it's hard for me to read a book that has the past, then the present. someone mentioned to read all the yesterdays in order, then all the today's in order. i found that much more enjoyable. this author did a wonderful job tying in the two characters from two different generations in such a way that you felt like you knew them. the secrets, mystery, faith of this story made this an enjoyable read.

This book is very well done. The way she crosses the generations and weaves the story together was seamless. I found myself not able to put this one down.

*I received an early reader copy from Netgalley. Thank you to the publisher for this opportunity. The opinions in this review are mine.

"Very rarely is history written by people doing what's expected of them. If we want to make a difference-well, we do it by defying the norms, don't we?"

I've always enjoyed this author's work and Yesterday's Tides was no exception. It goes back and forth between two periods in history and the perspective of Louisa and Evie. It was very interesting getting the perspectives of women in the same family and same place during both WWI and WWII. Roseanna tackled some controversial topics with diplomacy. There was so much family drama and romance, and history while also dealing with a mystery. Some of the characters were absolutely horrible, though very well written. I loved the descriptions of Ocracoke Island. It just sounded like an ideal place to live, when it's not surrounded by German u-boats anyway. It had a very big surprise twist that absolutely shocked me. Really, I enjoyed every moment of reading this novel.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and not influenced by this.

Yesterday's Tides
by Roseanna M. White
Pub Date 24 Jan 2023
Bethany House,Bethany House Publishers
Christian| Historical Fiction| Romance


I'm reviewing Yesterday's Tides through Bethany House Publishers and Netgalley:


Two generations of intelligence and counterintelligence, prejudice, and self-sacrifice collide

Evie Farrow lives on Ocracoke Island, where every day is the same--until Nazi U-boats begin wreaking havoc in 1942. Evie's life is turned upside down when special agent Sterling Bertrand washes ashore at her inn. Sterling's injuries keep him in an inn for weeks, making him even more worried about the SS officer he's tracking, but he becomes increasingly intrigued by Evie, who seems to be hiding secrets too.

In 1914, Englishman Remington Culbreth arrives at the Ocracoke Inn for the summer, never expecting to fall in love with Louisa Adair, the innkeeper's daughter. When war breaks out in Europe, their relationship may not survive what lies ahead.

It seems yesterday's tides may sweep Sterling and Evie into danger again today as the ripples from the Great War rock their lives in World War II.


I give Yesterday's Tides five out of five stars!


Happy Reading!

The character development is outstanding, with each protagonist carrying the weight of their respective historical periods. Evie's strength, Sterling's internal conflict, Remington's charm, and Louisa's resilience make them relatable and endearing to readers. The author skillfully captures the essence of each era, immersing the audience in the sights, sounds, and emotions of the times.

Yesterday's Tides is a dual timeline historical fiction story that is written by Roseanna M. White. Evie Farrow is used to life in Ocracoke Island. But in 1942 everything changes when German UBoats roll in. Special agent Sterling Bertrand is washed ashore at Evie's inn - he finds himself frustrated that he can't continue tracking the man he has been following. He finds himself captivated by Evie - but realizes that she is holding back.
The second time period the author writes about is 1914. I love that she chose to do scenes of both World Wars. Our 1914 characters, Englishman Remington Culbreth and the in keepers daughter Louisa Adair. They don't count on falling in love - and then the first world war breaks out.
Well written characters, great historical detail, and the pasts are woven together seamlessly. Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for allowing me to read a copy of this book - all thoughts are my own.

WWI and WWII are eras I am very interested in, so it’s always fun to find a book that involves both time periods. YESTERDAY’S TIDES by Roseanna M. White came out earlier this year, and I heard so many good things about it that I had to add it to my to-read list. (I’ve also read and enjoyed a few of her other books, so it was an easy add.)

The book follows two women, a generation apart, and the men who show up on their island in North Carolina and turn their world topsy-turvy. It’s not a harrowing war novel, but the time period plays an important role in the plot, and the book takes you on a journey of the best kind. It’s clean enough for younger readers and deals in a sensitive way with racial and class prejudice. I finished the book satisfied with the characters, what they’d been through, and where they ended up. Recommended for fans of historical fiction or historical romance.

Another wonderful book from Roseanna White. A split-time story that will make you want to keep reading late into the night. I loved Evie and Sterling’s story and also Remington and Louisa’s story. Each of these characters were unique and had qualities I loved. I could relate to the characters and especially to Grandma See. I just loved her and the way she knew about things and said or did the unexpected. I have always loved stories during war times. Just to see how they overcame the everyday life and sometimes trauma that came their way.
A very emotional and intriguing WWI and WWII story you do not want to miss.
P.S
Look for some characters from her other books.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher but was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.

My many thanks to Netgalley and my apologies to the publisher for this later than normal review (I became very ill). With that being said, this book is my now-favorite book of the year so far! An incredible duel-time mystery/romance, Roseanna White's amazing penmanship was taken to a whole new level. Let me reiterate, if you haven't read her books, run to your bookstore now, because you are in for a treat with all of them, but especially this one. I couldn't put it down and the twists and turns are very clever and the romance is very sweet. Just what I needed after being sick for so long. This book was the perfect medicine :)
I would give it ten stars if I could!

Yesterday's Tides by Roseanna M. White is an enthralling tale of two different eras set during WWI and WWII. The book captures the essence of Ocracoke Island and its inhabitants as they try to navigate through the perils of war, and the havoc wrought by the German U-boats that prowl their shores.

The book's protagonist, Evie Farrow, is a remarkable character who lives on the island, which is the perfect setting for the story. As German U-boats begin to threaten the island, the arrival of special agent Sterling Bertrand at Evie's inn sets off a chain of events that changes Evie's life forever. While Sterling's injuries keep him bound to the inn, he becomes increasingly intrigued by Evie, who seems to be hiding secrets of her own.

The book's plot is ingeniously crafted, with twists and turns that keep the reader engaged throughout. The writing is nothing short of brilliant, with both the WWI and WWII storylines masterfully intertwined. The suspense in this book is simply breathtaking, with the intensity of the characters' lives drawing the reader into their world.

The characters are incredibly well-developed, with each one having a unique personality that adds depth to the story. The historical background to both time periods is beautifully described, offering readers insight into the lesser-known aspects of history. Roseanna's previous series also make appearances in the book, adding a layer of familiarity to the story.

Overall, Yesterday's Tides is a fantastic book that offers readers a glimpse into the lives of the people living on Ocracoke Island during two of the world's most significant wars. It is a touching tribute to the people who lived and died during those tumultuous times. If you love tales of spies, loyalty, and ill-fated love, this book is an absolute must-read. Highly recommended!

Yesterday's Tides is a fantastic time-slip novel between the WWI and WWII eras. The characters are relatable as they face difficult challenges. Much of the story takes place in Ocracoke, North Carolina, but Maryland and England also act as backdrops for these tales. White has beautifully descriptive language that helps the book come alive. I LOVED all the tie-ins to past series and characters! It makes me want to go reread all those books.

The "yesterday" story begins in 1914 and follows Louisa Adair. Her mother owns the Inn that takes in mostly rich duck hunters much of the year including Remington, an aristocratic man who does not care for the social conventions of his class. Instead, he is intrigued by Louisa's mechanically minded brain and takes to following her around the island as she completes her chores and acts as the regular fix it person for the island. Louisa and Rem get to face not only class differences as their relationship grows but also the possibility of race differences at a time when, in North Carolina, whites could not marry anyone with 1/16 or more African American blood.

The "today" story begins in 1941 with Evie Farrow, also caretaker of the inn finding Sterling Bertrand washed up on her shore badly burned and needing a doctor. She quickly decides he may be a spy but on whose side? I did not realize U-boat attacks were not uncommon off the coast of North Carolina during WWII. Both Sterling and Evie have secrets that make it difficult to trust each other despite their growing attraction.

The interconnection of these stories is interesting and kept me guessing throughout the book. We get the point of view from all 4 characters, which I enjoyed (although at times I had to look back to remind myself which time period I was reading). I really enjoyed this story- it was full of depth. It had love, laughter, intrigue, class and race issues, death of family, war, and so much more all woven into the story. I highly recommend this to anyone who enjoys historical fiction, mysteries, and romance all woven together!

I received a complementary copy of this book from the author. I was not required to write a review. All thoughts are my own.

This Christian historical novel is a well-written, totally absorbing story. By the end of the first chapter, I was was completely invested in the lives of the characters. This is a split-time storyline, and I was amazed at how seamlessly author Roseanna White could take us back and forth between the early 1900’s and the year 1942. The way these storylines finally tied together was perfect and led to a heart-tugging twist that I didn’t see coming. All of the main characters seemed to come to life as I was reading. The title “Yesterday’s Tides’’ has a double meeting for this book, and I think readers will enjoy finding those meanings as they get deeper into the story.


I always love it when I read a Christian historical novel that not only helps me discover an unknown (to me) event in history, but also teaches me a deeper spiritual truth. I learned much about the history of Ocracoke Island during World War II from this story. It was the deeper themes of faith, hope, and unfailing love that touched my heart. This is one of the best books I’ve read in the last few months, and I’m happy to highly recommend it to you.


I voluntarily received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

Just an absolutely beautifully written novel. This book is based on the outer banks during WWII with a split fiction storyline from WWI. The story of Evie and her family was just heartbreakingly beautiful and sad at the same time. The author is a magician with words. I am just beside myself after reading this one.

Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for allowing me to read and review this title. All opinions are my own.

A World War II novel set in North Carolina's Outer Banks, with a little touch of espionage—plus a split-time plot that takes place in England during the Great War. There's an offshore U-boat, a mysterious intruder, an injured English guest at a family inn who's supposed to be tracking a German spy, and a beautiful young innkeeper who clearly has secrets of her own to hide. So good! I loved that characters from some of White's other novels make brief appearances here; that was a fun little touch.

I love historical fiction books that flesh out a little known facet of history, and this one fits that bill. I didn't know that German U-boats were lying in wait off the coast of North Carolina during WWII, picking off American ships with the goal of disrupting the transport of materials crucial to the US military.

Now I do.

With the setting of Ocracoke Island, and dual timelines - one story told during WWI and the second told during WWII - vivid characters breathe life and love into times of unimaginable hardship, sacrifice, and prejudice. The WWI story was especially gripping. But both kept me at the edge of my seat, waiting for resolution, hoping everything would be okay for the families in both timelines, which were stitched together beautifully by the end of the book.

The ending left me wanting just a little bit more, but that was mostly because I found myself wanting to stay with the characters a little longer. See how things turned out for them, particularly Evie and Sterling.

All in all, I thoroughly enjoyed it!

Yesterday's Tides is one of those books that you finish reading and need to sit for a while just to take it all in. Everything is beautiful, from the characters whose lives we become immersed in, to the imagery that is so richly used throughout the story. I wish I could choose my favorite characters but they are all written so perfectly whether good or evil. I do have to say though, Remington and Louisa's love story brought out all kinds of emotions in me, along with the toe-curling kisses.

This duel time period novel covers both WW1 and WW2 eras. Each story is page by page intertwined as the connections to each generation are revealed. The transitions from each time period flow seamlessly and weren't jarring at all.

One thing I realized after reading the Author's Notes, was that Yesterday's Tides has many Easter Eggs to other books that Roseanna White has written. This is the first book by this author that I've had the privilege of reading. I can tell you that I will be on my way to going back and reading all of her other works. Ms. White has a way with her words that make you feel like you're listening to a symphony, but here it's a symphony of words. Here is my favorite example...

{She tasted of the sea-her tears, or from the salt breeze?-and of a million impossible tomorrows and of every hope he hadn't dared to dream. He kissed her until he couldn't even hear the birds drifting overhead or feel the rush of warm seawater over his feet, until there was no differentiating anymore between her and him, possible and impossible, dream and reality. And when at last he pulled away, he said the only words that would come to his lips. "Will you marry me?" }

Yesterday's Tide is about strong women and men, loyalty to family and country, and showing how war affects families and communities. If you want to read a story that shows the strength of spirit and character, Yesterday's Tides shows this in abundance. Reading this novel was a remarkable experience that all fiction lovers need to partake in.

WOW!!! I've enjoyed Roseanna M. White's books before but never like this one! This book is definitely going on my favorites list. There were so many plot twists, secrets, and mysteries that kept me early turning pages. I loved all of the characters so, so much!! AGH!!!! Each one of them now have my heart. I didn't want the book to end because of them... Though the ending was actually extremely beautiful and couldn't have been more perfect. This book tore me a part, but it also put me back together. I loved the love, warmth, and strong sense of family in this book. So many good things in it!! And the fact that it was like a huge family reunion for all of Roseanna's characters?! I loved it!!! I haven't even read all of her books yet but I've read enough to love it so much. And now I want to binge all her other books so I can know these characters!! I highly recommend this book. Even if you never read another of her books, read this one. 💙💙💙💙💙

*I received a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This story is really neat in the fact that it is a dual timeline that takes place during both World Wars. One timeline starts in 1914, with Remington and Louisa. This storyline was really interesting. Remington is from England and Louisa Ocracoke Island, North Carolina. Remington comes with his cousin to stay at the inn Louisa helps run with her mom and Gran. Remington and Louisa meet and fall in love. Louisa is of darker skin and believes her father may have African blood. However she is never told anything of her father. This could cause issues, not with Remington, he doesn’t care about her possibly being of African blood, but others do care. The other timeline is 1942 with Evie and Sterling. Sterling washes up on the shores of Ocracoke Island after the ship he is on gets destroyed. He is English and Evie takes him in to care for him til he is recovered. They get along well and start to care for each other. When Sterling starts feeling better, he starts snooping into the family’s things and finds out family secrets.

I really enjoyed this story. I wanted to read it because it took place during WWI and WWII. I liked the 1914 story better for most of the book. I really liked Louisa and Remington. Oh my gosh Remington’s mother is completely horrible! A certain scene with Louisa and Remington at the end was emotional. The mystery part of what happened to Remington and Louisa held my interest. I liked the 1942 story too but the last few chapters were the best for that storyline! Sterling and Evie are great as well. Overall a great book and I definitely recommend!

4.5 stars!

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from netgalley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

Yesterday’s Tides, by Roseanna M. White, is such an engrossing novel! Set on Ocracoke Island off the coast of North Carolina, this beautifully written dual-timeline story is absolutely captivating as it tells the story of two women and the connections and people that unite them across generations. The riveting plot alternates easily between two points in time, one during the years of WWI and one during WWII. These storylines are linked through scenes of family, loss, hope, and mystery.

Ms. White’s writing talent shines brightly in this moving story that highlights the power of friendship, perseverance, and love. Scenes of sadness and uncertainty find an emotional balance in the honest moments of faith and resiliency that hold real reminders of the healing and restoration can be nurtured in the presence of love, kindness, and grace.

The richness of this novel lies within the well-developed characters who are truly authentic and vulnerable. They often show themselves to be thoughtful, unique, and determined. Their will to fight for significance and survival is utterly compelling. Their questions, their insecurities, their fears, and their needs are certainly believable. Throughout the novel, their tenacity and fortitude is inspiring. Despite unexpected circumstances and surprising discoveries, their courage and dedication never wavers as they help one another to maintain a sense of purpose and belonging.

Yesterday’s Tides is a touching and memorable novel. Page after page, it is a tender and heartfelt story of loss, love, faith, and family. As it explores relevant themes like truth, inclusion, racism, and community, it also reveals the power of love, friendship, and perseverance. This book is very thoughtful, immersive, and meaningful. I eagerly recommend it.

*I was given a copy of this book by the publisher. A review was not required. The review I have written is voluntary and contains opinions that are entirely my own.

It’s been way too long since I last read a Roseanna M. White book. I’ve had one or two waiting to be read lately, but when I realized this was released recently, I decided I should prioritize reading it first. What a great story! I’m sad I put off reading it as long as I did—this was everything I remember from her other books and more.

In this dual-timeline story, we follow two different women—one through part of World War I, and another through World War II. One central theme to both of their stories is the inn on Ocracoke Island that they both work at, and let me say . . . it sounds like a wonderful place to live. I’ve always loved the ocean, and the way the village, the inn, and the ocean around it was described felt very homey and relaxing (when there weren’t explosions out at sea or bad guys around, of course). The mystery element was suspenseful but not nail-biting; the way characters used their own special code was intriguing and fun (and reminded me of how my cousins and I used to write to each other in code); and overall, the whole setting, plot, and characters were delightful, entertaining, and very well developed.

I laughed, I groaned (one character, especially, made me mad), and I sighed with contentment when the book ended. I only wish there was more to read about these friends I’ve made!

One thing I loved, especially, was that characters from many of White’s other books had cameo appearances in this story. I loved seeing the “next step” for a lot of them beyond their stories. It definitely isn’t necessary to have read her earlier stories to enjoy this book, but for those of us who have been long-time readers, that makes for an extra fun bit.

Overall, this was a great story. If you enjoy history, a dash of romance, some mystery, and codebreaking, this would be a great book for you.

I was given a review copy of this book, and this is my honest opinion of it.