Cover Image: As the Tide Comes In

As the Tide Comes In

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Member Reviews

Cindy Woodsmall writes unbelievably good Amish fiction, but in this collaborative novel with Erin Woodsmall, she departs from the Amish and writes a compelling modern novel that resonates with the reader from the beginning of the book to the very last page. So let's start with the rating and then get to what's great about the book. This is a five star book, two thumbs up, and a great outdoor adventure.

Tara, Hadley, and Elliot all grew up in the same foster home, and now they share a home together when Tara gets a letter from her grandmother that changes her life. Patricia has been raising Tara's half brothers, but she's found out she's dying. She wants Tara to continue raising Sean and Darryl. She gives Tara her cabin and a sum of money she's saved up to cover expenses while the boys grow up.

After Darryl grew up, Tara and the boys planned a trip to St Simon's island off the coast of Georgia, but before they could leave, a tornado came through the area of the cabin and dropped a tree on the cabin. Tara survived, but the boys didn't.

The Woodsmalls wrote about the amnesia Tara suffered, the PTSS, and the healing she achieved by living on the island and her interactions with the Glynn girls. The authors have woven a touching novel that rivets the reader all the way through the book.

I appreciate Waterbrook Publishing for providing the galley through NetGalley.com I read. I am providing this review as my honest assessment of the book.

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This is the first book that I have read by Ms. Woodsmall. The story is set mainly on St. Simons Island. The main character is Tara, who is a strong young woman. After having a difficult childhood, she perseveres to make something of herself. Then, after some difficult turn of events, she finds herself in St. Simons Island, where she encounters the Glynn Girls and Gavin. With their help, she discovers what she has been missing. This was a beautiful story that came together with a great ending. Throughout the book, the reader is wondering what will happen next and is not sure of what might occur. I highly recommend reading this book! I do not believe you will be disappointed.
***I was given a free electronic copy of this book from the publisher. This is my honest opinion. Even though I received this copy free, this is my own opinion.

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This was a unique book. At first, it seemed far fetched but as the story fleshed out, I could see how it was all coming together. It was a very deep and significant read. Very highly recommended!

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Usually novels by Cindy Woodsmall quickly grab my attention, I instantly connect with the character and their situations and I can't put it down. Usually the author reveals the characters circumstances, there is some information as to how they got there and over time the back story gets filled in. This story made a couple of jumps that felt disjointed to me. I found it hard to re-connect afterwards because the leaps were made in a very short time. The second chapter began with this line, “12 years later.”

The novel had started out in 2005 where Tara receives a letter from her grandmother Patricia Banks. She wants Tara to visit next week to discuss family matters.

Later readers meet Gavin a firefighter whose mother is part of the Glynn Girls who are friends and business partners. They are in the middle of a move. Gavin is helping them get settled. It’s then he meets Tara on the beach. She looks lost and confused. He offers her help.

I felt that I didn’t have time to connect with and get to know Tara, her situation and the people around her before the first leap occurred. So, when the 12-year jump happened I didn’t re-connect even after the unmentionable happens. I felt like I missed out on so much. I think I would have felt and connected more if I could have experienced some intimate time with Tara, her room mates, her brothers and/or the grandmother before the leaps. Near the end of the story things came together and I found myself smiling and cheering for Tara.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”

Nora St. Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins! www.bookfun.org
The Book Club Network blog www.psalm516.blogspot.com
Book Fun Magazine https://tinyurl.com/y9lwbfrs
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Wow! This book with have you in tears right from the beginning. If I didn't live books by Cindy Woodsmall, I probably would have stopped readying after the tragedy happened. God makes all things work together for good and the author clearly portrays that in this outstanding novel.

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I was hooked on this book from the first page. After all the heartache Tara went through she never gave up. I would highly recommend this book. Thank you #NETGALLEY for the free copy, this review is my honest opinion.

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Going into this book I knew it was going to be something I wouldn't want to put down. From the very first chapter I was captivated by Tara Abbotts character, I related to her in more ways then I could imagine. This book took me on a journey of self discovery and knowing that regardless of a haunting past you can look forward and keep going leading yourself to a beautiful future.

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