Book excerpt: An intriguing exploration into the maritime legend of a young witch and an English pirate, “a love story layered in truth, wrapped in a mystery” (Cape Cod Travel Guide Blog). Venture back to 1715, when a fifteen-year-old Cape Cod girl named Maria Hallett was seduced by a twenty-six-year-old Englishman named Samuel Bellamy. Bellamy soon left her to become one of the most infamous pirates of his day—Black Sam Bellamy. Maria remained on the Cape but was forced to live in solitude after giving birth to Bellamy’s child. Two years later, Bellamy returned to his love, and Maria watched from the dunes as his flagship, the Whydah, sank in the worst nor’easter in the history of the Cape. The legend of Maria Hallett has been passed down for over two hundred years, and Cape Cod writer Kathleen Brunelle brings a fresh breath of sea air to this epic tale in her search for Bellamy’s bride. “Brunelle delves into vital records, previous versions of the story, history, genealogy, and mythology, attempting to determine what is truth and what is embellishment. Read this fascinating study and decide for yourself.” —You’re History! “Brunelle has been through numerous sources and uses text and antique drawings to explore how the relationship might have unfolded as Bellamy trolled the waters off Cape Cod and Maria waited on shore for his return.” —Cape Cod Times