A New York Times best-selling author releases her first southern novel, a Steel Magnolias-meets-Sweet Home Alabama story set on St. Simons Island.When an unthinkable loss sends Tara Abbott’s life spiraling out of control, she journeys from North Carolina to Georgia’s St. Simons Island. Although confused and scared, she hopes to find answers about her past – her life before the years of foster … before the years of foster care and raising her two half-brothers as a young adult. Will she find steady ground on the island, surrounded by an eccentric-but-kindhearted group of older women called The Glynn Girls and a determined firefighter? Or will the truth splinter what’s left of her identity into pieces?
more
As the Tide Comes In is the newest Christian novel by Cindy Woodsmall. Tara Abbott lives in Sylva, Georgia where she has raised her two stepbrothers since she was eighteen years old. Sean and Darryl will be heading off to college in the fall and the three of them are going to visit St. Simons Island during the summer. While Tara is out running in the woods, a devastating tornado strikes. Tara loses both of her siblings and suffers a head injury. While in the hospital, Tara has a dream where the boys tell her to go to St. Simons Island. Despite her friends concerns, Tara heads for the island. Unfortunately, Tara becomes confused, disoriented, and ill. She gets rescued by Gavin Burnside and his four mothers’, The Glynn Girls. Can they help Tara recover and find her place? Gavin and The Glynn Girls are having a tough time themselves. Gavin’s father died leaving behind a mess for them to clean up. They have a balloon payment coming due and only one resource. While Gavin is reluctant to use it, they have no choice. Join Tara, Gavin, and The Glynn Girls on their journey in As the Tide Comes In.
As the Tide Comes In is Cindy Woodsmall’s first non-Amish, full-length book and she did not disappoint with this heartfelt narrative. As the Tide Comes In is a well-written and engaging novel. The pace is steady throughout with smooth transitions as the point-of-view switches between characters. The author created realistic characters with Tara and Gavin who are going through true-to-life situations. I was delighted with the quirky The Glynn Girls. Julep, Luella, Sue Beth and Dell are the four ladies who make up The Glynn Girls. Julep is Gavin’s mother, but all four ladies helped to raise him (and still mother him). The four of them have a strong friendship that helps them get through the good and, most especially, the bad times. The Glynn Girls add levity and lightness to As the Tide Comes In. I especially enjoyed watching the romance bloom between Luella and Charles McKenzie. There are beautiful descriptions of the island and the vistas Tara experiences when she is rock climbing. As the Tide Comes In a story of hope, love, grief, heartbreak, joy and faith. It is important to never to lose sight of the fact that God is always with us. It is hard to remember when we are stricken with sadness, grief, or despair. We need to let ourselves mourn the loss of a loved one, but then it comes time to move forward with our lives (though we will never forget our loved one). We need to remember the happy times and find ways to help others. I found As the Tide Comes In to be an emotional, heartfelt novel. You will need to have a box of tissues nearby. There is some predictably to the story, but it did stop me from having a pleasurable reading experience. I am rating As the Tide Comes In 4 out of 5 stars (I liked it). You will not want to miss out on Cindy Woodsmall’s poignant novel As the Tide Comes In.
#PRHpartner
As the Tide Comes In was a powerful and emotional book! I enjoyed the themes of friendship, love, faith, and healing that were present throughout the story. The story is about Tara who was injured and lost her loved ones during a tornado. She travels to St. Simons Island and becomes disoriented there due to her injuries. Tara finds herself involved with four women there who have been close friends for most of their lives. The women, along with one of their sons, assist Tara in her recovery. The characters are all wonderful. They all are dealing with their own personal struggles and loss, but they all help each other along the way. I found that the plot of the story became more intriguing as the story went on. There were underlying mysteries involved in the story as well. The story is full of emotion as the characters deal with loss. But Cindy and Erin Woodsmall write the story in a charming way that includes humor. The characters explore their faith on their journeys of healing and recovery.
Bravo! Cindy Woodsmall and her daughter-in-law, Erin, make a fabulous team. This book digresses from Cindy Woodsmall’s Amish fiction. Woodsmall fans need not fear, insightful spiritual truths are woven into this heartbreaking story of loss. It seems that Tara cannot find a break. As a young child, she is put into foster care. Just as she is ready to enter the world of adulthood on her on two feet, when at the age of 18 she takes on the responsibility of raising two half-brothers. A tragedy sends Tara’s world spiraling out of control as she seeks healing and discovers the truth about her past.
While this is a story of heartbreak and grief, it is also a tremendous story of hope. It does not answer “why God let’s bad things happen”, but is does point out how God’s faithfulness brings us to a certain place, how He molds us to become a vessel He will use. Don’t let the mention of heartache keep you away, there are many moments of humor as well. The authors have given the readers a great cast of characters. Tara is a heroine that is filled with grit. The hero, Gavin, is steadfast. The Glynn Girls provide much wisdom and humor.
Although we may not have walked a similar path as Tara, the readers will take away some insight for their own purpose in life.
I look forward to reading more books by this talented team.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from author/publisher and was under no obligation to post a review.
As the Tide Comes In is a heartrending yet beautiful novel that allows the reader to walk with Tara Abbott through unspeakable tragedy and loss and the dark, lost days after until that spark of light breaks through. Although the tale is not always said, many readers will probably want to keep a box of tissues close at hand.
I have long been a fan of Cindy Woodsmall’s books and love the fact that she is now collaborating with her daughter on some. As the Tide Comes In may be one of the most touching stories I have read and it is one that will linger with me for awhile. I adored the Glynn Girls and how they ministered to Tara, always knowing instinctively when to hover and when to step back. It was inspiring to see how the Lord was always with Tara, through good times and bad, and leading her to the place to find answers to all her questions.
I really loved this book and hope to see more like it in the future. I can’t wait!
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by the author. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
This book kept me fascinated from the first page. Typically author Cindy Woodsmall writes Amish fiction, and that’s how I know her works. However she shows herself more than capable of branching out with As the Tide Comes In. Well written, I hope we see more from the south.
The story has much heart break but through it all we are reminded that God walks with us, even though we may not have answers for tragedy. And though the story line is sad, there is hope as well as laughter. I mean four older southern ladies who want to mother everyone? That gives the reader much to chuckle about.
You’ll love the descriptions of St. Simon’s Island and if you enjoy history, you’ll find it in this book, along with interesting “ghost” stories. Time to plan a trip! With characters so true to life, I’m sure you’ll find Tara and Gavin there, as well as the Glynn Girls. I highly recommend this book.
I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.
@WaterBrookMultnomah #Partner
This is the first book by Cindy Woodsmall and Erin Woodsmall that I have read and I was delighted. This engrossing story dealt with grief and loss in a realistic but also uplifting way. The characters and their friendships kept me reading. This book could easily be used with young people to facilitate conversation about healthy relationships. I enjoyed the romance and humor, which was added in just the right amounts. Overall, I found the book very thought provoking, which always leaves me satisfied. I hope these writers consider a sequel as I would love to read more about these characters and their story. I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.
Make sure you have tissues for this gut wrenching tale of love and loss and finding your way again with God carrying you every step of the way. What a story that is woven like a fine tapestry with ins and outs of threads that make a beautiful picture when finished. The characters are wonderful and the four Glynn Girls are great entertainment with their antics throughout to lighten the mood of a difficult storyline. My favorite line in the book is “God was a potter, and she was here on earth, able to be a vessel again…..someday.” This speaks to me so deeply, that no matter what we go through God will heal our brokenness. The authors deal with grief and heartache in such a tender compassionate way that draws you in and leaves you with hope for a better tomorrow when the storm has passed.
I enjoyed reading more about Tara who we first meet in The Gift of Christmas Past.
I received a complimentary copy from the author/publisher. The honest review and opinions are my own and were not required.
http://notenoughtimeforbooks.blogspot.com/2018/07/if-you-like-cindy-woodsmall-youre-in.html @WaterBrookMultnomah #Partner