I’ve confessed my love of Southern fiction to you many times before. While I enjoy books of all genres, from mystery to classic to theological, I do like a Southern story well told. The Pirate Queen is one such story. In this novel, Patricia Hickman evokes the Southern sensibility through her choice of setting and in her use of beloved Southern icons, Southern Living magazine for example. However, the real strength of The Pirate Queen lies not with its location nor its regional idiosyncrasies. The Pirate Queen is a beautiful, moving story of love and commitment:
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?
Okay, true confessions: I had tears in my eyes a couple of times while reading The Pirate Queen. Hickman writes with honesty and tenderness about the nature of regret and second chances, and while there was one coincidence that seemed a little too convenient, on the whole this is a thoroughly enjoyable, deeply moving, beautifully written story that I highly recommend. Read it if you like a Southern story well told. Read it especially if you like any story well told.
We have a copy to give away to one of you (U.S. shipping addresses only). Please leave a comment if you’d like to be entered to win. We’ll announce the winner on August 11.
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Wife and mother, Bible teacher and blogger, Lisa loves Jesus, coffee, dark chocolate and, of course, books. Read more of her reflections at Lisa writes…. Lisa thanks Waterbrook Multnomah publishers for providing the review and giveaway copy of The Pirate Queen.
Jenna says
Looks like a great read!
edj says
Looks good! Yes, please!
B. Nabors says
Being born, raised and still living in Georgia I love a good Southern book. Thank you so much for sharing. I hadn’t heard of The Pirate Queen, but it’s on my to-read list now!
Letina Kelly says
Very good review. I met Patricia Hickman and heard her personal stories at a ladies night at a local church. She is a wonderful storyteller. I can’t wait for this book to add to my collection.
Petula says
That really sounds like a good read. It’s just like something to come up when a woman decides to do something for herself. 🙂 Well, I know it’s deeper than that so I hope I get a chance to read it soon. (pick me, pick me! LOL)
Alison S. says
This book looks interesting.
Diana L Flowers says
I have heard alot of good things about this book and would love to win a copy!
Merry says
Something about the Pirate Queen tugs at my heart, I’d love to win it. Thanks!
Alana says
This looks like a fantastic read! I love southern fiction.
Sarah says
It looks like a very good read:) Thanks for the chance to win!
Sheri says
I’m a Georgia girl that loves Southern fiction – this sounds like a great read! Thanks for a chance at the giveaway!
Marj M. says
A good story is always well appreciated. I’d like to be counted in.
Benita G. says
Sounds great! Please count me in.
bgcchs(at)yahoo(dot)com
Angel H. says
Looks interesting
Linda Kish says
This sounds really good.
lkish77123 at gmail dot com
Kate says
Looks like a great book. Please enter me!
Michelle says
Sounds like a great book!
Wendy M says
Sounds like a wonderful book.
wmmahaney(at)att(dot)net
Ruthie Bloszinsky says
I live in NC & know exactly where she is talking about. I would love to read this.
[email protected]
Rita says
Sounds like a good read!
Or do you make everything sound appealing? 😉
Francine Anchondo says
Thanks for the giveaway.
Barbara H. says
I’d love to be entered, thanks!
Katie Schroeder says
Sounds wonderful! would give me the opportunity to feel like a Southern girl even out here in the west!
karenk says
thanks for the opporunity to read this fabulous novel 🙂
katklaw777 says
Looks like a winner, thanks.
Upstatemomof3 says
I would love to read this!! It sounds awesome!
Jen W. says
Sounds like a great summer read! I’m in-
ibeeeg says
I am very curious and intrigued about this read.
Please enter me in the giveaway…thanks.
Some Lucky Dog says
I’ll be adding this one to my list if I don’t win, sounds great!
Just Mom says
Southern fiction is my favorite too, please enter me.
Carolyn says
Sounds great!
enyl says
The Pirate Queen has the most important element that I look for when selecting books for my book club, meaningful messages.
enyl(at)inbox(dot)come
Julia says
I would love to read this one as a fan of southern and Christian fiction.
Holly says
I’d love to win this one. It sounds terrific.
Carol Wong says
At first, I was turned off by the title but after your review, I really want to read this book.
[email protected]
Barb says
Perfect summer reading for my end-of-summer week off!
Barb says
Hey! Thanks! I was quite surprised to get your note this morning. I’m really looking forward to reading it. 🙂
Barb says
Thought you might be interested in my own review of the book. Also, since I was lucky enough to receive two copies, I am giving one away. Enter here:
http://1sentencediary.wordpress.com/2010/09/03/book-review-the-pirate-queen-a-giveaway/
aimymichelle says
would love to win it!
Beth C says
Please enter me for this good book. Thanks!
Karen says
This sounds like a great book to read.
Carol says
I want to read this book. For sure!