I have read many of this author's books. But this one was a breath of fresh air. It was so different then what I usually read. I have read her Amish, Quaker and similar books, but this was a really new idea from this author. It was modern, contemporary and full of warmth.

I loved how the sisters grew and changed as the events in their lives led them to realize that God is watching, although at times, He might be silent or seem to be silent. He is aware of our paths and although we think our life has turned in a way we don't want, it may be to a wonderful outcome.

This is a great Christian read. I simply enjoyed and loved it. So glad I read it!

I received an ebook copy from NetGalley. All thoughts are my own.

Thoroughly enjoyed it his story of a family following their dad to a new house - thinking he has lost his mind
Finding that this new house is their new home and falling in love with the island and the people that live there
A few little twists made the story interesting, but just a pleasant read - though could have done without all the “gods plan” references
I am looking forward to the next book in the series

A refreshing and charming contemporary novel, On A Summer Tide brings together a story of family bonds broken and now given the space to heal, a dream unrealised and now given time to grow, and the sparks of a new romance all set against the gorgeous backdrop of coastal Maine. On A Summer Tide is funny, surprising and a joy to read.

Three sisters, with not much in common, their own separate lives and constant conflict hanging over them, are forced to work together when their father buys a summer camp on a small island off the coast of Maine. At first very reluctant to be drawn into their father’s crazy scheme, each soon finds the island gives them something they weren’t looking for.

Oldest sister Cam has a highly successful career but everyone tells her she should be worried about her adopted son, his list of worries and obsession with string. Cam is torn between staying on the island and helping her father bring his dream to life and following her career wherever it takes her. Yet, the island, its slow pace and inhabitants, from the quirky diner/general store owner to the charming school teacher Seth, challenge Cam to see her life and what’s best for Cooper in a new light. Maddie, middle-child, is on track to be a family counsellor, is recently engaged and just needs a training placement. Looking after her family has always helped assuage her constant worrying, but Maddie is not sure what step she should take next. Youngest sister Blaine feels the most removed from her sisters, has just been asked to leave her ongoing university studies, and has no idea what she wants to do with her life. The island and an unexpected opportunity to dust off her cooking skills and work for Peg in the diner, may be just the chance she needs.

While On A Summer Tide features the story of each of these three sisters and each have chapters written from their perspective, it is Cam who gets the most page time, the romance story and the “happy ending”. Each sister has a lot of growing to do. The first few chapters are very amusing and the girls seem almost comical with their bickering and crazy lives. Yet the island and lots of hard work give the girls everything they need to start breaking down the walls between them and starting new directions in their lives.

I enjoyed the renewing of family bonds in this book, loved the way each and every character grows and changes. The book touches on some series topics but retains a lightness and gentle humour that is refreshing. The little snippets dedicated to romance are sweet, and the discussions of faith are thoughtful. And that twist! It was right there in front of my eyes and I didn’t see it. I love when a book surprises me and this one delighted me at every turn. I look forward to continuing the story of this island and the three sisters as they grow into the women they were meant to be.

The publishers provided an advanced readers copy of this book for reviewing purposes. All opinions are my own.

When three sisters learn their father has sold his house and is moving to the island he purchased, they are completely shocked. The girls begrudgingly end up at the island as well. After all, their mother has passed away and their dad could use a lot of help since the island and campgrounds are definitely not what he remembered them to be as a young man.

Cam, the older sister, has an adopted child and a wonderful career, so moving seems impossible, until something happens at her company. In fact, each of the sisters carries baggage that makes moving difficult.

The island’s description and the island characters are very interesting.

The slow island life begins to reunite the daughters and dad, who really need time to talk and heal. Eventually, Cam sees that island life is working well for her son, who was having difficulties adapting to school on the mainland. Cam also takes note of the schoolteacher, Seth Walker, who is helping her son and taking a real interest in him.

My Thoughts

What Concerned Me: I had trouble with the dialog between the girls when they learned that their dad was moving. It felt a bit overdone and juvenile.

But even more concerning to me was the surprise toward the end of the book. I won’t disclose it, but it was totally unbelievable and a remarkable coincidence. Perhaps nice reading, but hedging into the fairytale spectrum.

And lastly, though I’m not against religious references in a book, at times it seemed contrived. Other places it was just fine.

What I Liked Most: While this isn’t my usual type of reading, the story completely kept my interest. It is a fun, happily ever after sort of book that is easy to read and enjoy.

Thank so much, Revell and #Netgalley for an advanced copy of this book. In return, I have given an unbiased review.

On a Summer Tide is the first book in Suzanne Woods Fisher’s Three Sisters Island series. She tells the story of family, friendship, and new beginnings. Three adult sisters, all with various issues in their lives, come together when their father sells their family home and buys an island without their prior knowledge. This is an enjoyable story that is rich in faith, community, and a bit of romance. A well written novel recommended for fans of contemporary fiction.

“You can’t live other people’s lives for them, even if you love them. Sometimes love means trusting them to make their own decisions.”

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell through NetGalley and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine.

I was captivated by this story from beginning to the end. It has a nice flow, there are no slow parts and the author, Suzanne Woods Fisher, did a great job of exploring family dynamics. And the Grayson do have a lot of baggage.
I loved the characters, too: the three sisters, the dad with the failing voice and the little boy, Cooper. All have their own personality traits and abilities, making each of them a strong, distinguishable character.
Seth is a great – unorthodox - hero, kind, loving. His bonding with Cooper is amazing. There’s a set of great secondary characters, too.
The island setting is gorgeous and beautifully explored and interwoven into the plot.
By the end, some revelations and the religious references felt a bit contrived.

Had been looking forward to this book. It started off well and I was really enjoying it. Good storyline and nice characters. But sadly it went downhill for me. I found it became quite tedious and repetitive. It ruined the rest for me