With its North Carolina beach setting, Summer by the Tides couldn't be more perfect for an entertaining summer read, but it is so much more! Denise Hunter excels at writing contemporary romances with complexity and depth. Summer by the Tides is a perfect blend of atmospheric setting, relationship drama, romance, and inspiration. While I've greatly enjoyed all of Hunter's books, this is definitely a favorite.
The story opens as three sisters â Nora, Emma and Maddy â converge on their grandmother's coastal cottage due to the fact that she has apparently gone missing, quite possibly by design. Family relationships are at the heart of this story as Nora and Emma deal with unresolved anger and unforgiveness toward the other, with Maddy attempting to be a peacemaker. And then there's the oh-so-appealing neighbor, Connor, with whom Maddy immediately gets off on the wrong foot. I was drawn to each of these characters instantly, and the chemistry between Maddy and Connor sizzles.
Hunter's writing is smooth and even, with the pacing just right. Flashbacks to a summer 20 years earlier when everything fell apart shed light on current-day feelings. As in life, characters erect walls and keep secrets, hiding painful realities. This story reminds us that true peace only comes through openness and honesty.
Best of all is the transformation and growth of several characters, both emotional and spiritual. I love that Hunter doesn't shy away from faith elements, rather making them a natural part of our daily walk. And there's a realism in the way that reconciliation is shown as a slow, gradual process.
I don't know if this is the beginning of a series or not, but I'm certainly eager for more of these characters. Highly recommended.
I received a copy of this book through Celebrate Lit. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
The story opens as three sisters â Nora, Emma and Maddy â converge on their grandmother's coastal cottage due to the fact that she has apparently gone missing, quite possibly by design. Family relationships are at the heart of this story as Nora and Emma deal with unresolved anger and unforgiveness toward the other, with Maddy attempting to be a peacemaker. And then there's the oh-so-appealing neighbor, Connor, with whom Maddy immediately gets off on the wrong foot. I was drawn to each of these characters instantly, and the chemistry between Maddy and Connor sizzles.
Hunter's writing is smooth and even, with the pacing just right. Flashbacks to a summer 20 years earlier when everything fell apart shed light on current-day feelings. As in life, characters erect walls and keep secrets, hiding painful realities. This story reminds us that true peace only comes through openness and honesty.
Best of all is the transformation and growth of several characters, both emotional and spiritual. I love that Hunter doesn't shy away from faith elements, rather making them a natural part of our daily walk. And there's a realism in the way that reconciliation is shown as a slow, gradual process.
I don't know if this is the beginning of a series or not, but I'm certainly eager for more of these characters. Highly recommended.
I received a copy of this book through Celebrate Lit. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
