Take a trip to North Carolina’s Outer Banks in Lisa Carter’s A Vast and Gracious Tide! With characters in need of healing and mysteries in need of solving, it’s a story with more ups and downs than the ocean waves crashing upon the island shores.

McKenna Dockery stumbles upon Caden Wallis, wounded in body and soul, on the beach and cannot resist her natural instinct to rescue him. Their connection is undeniable from the start, but his arrival suspiciously coincides with occurrences of murder and arson—with the threat of danger at every turn, the two must question who can truly be trusted.

"Don't listen to the fear. Never lose your dreams. Once you do, you might as well be dead."

I enjoyed A Vast and Gracious Tide so much. Every time I opened up the book to keep reading, I couldn’t help the smile that ended up on my face. I just fell in love with McKenna and Caden and kept rooting for them through their struggles, doubts, and dangerous interactions. Sure, Caden’s growth (or lack thereof) frustrated me many times, and I disliked McKenna’s indecision in her love triangle (even though her actions and responses make sense within context), but I cared about these characters and wanted the best for them, of course. Theirs is a fun, uplifting, sweet story to read.

So, if you’re looking for a contemporary book to read, full of mystery and romance, I recommend A Vast and Gracious Tide. It’s a good one—and perfect to take to the beach with you, too!

There's just something about romantic suspense novels that keep me coming back for more. I am always on the lookout for a new author to enjoy in this genre, and I have definitely found one here. Lisa Carter is a fantastic writer who pulls who into the story line immediately. I'm going to be completely honest - I instantly liked Caden. I felt bad for him really, so it was more of a sympathy liking. But somewhere in the story he changed my mind about him. I started getting annoyed with him actually in the way he did things and handled things. Then near the end, we were back on good terms. I have to say that usually I like the hero from beginning to end, but I actually enjoyed this back and forth with Caden. To be honest, it kept me hooked into the story more to see if he was going to become the person I wanted him to be from the beginning.

The Outer Banks was the perfect setting for this suspenseful story. I typically hear about love stories set in the Outer Banks, so this was a welcome change for such a familiar setting. Lisa Carter kept the story line alive the whole time, adding powerful punches here and there just to make things interesting. I will say that it was no surprise who the true villain was, and I would have like there to have been some twist in the end about that. However, it did not stop me from enjoying the book and getting to know Caden and McKenna better! I think romantic suspense fans will fall in the love with the story.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I discovered Lisa Carter’s books several years ago and have since made it a point not to miss her latest. I was blessed to have the opportunity to read and review a copy of A Vast and Gracious Tide for JustRead Publicity but would have definitely purchased a copy otherwise.

The setting and plot may be different than the previous novels but I can guarantee that the suspense and romance are still top notch with plenty of twists and surprises in store for the reader. In this wonderful story both McKenna and Caden are dealing with the loss in their lives in different ways. A chance meeting brings the pair together in ways that will change their own lives and that of others forever.

At times heartbreaking, the story eventually leads to hope and restoration for its characters. I liked how the author managed to convey the despair and hopelessness often experienced by our veterans of war. We lose too many of these young men to suicide yet so many are unaware of their desperation. I also loved how the words of the much loved song Here is Love were woven throughout this powerful story of the power of Christ to restore broken lives.

The book opens with a map of the Outer Banks. You know you’re in for a wild ride when a map is deemed necessary. The initial scenes we’re given in the prologue aren’t full of ocean waves, but of pain and fear. Caden carries haunting memories with his daily struggle with “a living death,” as he calls it. Hearbreaking! It’s lovely how a quilt can soothe even the sharpest nerves. I adored “Beach Girl” McKenna. Her perky moods might annoy some readers, but I found her to be irresistible.

A Vast and Gracious Tide is pretty heavy-handed on the God stuff. I like books that incorporate faith and healing right into the story, and this one does that. It doesn’t gloss over the pain of life, but it does offer an alternative to walking around in a thundercloud all the time. I enjoyed the romance and suspense of this story, and look forward to reading more by Lisa Carter.

4 1/2
Sergeant First Class Caden Wallis has had about all one man can take. He’s not only lost his leg and some close friends but now his girlfriend left him. While recuperating at the Army hospital he receives a quilt that helps him through the difficult times. Now he’s determined to return the quilt to the women who made it and thank her, so he heads for the Outer Banks. There he runs into McKenna Dockery and realizes she’s the maker of the quilt. He’s surprised to find that she’s around his age. McKenna originally made the quilt for her future husband but when he was killed, she decided to mail it to the military hospital. McKenna sees the deep emotional pain that Caden is experiencing and tries to help, but Caden is about as surly as they come. While heading for the beach one day, they come across a man who was murdered; the cook at McKenna’s family restaurant. That’s only the beginning of many things that will rock the tranquility of Hatteras Island. Caden and McKenna must work together to find the truth and unravel a tangled web that dates back to the second world war.


Wow, I devoured this book in one sitting! From beginning to end I was held captive by both the suspense and the dialog between Caden and McKenna. I have to admit that I thoroughly enjoyed McKenna. I wish I could be more like her in many ways. She was such a sweet spirit who genuinely loved those around her. Her personality just made me smile. One thing that did drive me nuts was her constant wavering between Caden and Bryce. Caden was hard to like in the beginning because he was so surly. You understand why but it kinda got frustrating. That being said, it was McKenna’s interaction with him that I enjoyed the most. The way she was with him, the way she encouraged him, it was so up-lifting. The dialog was well done! There was lots of action and suspense but was nicely balanced with some funny moments and cute sayings sprinkled throughout. I was encouraged to see how the faith that McKenna and her family had, and the way they dealt with Caden, made a difference in his life. We all hope to be that for someone in our lives. And I must say, the cover of the book is gorgeous. A Vast and Gracious Tide is headed for my keeper shelf!

*This complimentary copy was provided by Gilead Publishing through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*

Some favorite quotes:

But Jesus was here. Jesus was, as Granddad had told her, wherever she was. Even in the fathomless depths of the ocean blue.

Earline hip-bumped McKenna. “Sweet tea and hush my mouth. That boy looks at you like you’re a bowl of ice cream on a hot July day and he’d like to eat you with a spoon.”

“If the butter doesn’t just melt in your mouth. That charm of yours will either be your making or your undoing.”

For more information about this book or other books by Lisa Carter I encourage you to visit her website at http://www.lisacarterauthor.com.

This book is a good romance mixed with mystery. It was inspirational and emotional. I have found a new author to follow.

A Vast and Gracious Tide by Lisa Carter

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

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Story Notes

Lisa Carter offers to her readers a story that is both quiet in its lessons and explosive in its action – this story will be one readers will love to enjoy.

I love that being a blogger brings me into contact with all kinds of writers I’ve never heard of or read before. This story comes from just such a writer and I’m thrilled I’ve been introduced to her. I loved the way she began her story with two very broken people and formed for them a plot that would grow them in their faith, their love and their trust in God. Caden Wallis is newly discharge Army sergeant who lost half his leg and half his team in Afghanistan. He is beyond angry at his circumstances and only has one goal before he ends his life – to return a quilt that brought him comfort to its maker, M. Dockery. As he travels to the Outer Banks of North Carolina, his depression deepens and his resolve to remove himself from his terrible life increases, until he meets “Beach Girl”, McKenna Dockery. McKenna has been enduring life for 3 years since her fiance died. While she loves her family, her job and her home, that piece of her that was lost when Shawn was killed still aches with the pain of what might have been. But she has made a resolve to move on, if she can just figure out how to do that. An injured Loggerhead turtle brings Caden and McKenna together, and her non-pity way of looking at and talking to him has Caden somewhat intrigued. And when he learns that she is the M. Dockery he has been searching for, his interest is further peaked. But his anger quickly comes back when McKenna calls him on his lack of respect for the life God gave him. Add to this the mistrust of McKenna’s dad Walt and her good friend Bryce, and Caden is not sure which way to turn. McKenna removes part of his worries by suggesting he stay with them and do some repair work at her home and the family diner. But others are not so quick to give him welcome, especially with drug running through the Outer Banks on the rise. As Caden remains in Tuckahoe to help out his new friends, he will find himself caught up in way more than he bargained for. Not only does his attraction to McKenna grow with every day, the many “accidents” that seem to plague the Dockery family grow as well. But until they can figure out who the culprits are after and why, Caden is going to stick very close to McKenna. God will use Caden’s time in Tuckahoe to change his life, reminding him that he was created for a purpose and the loss of a limb does not mean the loss of his dreams. Figuring out who is behind all the crime growth will give both McKenna and Caden the chance to come together, but if they are to have a future they will have to lay aside the hurts of the past and embrace the new life before them. I really enjoyed reading this book for several reasons, the most obvious of which is that it took place near the ocean. My family spends three glorious weeks at the beach every year and it is very hard for me to leave when that time is up. So to have chosen the beautiful Outer Banks/Hatteras area of North Carolina just ensured that I would love the setting of the story. But further, I enjoyed reading a story about a wounded Army veteran who returned from war with more than just physical injuries. The massive damage to his emotional and spiritual state was more grievous than any of his physical injuries. Ms. Carter did a wonderful job illustrating the incredible power of God to heal the whole person, inside and out, and how He is able to renew the dreams we may have thought lost. As Caden grew stronger physically, McKenna challenged him to grow his emotions beyond anger and his spirit beyond feeling abandoned. These challenges would serve to build Caden into a man with purpose and strength greater than he believed himself capable. McKenna too, would find herself challenged to place her faith in love again and trust that God would work things out for her good. She also had to learn to accept help when the threats to her safety move beyond her ability to handle. How good it was to see these two characters grow alongside each other. The added bonus of a good romance between Caden and McKenna was another reason to love this book. Ms. Carter did not make the road to love smooth or easy for these two and I appreciated this approach. It was much more real for them to walk through a time of mistrust and hurt before finding hope and forgiveness in love as this is very like how most couples walk the road of love. It was also a good example of the relationship most of us will have with God. Until we have grown into more mature Christians, we often feel God is unnecessarily distant or harsh with us, never realizing until later He is molding us through circumstances into better and wiser persons. Thank you Ms. Carter, for bringing the challenges of faith and love wrapped in a wonderful story of home, hope and forgiveness. I greatly look forward to reading more from this author and will be purchasing a hard copy of this book for my shelves. I will also highly recommend this book to others as they will hopefully find it as enjoyable as I did. Well done!!

I received this E-book free of charge from Gilead Publishing via NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review. I will receive no fiscal compensation from Gilead Publishing and the opinions expressed herein are entirely my own.

A page turner from the very beginning.
I liked the courage and determination of these characters.
Sometimes it is hard to adjust to charge especially if it is life altering!!
I especially loved the mystery that was included and boy, was I surprised at the end!! I certainly wasn't expecting that!!
I wanted to read this book because I loved the cover. It's beautiful!!
I enjoyed making friends with people in this book!!
I wanted to slap the main man to open up what was right in front of him!! Some people!!
Is it me? Or is it just men in general that are hardheaded!
The way the author has written this made me feel like I could actually hear the ocean.
I would reread this again in the near future because I enjoyed it Th is much!!!
Thank you Gilead publishing and Netgalley. All opinions are my own

Caden Wallis has suffered several devastating blows that have left him reeling. He’s lost friends and now his girlfriend to the ravages of war. He arrives on the Outer Banks for one final mission—to thank the woman who sent him a quilt while he was recuperating from his wounds at Walter Reed Army Hospital.

McKenna Dockery knows all about loss. She lost her mother at a young age, and her father has never been the same since he came home from his own war. She juggles the family business, her ailing father, and an aging grandmother. Much to Caden’s surprise, she is the quilter—not sTome elderly lady. The quilt was something she’d begun for her future husband but shipped to the military hospital after the tragic death of her fiancé.

When a man is found snared in a net and murdered on McKenna’s property, she and Caden must work together to bring the killer to justice. Each must learn to trust the other, or no one will be safe in the tangled web of conspiracy, greed, and deceit lurking in the tidal marshlands of the Outer Banks. A nor’easter, a sea turtle named Cecil, and a surf-crazy hound named Ginger conspire to bring these two searching hearts together through the vast and gracious tide of God’s love.

McKenna and Caden are both struggling with loss. McKenna the loss of her fiance and Caden the loss of his leg and his fiances rejection. Cade's solution will be very final. McKenna is just living one day at a time. The book was very enlightening about the effects of life altering changes and how the public react and how that effects the person it happened to. This was a very good story about love and redemption. I highly recommend it. I have never read a book by Lisa Carter. I look forward to reading her next one.

I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I was not compensated in any way.

This is a Christian romantic suspense that has everything that I like in a Christian romantic suspense-lots of action, great scenery and cast of characters, romantic tension and a mystery to solve, including murder. Set in the Outer Banks of North Carolina, we can envision the small town life that includes the ocean, surf and sand, breezes and the Cape Hatteras lighthouse. It has history that includes Blackbeard and Ocracoke Island as well as history that goes back to World War II and the Germans that were in the waters off the mainland. What does all the history have to with this story?
Caden Wallis lost a leg in Afghanistan along with his CO and his K-9 partner and a girlfriend, not interested in a cripple. He grew up in the foster system and never really felt loved. The Army meant everything to him. The only thing that he has left to live for- to return a quilt he received in Walter Reed Hospital to the person who made it-M. Dockery in Tuckahoe, NC. After that, he wants to die.
McKenna Dockery has worked in the family restaurant since her grandmother's hip surgery. She formerly was in a dance troupe. She was also engaged but her Navy fiance died in wreck a week before the wedding. When she stumbles upon Caden on the beach, she knew that he was on a bad tract and needed help. She takes him under her wing, against his wishes but when he is accused of murder and her grandmother hires an attorney, he has no choice but to work at the restaurant to make money to pay back Grandmother Lovey.
Someone is setting fires in the small town and killing people and it all appears to be tied to drugs or something illegal. Her police chief father Walt and her friend Bryce are kept busy investigating. As the danger gets close, Caden gets close to McKenna and other locals and does his best to keep an eye on McKenna and family. Bryce and Caden come to blows again and again. Bryce has an attachment to McKenna beyond friendship and Caden is too close.
This story is a great action packed mystery that goes beyond the danger, fires and murder and delves into faith-seeing ourselves as Christ does-worthy of His love and depending on Him.
I received a complimentary copy from Gilead Publishing through NetGalley and all opinions stated are mine only.

I love the characters in this book. I love that they seem so real and that the author used real everyday problems and how they were able to work thru them. I love the mystery trying to figure out who did it. Unexpected ending . I recommend to all my friends

A Vast And Gracious Tide is a story of a life saved. McKenna has looked death in the eyes twice - can you believe that? but - now believe this - it happened all in one day. Now what would you do if that happened to you? well she - - - - I can't spoil it for you but I will tell you that she did have an encounter with Caden and for Caden was it a good thing of a bad thing? Well that too you have to find out for yourself what happened and believe you me, you definitely want to find out what happened how does GOD fit in Well, that is what you have to find out for yourselves but HE of course - is detrimental to the whole story.

I was fortunate to receive this novel as an Advance Reader Copy, in exchange for an objective review.

McKenna Dockery is a young woman living the “Banker’s’ way of life in Tuckahoe, on the Outer Banks of North Carolina. Devastated by the death of her Navy fiancé three years ago, she assists her family in he running of the family business, the Skipjacks. She spends her off time visiting the nearby Island Yaupon, in search of sea glass and other treasures.

Caden Wallis is a war veteran, who was greviously injured on a mission in Afghanistan, that also killed members of his team. Physically recovered, but emotionally, still hopeless in his pain, he seeks to return a quilt that he was given during his recovery, before he takes his own life. The quilt, resembling ocean waves, was a source of solace for him, and he feels compelled to return it. Arriving on the late ferry to Hatteras Island, Caden sleeps on the beach for the night, and he and McKenna discover one another the next morning. McKenna immediately takes him under her wing, invites him for breakfast and shortly thereafter discovers that he has the quilt she had once crafted for her dead fiancé, Shawn.

Meanwhile, the drug trade appears to have come to the Outer Banks and McKenna’s father, Tuckahoe Chief of Police has his hands full. A body is found washed ashore, and Caden is the immediate suspect, and only McKenna can provide his alibi. As McKenna and Caden fight their attraction, the “Banker’s deal with more crime and a different man sets his sights on McKenna…

I originally chose this book to read because of the setting – the Outer Banks are one of my most favorite places on Earth. However, one chapter in and I could NOT put it down. The characters are so rich, and the dialogue so well crafter that one can’t help but fall in love with the characters as they fall in love with one another. Caden’s past also reflects much of what our homeless veterans have experienced, and helps to shed some light on this misunderstood population. All around a fabulous read, and one I highly recommend!! Have tissues on hand…

This is the first book I’ve read by Lisa Carter and I’ve found another wonderful romantic suspense author (one of my favorite genres)! A Vast and Gracious Tide is a well-written novel with a nicely planned suspense plot, layered and multidimensional characters who are engaging and lovable, and a touching yet realistic thread of hope, faith, grace and forgiveness found in God. Anyone who enjoys contemporary romantic suspense will love this book.

Caden is a broken war veteran who has hit the bottom of life. He’s emotionally, physically, and spiritually battered yet is still full of integrity, commitment, honor, and loyalty. When he meets McKenna, he’s ready to throw in the towel but McKenna’s kindness, gentleness, goodness, generosity and unending faith in him pulls him back into this world and helps him see who he really is. There is fantastic dialogue between Caden and McKenna; their friendship and romance is slow, fraught with grief and guilt and delicious tension, and oh-so-satisfying when they both realize what they have with each other.

The story addresses several difficult issues, especially concerning our veterans. The suspense component and the mystery with whom the villain is are good but takes a backseat as the characterization and development of Caden and McKenna’s relationship takes front stage in the story.

I can’t wait to read more of Lisa Carter’s books!
I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher through JustReads Publicity Tours and was not obligated to post a review. All opinions expressed are solely my own and subjective.

I went into this book expecting more mystery and less romance. The book is more of a romance with a bit of a mystery so that wasn’t really a great fit for me. Although I’m not a big romance fan I still enjoyed most of the book. The author did a great job developing the story line and the book was well written. I felt like the author did a really good job dealing with the topic of a wounded vet and PTSD. What was missing, besides a good mystery, was some of the character development. There was also a little bit of instant love happening and while in some books I find that works, in this one it didn’t. If you’re looking for a romance with a bit of suspense then this one might be a good fit.

The author has given a story of survival, although there are times when we wonder who will.
A loss of a mother, a fiancé, a comrade, and a canine hero, and more, and the ravages of war bring us to Hatteras Island, a historical suspense that will keep you page turning.
While the story takes place in the present day we are transported back to WWII, and previously unknown facts are presented.
A very interesting story with a bit of romance, and then we are thrown into some murder mystery, along with finding out whom you can really trust.
Loved how the findings worked out for the betterment of all, and you won’t be able to leave this one!

I received this book through Just Read Book Tours, and was not required to give a positive review.

A Vast and Gracious Tide
by Lisa Carter
Gilead Publishing

Christian , Mystery & Thrillers
Pub Date 12 Jun 2018



I am reviewing a copy of A Vast and Gracious Tide through Gilead Publishing and Netgalley:


Caden Wallis is a wounded veteran who lost his leg, his friends and his girlfriend to war. When he arrives arrives on the outer banks he's broken and reeling over all he had lost. He finds himself struggling to make peace with it all.


McKeena Dockery lost her fiancé three years ago, and she's been stuck in a sort of limbo ever since then. When handsome but heartbroken Caden arrives she starts to wonder if there is hope for her heart.


Right after they meet a man is found murdered on McKeena's property and Caden has become the prime suspect . The two find themselves having to trust each other , or no one will be safe.


I give A Vast and Gracious Tide five out of five stars!


Happy Reading!

A Vast and Gracious Tide by Lisa Cox Carter


A murder saved his life…

Caden had lost his leg in Afghanistan, lost his best friend to the same IED, lost his girlfriend as a result of his “deformity”, lost his ability to serve in the Army, lost his purpose in life, lost his hope. He had everything figured out and was on his way to drown the ocean of misery that was his existence in the waves of the sea.

As you can imagine, Caden underwent a significant spiritual journey and a complete change of mind about his life. His transformation from the gaunt (both physically and especially spiritually and mentally), hopeless man to one with purpose and, most importantly, a relationship with God unfolded in a most natural and beautiful way in this story.

A Vast and Gracious Tide is such a rich story, containing just the right mix of mystery, suspense, action, romance, spiritual lessons and even a touch of humor. It was so well written and was certainly a page-turner. The setting of the Outer Banks in North Carolina allowed for the plot elements of sunken ships and unauthorized entry into the country of undesirable elements and substances.

I loved the way McKenna seemed to instinctively know to allow Caden to do things for himself and not treat him like a cripple. Even from the very beginning, she didn’t try to help him up from the sand or coddle him in any way. They alternately fought and capitulated to the strong attraction between them, each one fearful of being hurt.

Though I had a premonition about who was responsible for the crimes around the island, the hints were quite subtle. There were details that I would never have dreamed up, which of course, made the story much better than if it was predictable.

Here are a few more of the things I really liked about the story:

McKenna’s grandmother, Lovely, calling Caden “Dear Heart” – for some reason this touched me greatly
The scene where he had to go to a beauty shop to get his hair cut – gasp!
Sea turtle rescue
The quilt that brought them together
McKenna dancing
Learning WWII history in the Outer Banks


This review was originally posted on AmongTheReads.net.

Get a preview of A Vast and Gracious Tide at amongTheReads.net


I would like to thank Gilead Publishing, Just Read Publicity Tours for giving me this copy of the book. This gift did not influence my opinion or review.

A Vast and Gracious Tide is a great inspirational mystery romance. Loved the plot, characters and. Lisa Carter is a new author to me and I certainly enjoyed her writing. I highly recommend this book.

This has been a great story to read. The author delivers a great cast of characters with intense drama and intrigue. I loved Caden right away. He has a lot to deal with since his accident while serving his country. His adjustment to a prosthetic leg has really been hard on him. He finds himself on Hatteras Island with a mission to complete. What does he need to give to someone?

McKenna is a person everyone loves. She has a big heart and is always rescuing animals and sometimes people. I loved how she reached out to Caden and helped him find a place to belong even if it's for a short period. He is determined to do what he set out to do and then leave. But where would he go? The author makes Hatteras sound like a picturesque place that I would love to visit.

The story takes on a mystery when bodies start piling up and drugs are being smuggled into the area. I wasn't surprised that Caden would be the first suspect. After all he is new to the community and there happens to be a certain person who wants him gone. I loved how the author talked about several issues that veterans have. PTSD is not easy to cope with and I liked how the author brought attention to it in the story. Caden's childhood was another interesting part of the story. I know what it's like to not have parents who love you and my heart went out to Caden. He is guarded with his emotions at times and that causes tension between him and McKenna.

The action heats up when buildings start burning in the town. Danger is just around the corner for McKenna when her life is in danger. Can Caden save her in time? Who is behind all this chaos going on in town? I am very pleased with the author's ability to write with such depth and intrigue. I was kept on my toes and couldn't wait to see what would happen next. I loved watching Caden start to trust people and believe that he has a purpose in life.

The excitement builds when something from a different era brings danger to the town. What happens when rumors of a submarine from the 1940s start circulating in the town? Is there treasure on the submarine worth killing for? This is a powerful story about trust, redemption, self worth and love. The ending is wonderful and one you won't forget. We all belong somewhere but sometimes we have to let go of the past, to find our future.

" You have to grieve what you lost before you can embrace what you still have left."


I received a copy of this book from Gilead Publishing. The review is my own opinion.