Title: The Tide Watchers
Author: Lisa Chaplin
Publisher: William Morrow Paperbacks (HarperCollins)
Release Date: June 30, 2015
Acquired Via: TLC Book Tours
In the winter of 1803, one woman stands between Napoleon and the fall of Great Britain
The free-spirited daughter of an English baronet, Lisbeth defies convention by eloping to France. When her husband abandons her, she must find a way to survive and be reunited with her young son, who is in the care of her mother-in-law.
A seasoned spy known as Tidewatcher, Duncan apprenticed under Lisbeth's father and pledged to keep his mentor's pretty daughter safe—a promise complicated by the wily Napoleon Bonaparte. The British believe he is planning an attack, and Duncan is sent to search for signs of invasion on the French coast—where he draws dangerously close to adventurous and unpredictable Lisbeth.
A sensational new invention may shift the tide of a French victory. A brilliant and eccentric American inventor named Robert Fulton has devised a deadly weapon that can decimate an enemy's fleet. To protect English ships, Tidewatcher must gain control of Fulton's invention and cross enemy lines . . . but he cannot do it alone. Left with no other options, he enlists Lisbeth's help in outwitting the American inventor and uncovering Bonaparte's secret plans.
Going undercover for the handsome and duty-bound spy, Lisbeth risks her freedom and her life as she navigates double agents and submarine warfare to outwit the greatest military tactician in history. The only question is . . . who can she trust?
My Review
Before I get good and started on my review for The Tide Watchers, which I enjoyed very much, I have an issue that I want to address in romance and some historical fiction. Can we please ease up on the rape scenes that allow a woman to be saved for whatever reason? I mean, seriously, I know it happened all the time historically and even now, but its use as a plot catalyst (or whatever) in fiction is getting out of hand. I almost DNFed a really good book because of it. Please and thank you. (Rant over.)
Lisa Chaplin's debut, The Tide Watchers, is a historical thriller (the very best kind of thriller, if you ask me) that is set during the Napoleonic era. I had a history professor who was obsessed with Napoleon, so it was refreshing to read something from that time period that did not center on Napoleon himself. The story was interesting, and I actually learned a thing or two from The Tide Watchers. Additionally, I adored Lisbeth's spunk.
The Tide Watchers was very obviously written by a romance author with some of the plot points that are common in historical romance. Since I am not the biggest fan of thrillers, the "historical romance" aspect of the book distracted me from what I usually would not enjoy. It is something that I will look for in any future historical thrillers that I may read.
If you're into historical novels at all, The Tide Watchers should be right up your alley. I've been talking it up at my library, and our acquisitions librarian currently has my copy. I can pretty much guarantee it will be on our shelves in the near future.
Buy Links
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Indiebound
About the Author
Lisa Chaplin has published twenty contemporary romances under a pseudonym, but the publication of The Tide Watchers marks her mainstream debut. Lisa, her husband, and their three children currently reside in her home country of Australia.
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The Tide Watchers Tour Schedule
Tuesday, June 30th
100 Pages a Day … Stephanie’s Book Reviews
Wednesday, July 1st
A Chick Who Reads
Monday, July 6th
Raven Haired Girl
Wednesday, July 8th
Walking With Nora
Thursday, July 9th
View from the Birdhouse
Monday, July 13th
Staircase Wit
Tuesday, July 14th
Bibliophilia, Please
Wednesday, July 15th
Ageless Pages Reviews
Thursday, July 16th
Broken Teepee
Friday, July 17th
Lavish Bookshelf
Monday, July 20th
Book Him Danno!
Tuesday, July 21st
Mom’s Small Victories
Friday, July 24th
Svetlana’s Reads and Views
TBD
2 Kids and Tired Book Reviews
To satisfy FTC guidelines, I am disclosing that I received an advance copy of the novel from the publisher through TLC Book Tours in exchange for an unbiased review. It has in no way affected the outcome. All expressed opinions are awesome, honest, and courtesy of me.
I really enjoy historical fiction but I don't think I've read anything during the Napoleonic era. This one is going on my list!
ReplyDeleteThanks for being a part of the tour.