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Category: Historical Fiction
Description: Determined to start a new life?Constanza Smythe leaves England and accepts a position as governess in the Colonies--only to capture the attention of two men. When she meets Edward Teache?on her voyage to the New World, the infamous pirate known as Blackbeard decides to do anything--legal or not--to make her his bride. Yet a firm hand pulls her to safety?when Blackbeard's ship wrecks near North Carolina's Outer Banks. Lucian Blackwell, a simple farmer, wants to love and protect Constanza. Will either win her heart? and can they protect the life of a child she's sworn to protect?
eBook Publisher: Highland Press, 2008 2008
eBookwise Release Date: September 2009

2 Reader Ratings:

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Available eBook Formats: OEBFF Format (IMP) [308 KB]
Words: 67089
Reading time: 191-268 min.

"Bride of Blackbeard is a compelling tale of sorrow, pain, love, and hate. With a cast of characters, each with their own trait, the story is hard to put down. From the moment I started reading about Constanza and her upbringing, I was torn. Each of the people she encounters on her journey has an experience to share, drawing in the reader more. Ms. Chapman sketches a story that tugs at the heartstrings. Her well-researched tale brings many things into light that this reader was not aware of. I believe many will be touched in some way by this extraordinary book that leaves much thought."--Cherokee, Coffee Time Romance

"BRIDE OF BLACKBEARD has it all..you'll instantly feel a part of the story as Constanza's character seems to come alive. You'll walk right beside her as she endured the sadness, pain and sorrow, of growing up, and you'll root for her, all through the healing process. BRIDE OF BLACKBEARD was hard to put down. The secondary characters, some you'll love to hate, some will steal your heart, just as Constaza and her siblings do. Ms. Chapman definitely has a winner, and you'll want to have the tissues handy, it tears at your heartstrings, and you'll love every minute of it! The setting is spot-on and as if time had turned back. You won't want to pass this one by, it's a must read, and one that should be on everyone's keeper-shelf."--Kimberly Leslie,Romance Junkies

"The Bride of Blackbeard by Brynn Chapman is what I refer to as a 'beefy' read. It's a romance sandwiched between historical facts and a personal growth story. Bride of Blackbeard contains many fascinating historical facts woven into the plot. This is not like reading a history book. The characters are engaging and the pacing is excellent."--Magnolia,Long and Short Reviews

"Brynn Chapman has crafted a story that is a tapestry of lore, legend, and fact. Bride of Blackbeard will leave you asking questions until the last page. Chapman's passion for research into the ailments, from the ordinary to the bizarre, drive this book forward and enhance already well-crafted characters. The heroine, Constanza, is exactly as the author shows: unique, unconventional and a champion for rejected and lonely. Hero Lucian is a refreshing mix of vulnerability and strength. And tiny Meg has a bit of us all in her. At some point we all feel as she has--alone, with our only recourse to lock ourselves away in a world all our own and hope someone will listen. Chapman's medical background definitely adds to this book, and the author notes at the end were a definite plus. Bride of Blackbeard made me concerned for the characters and curious to learn more about the pirate himself. For this reader that is a mark of good fiction."--Jennifer Linforth, Author MADRIGAL: A novel of Gaston Leroux's The Phantom of the Opera,

Pilot flipped his head in the air in protest as Stanzy mounted him in the dim morning light. She adjusted herself in the saddle as he performed a skitterish dance, expressing his dislike at having to leave his barn at four thirty in the morning.

She couldn't sleep. The encounter with Edward Teache the evening before at the schoolhouse had made her realize how terribly vulnerable she was on the plantation. Teache was free to roam unchecked about the land, nay even encouraged to do so by her employer. She felt the rogue could be behind any tree or building on the property.

No doubt, she could depend on Lucian to come to her aid in a heartbeat, but she was also aware that every day, from sunup to sundown, he was miles away in the fields. Far out of earshot of any cries for help.

I am going to conceal a weapon on my person every day. The lecher could show up anytime he has a mind to ... with that witless employer of mine.

"Come on, Pilot," she nudged. The horse quickened his gallop.

Momentarily closing her eyes as the wind blew across her face, she savored the feeling of sitting atop the magnificent, powerful creature as he pelted forward. Weaving him along the stone walls that outlined the manor's property, the labyrinth of rocks reminded her of her mother's homeland--Ireland.

She wondered if the architect of these walls had called Ireland his native land as well. From childhood she'd been raised on Irish folklore and tales. Her mother hadn't been a stupid woman. On the other hand, her grandmother had more than likely been insane, not just exceedingly peculiar.

Alone, perched on top of Pilot, seemed to be another way she could think clearly. She was perpetually surrounded by children, or other hired hands. Her mind was in need of solitude. Something vexed her, some-thing keeping her from enjoying the happiness of her new marriage. The dubious problem pricked her conscience like a thorn on a rosebush. She tried to deny the source of the anxiety, but it was time to face it.

Contained in a portion of the letter from Teache that she'd destroyed after reading it was: "Ye will be wantin' to accept me offer, for as ye are probably aware, there be curses that happen on women who refuse a pirate's offer to wed. And I be likin' ye too much to hand ye that fate."

This was a ridiculous notion, she well knew, and her scientific brain, inherited undoubtedly from her father, scoffed every time the concept entered her conscious thoughts. However, her feelings kept nagging at her, and a sense of dread drenched her heart as she mulled the pirate's words over and over in her head. She had to get control of her mind.

You are being as daft as your grandmother. Stop it you fool! You finally have some happiness, just accept it graciously.