". . . life would surprise us with important choices, and our true character would emerge in how we responded." (76)

There's something to love about a story that not only entertains, but captivates. Add in the learning factor, it's a winner. Suzanne Woods Fisher's On a Summer Tide presents a beautiful scenery in its settings, but also a perfect place to bring together an emotionally divided family. As new challenges await, so does new realization for the heart and soul.

"Our souls aren't a matter of commerce, we're a matter of faith. . . it's okay to start with a small faith. We've got a big God . . . (and) walking with God is, well, it's just the best thing we've got going for us." (219, 220, 273 - "and" is a personal emphasis & arrangement)

It took about three chapters to really get into the story premise and start to understand and resonate with each of the main characters of this series. Personally, stories with sisters - the different characters and development of each, and how they come together in understanding and love is a strong pull. I'm happy to see a strong start in this first book of the Three Sisters Island series, and despite not having a particularly strong conflict, there were subtleties of personal issues woven throughout. With that, a thread of faith and familial love that bound and strengthen as the story progress. In all, On a Summer Tide is charming and delightful with sweet romance, a cute child and his "village" of family and friends, and the love of a father for his three daughters.

"It's easy to forget to look up and notice all that's going on around you. . . life is (was) full of simple miracles, if you just open(ed) your eyes to them." (155, 75 - personal arrangement (original text) )


Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher. I was not required to write a positive review, and have not been compensated for this. This is my honest opinion.

This is an incredible look at bonds between sisters.

The characters in this book are fantastic. They are all incredibly well developed and as varied as you will find in any group of people that you find in your own life. A number of the residents on Three Sisters Island when the Grayson family arrive have very differing quirks that kept me smiling at their antics.

As the story progresses we quickly find that the three sisters are so set in their own way of living that they each believe that they have all the answers as to how things should be handled. This naturally has created huge rifts between them. I thoroughly enjoyed following their interactions and seeing how they grew and learned to build bridges back together.

At the same time all of the Graysons are having to figure out how to be accepted by the islanders who don’t like outsiders. The problems that they encounter added another layer of interest for me.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. I was not required to give a positive review. All of the opinions expressed are my own.

This was a wonderful beginning for a series. I did not want to put this book down. I loved all 3 sisters and their father. This story shows how different every person is even within a family. This family grows every day that they are on this island. I look forward to reading the next book in the series. I received a copy of this book from Revell for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.

Usually when I pick up a book by Suzanne Woods Fisher, I expect an Amish tale. However, she has departed from that genre to go into contemporary women's fiction with her newest book--On a Summer Tide. Romance plays such a back-seat role in this book, I don't believes it fits within that genre.

Three girls--sisters--are concerned about their father's health. He has sold their childhood home and bought an island where the family used to vacation. When he tells his daughters what he has done, they descend on him in masse--Cam along with her adopted son, Cooper; Maddie; and Blaine. Cooper has just been expelled from a very expensive, private school because he is a bit too high maintenance for the teacher. Maddie has just finished her training as a counselor, but hasn't found a job yet, and Blaine has been asked to leave the junior college she has been attending for the last five years.

Of the three girls, Cam can see her father's dream best, and she can see what it will take to make it happen. Maddie and Blaine can take Cam's plan and see it through. Blaine has also found a passion for her life--baking at the Lunch Counter in town. She has loved baking since before her mother passed away. Since she has been baking for Peg, she is feeling like she's getting a bit of her mother back.

Suzanne has worked in a bit of a mystery on the island--there are no lobsters around the island and no one knows where they have gone. The mystery adds a bit of compelling interest to the book and keeps the reader involved in all parts of the island life.

This is a five-star book, with two thumbs up, an unconventional teacher, and a well-baked scone.

Revell and NetGalley.com provided the galley I was allowed to read for review.

Who doesn't enjoy a good, clean, romantic beach read about someone who is forced to slow down and get out of her box to do something different. And then shock of all shocks she finds out she likes what she fought against and oh yeah, there's a handsome man involved. This book follows a formula that has been done many times before, so if you are looking for something new or groundbreaking, this isn't it. But If you want an easy read with a good ending, perfect for that summer time beach read, this is your book!

"On a Summer Tide" by Suzanne Woods Fisher
Clean, Heartbreaking, Soul restoring, Happy, Love and Faith, they are all here in this story. Yes it took me a few chapters to get truly into this story... so very glad a kept reading one more chapter. Page one is the Cast of Characters... and each plays a very important role in the story.. The story would make an excellent Book Club selection... and even has some handy discussion question at the very end... and just before the very end... the recipe for one of the dessert item mentioned in the story. I heard about this story and requested an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley.. and I was lucky enough to be rewarded with this read. I fell madly in love with the good guys in this story and thoroughly enjoyed watching them blossom. I think you will like this story, also. I will be watching for the next book in this series "Three Sisters Island". Happy Reading !

My thoughts: When Paul Grayson loses his voice and apparently his mind, he buys a remote island off the coast of Maine just to own the romantic summer camp where he met his beloved wife and fell in love.



The story is told in each of the daughters' point of view as well as the father's. I love his optimism and his sense of humor. I'm afraid I wouldn't be as gung-ho about the adventure as he is. I'd be having panic attacks like one of the sisters.



There are certainly a lot of colorful characters, descriptive terms, and multiple personality types. I quickly grew to care for the characters, wanted to see them succeed, and I am anxious to read more of their story in subsequent books in the series.



Fans of family drama (with a light touch of romance) will love ON A SUMMER TIDE, book one of The Three Sisters Island series. Ms. Fisher is talented in so many different time periods and settings, whether Amish, historical, Quaker, or contemporary, and readers will fall in love with her style.



Grab a copy of ON A SUMMER TIDE today. The perfect summer read.



I was given a copy free. All opinions are my own.

Suzanne Woods Fisher's writes Amish fiction which I have reviewed on my blog. I wasn't sure what to expect with On A Summer Tide which is contemporary. Fisher does an amazing job with contemporary fiction and I will definitely be waiting for the next book in this series. In fact, I would like to know if I can move to Three Sisters Island? The Maine scenery sounds amazing and peaceful.

I always enjoy when writers develop characters and families that are not perfect or cliche. The family dynamics revolving around a father and his three daughters are not perfect but full of drama. He was a career focused husband and now is a widow. He's trying to cope and build relationships with his daughters. Each daughter with her own unique personality and her view of the world, is against his plans for moving on. The story evolves and the supporting characters are not to be missed from Peg (owner of the Lunch Counter), Seth (school teacher) to Coon Cat and Lola (a falcon). In fact, I look forward to their stories developing in future books.

It is a very easy read, but the charming story will surprise you at times. It's a book you don't want to put down, but it's evenly paced and peaceful to read. If you are looking for an easy vacation or beach read, this will do it. I can't wait to see what is coming up next on Three Sisters Island!

While I've been reading this author's Amish books for years and enjoying them immensely it was great to change up the pace and read a contemporary by her. She made the transition with ease too. This book was just as good as her Amish books. Three sisters who have very different personalities and don't always get along the best are totally taken off guard when their aging father buys an island. Thinking he's lost his marbles they aren't sure how to proceed with this discovery of his purchase. In a way the book has a melancholy ring to it because this is where the father met his wife back when they were young and she has since passed away.
The daughters are all adults and have different things going on in their lives, important things and we see how they try to assimilate themselves to life on the island. It works better for some than others.
The island lifers sure don't make things easy for these newcomers, can they really trust them?
From the descriptions in the book I can picture myself there with this family and it sounds so peaceful. This is just what I need to get away from it all. Some of the island regulars are a bit quirky but very endearing characters, especially Peg. What a dear she is. I also enjoyed seeing how the sisters started getting along better and I look forward to seeing their character development in future books in this series. Can't wait to read the next book in this series.
Published April 30th 2019 by Fleming H. Revell Company .
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. Thank you.
All opinions expressed are my own.

I loved this new story by Suzanne. At first I wasn't sure I'd like it.
I loved the characters and feel like I have made friends with them.
The house sounds like the house with the same colors in our Tates Creek area in my it's a one level house. Ugly as sin!
The coon cat is my favorite. I laughed until I cried because anyone that owns a cat knows what they do lol!!
Peg Legg ( love the nickname) can't cook worth a hoot and I never met anyone who can ruin coffee or biscuits. I love her personality.
She's a stranger but the first time you meet her it's like you've known her all your life.
I think however the sisters are over dramatic. Some of the things especially Maddie can blow things out of proportion. But, then again we all can.
I loved Paul's enthusiasm about the Island. But he's in for a total surprise where that's concerned.
All in all I always enjoy the author's stories but her Amish stories will remain my favorite.
I strongly recommend this book. I received this book from the publisher with no compensations received and all opinions are my own

On a Summer Tide by Suzanne Woods Fisher is the first book in Three Sisters Island series. Paul Grayson has purchased part of Three Sisters Island in Maine which shocks his three daughters. Paul does not like how the girls have drifted apart since their mother passed away unexpectedly. Camden Grayson is the eldest daughter who is successful in the business world plus is raising her adopted son, Cooper Grayson. Paul arrives on the island and understands why it was sold as is. He needs to find a way to turn the island into a visitor destination, and he is hoping his daughters will assist him. An unexpected turn of events allows Camden to spend time on the island. She discovers a different, slower way of life and untapped potential. Camden enrolls Cooper in the island school and meets schoolteacher, Seth Walker. Seth has a unique way of teaching his students and his rugged charm appeals to Camden. What does the future hold for the Grayson family? You will have to read On a Summer Tide to find out.

On a Summer Tide is the first book in the charming new Three Sisters Island series. The book contains believable, frustrating and lovable characters. Camden, Maddie and Blaine are Paul Grayson’s three daughters who act like typical siblings (lots of bickering). The girls have not been as close since their mother passed away and Paul wants to find a way to fix it. I thought On a Summer Tide was well-written as are all of Suzanne Wood Fisher’s novels. This story, though, is refreshingly different. It moves along at a good pace and has smooth transitions. While the focus of the story is on Camden, we interact with Paul, Blaine, Maddie, and the townspeople as well. The town contains a variety of quirky characters with my favorite being Peg Legg who owns the Lunch Counter and General Store on the island. She provides plenty of levity and I enjoyed the interactions between her and Paul. There are inserts that take readers back into Camden’s growing up years. We see how the past influenced her life choices. In addition, we get to see how her mother passed away and how Camden came to raise Cooper. I found On a Summer Tide to be a compelling story. The book touches on serious topics in a gentle way so that the story never feels heavy or depressing. There is a touch of romance that is sweet. I like the discussions of faith and the island’s church services. There are two phrases from On a Summer Tide that I want to share with you. The first is “one man’s insanity is another man’s genius” and “life is full of simple miracles if you just open your eyes to them”. I look forward to the next book in the Three Sisters Island series. You will find yourself drawn into On a Summer Tide and not want to put it down. Do not miss out on this entertaining and thoughtful new novel by Suzanne Woods Fisher.

Three sisters: Camden, Maddie, Blaine. They have different life, thoughts, likes. Their future plans are a bit foggy, incertain.
"Every decision comes with a cost" : this is a say their mother use to tell them. In fact, life is full of decision, sometimes good, sometimes difficult.
In the book there are other interesting life topics to think about: Nature, workhaolic, trust, lies, friendship.
Reading the story you can laugh, cry, love the characters, dream. I recommend it, enjoy.

Suzanne Woods Fisher has proven that she can cross genres and do a great job with her latest story, "On a Summer Tide". I adored the story and the people and can't wait to read more about the Grayson family. The story follows three sisters, Cam, Maddie, and Blaine, along with their father Paul, as their life throws some unexpected changes their way. When Paul decides to buy a camp on a tiny island off the coast of Maine and sell the family home, the girls are floored. They wonder if he has lost his mind, gone senile, or if he is just having a mid-life crisis. But Paul sees it as an opportunity to get his family all together so they can really be a family, something that has been lacking since his wife died in an accident. Cam is the brilliant child who plans everything and always knows what she wants and how to get it.She has been raising her best friend's son, Cooper, whom she adopted after her friend died suddenly. Maddie is fresh from college with her degree in family counseling, and she is determined to "fix" her own family. However, she has some issues of her own that need sorting as well. Blaine is the youngest and she seems to have a hard time making decisions and deciding what she wants out of life. When the three of them join their father on the island, will they build each other up or tear each other apart? This story, which focuses on family and love and second chances, touched me in many ways. One of the lines, "How'd you like to be defined by your nineteen year old self for the rest of your life?" really resonated with me. Each of us, at nineteen, has so much to learn. But with the love of family and friends, we can grow into the people God created us to be. I would highly recommend this book! I loved it! And, again, can't wait for book two! Go out right now and get the book! You won't be disappointed!
I received a free copy of this story from NetGalley for my honest review. All opinions are my own.

On a Summer Tide is a fantastic inspirational romance. I enjoyed the plot, characters and setting. I will be impatiently waiting for the next book in this series.

On a Summer Tide, the first in the Three Sisters Island series by Suzanne Woods Fisher, is a heart-warming story with a glorious setting. You may be familiar with Suzanne's many Amish and historical novels. Her contemporary romance is delightful and full of charm. The beautiful Maine coast is the perfect backdrop for this story of reconciliation and discovery. Paul Grayson wants his daughters back in the fold, to do that he buys an island. That alone made the story appealing to me. They work together to rebuild the camp he holds dear to his heart. Each of the three sisters brings a different personality to the table, as is the case with sisters. There are some surprises along with the restoration. I plan to keep this book and reread it when the next ones in the series are published. This a perfect summer read. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Suzanne Woods Fisher switched writing genres without a problem when she wrote On a Summer Tide. Within the first few pages, she had me hooked and I wondered how this story would end. Touching on so many subjects, love, mystery, grieve, romance, family dynamics, and most of all God, it was just very hard to put down.

They were described so well, I loved reading about each and every one of the characters. If I had to pick a favorite though Peg was it. Her down to earth style and the way she got right to the heart of the matter, always made me smile.


I love this true to life family and I hope we can hear more about them in the future.

Oh yes, I can't wait to try the recipe at the end. The grand kids will love it!

A great great read!

This book was given to me by Netgalley. All opinions are my own.

On a Summer Tide by Suzanne Woods Fisher is an interesting story of three sisters and their dad. We have some family drama and a sweet romance. We get to know the quirks of each sister but this book was specifically Cam’s story. Cam is a very successful business person who has a son with some challenges. I loved how she could see the potential in things. The book goes back and reveals Cam and her best friend Libby’s story.
Maggie is training to be a counselor and doles out advice to everyone even though she cannot seem to see her own issues. The girl takes risk adverse to a whole new level. It will be interesting to see what her redeeming qualities and strengths are.
Blaine is the baby of the family and is having trouble deciding what to do with her live. However she does have skills in the kitchen.
Some of the best lessons from the book I thought were delivered through their dad and his reflections on life.
Suzanne created characters that we care about and want to know what happens to them; even the secondary characters like Peg.
I really hope they lighthouse is in one of the future books!

I received this book from Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review.
You can see my full review at More Than a Review dot com where I rate the level of sex, violence, language and drug/alcohol use in books.

Following the death of his wife, Paul Grayson sold their house and bought the island where they first met at a summer camp. But his three daughters think he's gone crazy - and that's even before they get there and see what a mess everything is in! Cammie, the eldest of the three, is bringing up the son of her best friend, who died in the same fire that killed her mother - but his anxiety problems are becoming a serious issue, and she doesn't know how to be a mum. Immersed in her high-profile job, she has little time to spend with the boy, until events land her on the island for a while with him and her father and sisters. With unexpected time off work, she turns her organising skills to arranging things on the island, but Seth, the school-teacher, is somewhat of a distraction... Will this time together bring Paul's daughters together as he hopes, or drive them apart? And when a secret from Seth's past comes to light, will it destroy his hopes of a future?

With an interesting cast of characters (I particularly liked Seth - but Maddie would drive me nuts!), a picturesque setting, good writing, and a satisfying conclusion that still leaves provision for three (Paul clearly needs his own story too) sequels, I really enjoyed this book and hope to see more in the series soon. The clear portrayal of each girl's different strengths was good, and the mystery of the lobsters made for an interesting background issue. While I admit to having guessed the secret before it was even clear that there was a secret, it didn't detract from the storyline for me - I was just waiting with interest to see whether I was right and how it would come out. All in all, I would happily recommend the book and am looking forward to seeing the rest of the series. 4.5 stars.

Note that I received a complimentary copy of the book from NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review and this is my considered opinion of the book.

On a Summer Tide is a fiction novel written by Suzanne Woods Fisher. It is book one in the Three Sisters Island series.
Summary: The three Grayson sisters have problems. Cam buries herself in work, Maddie dispenses neurotic advice like candy (except candy is bad for you), and Blaine changes her college major every fifteen seconds. Each is completely absorbed in her own world.
That is, until their father sells the family home, and buys an island off the coast of Maine.
The sisters go into overdrive insisting he has either lost his mind, or is going through a mid-life crisis. At the very least, he is ruining his life.
The sisters are determined to intervene on their father’s behalf, but as they settle into island life, they might just be forced to examine the problems in their own lives too.
My Thoughts: I liked the premise of this book, but I think the author went a little too far in developing the sisters’ quirky personalities. I found them to be so annoying in the beginning, I almost didn’t want to keep reading.
I was literally thinking just how terrible a job the parents did in raising kids that turned out so horribly self-absorbed.
However, I stuck it out in hopes that they would mellow and change throughout the story, and they did.
The book ended up being a decent read-it is well-written, has an interesting plot, and has some good messages throughout, but I really had to get past the rough beginning.
I don’t know that I would buy this one. Maybe one to just check out from the library?
I would like to thank Revell for providing me with a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my unbiased review. Thank you!

First in a new series by one of my favorite authors

I really enjoyed On a Summer Tide. The setting and characters were engaging and unique; I am looking forward to the next book in the series. The spiritual aspects of the story were dealt with very sensitively and with a light touch, so those who are wary of 'Christian' fiction should not be put off at all. I especially enjoyed the character of Cam, having been the workaholic type before my retirement. Definitely a winner, read this book!

Review published on Amazon.com