I just reviewed Tidelands by Philippa Gregory. #NetGalley 

Tidelands by Philippa Gregory is set in England in the mid-1600s and begins on Sealsea Island on Midsummer’s Eve.  The book traces the issues that Alinor, a woman with different gifts, experiences in a world that is focused on male dominance. The back story of Alinor and her children by a n ’ere do well fisherman husband.  The husband blames his wife for all his problems and even accuses her of being a witch.  In these days being accused of being a witch, is something that often leads to death.  Oliver Cromwell and the Puritan revolt is an undercurrent as the “parliament” men and the “royalist” men compete miring the country in a civil war.  The upheaval apparent in politics and personal lives is a strong theme in the novel.  Alinor wants to do what is right for her children but her husband has disappeared while being at sea and it is unknown whether he is alive or dead. The possibility of love comes to Alinor, but the politics of the time prevent her from being open to her feelings. Alinor is a skilled herbalist and healer but these help give rise to the witchcraft allegations.  She must prove herself worthy and use her considerable skills to help her superstitious and jealous neighbors. A trial for the king; a witchcraft trial; an unattainable love; petty thievery--all are subplots running through the tidelands and the storyline.

The book is well written and fast-paced and is set in England during a time of upheaval and unrest.  This novel is different from the other Gregory novels in that it is primarily a story told about common people.  While royalty and nobility do make an appearance, the story of Alinor and her family and their trials and tribulations are the focus. The book is hard to put down and the end comes too soon.