As the Great War rages on, Sunset Cove continues to feel its impact. Running the small town newspaper, Anna McDowell can’t escape the grim reports from the other side of the world, but home-front challenges abound as well. Dr. Daniel is serving the wounded on the front lines. And Katy, expecting her first child, with her husband in the trenches, tries to support the war effort with her Red Cross … Cross club. Even as the war winds down the costs are high—and Sunset Cove is not spared.
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Turning Tide by Melody Carlson is the fourth novel in The Legacy of Sunset Cove series. Life continues at home while the men are off fighting in the Great War. Anna McDowell gets the daily reports off the wire for the Sunset Times, the family newspaper. Anna’s fiancé, Dr. Daniel Hollister, is serving on the front lines helping wounded soldiers. Anna’s daughter, Katy is pregnant with her first child. Her husband, Jim is a soldier in the trenches while she keeps busy with her dress shop, the Red Cross Club and assisting Ellen. Ellen has her baby, but she misses having male attention. She finds someone to fulfill her desire for attention which causes an estrangement with Katy and endless gossip. Rationing is felt at home, but they are happy to make the sacrifice for the soldiers. Every time a telegram delivery boy rides down the street on his bicycle, they wait and pray it will not be for them. Which of their men will make it home? Turning Tide is a lovely conclusion to The Legacy of Sunset Cove series. I believe it is best if the series is read in order. Each book builds upon the previous one. I thought Turning Tide was well-written with developed characters. I like how the author included historical events into the story. The major battles, ships sunk, the Spanish Flu and, of course, the ending of the Great War. We get to follow the day to day lives of our main characters: Anna, Katy, Lucille, Mac, Ellen, Dr. JD Hollister and the others. I thought the author captured the time period with the fashions, language, automobiles, and news. I like how the changing fashion styles were included (less fabric being used because rationing and a more military look). Those at home keep the home fires burning, but they worry constantly about their loved one who is involved in the war effort. They do not know if their husband, brother, or son will make it home. If they do come home, how will they be affected. Shell shock (as it was termed at that time) affected many returning soldiers. I like how the author wrapped up this series. It was a joy visiting Sunset Cove with its wonderful characters. I would love the author to return to it in the future (maybe see how the citizens are faring during World War II for example). I liked how Christianity was incorporated into the story. The power of prayer and trusting God were two important elements. Turning Tide is a charming story with fluctuating fashions, tragic telegrams, endemic influenza outbreak, war raging, and worried women.
Will the Tide finally start Turning…
I’m gonna admit that I had some mixed emotions while reading Turning Tide. Not because the book wasn’t a good one but because of current events. The parts about the war were quite interesting, and I don’t remember having heard of the Sedition Act before, but it was pretty eerie reading about the Spanish Flu of 1918 while sitting at home during the 2020 COVID-19 epidemic and shut-down. I mean, some of this stuff is identical to what I see on the news every day now. Businesses closed or hours limited, self quarantine, social distancing, all of it is in this book. I know that this book was written months ago but I would imagine that Melody Carlson had absolutely no clue just how on the spot she would be when it would be released. Like I said, it’s eerie…
Normally, I tend to view The Great War through the lens of the first WWI book that I read, L.M. Montgomery’s Rilla Of Ingleside, but that was a Canadian story so I really appreciate reading stories like Turning Tide that have an American perspective. The honesty about returning soldiers having difficulties readjusting to civilian and home life is both accurate and appreciated. While it had a different name 100 years ago PTSD was just as real then as it is today.
So, the book itself was a nice historical romance and even features more than one wedding. The details of the lives of the people on the Home Front were interesting. We hear so much about the rationing of the next war that we often forget that WWI did at least some of the same. While I did read the first book in The Legacy Of Sunset Cove series, I missed books 2 and 3, and read this one, the 4th book. I missed a lot of stuff by skipping those books, so I recommend not making the same mistake I did, but I was still able to get into and enjoy the story.
Melody Carlson has a good series in her The Legacy Of Sunset Cove books. The bridge of 3, and later 4, generations of friends and family who live and work together is a nice break from all of the single, no family, workaholic stories out there. So, if you like that kind of thing, like I do, and want to learn a little history, you really should check out this book and the entire series from start to finish.
(I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are entirely my own.)
MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK
Though Turning the Tide is the conclusion to The Legacy of Sunset Cove Series, it is the first book I’ve read of the series, and I was able to pick up and understand the story fine. Though it would probably be better reading all four books in order. The people of Sunset Cove continue to survive daily as they await daily news from the war. So many of their loved ones and friends are fighting, one thing is always on their minds, who will come home alive and who will not.
As in all of her books I have read, author Melody Carlson’s excellent writing skills surface at the beginning to the book, with characters so well crafted, and a plot that kept me turning the pages to see what was happening and to who as the story develops. There are so many scenes filled with tension, as they all fought so hard to survive what life was throwing at them. And though I have heard of the Spanish flu, I had not read a lot about it before, and found the subject quite like what our world is facing today with the Cronoavirus. Though it was a different time in history, the fear and feelings were quite the same. I do appreciate the Christian life weaving through the lives of the characters, and how Ms. Carlson reminds us that God is in control, and He is always with us during our most difficult times. Another thing we are Christians can understand with this silent enemy that is raging through our world today. And lastly, I love and enjoyed so much the history in this book. It is evident that Turning Tide was very well and expertly researched in order to give readers the amazing read this book is. A book that I highly recommend!
A special thanks to the author/publisher for a copy of this book. I am not required to write a positive review, the opinions here are mine alone. I am disclosing this with my review in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
Author Melody Carlson has a way of bringing history to life. With her excellent research it’s possible to learn new things and enjoy a story at the same time. I will admit reading this one was a challenge given the correlation between the flu epidemic (then) and the virus epidemic (now). Yet hope was prevalent then and prevailed, as it does now in 2020.
Well developed characters, danger, suspense, and romance gives this book something for everyone. I enjoy a fiction book that includes things that could have really happened. Carlson didn’t write a feel good story, but one that happened in some form or fashion. If you enjoy historical fiction then I recommend this book, and in fact the series.
I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.
I always enjoy books by Melody Carlson whether one of her annual Christmas novellas, a contemporary or historical, or even one of her young adult novels. This author has a talent for pulling her readers right into the story as well as the lives of her characters. Her books always contain a message of faith, sometimes subtle and other times in your face. I often wish her young adult books had been around when I was raising a teenage daughter. Turning Tide is the fourth book in Carlson’s historical The Legacy of Sunset Cove series. Rumor has it that it is also the final book of the series. I have not read all four books due to time limitations but thoroughly enjoyed the two I have had a chance to read. I hope to find time to catch up on the other two very soon.
With a setting along the Oregon coast during World War 1, the story features newspaper editor Anna, her daughter Katy, and other members of their extended family plus several close friends. Both Katy’s husband and Anna’s fiance are overseas serving in the war, leaving the women to manage things at home. Anna and Katy were very strong women who capably ran their own businesses. The narrative provides readers with a glimpse of everyday life during the war that includes hardships, joys, and sorrows experienced by the citizens of Sunset Cove.
I found this book to be of particular interest as I read it during our own enforced shelter at home for the current Covid-19 virus pandemic. The chapters that described the rumors of and the area’s experience with the Spanish Flu near the end of the war were almost frighteningly familiar yet encouraging too. I enjoyed Turning Tide and recommend it and the rest of the series to those who enjoy historical fiction or even those who just love a good book.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Celebrate Lit. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
This exciting fourth novel in The Legacy of Sunset Cove series is the best! This riveting Christian historical novel can be read as part of the series or a standalone. I am very thankful I read this series by this gifted storyteller. The McDowell family and their friends are engaging and very well-defined. While faith and prayer are priorities in their lives, this novel is in no way preachy. The historical period is shared in a fascinating manner that held my attention throughout.
The United States has been in the Great War for less than a year, and most eligible young men of Sunset Cove have enlisted or been drafted. Equally of concern on the home front is the rumor of the epidemic of Spanish Influenza. Dr. Daniel Hollister, currently stationed in Europe, has advised Anna McDowell, his fiancée in Sunset Cove and Editor in Chief of the Sunset Times, how deadly the influenza is and how it may kill more people than soldiers were lost in the war.
It is hard to imagine that a flu could exceed the rising war casualties. It is also hard for Anna to see the headlines they must put on the front page of the Times, especially when the Germans were driving back the Allied Forces. Along with her fiancé being in the war, Anna’s daughter Katy’s husband Jim is an enlisted man, and the son and son-in-law of her best friend Clara are serving. The war is up close and personal while the news of influenza is something to be aware of but seems far from Sunset Cove.
I appreciate the legacy of strong women of faith, including Anna, her mother Lucille, and her adult daughter Katy, now pregnant with her first child. Seeing Anna’s best friend Clara and her daughter, Ellen, ready to give birth to her first child, deal with their concern for their loved ones is enlightening; what a terrible time this was for family members stateside! I also enjoyed seeing Mac, Anna’s father and Lucille’s ex-husband, again; he is a respected man in his family and community. Daniel’s father JD, also a doctor, is in charge of the hospital and Daniel’s patients while he is away. JD is pursuing Lucille, even though Mac dreams of getting back together with her.
The McDowell family and friends are focused on several situations in this excellent novel. The joyful anticipation of new babies, the looming specter of influenza, and whether their men will survive the war are priorities. Blessings and sorrows abound as Sunset Cove awaits the tide turning in Europe and on the home front. I appreciated how well the scenery of Oregon was described and felt the varying emotions of the characters. I will definitely miss the folks in this close community and am overall satisfied with the end of the novel and how every loose end is tied up. I highly recommend this novel to all who appreciate Christian historical novels set during WWI, the newspaper business, rich family dramas, and fans of this series.
From a thankful heart: I received a complimentary copy of this from Celebrate Lit, and this is my honest review.
There are so many reasons why I’ve loved the Legacy of Sunset Cove books by Melody Carlson and this fourth book may be my favorite. Carlson introduced us to some memorable characters in the first book and Turning Tide allows us to see how they’ve grown and changed during the years. Readers are entertained and enlightened as she continues to write about World War I, American society as it was during those years, and the Spanish Flu epidemic that ravaged the world in 1918. How ironic that many of the things that Carlson mentions are just what we are hearing and seeing today during our Corona Virus 19 outbreak! But through all of their trials and adversity, we see the citizens of Sunset Cove relying on faith and prayer to see them through.
If you are looking for a book that will fill you with many emotions as you learn about our country during the last year of World War I, you will want to read Turning Tides. I love that hope, faith, and family are stressed and I recommend it to all who enjoy Christian historical fiction.
I received a copy of this book from the author. I wasn’t required to post a positive review and I am voluntarily sharing my thoughts and opinions.
Turning Tide is the newest and fourth installment from Melody Carlson’s series, The Legacy of Sunset Cove. I have loved the other books in this series and this one is among my favorite. Even though it is part of the series, I believe it can be read as a stand alone. However, I do recommend to reading the first three books first.
In Turning Tide, readers are brought back to the beautiful Sunset Cove during World War I. There were some scenes that had me on edge with some twists that I did not expect. I love the lessons learned while reading this and seeing the beauty of what hope and faith brings. I enjoyed the strength and courage of the women during this time in history.
I am giving Turning Tide a very well deserved five plus stars. I highly recommend it for readers who enjoy inspiring, clean and historical fiction.
I received this book from the publisher. This review is 100% my own honest opinion.
Turning Tide by Melody Carlson is a marvellous Christian historical novel and part of the Legacy Of Sunset Cove series. It can be read as a stand-alone but I would recommend reading the previous novels first.
The action is set in 1917 as America is entering World War I. I enjoyed catching up with familiar faces. Some characters are already at the Front, others are draft dodgers and others are excluded from serving but wish this were not the case. “It’s just hard to stand by and watch.”
Women on the home front do what they can to support the war effort including selling liberty bonds.
The men suffer at the Front. The women suffer on the home front as they worry about their men. They need to entrust their worries to God. “It’s better to pray than to worry.” The reader is reminded that we are to worry about nothing and to pray about everything, only by trusting God will receive a supernatural peace in spite of circumstances.
In times of war, it is natural to worry about our menfolk. “Instead of bracing yourself for bad news, you should be praying… I’m not sure God is listening.” God is always listening. Instead of doubting, we must put our trust in Him and know that He is good.
The men who went off to war are not the same men who return. They may be physically maimed or suffering from shell shock. Melody Carlson has sympathetically portrayed this.
After World War I the world was plunged into a Spanish flu epidemic. This seems particularly poignant as our world today faces the uncertainty over the coronavirus. One thing we do know, God is still on the throne and nothing ever surprises Him.
Melody Carlson has created a wonderful set of characters in small town America. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, and includes the reader. We ‘see’ the town and ‘experience’ the action. We ‘share’ the endings and beginnings. Turning Tide is a wonderful read.
I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
What I think you should know:
Turning Tide is the fourth book and final in the Legacy of Sunset Cove Series by Melody Carlson. This series is best read in order as the books do not give enough information about past events to be standalones. Carlson picks up the story after Surf Smugglers and if you have not read the previous books you will be lost.
What you might need to know:
Turning Tide takes place during The Great War, the story includes loss, PTSD and briefly mentions the Spanish Flu.
What I thought about this book:
By the time you get to the fourth book in a series you feel like you are visiting old friends and this is no exception. I love to read about strong women and this book is full of them. Anna is still a brave and inspirational woman, and I was thrilled with how Carlson allowed Katy to mature. Katy begins the story as the pregnant wife of a deployed serviceman and a successful business owner. I was very interested in how what we now call PTSD was discussed and treated as shell shock.My heart ached at the losses in the book, but was thrilled at the new life and joy that was found. I thoroughly enjoyed this series and although this is the end of Sunset Cove, I look forward to whatever Carlson decides to write about next.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Celebrate Lit, this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own.
My Thoughts on Turning Tide:
I have loved this series and was excited to see what happened in this the last book of the series. Actually I really hope to see a new series come out that focuses on Lucy as she ages and then into the next war. It would be a great piece I think. I’d also love to see what the book Jim writes has in it!
When this book arrived I immediately delved into it. Recently I had to pick it up again though because it has an eery parallel to our lives right now. They had the Spanish Flu which was the great flu epidemic of 1918. It was horrible and took so many lives both overseas and in the US. Right now we’re dealing with the Coronavirus and I think we should take a page out of our ancestor’s books and learn how to quarantine. I hate seeing the parallel but I really hope that we can weather it and survive as our ancestors did. It will be interesting to read bout this pandemic in the years to come.
Now, this is an amazing book and I have truly loved the series. I’m lucky to have been able to review them all. Melody Carlson is a wonderful author who knows how to weave a story that you find yourself sucked into. You care for the characters and even love the ones who make themselves unloveable at times.
I highly recommend that you read this book but please read the series too. Start with book one and read your way through the whole series. You will love them and they will make so much more sense. They can be read alone but why would you want to miss out on a wonderful series and three other books by just reading this one? You wouldn’t. So pick up book one and read it and then on to the next! After all, we’re in isolation and quarantine because we don’t want to spread this virus to those most susceptible so time to read!!
Also, I need to mention the cover. I love the fashion of the teen years of 1900 and think the cover did a great job of capturing the fashion but also the mood of the novel. And I love that the colors aren’t too bright so Jim wouldn’t need his dark glasses.
I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from Celebrate Lit. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.
Turning Tide
I have enjoyed this book series so much. It is always a joy to catch up with the characters. A lot going in the book. The running of the newspaper, war, babies, weddings, and the swine flu. The swine flu in the book is similar to what we are going through now. There is Hope.
I recommend reading all the books in the series. I love the relationship of Anna and her daughter Katy. A family that had been separated comes to know each other again.
I received a complimentary copy of the book from Celebrate Lit. This book review is my own opinion.
This book really brings life during World War I to life. And with the Spanish flu going on at the same time, it sounds a bit too much like the current pandemic we face (but that’s just a small part of the story). The characters seem very real and their authentic reactions sometimes tear at the heart. We observe their pain and their growth and their struggles and their successes. The setting is a small coastal town in Oregon, Sunset Cover, which is central to the whole series. I suggest reading these historical novels in order since the story continues from book to book and this one doesn’t provide enough back story to fill the reader in enough to help with knowing characters and their pasts. Some of the elements may seem ahead of the time such as working mothers and women running a business. If you like historical fiction, you should find this series a fine addition to your library. I received a copy from Celebrate Lit. All opinions are my own.
I always find it interesting, and a little bit divine, when a book I’m reading aligns with what’s happening in my life right now. And in Turning Tide, the fourth and final book in Melody Carlson’s The Legacy of Sunset Cove series definitely contains some similarities to what American’s are currently dealing with. More on that in a bit.
Life in Sunset Cove isn’t always idyllic, especially with so many of their men fighting in the first World War, but the community knows how to pull together when times get tough. Anna and Katy have overcome a lot with the help of their friends and family, now they face challenges many others are struggling with as well.
While the story starts out somewhat slow with a lot of the daily life details, things definitely pick up near the halfway point of the book. Carlson doesn’t downplay the horrors of the war, including the losses of life and the mental status of the men who return home different and distant. And then there’s the Spanish flu pandemic and the quarantine requirements which many are experiencing right now with COVID-19.
Almost everything is wrapped up, though I did feel like the final reunion was rushed and would have enjoyed more development there. Overall, Turning Tide is a satisfying ending to this series.
Disclosure statement: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.
I don’t like goodbyes at all. I try to avoid them if I can. But here we are at the end of a series that has captured the heart and soul of The Great War. We have come to know the characters over a period of time. I feel like I’m saying goodbye to a family member. The author has accomplished writing a series that will live long in my heart. Every detail the author has shared about the war has brought realism , heartache and hope.
It won’t be easy to say goodbye to Anna as she maneuvers the newspaper with updates for the community. Her charm and love has carried me through a wonderful journey of triumphs and tragedies in her life. I enjoyed being there as she matured, raised a daughter and overcame obstacles that others would find hopeless. Katy is such a joy to read about and I loved following her as she grew into a gracious young woman. The author takes us through the war with honesty and explores what happens when a soldier comes home to adjust to civilian life.
There is talk in the story about the spread of influenza and how devastating it was for the town. This story really shows the true horrors of war, sickness and overcoming tragedies. I am pleased with the ending and after putting this off for so long, I say goodbye to my friends in Sunset Cove. You have given me hope, laughs, and above all a place I found encouragement and unconditional love.
I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.
The fourth and final book in the Legacy of Sunset Cove series by Melody Carlson, “Turning Tide” lives up to its name and proves to be my favorite installment. Whereas “Surf Smugglers” left off with a bit of a somber feeling but with burgeoning love and relationships, “Turning Tide” truly does turn things upside down. Reality comes crashing in, and once again Carlson draws readers into an atmosphere that is at once both cozy and overwhelming.
This book was a very apropos read right now because of its candor in addressing World War I. Without going into gruesome detail, Carlson informs readers via Anna’s newspaper of the high number of fatalities of American troops overseas and the injuries to both body and mind that they faced. Shell shock, which is now known as PTSD, is discussed. What makes this part of the narrative so interesting is that it is presented as it was in 1918, with doctors’ thoughts and opinions revealed. Also, the Spanish Flu is an important part of the story, especially the latter quarter or so, which plays into the current Corona virus pandemic. As in this story and the rampant fear generated by the flu, our current response should be like that of Katy when she reaches the end of herself: “She knew it was time to pray.”
Relationships form the backbone of “Turning Tide”, just as they have for the previous three books in this series, and reading all four offers the advantage of witnessing relationships blossom and grow and, in some cases, end. The characters have become endearing over the course of this series, and I will miss several of them, especially Mac and Lucille.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through Celebrate Lit and was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are my own.
The author has returned us to Sunset Cove and to the lives of the characters we have come to love. It is 1917 and the Great War has brought sorrow and devastation in Europe. Unfortunately the small town of Sunset Cove, Oregon is not immune to that sorrow. Both Katy and Ellen have husbands in the trenches and Anna’s fiancé, Daniel, is a doctor on the front lines. With babies being born, the young mothers are wondering if their daddies will ever get to hold them.
Between those evading the draft, the war, rum-running and the Spanish Flu the newspaper has plenty to report. As Armistice is signed, those that have survived are returning home. The theme of PTSD or shell shock is very gently dealt with, something we unfortunately see nowadays as well. It behooves us to remember that those veterans that have served on our behalf are dealing with memories we can’t even imagine, nor would we want to.
As weddings and births are occurring, the wonderful town of Sunset Cove moves on into a new era. I hope we will be able to one day return and visit with those fabulous characters and walk on the beach.
An ARC was received through WhiteFire Publishing and CelebrateLit. The impressions and comments are my own and were in no way solicited.
I was excited to get notification there was a new book in this series. This could well be the last of the series as it tied up loose ends but yet it left you wanting more. As the book open WWI is still raging and the characters are still either in their cozy little lives or off fighting in Europe. The author, I think, did a good job historically in reminding us of the times and problems faced during those years. Clean series. PG read