Pirate Queen review

I'm somewhat of a nerd, I think, because I ordered this book without thoroughly reading the back cover copy first. I had heard a lot about it through word of mouth and Facebook and thought I should read it. I naively thought via the cover and title that this was actually about pirates or a historical of sorts.

Whoops.

This is most definitely a non-historical, non-pirate novel. It's a contemporary women's fiction story by Patricia Hickman.

Here's the blurb I should have read before requesting =P

Treasure is found in the most unlikely places. The envy of all her friends, wife and mother Saphora Warren is the model of southern gentility and accomplishment. She lives in a beautiful Lake Norman home, and has raised three capable adult children. Her husband is a successful plastic surgeon--and a philanderer. It is for that reason that, after hosting a garden party for Southern Living magazine, Saphora packs her bags to escape the trappings of the picturesque-but-vacant life. Saphora’s departure is interrupted by her husband Bender’s early arrival home, and his words that change her life forever: I’m dying. Against her desires, Saphora agrees to take care of Bender as he fights his illness. They relocate, at his insistance, to their coastal home in Oriental—the same house she had chosen for her private getaway. When her idyllic retreat is overrun by her grown children, grandchildren, townspeople, relatives, and a precocious neighbor child, Saphora’s escape to paradise is anything but the life she had imagined. As she gropes for evidence of God's presence amid the turmoil, can she discover that the richest treasures come in surprising packages?

I have to admit, this book isn't a light or fun read especially at first. It's actually borderline depressing for someone like me who rather enjoys reading for entertainment and escape. If you're the type to get too attached to characters or allow a "down" book to drag you down in real life, I don't recommend it. Don't get me wrong, the writing is fabulous and the heart of the story sincere, it's just not going to be for everyone. But if you enjoy a good soul searching and a tear jerked, this could be for you!!

Despite my personal distance from this novel, I do give Patricia many kudos for her relatable characters that are so honest and raw. She will make you think - and feel - for sure!

I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.