Wednesday, April 26, 2017

Book Review: The Ebb Tide by Beverly Lewis


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Title: The Ebb Tide

Author: Beverly Lewis

Series: Standalone

Genre: Contemporary/Amish Fiction

Audience: Adult

ABOUT THE BOOK

When a well-to-do family asks Sallie Riehl to be their daughter's nanny for the summer at their Cape May, New Jersey, vacation home, she jumps at the chance to broaden her horizons beyond the Lancaster County Amish community where she grew up. Curious by nature, Sallie loves reading and learning, and she fears that her chances of making a good match with an Amish farmer will be hampered because of it.

Though she loves taking care of nine-year-old Autumn Weaver during the week, Sallie has free time on the weekends to enjoy the shore. It is there that she meets Edward Kreider, a young marine biology student who talks freely about all he's learning and asks about her interests, unlike the guys she grew up with. Sallie wonders if this is the kind of relationship she's been longing for. Then again, Ed isn't from her community--and he's Mennonite, not Amish.

Sallie is afraid of what her parents would think about her new friendship. But that's not all she's fearful of. When unexpected danger threatens Autumn, Sallie will have to put her fears aside. Will this be a summer to remember, or one to forget?

~ MY REVIEW ~
**5 stars**

The Ebb Tide was delightful! Beverly Lewis writes with such charm and grace, and this newest novel of hers completely swept me away.

Sallie Riehl is a sweet character, likable and so fun to explore the world with! When the nineteen-year-old is asked to be a nanny for the summer in Cape May, New Jersey, the adventure of a lifetime begins. Through trials and joys, I inwardly urged her to follow the Lord's gentle prompting and her own beautiful dreams, and rejoiced with each new discovery that touched her Plain life.

Not only is the Amish lifestyle always interesting to read about when penned by Beverly Lewis's hand, but the ocean theme in The Ebb Tide was spectacular! It was intriguing reading about "sea diamonds" and different ocean life. And lovely revisiting the crashing waves, ocean sunrise, boogie boarding, and calm, sandy beach walks - not to mention, the unique and fun shops! (I recently was at the ocean myself and got to experience all that! So made me want to go back!)

Ah, what a journey of faith and discovery this was! So sweet and touching, it unfolding in just the perfect timing. Hearts changed and minds were renewed. Romance blossomed and friendships deepened. Sallie's walk with the Lord deepened in a beautiful way throughout the course of The Ebb Tide as she surveyed His magnificent creation and met some of His devoted followers. Oh, how I loved it. I must admit, I was anxious and frustrated at certain points in this book, but it turned out oh so incredibly right, and joy filled my heart at the last page.

The characters were all wonderful. From Sallie and her family, to Cousin Essie, to sweet Autumn, to the strong and dear Kevin. (Yes, yes, I so loved Kevin! What a guy! Actively seeking the Lord, searching beneath the surface for God's Hand in everyday life, passionate about exploring the world and helping people ... ) Certainly fun to get to know them all, and watch them grow in character - struggle and blossom in life.

The Ebb Tide wasn't all charm and delight. There were hard decisions. Frightening moments. Intense confusion. Crippling heartache. Sallie was a character with real struggles and fears. There were times when it didn't seem like it could all work out as it should. But Beverly Lewis unfolded this tale of finding God and finding oneself with gentleness and depth, beauty swirling across every page as we taste the salt of the ocean and feel the sand beneath our feet. With clean romance and touching faith themes, The Ebb Tide ultimately leaves its reader satisfied and joyous.

I absolutely loved it and highly recommend!

I received a copy of The Ebb Tide from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for my honest review.

2 comments:

  1. Great review, Shantelle! :D I just finished reading "The Ebb Tide" this evening! It was SO wonderful! It's definitely my favorite standalone book by Beverly Lewis!! :D

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    1. Oh! So sorry I didn't reply to this comment, Rebekah!

      Thanks!! :D Eee, yes, The Ebb Tide was amazing! Just reading over my review was making me remember the beautiful-ness and making me want to read it again!

      I'd say it's one of my very favorites from Beverly Lewis, as well! ^_^

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