Thanks to Revell, a division of Baker Publishing, for sending me this book to read and review. It was a quick and easy read. Not a heavy hitter but had some of my favorite Thebes in fiction/story telling: friendship, family, love, forgiveness, life challenges, and a nice wrap up at the end. Loved that the book took place in Prince Edward Island. Enjoyed learning about the lobster business.

Rating 4

3.5 Stars. I wanted to read this book because of the gorgeous cover and of course I love an enemies to lovers romance. I was surprised to find that this was a clean (not even fade to black but fully clean) and inspirational romance. I don’t usually pick up inspirational romances so this was very different from what I usually read.

I liked both Meg and Oliver, especially Meg. I found them both sympathetic and relatable. I appreciated that they were both were having family struggles and it wasn’t one with struggles and the other with the perfect family. The think I liked most with the book is the setting. I really want to visit Prince Edward Island and this this book made me want to go there even more.

I struggled with how much Meg was manipulated by everyone around her. From Oliver to her dad, everyone really just took advantage of her and her desire to be good and helpful. Also so much of everyone’s plans was contingent on her being manipulated. It just made me uncomfortable how much that everyone who was supposed to love her was actively taking advantage of her. I also thought there were waaayyy too many details about the lobster fishing and felt like it bogged down the romance. That being said, I will keep an eye out for the next book in the series.

Thank you to NetGalley and Revell for the ARC.

Liz Johnson has a gift for tackling weighty issues with compassion and sensitivity. Beyond the Tides was such a delight to read, and it felt like I grew with the characters on each page. I’m eager to read the next in the series and find out what happens next!

What I read: Beyond the Tides by Liz Johnson

Why I picked it up: I thought it was set in Maine (it’s not) so I got it to read on my trip here.

How I read it: On paperback over a couple of days with a few times reading next to the water.

What it’s about: Lobster fishing has been in Meg’s family for three generations and now her father is ready to sell his license to Oliver, her enemy. So even though looking at a boat makes her seasick she’s determined to be the live up to her legacy. Except she loves history but she hates fishing so her dad makes them a deal: they do the season together and at the end he’ll decide who gets the license and the business.

What I liked: Oliver just seemed like someone I wanted to know. He had a terrible legacy from his father that he’s trying to overcome and he does. He’s just a stand up guy. Also Meg’s dad ends up being a romantic which was super sweet.

What I disliked: Meg’s pride is a little much to read. With Oliver, the business, her mother’s illness, work, fishing, etc. She seems to believe everyone will think her weak to ask for help, but they just want to help her. None of them are out to get her.

Genre: Christian, chaste romance.

Rating & Recommendation: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ and yes and I’m going to reserve number 2 to read soon.

So good! I’m a Liz Johnson fan and always enjoy her books. This first in a new series was fun. Liz puts time and effort into her writing and is great at helping her reader feel like they’re right there in the story. I’m looking forward to the next two books.

A fun light summer read set on PEI, it gives you the feel of a fishing village, but with the twists and turns of pain of losing a parent that is still alive.