Tara Abbott had lived a hard life, abandoned by her addicted mother and placed in foster care at a young age with only a painting from someone she once called Nana, but no longer remembered, to link her to her past. As a high schooler she met her two younger half-brothers, but saw them only that one time with their paternal grandmother. While she loved her two best friends, her roommates that became like sisters while in foster care, Tara missed being loved by family, missed having roots. So when, after graduating high school, she learned that her brothers' grandmother was dying and that they were likely destined to be separated and placed in foster care, Tara felt compelled to raise them as her own in the mountains of North Carolina.
Gavin Burnside, the man with four mamas, well one biological mama and her three best friends, is a firefighter with a problem. His dad had died in a fireworks accident that resulted in a personal injury lawsuit that caused the financial hole Gavin and his real mama found themselves in. There was only one possible way to pull themselves out, the dismantling and selling of an historical home on St. Simons Island, Georgia, an act that would have been legal if they'd only had a few more days to wait.
Cindy and Erin Woodsmall make the most of the grandeur of the mountain and beach settings in this story. They have placed unique, lovable characters in each, and orchestrated a story line that plunges the readers into the depths of grief and raises them into the heights of victory. This book itself is a vessel of love.
I highly recommend As the Tide Comes In. It is an equally great vacation read and rainy weekend read, and is equally filled with lighthearted goodness and deep, thoughtful lessons. I thank NetGalley and Waterbrook & Multnomah for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review. I was under no obligation to provide a positive review and received no monetary compensation.

This book was delightful. The Author Duo used the phrase “mischief magnets” to describe a group of women friends and immediately you’re endeared to these spirited ladies. This quartet of ladies are the supporting cast to a pair of male and female main characters who are multifaceted and mature. I liked the multi generational aspect of the plot, the emphasis on how important family ties are, and the words of wisdom about showing love and kindness.

The main character, Tara, makes some outlandish decisions in the beginning. You want to call out to her, “What are you thinking?” Of course the irrational behavior is explained when you consider her physical challenges and state of mind. There are tragic events that set this state of mind in motion.

This is a contemporary fiction book complete with a family mystery and romance. The mystery is resolved in a surprise ending that is foreshadowed by just a few breadcrumbs of clues. Family roots are untangled and revealed for a positive and satisfying ending. The author duo, Cindy Woodsmall and Erin Woodsmall, show great skill in presenting the characters’ full slate of emotions through triumph and tragedy.

If you are a fan of Cindy Woodsmall’s Amish Fiction, you will be pleased to venture into this book with a new setting. Most of the story takes place on Saint Simons Island, off the coast of Georgia. Woodsmall has some fun with Southern dialogue and customs. You’ll be moved emotionally. I received an advanced reader’s copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

AS THE TIDE COMES IN by CINDY WOODSMALL is both heart-wrenching and hopeful. It is a lovely book and one I will definitely read more than once.
Abandoned by her mother and growing up in foster care, Tara longs to know the love of a family, and feels she has a family at last when she takes over the care of her two half brothers at the age of eighteen.
When tragedy strikes, she sets off for St Simon's Island in South Georgia. She is in denial, has recently had a head injury and subsequent surgery, and is taking heavy doses of Vocodin for the pain.
I don't want to tell you any more of the story as I might spoil it for you if I do.
I love the characters, especially the Glynn Girls, and the humour that runs throughout the book. We get to feel Tara's pain and Gavin's desperation, and through it all we see the hand of God, in even the most horrible situations. We are made aware of the fact that it is always safe to trust Him, no matter what happens. We get a real sense of his love and caring.
The Christian content is really good, the story is gripping, and I can highly recommend this book.
I was given a free copy of the book by Waterbrook & Multnomah from NetGalley. The opinions in this review are completely my own.

As the Tide Comes In is an emotional story of a young lady who grew up in the foster system after her mom left her alone, thinking that no one loved her other than her two best friends from the last foster family. Just after high school graduation, at age eighteen, Tara Abbott is contacted by a older lady who is the paternal grandmother of two young boys who are Tara's half brothers by her mother. The grandmother is dying and is asking Tara to take on the boys' to raise them. Unselfishly, she agrees. At age thirty, both have graduated from high school with college on the horizon when a disaster hits, shattering Tara's life and causing a severe head injury to her. Soon after being released from the hospital, she decides to go on a trip that the boys had planned for her-to try to trace her roots. They had researched and had a lead that would take them to St. Simon's Island, Georgia in the Golden Isles near Brunswick. On a trip alone and still reeling from the head injury, Tara has a strange and emotional time on the island. But she did encounter people who would eventually watch out for her. This is the painful journey that involves grief, denial, illusions, overcoming so much pain but in the end-faith and learning to move forward, to find love and even her roots and someone who did love her all those years of being alone.
I received a complimentary ARC of the book from WaterBrook Publishing through NetGalley for an honest review. Thoughts and opinions stated are mine only.

I love the setting and the characters in the book. I was sadden by part of the story but found myself rooting for Gavin and Tara. A story about finding out who you are, having faith, and learning to love.
I was unsure if I would like reading this book but took a chance. I found at times it was hard to follow and other times I wanted to keep reading.

I have been a fan of Cindy Woodsmall for a long time. I knew this would be a good story but I’m amazed at the atmosphere created in the book. Without giving away too much of the plot I can tell you to be prepared for a dark and immensely sad tale. After being raised in foster homes Tara has finally found satisfaction and purpose by raising her two half brothers. After tragedy strikes Tara now has to find a new peace but she first needs to come to grips with the abrupt change in her life and the discovery of who she really is. She must become a “ vessel of love”. That was my favorite part of the book. In the self centered and misogynistic world we live in this is a lesson we should all learn. Woodsmall has created a delightful group of characters and made them real people with real problems. I would love for more books to be written about the characters in the story. Overall this is one of Cindy Woodsmall’s best book yet!
I voluntarily received a copy of this book from Netgalley.

In As the Tide Comes In, Cindy Woodsmall’s newest novel she co-authors with Erin Woodsmall, we meet Tara Abbott. Tara’s life has been full of heartache and loss growing up in the foster system in North Carolina. When she has a bright future ahead of her, the 18-year-old makes a life changing decision that changes the course of her future.
Flash forward, 12 years and tragedy strikes again, this time taking away the two people that means the most to her in all the world. Recovering from a brain injury, Tara decides to take the trip that her family had planned. The trip lands her on St. Simons Island in Georgia and things just get more interesting from there.
In this novel, the reader is taken on Tara’s journey of loss and grief and sees firsthand the effects that it has on her. I loved the concept of being love’s vessel and spreading God’s love on earth. Tara was a picture-perfect example of being a love vessel and it was great to see how her journey brought her full circle in the end.
There is several characters in the book and their stories intertwine with Tara’s, but in the end the message was beautiful and it defiantly gives the reader something to strive towards – spreading God’s love to others.

I received a copy of this novel from netgalley.com and WaterBrook & Multnomah in return for my honest review.

3 stars
I am so conflicted by this book. I was so intrigued to read it; as I thought I would be unable to put it down but I was sadly wrong. The first few chapters with Tara Abbott were wonderful, I was instantly wrapped into her character and her story.
The book segued into Gavin's story, his four mothers, the various firefighters he worked with, a lawyer and a deceased sister. It was all just plain overwhelming. There were far too many characters, it was nearly impossible to keep up with them all. I had to keep trying to figure out who was who and go back and check on who certain characters were, it just needed to be pared down.
As The Tide Comes In by Cindy Woodsmall and Erin Woodsmall is at times very well written and at others boring and baffling. I just expect more from a book especially one written by a bestselling author. I can see where many people will enjoy this book, as it is clean and a Christian read.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and Net Galley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own

4 1/2 stars! As the Tide Comes In by Cindy Woodsmall is not her usual book as it is not Amish but I really enjoyed it. Romance. Great quirky characters. A mystery to discover about her past. A beautiful island and a hunky fireman. I hope she writes more southern fiction. I also enjoy her Amish fiction.

I received this book from NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

This is quite a different story from Cindy Woodsmall's usual genre. This is a very emotionally book that touches on some hard subjects like foster care, drug use, and death. Tara is very strong character with heart and determination. She did her best with the cards she was dealt. Gavin is the rock for his four "mamas" as he tries to solve everyone's problems. I found the four "mamas" somewhat irritating and immature for their age. Overall, I think Tara's heartfelt story will be an encouragement for many. Recommended.

"As the Tide Comes in" takes place in the South. The story opens with Tara who has been a foster child wanting to visit a lady who has her brothers. The lady she visits is sick and asks if she can raise the boys after she dies. At first Tara is not sure if she wants to end up being the guardian for the boys. After some time she changes her mind and decides to raise the boys. She lives in North Carolina. One day in a very bad storm she gets seriously injured. . She ends up having a brain injury and needing brain surgery. The boys die in the storm. It takes a long time for Tara to recover from her brain surgery and the losses of the boys. She feels alone since she does not have any other family. She has two good friends Hadley and Erin. She has been friends with them for a long time. They end up supporting her through her trials of her brain surgery recovery and the loss of the boys. In the midst of her trials she decides to go to St. Simon's Island in Georgia to recover. What happens to Tara in the midst of her recovery? What happens when the tide comes in and what does she lose? How does her life improve or change after all she has been through.? This book shows the challenges of those who are faced with loss, have a foster back round. It leaves the reader learning about how challenges can be overcome. It is a good book . I highly recommend the book. I am thankful to the publisher and netgalley for giving me this opportunity to read and review this book. I will post my review on my blog , facebook Amazon, Christian book distributors, Goodreads.

Cindy Woodsmall is one of my favorite authors. Her Amish stories are some of my all time favorites. This book is so different from what I expected. This book is do full of emotions. It will keep you reading long after you should have gone to bed. I loved it. Will be gifting this book to a few friends at Christmas.
I was chosen to receive a complimentary copy of this book by the publisher and netgalley. The review is solely my opinion.

Haven't not read book by this author but I think this was a good book . I would recommend this books to friends. Good, clean book

The author has given us a story of hope and survival, but with my heart in my throat, this is a story of life and faith in God.
There is so much heart ache here, and yet I found I didn’t want to put the book down, it kept drawing me in. I found my emotions at a fever pitch, and wanting to be able to change the past. In the end, you will find yourself holding your love one’s closer.
Is it a coincidence that Tara ends up on St. Simon’s Island, and I loved the way the author’s mind worked to bring her here?
This book will be lingering with you long after that final page is turned, and I loved how the book concluded.

I received this book through the Publisher Waterbrook, and was not required to give a positive review.

The latest book by Cindy Woodsmall and her daughter Erin is different than Cindy’s usual stories revolving around life among the Amish; however, it is no less potent in its emotional ride and its character development. I have read all of Cindy’s books and I really enjoyed this one. The story follows Tara Abbott, a young lady who gave up her life to raise her two half brothers. In doing so, she found more love than she dreamed was possible. When tragedy strikes, Tara is unsure how to move forward. Although she was injured in the tragedy, she decides to go to St. Simon’s island, where she was already planning a trip to before her world shattered. However, once there, she is disoriented and lost due to the medication and head trauma she suffered. She ends up at the house where Gavin is working, stripping the house down to try and sell it to raise needed cash. After a series of mishaps, including barb wire on a fence, a town ghost, and the loss of her phone and credit cards, Tara starts to put the pieces of her life back together. With the help of her two best friends, Gavin, and his four moms, The Glynn Girls, Tara will find a way to put one foot forward and discover how she can best honor the ones she lost.
This story is gripping and heart-warming and sad and happy and poignant and silly and beautifully written. I love books that show people rising above what has happened to them to become who they were meant to be, with God’s help. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys the same. I received a free copy of this story from NetGalley for my honest review. All opinions are my own.

Great book! Tara is dealing with some of life's most difficult losses. As she recovers from a serious accident and learns how to live in a world without those she loved the most, she regains purpose and finds love. Although Tara's life is filled with pain, it isn't a depressing book to read. Rather, it is filled with hope and love and compassion. Not in the least bit sappy, but gritty with real-life activities and friendships that last a lifetime.

Cindy Woodsmall writes unbelievably good Amish fiction, but in this collaborative novel with Erin Woodsmall, she departs from the Amish and writes a compelling modern novel that resonates with the reader from the beginning of the book to the very last page. So let's start with the rating and then get to what's great about the book. This is a five star book, two thumbs up, and a great outdoor adventure.

Tara, Hadley, and Elliot all grew up in the same foster home, and now they share a home together when Tara gets a letter from her grandmother that changes her life. Patricia has been raising Tara's half brothers, but she's found out she's dying. She wants Tara to continue raising Sean and Darryl. She gives Tara her cabin and a sum of money she's saved up to cover expenses while the boys grow up.

After Darryl grew up, Tara and the boys planned a trip to St Simon's island off the coast of Georgia, but before they could leave, a tornado came through the area of the cabin and dropped a tree on the cabin. Tara survived, but the boys didn't.

The Woodsmalls wrote about the amnesia Tara suffered, the PTSS, and the healing she achieved by living on the island and her interactions with the Glynn girls. The authors have woven a touching novel that rivets the reader all the way through the book.

I appreciate Waterbrook Publishing for providing the galley through NetGalley.com I read. I am providing this review as my honest assessment of the book.

This is the first book that I have read by Ms. Woodsmall. The story is set mainly on St. Simons Island. The main character is Tara, who is a strong young woman. After having a difficult childhood, she perseveres to make something of herself. Then, after some difficult turn of events, she finds herself in St. Simons Island, where she encounters the Glynn Girls and Gavin. With their help, she discovers what she has been missing. This was a beautiful story that came together with a great ending. Throughout the book, the reader is wondering what will happen next and is not sure of what might occur. I highly recommend reading this book! I do not believe you will be disappointed.
***I was given a free electronic copy of this book from the publisher. This is my honest opinion. Even though I received this copy free, this is my own opinion.

This was a unique book. At first, it seemed far fetched but as the story fleshed out, I could see how it was all coming together. It was a very deep and significant read. Very highly recommended!

Usually novels by Cindy Woodsmall quickly grab my attention, I instantly connect with the character and their situations and I can't put it down. Usually the author reveals the characters circumstances, there is some information as to how they got there and over time the back story gets filled in. This story made a couple of jumps that felt disjointed to me. I found it hard to re-connect afterwards because the leaps were made in a very short time. The second chapter began with this line, “12 years later.”

The novel had started out in 2005 where Tara receives a letter from her grandmother Patricia Banks. She wants Tara to visit next week to discuss family matters.

Later readers meet Gavin a firefighter whose mother is part of the Glynn Girls who are friends and business partners. They are in the middle of a move. Gavin is helping them get settled. It’s then he meets Tara on the beach. She looks lost and confused. He offers her help.

I felt that I didn’t have time to connect with and get to know Tara, her situation and the people around her before the first leap occurred. So, when the 12-year jump happened I didn’t re-connect even after the unmentionable happens. I felt like I missed out on so much. I think I would have felt and connected more if I could have experienced some intimate time with Tara, her room mates, her brothers and/or the grandmother before the leaps. Near the end of the story things came together and I found myself smiling and cheering for Tara.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”

Nora St. Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins! www.bookfun.org
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