Yesterday’s Tides - by Roseanna M. White: Book Review

Title: Yesterday's Tides
Author: Roseanna M. White
Pages: 432
Publisher: Bethany House Publishers
Publishing Date: January 24th 2023
Genre: Historical Fiction
Themes: WWI, WWII, Christian, Romance
Format: Kindle
Rating: 4

 

GoodReads Synopsis:

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 man 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, but he doesn't count on falling in love with Louisa Adair, the innkeeper's daughter. When war breaks out in Europe, and their relationship is put in jeopardy, will their love survive?

As Evie and Sterling work to track down an elusive German agent, they unravel mysteries that go back a generation. The ripples from the Great War are still rocking their lives, and it seems yesterday's tides may sweep them all into danger again today.

Bestselling and award-winning author Roseanna M. White whisks you away to two periods fraught with peril in this sweeping and romantic dual-time tale. 

My review of Yesterday's Tides:

This dual timeline novel follows two women during the First World War (in 1912) and the Second World War (in 1942). I enjoyed following both stories, but especially the one during the year 1942.

Ignoring the very large number of characters, so large that I had to create a list of them to keep track, the novel flows smoothly. As you read more of the stories, you get familiar with all the characters. It's more a plot driven novel, but you do get to see the characters' development throughout. The mystery aspect of the novel, not knowing for sure whom to trust, the intrigue with the war spies and war intelligence made me turn the pages faster.

Besides the romantic plot line, where we learn about Evie Farrow's and Louisa Adair's love stories, the novel deals with themes of racism, class divisions, multiple generations, and war intelligence. The best thing was reading to see how the two story lines converge and how the characters connect with one another. It was a wonderful reading experience. I admit starting this hoping for an easy read during a weekend, but there is substance to the story, and a couple of weeks later, I still think about this story sometimes. 

For fans of historical novels, especially set during either of the two world wars, this is a good choice of reading material. In the note at the end of the novel, the author does mention how these characters are in fact characters from her previous works. I haven't read anything by her before, but I didn't feel like there was a lack of depth to the way the characters were constructed. However, those familiar with her other novels will probably get an extra level of enjoyment recognizing other characters.

I received a free e-book copy of this book from the publisher, Bethany House Publishers, via Net Galley. However, all thoughts expressed in this review are my own.

Castle on the Rise - by Kristy Cambron: Book Review

Title: Castle on the Rise
Series: Lost Castle
Author: Kristy Cambron
Pages: 384
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Release Date: February 5th 2019
Genre: Historical Fiction, Christian
Format: Kindle

It was an enjoyable read, although I can't say it was a favourite. It's the second novel in a series, and I am now sure if my just OK opinion of the book had to do with not having read the first novel.

The story starts with the present day, in Ireland, and then it adds two other, one from 1916 and one from 1797/98, both past points of view presenting the actions of those who fought for Ireland's freedom. I knew almost nothing about Ireland's past, except from what I learned from other novels, so the historical aspect was welcome. However, I had to google a lot of information. At times the novel was too stuffed with facts and name-dropping that I felt a bit lost - who were all these people and what's so important about this date or this event in history? Thank you, Google.

There were a lot of characters and I am sure they were not mentioned in the first novel because of the three points of view [pov] in this novel, only one makes references to the first book in the series. I had to make a list of characters and what happened to each one and how they related and... let me just say that it's not fun when you have to keep a list with you to make sure you don't forget who's who. The chapters alternated between the three points of view, and that had the effect of keeping me interested in each story because most of the time a chapter ended with a (small-ish) cliff-hanger. I can't say which point of view was the best, but together they worked just fine. Until about halfway into the novel I had no idea how exactly they interconnected, but it made sense in the end. 

Towards the end I felt like I had spent too much with the book, and I was eager to read it already. Not because it wasn't good, but because I just wanted the novel to end. For the most part I was sure there'll be a happy end on all three levels. 

I reckon this is intended for a Christian audience, however I kept forgetting that. If what you're after is a historical Christian romance I am not sure this is the book for you. There is beer and drinking, and although the pub is presented as a vital part of Ireland's life I can't help but think that a pub is not a Christian place. As for the three romantic relationships, one for each POV, they were OK, albeit not as innocent as Christian standards suggest is best. There are few mentions of God, and when any of the characters reference to Him it's in an inspirational way, not very deep. It's like an afterthought just to remind the reader that this is, in fact, a Christian story.

A fine read, full of info, it made me step a bit outside my usual historical fiction box. And for a book to make me google something because I am curious is something!
3*

I received a free e-book copy from the publisher via Net Galley. All thoughts expressed here are my own.