Book Review: Yesterday's Tides by Roseanna M. White, a Historical Fiction Novel
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. All thoughts are my own and I was not required to post a positive review. Also, this blog post includes affiliate links. You can view my affiliate disclaimer here.
In two world wars, intelligence and counterintelligence, prejudice, and self-sacrifice collide across two generations
In 1942, Evie Farrow is used to life on Ocracoke Island, where every day is the same--until the German U-boats haunting their waters begin to wreak havoc. And when special agent Sterling Bertrand is washed ashore at Evie's inn, her life is turned upside down. While Sterling's injuries keep him inn-bound for weeks, making him even more anxious about the SS officer he's tracking, he becomes increasingly intrigued by Evie, who seems to be hiding secrets of her own.
Decades earlier, 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. But when war breaks out in Europe, their relationship is put in jeopardy and may not survive what lies ahead for them.
As the ripples from the Great War rock Evie and Sterling's lives in World War II, it seems yesterday's tides may sweep them all into danger again today.
"Yesterday's Tides has delicious romance, fascinating history, heart-pounding mystery, and wrenching family drama. . . . Please don't miss this novel."--SARAH SUNDIN, bestselling and award-winning author of The Sound of Light and Until Leaves Fall in Paris
MY REVIEW: ★★★★★/5
With stellar characters and a love story that spans the depths of the Atlantic ocean, author Roseanna M. White moved me with her newest historical drama, Yesterday’s Tides. Set primarily on the barrier island of Ocracoke, on the Outer Banks of North Carolina, this story delivered heart, depth and a fascinating sense of intrigue. Absolutely absorbed in White’s story-world, I simply could not put this book down!
HIGHLIGHTS:
Quiet Island Life
Romance & Lost Love
WWI and WWII Crossover
A Family of Strong Women
Characters of Mixed Race
Faith Passed Down Through Generations
What I liked:
This deeply beautiful story touched my heart in so many ways! I was captivated from the first chapter, visiting life on the quaint island of Ocracoke, as the world was entering the Great War. The island holds a special piece of my heart and because of that, I found this story a joy to read. White expertly brings the Outer Banks to life with her narrative and depiction of life there during the early twentieth century.
The author drew me into this story with her fantastic characters, a family of strong-minded women of grit, integrity and faith. They were intelligent, insightful and spectacularly lovable. I adored them all so very much! Early on in the story, White offers a delectable hint of romance brewing and as time slips from the era of the Great War to the days of WWII, I found myself captivated by the story, the suspense and the promise of love.
I found Louisa and Remington’s story to be the very heart of this novel… Their love was rich, deep and profound. It was a beautiful picture of unconditional love and the emotion tied to their story was felt deeply. It was rewarding to me to discover characters of mixed race, something that’s not often found in stories of this kind.
Evie and Sterling’s story brought life and excitement to novel, with a touch of flirtation and suspense. The ending pleasantly surprised me and was not what I had anticipated at all. Instead, it was a delightful thread that united to the two stories and warmed my heart.
Throughout this novel, White offers elements of faith, family, drama and mystery. There was romance, tension, fear and forgiveness. With a focus on the rich prayer life of several characters, I found their faith and time spent walking and talking to God inspiring.
To my added pleasure, I also found little nuggets of historical significance that enhanced the story line and were tucked away in the narrative, charming historical fiction lovers like myself.
sUMMARY:
A very well-done, must-read! Readers who enjoy stories by Sarah Sundin, Melanie Dobson and Kate Breslin will likely love Yesterday’s Tides as well. In my opinion, this story will appeal to historical fiction fans, women’s fiction fans and romance readers. I will definitely be returning to read more from this author, and soon!
P.S. For fans of White’s, they’ll be excited to find that she’s laced this story with appearances from her other beloved characters!
Content and Trigger Warnings: Death of a spouse
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Image Courtesy of Baker Publishing Group.
Roseanna M. White (www.roseannamwhite.com) is a bestselling, Christy Award-nominated author who has long claimed that words are the air she breathes. She pens her novels beneath her Betsy Ross flag, with her Jane Austen action figure watching over her. When not writing fiction, she's homeschooling her two children, editing and designing, and pretending her house will clean itself. Roseanna is the author of numerous novels, ranging from biblical fiction to American-set romances to Edwardian British series. Roseanna lives with her family in West Virginia. Learn more at www.roseannamwhite.com.
