about pirates – oops, privateers?
I loved Maribel’s feistiness and how she became a favorite of the crew, even Jean. I also really liked the way Jean inspired such fierce loyalty from his crew.
This was such an exciting story with lots of twists and turns. I would recommend this book.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.