Beyond the Tides

 

I am so excited to tell you about Beyond the Tides by Liz Johnson.  This has been my favorite summer read so far and I'm sure you will love it too.  There is so much good to say about this book.  First, any book that has me showing outward emotion is a winner for me, whether that emotion be fear, anger, tears or laughter.  For this book, it was laughter.  The author had me laughing out loud with her wit on several occasions.  Another plus was the romance. And when I say romance, I mean romance.  The first kiss between the main character's will have you sighing and smiling at the same time.  Such a beautiful descriptive way of describing a beautiful moment.  Also, the setting ya'll!  Prince Edward Island! Need I say more?

Another great thing about this book is that it's the first one in a series!  I can't wait to read the second book and if it's anything like the first I know I will love it too!

When Meg Whitaker's father decides to sell the family's lobster fishing business to her high school nemesis, she sets out to prove she should take it over instead.  Though she's never had any interest in running the small fleet, or even getting on a boat due to her persistent seasickness, she can't stand to see Oliver Ross in charge.  Not when he ruined her dreams of a science scholarship and an Ivy League education ten years ago.

Oliver isn't proud of what he did back then.  Angry and broken by his father walking out on his family, he lashed out at Meg, an innocent bystander.  But owning a respected fishing fleet on Prince Edward Island is the opportunity of a lifetime, as well as a way to provide for his mother, and he's not about to walk away just because Meg wants him to.

Meg's father has the perfect solution.  Oliver and Meg will work the business together, and at the end of the season he'll decide who gets it.  Along the way, they may discover that their stories are more similar than they thought, and  their dreams aren't what they expected.

***Thanks to Revell Reads for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Under the Bayou Moon

Right now we are in the middle of a heat wave.  Heat index is currently at 109 degrees and this is the pattern for the remainder of the week.  Even though I am a summer lover this is pretty hot and on days like this I feel there are really only two options.  Find some water to cool off in or stay indoors in the air condition. Both of those places are really good for reading.   So let me tell you about a book that makes for a great summer read.

Under the Bayou Moon by Valerie Fraser Luesse takes place in 1949 in Louisiana and I absolutely loved the setting and the way the culture that was represented.  The characters were fun loving and almost perfect.  This book is one that I like to call an easy read.  You don't feel tense reading it, you can just sit back and enjoy with a glass of ice tea.  At times the storyline was a little too slow, but overall I found it to be a very good and enjoyable read.

When Ellie Fields accepts a teaching job in a tiny Louisiana town deep in bayou country in 1949, she knows her life will change, but she could never imagine how dramatically.

Though rightfully suspicious of outsiders, who have threatened both their language and their unique culture, most of the residents come to appreciate the young and idealistic schoolteacher, and she's soon teaching just about everyone, despite opposition from both the school board and a politician with ulterior motives.  Yet it's the lessons Ellie herself will learn from new friends, a captivating Cajun fisherman, and ever a legendary white alligator haunting the bayou, that will make all the difference.

Take a step away from the familiar and enter the shadowy waters of bayou country for a story of risk, resilience and romance.

I should also probably warn you that after reading this book you are going to want to visit bayou country for yourself!

***Thanks to Revell Publishing for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.