A Vast and Gracious Tide

The main characters, Caden and McKenna, are totally likeable, but McKenna’s response to Bryce frustrated me. He was too nasty to Caden from the first meeting, for no apparent reason.
I liked Caden’s military background and how it filled the familial void in his life. I’m sure he is typical of many severely wounded vets coming home and relearning life.
The suspense builds with many twists. I guessed one, but not the why. Totally engrossing. I enjoy Lisa’s books and this is no exception.

A Vast And Gracious Tide by Lisa Carter is a Christian contemporary romantic suspense. It will have the reader enthralled from the start.
The novel is about loss and survivor's guilt. Our veterans went to war for us but on returning, a part of them is always left behind, wondering 'what if?' Bonds are formed with men and dogs in their units. It is unthinkable to leave anyone behind. Guilt consumes the survivors. "Guilt, even if undeserved, may be the hardest thing to overcome."
Loss eats up two of the characters. "Stuck between her life Before and an After she was afraid to embrace." We must face our past before we can move into our future.
The novel shows the importance of God. God is not a distant God. He is as close to us as we want Him to be. "He... didn't believe God believed in him." God believes in each and every one of us.
There are some wonderful unique and realistic characters portrayed. The reader can 'feel' the warmth of Lovey and 'understand' the protective nature of Walt. The openness and inclusiveness of McKenna was a breath of fresh air as she saw goodness in everyone.
Healing was a major theme. Some have visible scars, others are hidden but we know One who can heal us all.
An air of suspense and intrigue surrounds the novel. As the crimes and body count mounts up, see if you can guess the perpetrator.
Coming home is another theme. Sometimes home is a physical place. more often than not, home is to be found in a person and His Name is Jesus. There was a wonderful analogy with injured sea turtles. "Sometimes when they're injured, they get lost somewhere along the way. They need our help to make it home." We are all travelling through life and sometimes we need to come alongside others to help them come home.
A wonderful, entertaining tale with life lessons and godly wisdom for us all.
I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.

What a book!!! This book has everything I look for in a book. It is a clean well written book with plenty of action, suspense and romance.The author writes in such a way that you feel like you are right there with the characters,. I hope she another book with Caden and McKenna and all the other people in it. It would make a wonderful series.

I love it when I find a new author to read, and Lisa Carter just shot straight to the top of my "reading obsession" list.  With A Vast and Gracious Tide, Carter created a story about Caden, a soldier who is experiencing the darkest of days after losing his leg, and has a desperate plan to escape it. He sets one last task for himself before he ends his life, and it's the task that God has directed, although he doesn't realize it. Down to his final dollars, he arrives in the Outer Banks to return a quilt made by M. Dockery, as identified by the label.

McKenna Dockery grew up in the Outer Banks and returned to help her grandmother with the family diner. After losing her fiance' three years ago, McKenna finds it hard to see her purpose and next steps, but recognizes that Caden needs someone to intervene in his terrible plan. She employs him at the diner and offers him a place to stay with her, her father, and her grandmother.  Complicating matters, murders are happening in their small community that seem to be linked to the drug trade, and Caden is under suspicion.

Masterful writing and a complex mystery makes this a delight to read. Carter created a suspenseful story with constant action and drama, while weaving in a tender romance and God's grace. The only thing I could have asked for was an epilogue to expand on the happy ever after ending. This is a five-star book from beginning to end!

A Vast and Gracious Tide is my first book by Lisa Carter and she knocked my socks off! Which is fitting vernacular as this book is chock full of "Southernisms" like "for the love of sweet tea". So many of these expressions had me smiling and I felt at home right down to my southern roots.

The setting of Hatteras Island is one that's familiar, and I enjoyed the references to other landmarks like the lighthouse and Ocracoke ferry, even though the town of Tuckahoe is fictional. I could see it all in my mind's eye and feel the breeze off the ocean.

The characters of McKenna and Caden could not have been more realistic and believable. McKenna the eternal optimist, "She staked her life and heart on the fulfillment of that which she had yet to see. Choosing, despite the void, to trust while her dreams remained unfulfilled." And Caden the pessimist who had endured so much hardship growing up he expected nothing from life, "..he couldn't afford hope. He wouldn't survive it's loss. Because that's what always happened. In the end, hope left."
The chemistry between these two was so strong it felt like it was charged with an electrical current! One of my favorite lines, "That boy looks at you like you're a bowl of ice cream on a July day and he'd like to eat you with a spoon." Whew, only one of many intense moments!

The secondary characters of Earlene and Lovey, strong southern women, are as compelling as those of McKenna and Caden, and that's saying something as those two were hard to top. In fact, the entire cast of characters had such well-defined personalities, it felt as if they were all real people I had only to drive down to the Outer Banks to meet. Such vivid portrayals Carter has drawn!

As much as I enjoyed the setting and loved the characters, the mystery and suspense of the storyline was fantastic! It was like riding out a hurricane with all the nervousness and fear that goes with that. I don't know when I have read a romantic suspense that was as enthralling or as exciting as this book was! I was on the edge of my seat and holding my breath quite a few times.

The inspirational thread that reminds us all that God is the one who mends broken hearts and brings us to our true home in Him was very emotional and touching.

I can't recommend A Vast and Gracious Tide enough. This book has made my favorite list of 2018 and is one I won't soon forget. I appreciate Lisa Carter's terrific storytelling and Gilead Publishing for making a copy available for review.

One of the best romantic suspense books I've read in a while. Lisa Carter does an excellent job in characterization and bringing the reader along during the twists and turns of the story.

This is a new author for me. I thoroughly enjoyed this story. The author dealt with Caden's return from Afghanistan and his issues in a very heartfelt way. The underlying mystery throughout the story added to the story. The closeness MaKenna felt for her family and friends rang true. Loved the story. Highly recommended!

I loved reading A Vast and Gracious Tide. Not just the intriguing mystery, but the story of Caden's life after war, an injured soldier, both physically and mentally. I enjoyed reading Caden's story as it unrolled and intertwined with McKenna's. The setting for the story, the Outer Banks, is written beautifully. The small town feel creates a cozy background for the mystery. If you enjoy small town life, ocean settings, and mystery with romance, I recommend A Vast and Gracious Tide. I received this book from NetGalley with no expectation of a good or bad review.

A good romantic suspense story with a cast of characters and a setting – Outer Banks, North Carolina - I loved.
Caden, the wounded veteran hero, is a broken, defeated man who slowly begins his journey from despair to healing in Tuckahoe.
The heroine is sweet yet determined to break Caden’s armour.
I didn’t get that interested in the suspense plot in the story, I felt it took away from having the romance more fleshed out and the villain twists seemed a bit far-fetched.
Caden’s initial (serious) issue was solved too easily and there were things I didn’t understand: his need to leave in the end seemed to some extent unjustified and delayed the narrative without bringing novelty.

Caden lost a leg in Afghanistan, and the phantom pain has become more than he can deal with. But he has one last thing to do before he takes a long walk off a short pier: to return a quilt he received in hospital to the maker. This quest brings him to Tuckahoe, and it is on the beach there that he meets McKenna - who challenges him in so many ways that he begins to take a new interest in life, and in her. But they each have their own issues to face - Caden his desertion by his long-time girlfriend after his injury and his childhood in and out of foster homes, McKenna the death of her fiance just before the wedding. And in the background, an arsonist and a murderer have been attacking those McKenna cares about - and she may be the next target. Will McKenna and her family make it out alive? And will Caden overcome his fear of loving others and decide to stay?

This story sounded interesting from the description, but was even more so in practice. It grabbed me from the first page, and held my attention throughout. With love and humour, tenderness, suspense and sorrow, this well-written story ticked all the boxes for me to thoroughly enjoy it. The theme of encouraging others through their difficulties was particularly, well, encouraging. I'll definitely be looking out for more by the author.

Characters: Felt realistic, and I enjoyed watching them grow. A couple of background romances in addition to the main one, and all handled well.
Storyline: Well worked out, with a good, satisfying ending.
Content and language: Clean, with only a limited amount of non-graphic violence.
Message: Inspirational, McKenna has a relationship with God and encourages Caden, but it is in the background - no sermons or anything like that.

Note that I received a complimentary copy of the book from NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review and this is my considered opinion of the book.

I was attracted to this book because of the lighthouse on the cover. Wow! Sure glad it was there. Had it been only the couple, I never would have requested to read this story. Sweet, heart-wrenching romances, action, and suspense. Lisa Carter has a delightful way with words. I am eager to read more of her work. Interesting history lesson, too.

A Vast and Gracious Tide is a great inspirational mystery romance. Loved the plot, characters and. Lisa Carter is a new author to me and I certainly enjoyed her writing. I highly recommend this book.

This has been a great story to read. The author delivers a great cast of characters with intense drama and intrigue. I loved Caden right away. He has a lot to deal with since his accident while serving his country. His adjustment to a prosthetic leg has really been hard on him. He finds himself on Hatteras Island with a mission to complete. What does he need to give to someone?

McKenna is a person everyone loves. She has a big heart and is always rescuing animals and sometimes people. I loved how she reached out to Caden and helped him find a place to belong even if it's for a short period. He is determined to do what he set out to do and then leave. But where would he go? The author makes Hatteras sound like a picturesque place that I would love to visit.

The story takes on a mystery when bodies start piling up and drugs are being smuggled into the area. I wasn't surprised that Caden would be the first suspect. After all he is new to the community and there happens to be a certain person who wants him gone. I loved how the author talked about several issues that veterans have. PTSD is not easy to cope with and I liked how the author brought attention to it in the story. Caden's childhood was another interesting part of the story. I know what it's like to not have parents who love you and my heart went out to Caden. He is guarded with his emotions at times and that causes tension between him and McKenna.

The action heats up when buildings start burning in the town. Danger is just around the corner for McKenna when her life is in danger. Can Caden save her in time? Who is behind all this chaos going on in town? I am very pleased with the author's ability to write with such depth and intrigue. I was kept on my toes and couldn't wait to see what would happen next. I loved watching Caden start to trust people and believe that he has a purpose in life.

The excitement builds when something from a different era brings danger to the town. What happens when rumors of a submarine from the 1940s start circulating in the town? Is there treasure on the submarine worth killing for? This is a powerful story about trust, redemption, self worth and love. The ending is wonderful and one you won't forget. We all belong somewhere but sometimes we have to let go of the past, to find our future.

" You have to grieve what you lost before you can embrace what you still have left."


I received a copy of this book from Gilead Publishing. The review is my own opinion.

Sometimes you read a story that you think is very near perfection, and this is one of those. This clean, Christian romantic suspense novel by Lisa Carter is a well-written, emotional ride. We see most of this story through the viewpoints of the two main characters, Caden and McKenna. Although their situations are different, both are struggling with great loss and doubts about their futures. As their lives intersect, they have crucial decisions to make that will decide their next steps in life. The setting of the Outer Banks is crucial to this story and I felt as if I’d actually been there through the author’s descriptions of the islands. I loved the supporting cast of characters and their interactions greatly added to the story.

The storyline is full of action and almost non-stop suspense. There is a physical battle in this book between good and evil forces, but the real underlying struggle is spiritual: Does God know us and care for us? Is His redemption for real and for everyone that will come to Him? The author does a great job exploring both of these crucial questions without ever once being “preachy”. The book’s title comes from a line in the sing “Here is Love” by William Rees: “Through the floodgates of God’s mercy flowed a vast and gracious tide”. As you read Caden and McKenna’s search for God’s love and grace, you’ll be encouraged to see that in your own life God is “Without measure, full and boundless, Drawing out my heart for Thee”.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

Lisa Carter is a new-to-me author. I have seen her books for some time and have been anxious to read one since they look exactly like what I would love. I was right! A Vast And Gracious Tide is an outstanding novel. It has the right blend of romance and suspense with a good dose of a historical mystery. For fans of the romantic suspense genre, this book is highly recommended!

A Vast And Gracious Tide is set on the Outer Banks of North Carolina. I have never been there, but Carter’s descriptions of quaint small towns, beautiful beaches, and historic lighthouses moved this bucket list destination up to the top. Carter filled the fictional town with quirky and lovable characters. Main characters McKenna and Caden are opposite in many ways. McKenna has clung to her faith throughout the dark times in her life, while Caden believes there is no way a God can or would want to heal his brokenness. I loved how they complimented each other as they grew in their relationship with each other and God. The chemistry between the two is sizzling sweet. Carter took her time in unfolding the love story and the mysterious goings on in Tuckahoe. But for those who love adrenaline-laced action, this book delivers. I was turning the pages at a furious pace as the danger increased. Caden was in the Army Special Forces, and his training came in handy when the two must confront the bad guys. I also loved how the author took historical facts from the WWII-era and blended them into a modern-day mystery. The faith thread is naturally woven throughout the story. Never preachy, it was, nevertheless, a moving part of the characters’ development. McKenna’s view of faith is revealed early on in the novel and defines it — She staked her life and her heart on the fulfillment of that which she had yet to see. Choosing, despite the empty void, to trust while her dreams remained unfulfilled. When the pain and loneliness were at their height. When, perhaps, faith meant the most. (p. 24.)

I really loved A Vast And Gracious Tide. It certainly makes me want to find more books by this talented author. It’s perfect for your beach getaway or staycation.

Highly Recommended.

Audience: adults.

Wow! Just wow! I know that doesn't sound very articulate, but that's the word which comes to mind upon the completion of this amazing book. With gorgeous sunsets, glistening white sands, and a breezy oceanic setting in the Outer Banks, equal amounts of heart-racing suspense and breathtaking love scenes...my hopelessly romantic self was in seventh heaven while feasting on this gem.

Hunky, brooding hero, Caden, is so very complicated and I thoroughly enjoyed how inch by inch the beautiful McKenna breaks through that tough exterior. And very cleverly, I might add. Add a sweet doggie and charming townsfolk to the mix (along with a whole lot of angst), and you'll understand why this novel met my every expectation.

I received a complimentary copy of this book by Gilead Publishing through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.

This is the first book that I have read by Ms. Carter. This romantic suspense was engaging and intriguing throughout the entire story. I continued to want to read the story to see what would happen next and to see how the story would end. Caden Willis has returned from the war and is traveling to find the maker of his quilt. He travels to the Outer Banks where he meets McKenna Dockery. They are both drawn to each other. In the midst of all of this, there is suspicious activities occurring in the Outer Banks. This leads to them investigating. The book was extremely interesting with the historical aspects that Ms. Carter included in this book. I will be looking for other books by Ms. Carter and this will definitely not be the last one that I read of her books. I highly recommend this book! You will not 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.

I really enjoyed “A Vast and Gracious Tide” by Lisa Carter. This was a clean, fast-paced and suspenseful novel. I loved the main characters from the very beginning. I also couldn’t wait to find out who the culprits were in this novel. This novel made me feel like I was really living the story of Caden and McKenna.

If you enjoy good, clean, suspenseful novels, you would like this book. This is the first book I’ve read by Lisa Carter, but it won’t be my last. I can’t wait to read more by her.

I received this book from the publisher through NetGalley for my honest opinion.

I was fortunate to receive this novel as an Advance Reader Copy, in exchange for an objective review.

McKenna Dockery is a young woman living the “Banker’s’ way of life in Tuckahoe, on the Outer Banks of North Carolina. Devastated by the death of her Navy fiancé three years ago, she assists her family in he running of the family business, the Skipjacks. She spends her off time visiting the nearby Island Yaupon, in search of sea glass and other treasures.

Caden Wallis is a war veteran, who was greviously injured on a mission in Afghanistan, that also killed members of his team. Physically recovered, but emotionally, still hopeless in his pain, he seeks to return a quilt that he was given during his recovery, before he takes his own life. The quilt, resembling ocean waves, was a source of solace for him, and he feels compelled to return it. Arriving on the late ferry to Hatteras Island, Caden sleeps on the beach for the night, and he and McKenna discover one another the next morning. McKenna immediately takes him under her wing, invites him for breakfast and shortly thereafter discovers that he has the quilt she had once crafted for her dead fiancé, Shawn.

Meanwhile, the drug trade appears to have come to the Outer Banks and McKenna’s father, Tuckahoe Chief of Police has his hands full. A body is found washed ashore, and Caden is the immediate suspect, and only McKenna can provide his alibi. As McKenna and Caden fight their attraction, the “Banker’s deal with more crime and a different man sets his sights on McKenna…

I originally chose this book to read because of the setting – the Outer Banks are one of my most favorite places on Earth. However, one chapter in and I could NOT put it down. The characters are so rich, and the dialogue so well crafter that one can’t help but fall in love with the characters as they fall in love with one another. Caden’s past also reflects much of what our homeless veterans have experienced, and helps to shed some light on this misunderstood population. All around a fabulous read, and one I highly recommend!! Have tissues on hand…

This is the first book I’ve read by Lisa Carter and I’ve found another wonderful romantic suspense author (one of my favorite genres)! A Vast and Gracious Tide is a well-written novel with a nicely planned suspense plot, layered and multidimensional characters who are engaging and lovable, and a touching yet realistic thread of hope, faith, grace and forgiveness found in God. Anyone who enjoys contemporary romantic suspense will love this book.

Caden is a broken war veteran who has hit the bottom of life. He’s emotionally, physically, and spiritually battered yet is still full of integrity, commitment, honor, and loyalty. When he meets McKenna, he’s ready to throw in the towel but McKenna’s kindness, gentleness, goodness, generosity and unending faith in him pulls him back into this world and helps him see who he really is. There is fantastic dialogue between Caden and McKenna; their friendship and romance is slow, fraught with grief and guilt and delicious tension, and oh-so-satisfying when they both realize what they have with each other.

The story addresses several difficult issues, especially concerning our veterans. The suspense component and the mystery with whom the villain is are good but takes a backseat as the characterization and development of Caden and McKenna’s relationship takes front stage in the story.

I can’t wait to read more of Lisa Carter’s books!
I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher through JustReads Publicity Tours and was not obligated to post a review. All opinions expressed are solely my own and subjective.

The author has given a story of survival, although there are times when we wonder who will.
A loss of a mother, a fiancé, a comrade, and a canine hero, and more, and the ravages of war bring us to Hatteras Island, a historical suspense that will keep you page turning.
While the story takes place in the present day we are transported back to WWII, and previously unknown facts are presented.
A very interesting story with a bit of romance, and then we are thrown into some murder mystery, along with finding out whom you can really trust.
Loved how the findings worked out for the betterment of all, and you won’t be able to leave this one!

I received this book through Just Read Book Tours, and was not required to give a positive review.

A Vast and Gracious Tide
by Lisa Carter
Gilead Publishing

Christian , Mystery & Thrillers
Pub Date 12 Jun 2018



I am reviewing a copy of A Vast and Gracious Tide through Gilead Publishing and Netgalley:


Caden Wallis is a wounded veteran who lost his leg, his friends and his girlfriend to war. When he arrives arrives on the outer banks he's broken and reeling over all he had lost. He finds himself struggling to make peace with it all.


McKeena Dockery lost her fiancé three years ago, and she's been stuck in a sort of limbo ever since then. When handsome but heartbroken Caden arrives she starts to wonder if there is hope for her heart.


Right after they meet a man is found murdered on McKeena's property and Caden has become the prime suspect . The two find themselves having to trust each other , or no one will be safe.


I give A Vast and Gracious Tide five out of five stars!


Happy Reading!

A Vast and Gracious Tide by Lisa Cox Carter


A murder saved his life…

Caden had lost his leg in Afghanistan, lost his best friend to the same IED, lost his girlfriend as a result of his “deformity”, lost his ability to serve in the Army, lost his purpose in life, lost his hope. He had everything figured out and was on his way to drown the ocean of misery that was his existence in the waves of the sea.

As you can imagine, Caden underwent a significant spiritual journey and a complete change of mind about his life. His transformation from the gaunt (both physically and especially spiritually and mentally), hopeless man to one with purpose and, most importantly, a relationship with God unfolded in a most natural and beautiful way in this story.

A Vast and Gracious Tide is such a rich story, containing just the right mix of mystery, suspense, action, romance, spiritual lessons and even a touch of humor. It was so well written and was certainly a page-turner. The setting of the Outer Banks in North Carolina allowed for the plot elements of sunken ships and unauthorized entry into the country of undesirable elements and substances.

I loved the way McKenna seemed to instinctively know to allow Caden to do things for himself and not treat him like a cripple. Even from the very beginning, she didn’t try to help him up from the sand or coddle him in any way. They alternately fought and capitulated to the strong attraction between them, each one fearful of being hurt.

Though I had a premonition about who was responsible for the crimes around the island, the hints were quite subtle. There were details that I would never have dreamed up, which of course, made the story much better than if it was predictable.

Here are a few more of the things I really liked about the story:

McKenna’s grandmother, Lovely, calling Caden “Dear Heart” – for some reason this touched me greatly
The scene where he had to go to a beauty shop to get his hair cut – gasp!
Sea turtle rescue
The quilt that brought them together
McKenna dancing
Learning WWII history in the Outer Banks


This review was originally posted on AmongTheReads.net.

Get a preview of A Vast and Gracious Tide at amongTheReads.net


I would like to thank Gilead Publishing, Just Read Publicity Tours for giving me this copy of the book. This gift did not influence my opinion or review.