How on earth could her father ever consider selling the business that had been in the family for generations – especially to the man who had ruined her life? It didn’t matter that Meg Whitaker had no desire to run a lobster boat or that even being on a boat made her deathly ill. But there was no way she could allow Oliver Ross to take over the business. It just was not right! And that is how Meg ended up spending the season working with the man she avoided at all costs and she would never give up her grudge against him. Or would she?

In Beyond the Tides Liz Johnson takes her readers back to Prince Edward Island (PEI) for another warm, sometimes humorous, deliciously romantic, and brimming with faith tale. I loved the interaction between Meg and Oliver and the way they gradually became comfortable with each other almost without realizing it.

In this delightful story that is big on forgiveness, Meg and Oliver discover just how much they have in common and realize that her father knew exactly what he was doing. I loved taking another trip to PEI and hope that Johnson will book another visit for her readers soon.

I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.

Prince Edward Island. What woman who grew up reading Anne of Green Gables hasn't dreamed of visiting this small Canadian province? Although Liz Johnson has several books set on PEI, this was the first time I was able to read one of them.

This book centers around the lobster trade. Meg's father is ready to retire, especially with his wife's health failing. Though he has an agreement with Oliver Ross to purchase the business, Meg can't stand the thought of her family's legacy going into the hands of the nemesis from her teenage years.

Oliver can't believe that his dreams finally have the chance to come true. Life hasn't been kind and he hasn't always made the best choices, but at last he is on track to build the life he wants for himself. Only Meg Whitaker and her outrage stand in the way. Can he find a way to convince her he's not the same boy he was all those years ago?

I really wanted to like this book, but it just wasn't for me. Meg continually acted on impulse without any forethought, and she never won me over. The book also used some of my least favorite tropes. I believe many people would enjoy this story, but I kept being frustrated by the characters or plot twists. Please don't let my opinions stop you from reading this book if it sounds intriguing to you. Some of the things I disliked may be exactly what draws you in.

I received my copy of the book from the publisher. All thoughts in this review are my own.

Meg Whitaker loves teaching and has no interest in managing a lobster-fishing company, not when she can’t even get close to the water without getting seasick. But when her father announces plans to sell the family business to the person who a decade ago shattered her dreams of a scholarship to an Ivy League school, Meg vows to do whatever it takes to keep the small fleet from falling into Oliver’s hands — even if it means getting back on a boat.

Oliver Ross has long regretted his actions in high school. Devastated by his father’s abandonment, he lashed out against the unfortunate person who happened to be within his reach, and it cost Meg her dreams. However, the chance to own a reputable fishing fleet on Prince Edward Island is no small feat and an opportunity he doesn’t intend to let pass without a fight.

The solution? Mr. Whitaker insists that Meg and Oliver join forces for one season at the end of which he will select the best one to take over after his retirement. Though less than thrilled, Meg sets out to prove she has what it takes to inherit the business while Oliver is determined to show her he’s not the person she remembers.

A story about family, forgiveness, and second chances, Liz Johnson transports her readers back to the breathtaking island just off the Canadian coast. Stuck in a dry spell in which everything I read failed to capture me, Beyond the Tides gripped me and refused to let go. The setting, the characters, the writing, everything ensured that I was in for the duration, reading it within twenty-four hours.

With a lesser author, Meg could have come across as vindictive and Oliver as a class-A jerk, but they didn’t. The protagonists were flawed, complex, and downright relatable. I connected with both, became invested in their stories, and rooted for them almost from the get-go.

Johnson masterfully brought the tale to life, guaranteeing that I experienced everything as though right there with the characters. Sometimes too well. As someone who has dealt with motion sickness her entire life, I had to keep reminding myself that I was firmly planted on my bed or couch and not really feeling queasy. Thankfully, her vivid portrayal translated to other areas as well. I could hear the sounds of the boat on the water, smell the fish-laden brine, and see the beautiful coastal town for myself. Born and raised by the sea but landlocked the past three plus years, this couldn’t have made me happier.

I loved the Prince Edward Island Dreams series, and Beyond the Tides promises to be the start of an equally captivating new series,. I recommend this book to fans of romances with depth and magical backdrops.

Beyond the Tides charmed me from the opening page. This is my first time reading anything by Liz Johnson, but it won’t be the last. This book is the start of a new series and I’ll be watching for the rest as they release.

The story is set on Prince Edward Island and centered around Whitaker’s, a lobster fishing business run by Walt. His daughter Meg, a High School science teacher is horrified to learn her father is planning to sell the license to fish to her former nemesis, Oliver Ross. To try and stop him, she quits her job and goes to work on the boat, planning to show her father she should have the business instead. Unfortunately, Meg has terrible sea sickness and hates the smell of bait.

Oliver Ross knows his only chance of any success is if Walt Whitaker sells him the lobster license he’s scrimped and saved for. Owning the business would mean Oliver could do a better job of supporting his mom and brother after their father left them high and dry. But he never expected Meg, a girl he did a terrible wrong, to pull on mud boots and get in his way.

A LESSON IN LOBSTERS…

The only thing I know about lobster fishing is that I like to eat the end result. But throughout the story I could almost feel the string of spray and the sway of the boat. The background detail, woven through the fishing scenes is meticulously researched. Oliver and Meg are both likable characters and I was firmly team both of them.

The message of hope in Christ is central, but at no point is the book preachy, a trick in itself. And the love story is tender and unpredictable. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and hope you do too.

Enjoy the beautiful cover of Beyond the Tides by Liz Johnson
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Thanks to Revell for the free book.
I enjoyed Johnson’s last series, so I was excited for this next one. Unfortunately, though, this one is not for me. I found Meg to be childish in her decision making, which sets up for the entire plot, so I didn’t finish the book.
I think this will be great for those wanting one last summer romance type of book. It would be easy to get through it in a couple of days. I hope it gets into the hands of the readers that will love this story.

I was so excited to get my hands on this book! When I got to read the summary on the back of the book, I knew it was going to be good. Johnson has a way of drawing me into whatever adventure the characters are in and I love every minute of it. I easily fell in love with Meg and Oliver’s story. I can understand Meg’s side; not wanting something, but also not wanting to lose the chance at having it. And yet Oliver worked so hard for so long, and deserves the chance to change the future for him and his family.

I could not imagine wanting to get up before the crack of dawn and do back breaking work to provide a living. Yet that is exactly what Meg’s dad and Oliver have been doing for years. When Meg’s dad makes a decision to stay home with her mom, Meg is forced to make her own decision. Will she step aside and let Oliver, who knows the buisness almost as good as her dad, take over as her dad wished, or will she fight against him for it? Oliver once cut her deep, and she can’t see past her hurt to see what he could’ve been going through. Will winning the lobster fleet and taking it away from him give her the satisfaction she thinks she deserves? Or will getting to know Oliver again cause her to find a better and lasting satisfaction?

I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys clean romance. I received a copy of this book from Revell Publishing and was in no way forced to post a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Meg Whitaker’s plans for her life went sideways ten years ago, when Oliver Ross destroyed her science fair project in a moment of impulse. She held a grudge all those years, through college and even after coming home to help her father care for her mother when a mysterious degenerative disease made it no longer feasible for Meg to pursue her education further. Back in their cozy fishing village on Prince Edward Island, Meg teaches at the local school, helps her dad with her mom, and does everything in her power to avoid Oliver. There is just one glitch in that plan: Meg’s father has chosen to sell his lobster business and license to her nemesis. Meg can not allow Oliver to win this. She declares her interest. She quits her job. She takes on the responsibility of working the lobster season alongside Oliver.

Working side by side with Oliver for the duration of the lobster season is absolute torture for Meg, but it is made worse by the way her eye keeps wandering to notice his fine features. The way he cares about her parents doesn’t help. Neither does the way he keeps saying and doing things that make Meg wonder if he is still the same old Oliver Ross. Adding to the challenge is the series of small but frustrating acts of sabotage that keep happening and the long nights of watching over the boat together. Still yet, her mother’s condition continues to baffle the doctors. Despite the long held grudge, Meg and Oliver have to work together and do what is best for her parents.

Liz Johnson delivers a story filled with heart to pull the reader into life in the tiny PEI fishing village. Anger, confusion and frustration pave the way for hope, love, and intentionally trying to make happy moments together. Beyond the Tides is the first book in Johnson’s Prince Edward Island Shores series; I look forward to reading the others as they release.

Thank you to the author and publisher for allowing me a copy to read and review. All opinions expressed here are my own and are completely genuine.

In order to stop her father from selling the family business to her high school nemesis, Meg Whitaker decides to give it all up to learn the ropes working alongside the man who cost her her dreams.

Set on the beautiful shores of Prince Edward Island, Meg and Oliver are fighting for the highly coveted lobster fishing license that has been in Meg's family for decades. But fighting for the same thing also mean working together, I liked the way that Oliver and Meg came to depend on each other, as well as how we get a deeper insight into Oliver's home life growing up. Oliver is a good man with a strong moral compass, and I admired his faith in letting go when he wanted most to hold on.

Overall, an engaging read, with great emotional depth and well built characters that were easy to root for throughout. I really liked how this book doesn't shy away from digging into topics of faith, and I loved the progression of Oliver and Meg's friendship. Meg's father is a wonderful man, and I loved his imparted wisdom, as well as his love for Meg's mother. Excellent read from beginning to end!


I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Absolutely delighted by the first novel in what promises to be another stellar series by Liz Johnson. This may be my favorite book written by the author to-date. It is an incredible story of the pain that comes with grief and loss that is triumphed by one of family, love and forgiveness.
Such a delightful read. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

My Thoughts:
I have long since fallen in love with Johnson’s easy writing. There’s a comfort here as if I’ve lived in this place before. Needless to say, she’s on my auto-read list, meaning, I don’t wait to find out what the story is about before I attempt to read it. Beyond the Tides was certainly a no-regrets read.
But sometimes it’s hard to pinpoint exactly why a book is a favorite.
There’s a cozy setting. A memorable trip to PEI. Both rank high in my opinion.
I’m not familiar with lobster fishing but Johnson handles the subject like a pro, weaving in details without it feelings clunky or out of place.
The spiritual thread seemed light at first, but once the characters were ready to wrestle with God, everything came together very beautifully.
And the family! I’m already invested in the Ross brothers. I do recommend reading this series in order because book one sets up book two so perfectly that I wish I didn’t have to wait a year to read it. The story has a proper conclusion for the main characters but it introduces a prodigal son who has suddenly returned home. Definitely the makings of a great follow-up story!
But then there are the main characters themselves. Oliver and Meg are both broken and looking for love and acceptance. Their chemistry was spot on the entire time, making for a very enjoyable read.

Rating and Recommendations: I’m giving it 5 stars and recommending it to those who enjoy Christian Contemporary Romance or a visit to Prince Edward Island.

~ I received a copy from Bethany House. I was not compensated for this review or required to give a favorable one. All thoughts are my own.

#BookReview: Beyond the Tides by Liz Johnson 3.8 stars

The beautiful cover made me want to pick up this book. Meg's father wants to sell their family business to her nemesis, Oliver. It was interesting to read how Meg made the decision to choose her family over her career. It wasn't an easy choice but her love for her family won.

In this book of second chances, there is the struggle to forgive those who have wronged us. But healing happens in God's time. Oliver had to move on from his family's past. Meg and Oliver had to overcome their differences. I didn't feel much chemistry between them but for sure they can work well together.

But one thing I love about this book, was Meg's relationship with her father. Her dad's words were precious.

Thank you to netgalley for the complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own.

A sweet romance with a unique setting. I did wish for more descriptions of the landscape.

*Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for providing an e-galley in exchange for an honest review.

Liz Johnson has a gem of a story here, like nothing else I’ve ever encountered. 
The story of Meg and Oliver is quite remarkable, and the lessons of forgiving, trusting, and loving are strongly received in the best possible way. 
Set on the beautiful island of Prince Edward Island, we are submerged into the world of fishing boats, smelly bait, and crab traps. Everything from the hard work to the weather to the early mornings compliment the storyline and the mood of everything so well. 
I am literally blown away by the character development that is shown. We come to know, almost seemingly personally, Meg and Oliver at the beginning of the book, and still know the both of them by the end. However, by then they are both two completely different people in the best possible way. Looking back, Liz did an incredible job of growing the characters through the story, and literally could not have changed a single thing.

This book was provided courtesy of Revell, through Interviews & Reviews.

I really enjoyed this book. I could connect with Meg, in that my mother also was gravely ill, though I was a teen at the time. Those feelings of avoidance are so real. Like, if you don't think about it, then maybe it isn't really true.

I liked the tension between Meg and Oliver that had been brewing since their teen years. And from the buildup of the 'event', I expected it to be something life-shattering that happened between them. When I actually read what the catalyst was, I laughed out loud. I really did. That just seemed so unexpected and ridiculous. And non-sensical that the school wouldn't allow an opportunity for it to be remedied. I chuckled every time it was referenced.

Anyway, the rest of the book I really enjoyed. I chose to read this book because I thought it was a mystery. I do not normally like romance books, and there was a lot more sensuality in this book than I care for. I enjoyed the storyline when it focused on personal relationships (between Meg and her parents, or Oliver and his family, or Meg and Oliver learning to work together), and I enjoyed learning about the fishing industry.

I do enjoy the author's writing style. It feels very casual, but not childish. The story unfolds easily without too much work on my part as the reader, to make it interesting. I would probably read a second book in this series if it were more of a mystery and less of a romance. I just don't care for that aspect in books.

When Meg Whittaker decides to sell the family business to her high school nemesis, Meg gives up her career to try and prove he should sell it to her instead.

But her nemesis Oliver Ross has grown up and is depending on the business to turn his family fortunes around.

Can the two make peace and find happily ever after?

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for an early review copy.

This story so well researched. Another best seller from Liz.

Meg, has something from her childhood which hasn’t been cleared, and is still trying to deal with, when, that person is back in her life. So far as, her father is wanting to sell him the family business. So now, both Meg and Oliver strive to demonstrate their worthiness to take over the business.
Her father is trying to cope with his own sadness, his wife’s illness is getting worse and it’s taking everything out of her.
Meg wants to keep the family legacy, by handling the family lobster business. As her father is devoting all his time and attention to her mother. Can she learn to trust and have Oliver there to lean on, or are those memories from the past going to hold her back?
An absolutely fabulous book.

Highly Recommend This Book.

Beyond the Tides starts off Liz Johnson’s Prince Edward Island Shores series. I thought it was a really good start. It was a pleasure to take a visit to the beautiful Prince Edward Island. I was intrigued by Oliver and Meg’s story. Even though they had their differences, they have great chemistry together. It was wonderful spending a few hours with them. It was fun and a delight to read. I did find it somewhat predictable but still so good to read and not to be missed.

I am giving Beyond the Tides four stars. I recommend it for readers who enjoy reading clean romantic fiction. I look forward to the next installment from the Prince Edward Island Shores series.

I received a paperback copy of Beyond the Tides from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.

Beyond the Tides, by Liz Johnson, is a tale that will take you back to Prince Edward Island. Meg Whitaker and Oliver Ross had a falling-out in high school that neither have forgotten. Now, as young adults, they are again in a battle. The outcome will determine who will be the future owner of the Whitaker Fishing business!

As Meg and Oliver begin their first day of work together, Meg suddenly learns that her mother's health has taken a turn for the worse. When Meg's father must leave to take her mother to see a specialist, Meg and Oliver are left in charge of the boat on opening day of lobster season!

As you learn about terrible incidents from Oliver's past, you wonder if this pain can be removed by hope in Meg and Oliver's future. Hold on for an interesting ending to this tale!

Thank you NetGalley, Liz Johnson and Revell for the copy of Beyond the Tides. This is my personal review.
This was a story that had so many pieces to it that it. The story was a mixture of hopes, dreams, family, love, and forgiveness. The author did a great job of making me interested in the life of a family who owns a fishing business. When family issues surfaced and Meg’s father had to sell the fishing business Meg never imagined her father would consider selling it to Oliver, Meg knew she had to show she could take over and run the business. Oliver is an enemy of Meg’s from high school, and she knows she has to overcome that to achieve her goal. The interaction and them having to work together makes feelings come to the surface.
I am so glad I got to read this book and get into the lives of Meg and Oliver. This is the first book in the series Prince Edward Island Shore.

Beyond the Tides by Liz Johnson is the first book in the Prince Edward Island s
Shores series. In this story, Meg Whitaker’s father has decidedly sell his family’s lobster business. Meg has no interest, until she learns her father plans to sell to her long-time nemesis, Oliver Ross. Meg’s father decides the two must work the fleet together, and then he will decide who gets it.

I was drawn to this book by its location, and I was not disappointed. I could visualize the location and almost smell the salt air!

This is a love story. But it is also a tale of forgiveness and renewal. An excellent beginning to this new series.

I received a copy from the publisher and Net Galley in exchange for my opinion.