The Pelican Bride by Beth White ~ review

• Series: Gulf Coast Chronicles (Book 1)
• Paperback: 368 pages
• Publisher: Revell (April 15, 2014)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0800721977
• ISBN-13: 978-0800721978

This book is also available as an ebook.

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It is 1704 when Genevieve Gaillain and her sister board a French ship headed for the Louisiana colony as mail-order brides. Both have promised to marry one of the rough-and-tumble Canadian men in this New World in order to escape religious persecution in the Old World. Genevieve knows life won't be easy, but at least here she can establish a home and family without fear of beheading. But when she falls in love with Tristan Lanier, an expatriate cartographer whose courageous stand for fair treatment of native peoples has made him decidedly unpopular in the young colony, Genevieve realizes that even in this land of liberty one is not guaranteed peace. And a secret she harbors could mean the undoing of the colony.
Gulf Coast native Beth White brings vividly to life the hot, sultry south in this luscious, layered story of the lengths we must go to in order to be true to ourselves, our faith, and our deepest loves.

My take on this book:

A beautiful,eye catching cover had me anticipating the story that might unfold within the pages of The Pelican Bride and I must say I wasn't disappointed. As a fan of historical romantic fiction I found myself drawn into the story of Genevieve Gaillain and her sister Aimee, who have traveled from France to the New World hoping for freedom from religious persecution while also securing a new husband and life. Upon their arrival on Massacre Island, in the Louisiana Territory they quickly learn that life won't be easy, and that they must still be on guard. Genevieve's path keeps crossing with Tristan Lanier someone who is dealing with his own hurts and secrets. 

Rich detail brings not only the characters but the setting to life as well. The early 1700's is a time period that has always fascinated me and the author really brings this time period to life. It was easy to see that the author did her research of the time period, she made me feel as if I was getting a history lesson along with my romance! I really enjoyed the lead characters Genevieve was such a strong woman, and Tristan was dealing with his own issues making for an interesting plot.  As a fan of the mail order bride genre this one was quite unique because of the setting and the fact that the story takes place in the early 1700's. More than just another romance this book is filled with a bit of mystery, suspense,and plenty of page turning drama blended together with faith to make for a satisfying read.

A complimentary copy of this book was provided for review.