London Tides

I had started to read this book before realizing it was a sequel, and finished it any way. London Tides captures the world of a war photographer, confused about her career. Haunted by memories, Grace Brennan yearns for change, but also peace and a sense of safety, which seems to arrive in London, where her Scottish friend resides. Carla Laureano draws the reader in with this thrilling piece, and writes with creativity and balance, telling the story of a woman trying to find refuge from her experinces, questioning her old Scottish friend she had previously dated a decade ago, and struggling with her slightly rebellious and free spirited side. London Tides wraps reades up with the lives of these lovable characters, and follows both the handsome rower and photographer as they find a way to start over, and wonder if second chances exist.

From the moment Carla Laureano revealed the cover and synopsis for London Tides, I've eagerly awaited the release day of Carla's latest addition to the The MacDonald Family Trilogy. This story did not disappoint. A little more intense in theme then novels I have currently been reading, Tides leaves you thinking about the material long after finish. Working ten years shooting images of conflict, photographer Grace Brennan returns to London in hopes of rekindling a love she walked away from and a new start away from the images of war. Ian Macdonald left his dreams of a rowing career only to have Grace choose photography over him, and now works for his brother James (introduced in Five Days in Skye) as head of his London office for his restaurant entrepreneurship. As Ian and Grace begin to reconnect, he starts to realize there is much more behind the scenes of what has brought Grace back and insight into her trying to run from the images of the past ten years. Carla gives a realistic glimpse into the mindset of dealing with PTSD and also hits a spot I am sure many people struggle with in a world of conflict: trying to convince oneself by staying in the "safe" and familiar, you will stay away from the hurt. Yet in some shape or form, loss and hurt can still happen even in the safest of havens. There was a paragraph towards the end that I highlighted and copied to my journal that really hit home with truth: "But there was a greater witness beyond her and the rest of humanity, standing beyond the constraints of time and borders and self-interest. God saw the pain of the world, even when no one else did. The lives of all those to whom Grace felt an obligation did not go unseen. Just as the life of one insignificant woman standing on the bank of the Thames, doubting her worth, did not go unnoticed." London Tides is the 2nd installment in the Trilogy, but can easily be read without knowing anything about the first. However, I guarantee if you haven't read Five Days in Skye, you will be adding it to the read pile soon after finishing Tides. Thank you NetGalley and David C Cook for providing a copy in exchange for my honest review.

It's always a thrill to read books in a series all at once and in this case I was able to read two of the books in the series back to back. I will be posting later this week about a series I was allowed to read all in a row. Stay Tuned. But I digress.

Again, I'm reviewing a book from the MacDonald family trilogy by Carla Laureano. London Tides is what one of my friends would call a weeper, because there are definite times when tears are the most appropriate reaction to the happenings in the book.

Ian MacDonald is the eldest sibling in the family and the one who holds the most hurt inside his heart. He was engaged once and during the middle of the night ten years earlier, she packed up all of her stuff except the ring and walked out while he was asleep. He kept up with her through her photography in war torn areas of the world. Grace, the woman of his dreams and memories, is an award winning photographer who is able to get the nitty-gritty details of life into her photographs. When he spots Grace on the banks of the Thames while rowing with his crew, his world is turned upside down and sideways.

Grace Brennan would be the poster child for PTSD if there were such a thing. She's seen more in her young life than any woman or any person, for that matter, should, but Grace has seen it through the telephoto lens on her camera. Even more, she's seen her assistant killed by a blast and that was the straw that broke the camel's back. She still has flashbacks, panic attacks, and even loses time when these things happen to her.

I've spoken before about the formula for writing romances--boy meets girl, boy gets girl, boy loses girl, boy gets girl back. This fit the formula in a way, but not in a conventional way--and the way Carla weaves it together keeps the reader involved and engaged in the plot of the book. It is very hard to put down. I cannot wait for the third book in the series to come out. During James and Andrea's wedding, Carla introduces Malcolm as the manager of the family hotel. I am hoping he is the man for Serena--he takes his responsibilities seriously and loves each and every family member.

Five Stars, Two Thumbs Up, and a Pulitzer Prize winning photograph.

My thanks to David C Cook for allowing me to read and review this book.

I read Five Days in Skye and fell in love with Scotland as well as James and Andrea so when I heard there was another book by the same author available for review, I jumped at the chance to read it and share my thoughts. I didn't even realize London Tides was supposed to be connected to Five days in Skye. It was a lovely surprise so get to revisit a few of the characters and even take a short trip back to Skye for the Wedding.

I really had high hopes for this book and wanted it to be like Five Days in Skye and make me want to travel to the location and get lost in the beauty of the setting. But London didn't really play a role in this book like Skye did in the first. This book was far more internal.

Grace was a world traveling conflict photographer. The images she captured with her camera of the war torn and poverty stricken places of the world and the resulting emotional damage Grace had to work through as a result of her work were really the center of this story.

I really enjoyed the relationship Ian and Grace developed, or I guess rekindled, but at the same time wasn't as drawn to them as characters. I guess as a stay at home Mom with kids I couldn't understand the deep inner need Grace had to chase after her carrier and give up love and family in order to feel like she had meaning or an identity. I couldn't relate and therefore wasn't as connected to her. I honestly couldn't really see what Ian saw in her. Other than being fun and adventurous she seemed very self-centered. She loved all that Ian did to make her feel valued but what did she do for him? She cooked or brought him take-out and was a companion but how did she help and strengthen him. Perhaps I missed this element as I quickly make my way through the book.

I did like the story. I just can't say I loved it as much as I enjoyed Five Days in Skye. I will look for the third book in this series and more from Carla Laureano.

I received this book as an Advanced Reader Copy via the publisher at NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

This is another book that the editor at The Christian Manifesto sent out for review, and I picked up based solely on reading the description. As a result, I didn’t have many expectations going into it. I didn’t even know it was a part of a series until I added it to my Goodreads. It definitely is a book that can be read as a standalone as I didn’t feel like I was missing anything from the previous book while reading this one.

I really enjoyed the characters of Grace and Ian. Grace clearly has issues she needs to work through from her past. However, she was in denial to that; it wasn’t until push comes to shove that she realizes she doesn’t have it all as under control as she thinks. I was cheering her along the whole time. Ian is just a genuinely nice guy. Really, a picture of forgiveness and grace. In fact, if I have one issue with him it’s that he forgives even when I don’t think I would be able to. He’s almost too perfect. But isn’t that how we like our heroes in romances?

The supporting characters of Asha and others in the story strike just the right night of supportive, adequately developed characters without stealing the show.

The book is well paced without dragging description or convoluted prose. The last bit did seem rushed to get to the conclusion. It was almost like the author wasn’t sure what new conflict to add and so was ready to get to the happy ending.

The story world of both London and glimpses Grace’s previous photojournalist life were easy to immerse myself in. Having been to London, it was fun to “visit” places again.

The romance in this story was believable. Ian and Grace seem to genuinely care for each other, yet their individual issues (specifically Grace’s) seem to get in the way at times. Ian’s patience goes above and beyond, a picture of forgiveness that Grace needs to see.

The book isn’t overtly spiritual. Grace’s faith is mentioned a few times throughout the book. It comes into play that her belief in God and Him taking care of her is what has helped her get through many of her difficult times. However, her faith doesn’t seem to be helping her work through the issues those difficult times created. None of the characters seem to have a vibrant, growing relationship with God.

There are some scenes that get a bit steamy but none cross a typical conservative line. There are also words used that are considered British curse words. I don’t think either of these things are enough to alienate any but the most conservative readers. I tend to be pretty conservative when it comes to those two areas and was not offended.

I think this book would appeal to readers of contemporary romances who want a sweet story with authentic character growth. It can be read by both Christians and non-Christians alike. I sped through the book. However, I have no idea where they would take the series from here. All the loose strings seem nicely wrapped up. Perhaps the next book will bring one of the supporting characters into the spotlight?

Pros: likeable characters; true feeling; realistic

Cons: a few seriously romantic scenes; some British swear words

My Rating: 4 out of 5 (very good)

***This review is also posted on The Christian Manifesto and http://bookmarks-of-my-life.blogspot.com/2015/05/london-tides-carla-laureano.html.

My interest in this book: I fell madly in love with Carla's first book Five Days in Skye and when the publisher got a hold of me to let me know that her 2nd book in the MacDonald Family trilogy was coming out I jumped on the opportunity to read it.

Type of book: Contemporary Fiction Inspirational

Message / Plot / idea: A hurting soul who is in search of what she needs; balancing God given passions with reality.

Favorite Character, quotes/lines: "Frankly, the idea I wouldn't want you is an insult to my intelligence."

"he wasn't sure what bothered him more: that he couldn't bring himself to ask or that he might actually care about the answer"

"Only someone who had endured her own share of tragedy could see past the surface of the story to the hurting souls beneath."

"Your life is between you and God. And don't give me that look. I know I'm drunk. God loves me anyway."

Overall: A lot of times I do my best reflective/creative thinking when I'm driving. I guess it's the monotony of it that lets my mind roam free. As I drove the other day, I kept running this scene through my head trying to remember what movie it came from. Then it hit me: Carla's book! Yes, scenes from this book are so well written and connect so realistically to the reader that they will replay in your mind as if you'd watched it on the screen. The characters are very realistic in this contemporary romance and the content relates to them as they grow in Christian values and understanding of God's love for each of them, no matter where they come from/what their past is. This is a beautiful story that adults will fall in love with.

Thank you, once again, Carla for a fantastic read that swept me away to London and beyond. As I read I kept wondering: I thought she lived in the US; is she from London? This story so completely takes you there.

If you want a book that takes you away, into the heart and lives of some very passionate, talented, heartfelt people--or if you've ever wanted to go to London--pick this book up. I think you'll enjoy it.

5 stars, bookshelf worthy

This was a rewarding novel to read. The pace is slow and methodical but the subject matter was very interesting.

Grace Brennan is a professional photographer who documented the tragedies of conflicts. She came into that work ten years earlier when her brother had been killed and she decided to carry on his work. She had been living with and planning to marry Ian McDonald, a man who had given up his rowing career for their relationship. But when her brother was killed, Grace suddenly left, never contacting Ian to let him know where she went.

Now, ten years later, she has suffered yet another loss. A close associate had been killed when they were on an assignment together. She has returned to London, wondering if her work documenting the suffering should come to an end. The nightmares will not go away and are weighing heavy on her.

She stands on the edge of the river early in the morning to catch a glimpse of Ian at his morning row. She sees him glance at her, recognition yet coldness in his eyes.

Grace and Ian do connect but it is a troubled reunion. There is a great deal of hurt on both sides that needs to be healed. The novel concentrates on the restoration of the relationship. Misunderstandings abound. Grace has difficulty being truthful about the horrors she has seen and the effect on her. Ian is cautious yet is driven by the love he still has for her.

Laureano has an interesting writing style. She walks us through a situation in a manner that makes me feel like I am right there with the characters. There is no unusual dialog nor odd actions. Reading this novel is like participating in everyday life. It just seemed natural.

But that does not mean the book is boring. The topic of post traumatic stress disorder is brought to the forefront. It was a bit of a twist to have a nonmilitary woman experiencing it. We read much of Grace's thoughts as she deals with the wounds left in her heart. Ian is somewhat at a loss at knowing how to help her.

The Christian faith of the characters is low key but there just under the surface. Grace has to confront her own feelings toward a God who would allow the suffering she has seen.

This is not your light hearted Christian romance. Laureano takes us through an involved relationship. It was rewarding to see how hurts can be overcome and relationship restored, if both are willing to endure the time and effort it takes.

This is the second in the McDonald family series. You can read my review of the first one, Five Days in Skye, here.

Carla Laureano is the author of the RITA award-winning Five Days in Skye as well as the Celtic fantasy series The Song of Seare. She lives in Denver with her husband and their sons. Find out more at http://www.carlalaureano.com/.

David C Cook, 340 pages.

I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher for the purpose of an independent and honest review.

London Tides by Carla Laureano is the sequel to Five Days in Skye. Like the first book, this one was one of those that cause you to leave the housework, switch off your phone, and read late into the night.

Conflict Photographer Grace Brennan returns to London to the life she left behind ten years prior, when she left her fiance without explanation. Will he forgive her and accept her back, or will her past sabotage her future with the handsome Ian McDonald? When second chances fail, will there be a third?

This is the second book in the MacDonald family series and I loved it! I really did not know how it was going to end or whether or not there was going to be a happy-ever-after ending. So that I don't spoil it for you, I am not telling.

Carla artfully draws you in from page one and her characters are robust and real. Carla is certainly an author to watch.

I cannot wait to read the third book! But I will wait patiently for it!

Wow. I totally forgot I had downloaded this book, and when I received a gentle reminder I started reading. My mistake was starting at 9:00 at night. Let’s just say I kept on going until I was finished with it, which was well after midnight.

That said, London Tides is about Ian McDonald the brother of Jamie from Five Days in Skye. I admit, I didn’t realize that, until I started reading. The good thing, you don’t have to have read the previous book to read this one.

20 years ago, Grace and Ian was to be married, but six months before the wedding she left. Working as a photojournalist in war torn countries, she returns to London. Seeking out Ian, she wonders if he is still single or if he has moved on with his life.

That’s a rough synposis of the book, but I don’t want to give too much of it away. I found it to be a good book, although lacking in some areas. I never quite picked up why Grace left Ian so many years ago, although I was impressed with him maturity I now he dealt with her return. I also was left wondering how she dealt with some of the issues she was having, which caused Ian to react as he did.

This was a book that, as I mentioned before, had me captivated. I was moved to tears at the end, because I really wasn’t sure how it ended. And then he choices he made spoke to me. How so often we do so many things for everyone else and often forget about ourselves in the process.

All in all, I really enjoyed this book, and definitely recommend reading it. Although, Five Days in Skye is my favorite. :)

I’ve always enjoyed novels with broken characters. There is something beautiful in the rawness of their heart on the page. That rawness is a feeling that we can relate to and it brings that character alive in our imagination. Grace Brennan is one such character. I found myself hurting for her and wanting do much to see her grasp the goodness that is offered to her. She’s the kind of character that makes me enjoy a book.

I loved the unique ideas in this book and a glimpse into a profession that we don’t always see–conflict photographers. The story was riveting and well written. The one thing that I wished was different in this novel was the elements of faith. Initially in the novel the references to faith felt quite shallow. Later in the book they were deep and had an impact. What I missed was the transition for the character–any sort of realization.

Overall, I really did enjoy this book. I found it to be a unique and interesting story with fantastic characters.

**I received a copy of this book from David C. Cook and NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.**

I received this book in exchange for an honest review. This is the second book in the MacDonald trilogy; London Tides by Carla Laureano. In the first book, Five Days in Skye, we met James and Andrea. This book is about James' brother, Ian, and his missing fiancee, Grace. Grace is a war photographer and has returned to London after the death of her photography assistant. Thisis an amazing story of overcoming PTSD and internal struggles all by the grace of God.

After reading the first book I had extremely high expectations for Ian and Grace's story.  Carla Laureano has a unique way of storytelling; she shows us Iinstead of telling us. The characters are well formed told from the third person point of view. You feel Grace's pain and suffering throughout. 

The story flows well and has some surprising twists. I couldnt put this book down. 

Ian's mother refuses to accept Grace back into his life and says that if he decides to marry Grace that she will not be attending the wedding.

I would recommend this book either as a stand alone or as a second book. 4.5 out of 5 stars since I was confused as to some characters at the very beginning. 

From the back cover:

Irish photojournalist Grace Brennan travels the world’s war zones documenting the helpless and forgotten. After the death of her friend and colleague, Grace is shaken. 

She returns to London hoping to rekindle the spark with the only man she ever loved—Scottish businessman Ian MacDonald. But he gave up his championship rowing career and dreams of Olympic gold years ago for Grace ... only for her to choose career over him. Will life’s tides bring them back together ... or tear them apart for good this time?

Carla Laureano is a multi-talented author, and I adore everything she writes! I've read the first book in this series as well as her first novel in the fantasy fiction genre....and she is just so good at telling a story that captivates and moves the reader.

Grace is so broken, your heart will ache for her. Ian is so wounded and confused you can't help but pray for him....and HE'S NOT REAL! "London Tides" is the kind of book you don't want to begin after 8 o'clock, unless you like playing the "Just One More Chapter" game.

The characters are well developed and nestle into your heart's imagination, intent on staying with you a good long while. The setting is gorgeous described, and it adds to the story instead of bogging it down.

Carla knows the delicate balance between description and action, and she balances both beautifully. An added bonus: Andrea and James are back from "Five Days in Skye", and play a pivotal role in the story of Grace and Ian's story.

Something else Carla does very well: she puts you in the character's shoes, allowing you to learn more about those who bring us stories from the front lines and the cost on their souls to do a job well done. I see foreign correspondents differently now, and view them with more compassion.

"London Tides" also tackles the idea of sacrificing your dreams for another person, examining the benefits and the cost of letting go. Ian needed divine wisdom in his decision making in order to benefit himself as well as Grace.

My thanks to David C. Cook for my advance copy via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. "London Tides" is highly recommended. In case you were wondering, "London Tides" can be read as a stand alone novel, but why not invest in "Five Days In Skye" and get even more enjoyment out of your reading?

I invested in both stories, and I'm all the richer for my reading!!

This is book two in a series but the cover, back cover description, and setting appealed to me more than the first book so I decided to take a chance and read this one first and I am so glad I did. And I'm looking forward to going back and reading book one now that I know I love Laureano's books!

London Tides has a unique story line in that the main characters are not getting to know each other for the first time. I love stories of second chances and I love romance so this contemporary romance was perfect for me. I don't know much about Ian's sport of rowing but I enjoyed the great descriptions that Laureano wrote about it and loved his dedication to the sport even though he was no longer competitive. As for Grace's career of photojournalism I don't really know much more but I did enjoy hearing familiar terms from my high school photography class. But what especially drew me into the story was how they are both involved in helping the voiceless have voices in their own ways. (If you want to know how you'll have to read the book!!!)

This book explores so many great themes. I loved how she explored whether career or happiness is most important or if they go hand in hand. I also loved the times when both characters stepped away to see what they really wanted. Sometimes I think we need more books where the happily ever after isn't so easily reached. Ian and Grace really worked to get to their moment of true happiness and it showed through all kinds of tension. I think that is what I liked the most about this book. They didn't have it easy but they worked it out and their relationship turmoil was so well written that I couldn't put the book down.

This book wasn't preachy at all. It does mention prayer and Christianity but honestly I think a non-Christian could really enjoy this book. However, I do want to warn super conservative readers that pre-marital sex and living together is mention briefly and there is also some drinking in the book. It was all handled very well in my opinion but I know some people would prefer to avoid those topics.

After reading this book I'm so attached to the characters and setting that I really feel like I was there with them. I cannot wait to read the first book and I hope the third comes out before too long too!

I received this book through NetGalley from the publisher, David C Cook, in exchange for my honest review.

As a conflict photojournalist, Grace Brennan has faced and seen the unthinkable. She has documented the atrocities of war zones, witnessed the helplessness of poverty-stricken villages, and experienced the devastating loss of friends and co-workers. Broken and lost, Grace returns to London, hoping to find healing and maybe even revive the love of the man she left behind to pursue her dreams.

Ian MacDonald gave up everything for the love of Grace, even his championship rowing career and dreams of an Olympic gold. Despite it all, one day she vanished without a word, leaving him to pick up the shattered pieces. Now Grace has returned and seems to have her eye on him again. But the years have changed them both and possibly destroyed any chance of a future together.

The highly-anticipated sequel to Carla Laureano’s Five Days in Skye has finally arrived. London Tides reunites readers with Ian MacDonald and introduces them to the woman who stole his heart years ago. Heavier than its predecessor, the second book in The MacDonald Family trilogy explores the difficult topics of PTSD, war, and poverty as we follow Ian and Grace through the arduous and heart-wrenching journey toward physical, emotional, and spiritual healing.

The main characters are both far from perfect. They’ve made many mistakes and bad choices in their lives, but in a way, that’s what makes them all the more real. Everyone can relate to that, but like Ian and Grace discover, it’s what follows that makes the difference.

While tattoo-laden Grace might not fit the conventional leading lady’s description; her journey, struggles, and wounds pull in the reader nonetheless. Ian intrigued me from the beginning of this series so I enjoyed learning more about him, his motivations, and what makes him tick. Fans of Five Days in Skye will enjoy appearances from James and Andrea (the protagonists of the first novel). However, those who have yet to read it won’t have a problem following this story as it easily stands alone — not that one would want to miss the first book!

Once again, I face the difficult task of waiting for the continuation of the MacDonald family saga. I am itching to get my hands on the next story — Serena’s. A brief glimpse of Malcolm has me eagerly (and not so patiently) waiting to learn more about the next leading couple.

Grace Brennan travels the world documenting war zones and conflicts. She’s known for bringing the more human side of conflicts to the foreground. She’s won acclaim all over the world. But her career came at the sacrifice of her heart. Years ago, she left the man she loved before they could get married and it’s haunted her ever since. Now, trying to pull her life back together after the loss of some close comrades, Grace is back in London to see what Ian’s done with his life and if there’s any chance of a new romance between them.

Carla Laureano doesn’t shy away from the tough issues in her books. She’s known to confront them head on. So having a character suffering from PTSD and the loss of several close friends isn’t surprising. What is surprising is the depth of her heart when exploring these issues. Laureano sheds a new light on this world with this surprising glimpse of a photojournalist suffering these issues. As a woman who is married to a disabled vet, I can say that she touched on some of these subjects with a deft hand that opened the door for people to understand more.

But beyond just an exploration of PTSD, London Tides ventures into some interesting plot areas that aren’t usually seen in Inspirational Fiction. What happens when a couple goes too far in their relationship? When they stop putting God as the center and they begin to think selfishly, where does that lead them? And is there a way to come back from that? I appreciated Laureano’s stance on this because as much as I’d like to believe everyone does a good job keeping themselves free of sexual sin, I understand that it’s prevalent in our world. Even in the Christian world. So having a couple make these mistakes and then come back to rededicate their relationship in a new God-centered way, is something that I appreciate. I understand that doesn’t work for everyone, but I appreciated it.

I love Laureano’s books and I’m not ashamed to say I tell her that often. I appreciate her fresh perspectives on romance and the realistic characters that don’t sit on a pedestal. When I’m reading, I don’t feel preached at, but I know God’s love is still woven throughout the stories in a plausible way.

If you haven’t had the chance to read Carla’s work, I’d encourage you to give this one a try!