Shaped by the Waves
by Christina Suzann Nelson
Pub Date 01 Feb 2022
Bethany House, Bethany House Publishers
Christian | Women's Fiction


I am reviewing a copy of Shaped by the Waves through Bethany House Publishers and Netgalley:


Cassie George is barely able to stay above water as she works to get her doctorate and raise her daughter. But she stubbornly keeps swimming to prove a few bad decisions haven't ruined her forever. Plus, it's all a great excuse to stay away from the small Oregon town she fled in shame years prior. But when she receives a call that the aunt who raised her has had a major health crisis, she knows it's time to return.




Cassie is surprised to find that she and her daughter are welcomed by this seaside community than she expected, even if there's still tension between her and her former classmate Nora Milford. But she still can't help feeling unsettled and is mystified by a mysterious package that appears, full of typed pages that tell the story of an anonymous woman's life. As her curiosity sends her on a journey toward truth, Cassie will discover that who she thought she was and what she wants for her life are both about to change.



I give Shaped by the Waves five out of five stars!


Happy Reading!

A contemporary story with a gentle thread of mystery. Cassie, a single mom, brings her daughter with her back to coastal Oregon when the aunt who raised her has a stroke. There she stumbles smack into secrets her aunt was keeping. In another POV, her former classmate Nora is grappling with finding the half sisters she never knew she had, and preparing for the birth of a third daughter.

I loved the writing style and the emotional connection to the characters. 4-year-old Lark stole my heart right away and Cassie had me soon after. The story wasn't long enough for me...these characters could have easily kept me reading for 500 pages.

I'd love to have a sequel with Nora's story spelled out more. She had so many things going on in her life and I'd have gladly read another 100 pages or so about her. I also really wanted to know Aubrey and Mrs. Collins better and maybe even more people in this small town.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a free reading copy. A favorable review was not required. This review is based on a finished paperback copy I purchased.

Cassie had left Gull's Bay and ran into trouble. Now with a little girl in tow, she returns to care for her aunt who cared for her as a child. But was she her aunt?
I loved this story for its display of a close community who came together to care for one of their own, both Shasta with her Parkinsons and Casse and Lark as her caregivers.
Of course, there's Marshall who is happy to help care for Cassie as well.
I like how Christina tackles hard things and dysfunction. There was a side story of Nora that I'm not really sure how it went with the main story except to show that perfect-appearing families struggle as well.
I enjoyed this book and will continue to read book by Christina Suzann Nelson.
I received this book from Bethany House via NetGalley and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Following three women this book explores how each of their lives take unforeseen twists, but God was in control all along.

Cassie George and her young daughter, Lark, return to the Georgia Coast to care for her ailing Aunt Shasta, while there she receives a mysterious manuscript that tells a riveting tale that evokes memories from her past.

A compelling read about three very different women, told in a way that makes it feel more character driven until it all takes a turn as the story progresses. I liked the strong themes of family beyond the bonds of blood, and that way that God works things out for good. Lark is such a sweet child and I loved the way that she communicated with Shasta, and her friendship with Marshall. She is so unabashed about how she says things in her own little way.

Overall, this was a compelling and surprising read that had me invested in all three of the storylines and characters, with a beautiful message of faith and hope. A memorable women's fiction read, engaging and gentle, weaving a powerful story.


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

A new author for me and I was not disappointed. This was beautifully written and I enjoyed the plot and descriptions so much.

What a powerful story of family, love, grief, loss and motherhood! I dearly loved the story tucked within the pages of Shaped by the Waves. Christina Suzann Nelson has a beautiful way of softly unfolding her masterfully crafted novels, intertwining multiple characters lives and stories in a way that is profound, deep and extremely relatable.

HIGHLIGHTS:
-Motherhood + Family
-Romance
-Multiple simultaneous, intertwined stories
-Trauma
-A mysterious manuscript
-Small, coastal town

Throughout the entire novel, I found a connection with each of Nelson’s characters. I loved how she gently presented bits and pieces of the manuscript Cassie found over the course of the entire novel. This added layer created a deeper connection with the story and gave it a bit of a mysterious element.

Cassie’s relationship with her young daughter, Lark, had me chuckling out loud at times, knowing well what it is like to raise a little one. I also enjoyed Cassie’s growing relationship with Marshall and how they didn’t rush into a relationship. Their slow connection was sweet and rewarding.

Cassie’s relationship with her Aunt Shasta was truly precious. I thoroughly enjoyed them together and deeply felt Cassie’s trials and pain.

Nora’s story was a bit different for me, as a reader. I didn’t connect with Nora and found her to be closed-off and judgmental. As her story began to unfold, I found myself rushing through those portions of the story. In the end, I felt that her portion of the story didn’t really add anything to this novel, in my opinion.

Overall, however, the ebbs and flows of this story as a whole were rich, detailed and kept me highly invested. There were beautiful threads of motherhood, romance, grief, love, trauma, a subtle faith message and the bonds of a close-knit community. Simply put, this story was wonderful and one that I do recommend if you’re looking for an emotional, rich story to soak up on a quiet afternoon.

*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. All thoughts are my own and I was not required to post a positive review.

I was not sure about this book when I first started reading it. I was a caretaker for my sweet mother and was not sure I could handle it. I am so glad that I picked this book to read. It is a really precious story and I love how the characters are developed. I enjoyed watching the main character and her daughter with the people living in the town. I like how the author unfolded the story. It was a great read. I would highly recommend it.

Shaped by the Waves by Christina Suzann Nelson is an interesting novel about a woman returning home to Gull Bay to take care of her aunt. As she gets immersed in the care of her aunt and running everything else, she also gets involved in solving the mystery of her own past. There is also this other story about her childhood rival. Overall, this book is filled with emotionally charged scenes, but a lot of the story did not come together cohesively. I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher with no obligations. These opinions are entirely my own.

Thanks to Bethany House for the free book.
This is a beautiful and heavy book focused on Cassie coming back home to care for her aunt after she has a stroke. The author highlighted how difficult it can be for these caregivers - those in a 'sandwich' generation especially - to balance everything life is throwing at them. I enjoyed the honest look into guilt, accepting help (which can be so hard!), and community. This community in this book is an amazing representation of neighbors loving on and caring for each other.
My only qualm with the book was the second POV of Nora. I really wish she had her own book because in this one, her story felt underdeveloped. I also thought the absent mother theme would've done more between her and Cassie, too.

My goodness, but this story wrecked me. In a fantastic way, but still… I’m weeping while I write this, as this story was that beautiful (I finished it moments ago).

Cassie’s search for the truth of a mysterious manuscript as well as her own past is such a masterpiece of brutal honesty and hope and dysfunction and healing and poignant losses that my emotions couldn’t help but get completely wrapped up and utterly lost in the beautifully tangled web this story turned out to be.

Little Lark was a complete charmer. She had me – and every character in the book – wrapped around her pinkie after about half a second. Such a cutie! And her nickname, Larkie-bird, was so adorable!

I cannot describe well enough the amazingness that is this story’s plot. It was rife with mystery and hope and doubts and faith and family and heart. It made me cry and laugh and oh so happy. I especially loved a certain reunion. That really got the waterworks going!

My heart ached so much at seeing a sweet character fade so quickly. Oh, how her caregiver must have felt! I related so much to these characters even though I haven’t been in either’s position before. Signs of great writing, I’m sure.

While I’ve only read two books by this author, I am confident in saying Mrs. Christina Suzann Nelson is becoming a favorite. This book is a shining example, because I absolutely love heartfelt stories that move my emotions to new depths. I love a good, emotional tale! I can hardly wait to read the other one I have in my ever-growing to-be-read stash.

Content: suicide attempt, suicide by overdose, marital affairs, profane acronym, crude sexual term

This story has a slow start as the author introduces her cast of characters, which allows readers to know them well. Readers first meet Cassie George, she is running home to be with Aunt Shasta, the woman who raised her. Shasta is sick and needs help. Cassie goes back to the place she’s called home, with Lark, Cassie’s humorous, precious four-year-old. Nothing gets past Lark, she is a smart, outspoken, little girl who has never met a stranger she didn’t like. She quickly settles in at Aunt Shasta’s and likes the thought of going to school.

When Cassie gets home, Shasta is in good spirits, and they have fun at Shasta’s coffee shop like in years past. Readers then meet Nora, a woman who is expecting her third child. She’s scared because things are not going as smooth as her other two pregnancies went. She keeps this news to herself as not to worry, her husband Ferral is a busy detective. Likewise, she doesn’t want him to ask her about the DNA family results she doesn’t know how to process. Can she learn that letting go of perfect may help set her free?

The story became more compelling when Cassie receives a manuscript addressed to her with no return address. Only a note that requests she read it. Things start to stir inside Cassie as she reads this remarkably haunting story. She can’t put it down. Cassie had so many questions as she read. She needed answers. I was fascinated by this. I wondered how the information she gleaned from the manuscript, would tie into Cassie’s family life. It sounds so familiar. She feels like she lived it. Can this detective she’s contacted help uncover the writer’s real identity?

I kept wondering how all the puzzle pieces would fit together. I kept waiting for all the characters to intersect; some did, and others did not. The story did come to a startling conclusion I kept wondering about. The author does a wonderful job of showing readers that families come together in very different ways. They help and love differently. Cassie learns to accept that. Themes that run through this novel of family, loss, friendship, forgiveness, second chances interwoven with a natural spiritual thread of unconditional love laced with kindness, humor, and truth. It’s a winning combination. This book will grab you and never let you go. It will work for your next book club pick.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I have received a complimentary copy of this book by 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!
The Book Club Network blog www.bookfun.org

This is an intriguing story line about Cassie. And discovering one's self.
This might not sound too difficult, but when you add in the fact that Cassie doesn't know who her parents are, it adds an entirely new dimension.

Cassie returns to her old hometown to care for her 'aunt' Shasta, who is also the only Mom she's ever known.
As the story progresses, she is given clues as to her backstory.

I enjoyed the story, I liked getting to know more about Cassie. I wish it would have gone even more into her history.
I also struggled a bit to keep up with the various characters. Parts felt a bit disjointed and unrelated.
Overall, I found this an enjoyable, inspirational read.
Disclaimer: I receive complimentary books from various sources, including, publishers, publicists, authors, and/or NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review, and have not received any compensation. The opinions shared here are my own entirely. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

Shaped by the Waves by Christina Suzann Nelson is an amazing story that stayed with me after it ended. It is a well written story with wonderful characters that focuses on family, friends, relationships and secrets. This story is actually two stories in one with the main part being Cassie moving back to care for her great aunt and the other part being papers she receives in the mail. I just love the closeness Cassie and her roommate have and how the whole community stepped in to help Cassie with her aunt’s failing health. This story also has mystery as to who is sending Cassie the papers and what they mean. This is not a quick read story as there is so much going on with the two stories blending together. The story does briefly mention sensitive subjects such as abuse, abduction and unfaithfulness.

I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this story from the publisher through NetGalley, this is my honest review.

Christina Suzann Nelson is such a talented writer, and as such I really wanted to enjoy Shaped by the Waves as much as I have enjoyed some of her previous novels. I must say though that I did have a tough time getting into this one as much as I would have liked. While the writing is still great, I felt like there was just a lot going on and I personally found that it was a bit difficult for me personally to wrap my head around who was who, how they were connected and just generally keeping some things straight. As I deal with a lot of issues of brain fog and was doing so in trying to read this one... this could very well be a ME problem. The story- though slow going- was a nice story and again written well. While it might not have been one that I found myself drawn into as much, I would certainly still recommend anyone looking for a good emotional read to give this one a chance for themselves. I will still be looking forward to more from the author myself!

**I received a complimentary copy for consideration. All thoughts are my own.

As with many women's fiction books, this book had many ups and downs. There were moments that I wanted more, then what I got, like there was talk of a health condition that I am quite familiar with, and felt like it was a part of the story that was not as well developed as it could have been. But I would be quibbling at that. It was well written, engaging and if you are a reader that likes your books almost devoid of romance, besides brief hints to it, this one is for you.

Christina Suzann Nelson is a go-to author for powerful, thought-provoking, heartwarming stories, and Shaped by the Waves is no exception! The small Oregon town is a charming setting, filled with lots of likable characters. Cassie and her daughter, Lark, are lovable right from the beginning, and their story is a powerful reminder that families are more than just people we're related to. The mystery woven in through the anonymous story Cassie received kept me turning pages late into the night. Fans of Irene Hannon's Hope Harbor series or Robin Jones Gunn's Glennbrooke series will love this book!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

I adore unique fiction, and this is such an interesting premise. I recommend because of the story itself, writing style, and its ability to transport you into a different world.

At first I didn’t like the dialogue in the book and thought to myself, “maybe I won’t keep reading.” But then….the story grabbed me and didn’t let go! I believe this is the first book I’ve read by this author but I’d like to read The Way It Should Be since the reviews were so good.

Single mom Cassie is returning to the small Oregon town where she was raised after getting news that her aunt Shasta, who acted as mother to her, is possibly dying. Cassie had run away from her home to study marine ornithology in California and got pregnant with now four-year-old Lark, a precocious child who seems to steal hearts. It’s been years since she’s been home but she feels a duty to Shasta.

Soon the whole town seems to embrace Cassie and Lark as they join in helping out with Shasta. There are friends and also a romantic thread, as well as a mysterious story left for Cassie on her doorstep. The author of this story is revealed at the end, and I had not guessed it beforehand.

I received this book from the publisher via net galley in exchange for an honest review. Four stars!

Wow. Another amazing story. The way Christina weaves a story together amazes me. My mind was constantly trying to figure out what was going and how Cassie and Nora’s story was connected, if at all.

Nora’s story also touched me personally as over the last two years I had found out I have a half brother I never knew about and trying to make connections with him. It took him some time to be ready to talk to us.

My favorite part of the book was Cassie’s side of things and her story. I couldn’t wait to find out how everything would fall in place.

If you enjoy women’s fiction and dealing with some tough subjects I recommend this book.


A copy of this book was given to me through Netgalley. All opinions are my own.

Nelson weaves yet another intricate story involving the lives of multiple women who need each other to move forward.

Cassie has always felt at home with the ocean while living in Gulls Bay, Oregon with her aunt Shasta. Her mother was killed in a car accident when she was very young, and Shasta came and got her in Seattle and brought her home to Gulls Bay. But when she finds herself with an unplanned pregnancy, she decides to move to California and pursue her studies in marine biology where no one knows who she is. One day she receives a call that changes her life, Shasta has had a stroke and she has been suffering from Parkinson’s for the last five years.

Cassie loads up her daughter Lark and makes the drive back up to Oregon. There she finds the same people she left behind that treat her as if she was never away. She soon realizes that she is going to have to be Shasta’s primary caregiver and suffers a series of worries and doubts that she won’t be good enough or strong enough to provide for both her daughter and Shasta. In the midst of everything, pieces of a manuscript begin to appear outside the apartment that begin to make Cassie question everything about her past, especially when she finds out that a baby with her name is buried in a cemetery in Seattle. What’s true and what’s not?

Christina Suzann Nelson always manages to craft characters who are hurting, yet strong willed, and make them become a reader’s best friend while trying to help them work out their problems. I have been a fan of many of her books and this is an excellent addition to the collection. Cassie will be many things to many different people. Some will find strength with her as she goes about her struggles. Others will find a companion to share their burdens with. Still others will understand the complications of her hesitancy to enter a relationship as a single parent of a young child. One thing is for sure, she is one of my favorite characters so far this year.

To say this is a difficult, emotional read is not to be taken lightly. As my parents are aging, I really haven’t put much thought into the future of having to become a caregiver and this book will really make you explore that. Other readers will probably find this an outlet to agree with the burdens that they are facing. This will be a great addition to any library.

I received a complimentary copy of this title from the publisher. The views and opinions expressed within are my own.