| Title | : | On a Summer Tide (Three Sisters Island #1) |
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | |
| ISBN | : | 080073498X |
| ISBN-10 | : | 9780800734985 |
| Language | : | English |
| Format Type | : | Paperback |
| Number of Pages | : | 320 |
| Publication | : | First published April 1, 2019 |
Camden Grayson loves her challenging career, but the rest of her life could use some improvement. "Moving on" is Cam's mantra. But there's a difference, her two sisters insist, between one who moves on . . . and one who keeps moving.
Cam's full-throttle life skids to a stop when her father buys a remote island off the coast of Maine. Paul Grayson has a dream to breathe new life into the island--a dream that includes reuniting his estranged daughters. Certain Dad has lost his mind, the three sisters rush to the island. To Cam's surprise, the slow pace of island life appeals to her, along with the locals--and one in particular. Sam Walker, the scruffy island schoolteacher harbors more than a few surprises.
With On a Summer Tide, bestselling author Suzanne Woods Fisher begins a brand-new contemporary romance series that is sure to delight her fans and draw new ones.
On a Summer Tide (Three Sisters Island #1) Reviews
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Paul Grayson buys an Island of the coast of Maine, he’s three daughters Camden, Maddie and Blaine thinks he’s completely lost his mind. Paul was a successful radio sports commentator, when two things happen to change his life, first his wife Corinna dies unexpectedly, he suffers a bad case of laryngitis and his voice doesn’t recover. He and Corinna met years ago on the island, they always planned on visiting again and it never happened. Due to Paul being busy with his job, he traveled a lot and Corinna was looking after the girls.
Paul renames Niswi Nummissis to The Three Sisters, he’s bought Moose Manor and the rustic cabins. When he and the girls arrive, the house is in a terrible condition and the cabins are just as bad. The locals aren’t happy about him changing the islands name and they consider him an outsider. Paul wants to bring back tourists, create jobs and stop residents moving to the mainland. The only way to get to the isolated island is by Captain Fred’s ferry, it has an unreliable electrical supply and no internet. What is does have is a peaceful way of life, endless walking trails, wildlife, pristine beaches and beautiful views.
Since their mother died the sister’s relationship has been rather rocky, Paul wants his daughters to reconnect and be happy. Camden is a successful business woman, she takes after her father and has an adopted son Cooper. Maddie has just finished her degree as a marriage and family therapist and Blaine has been at college for three years and hasn’t decided what she wants to major in?
Cooper starts school and Cam’s not sure if the teacher Seth Walker is up to the task and has the right credentials. Maddie assists her dad with organizing and cleaning the house and cabins and Blaine starts helping Peg Legg at the Lunch Counter.
I received a digital copy of On a Summer Tide by Suzanne Woods Fisher from Revell Publishing and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. What a wonderful story about a family having a fresh start, living life at a slower pace, embracing nature and Cooper coming out of his shell. Five stars from me, I really loved three of the local characters in the narrative, Peg, Captain Ed and Seth. I can’t wait to read the next two books in the delightful series, On a Coastal Breeze and At Lighthouse Point. -
On a Summer Tide
Suzanne Woods Fisher
ON A SUMMER TIDE is not the first book I've read by Suzanne Woods Fisher and it won't be the last. She has a way of grabbing her readers and she never lets us go and now I'm kicking myself for not making time to read all of her books! ON A SUMMER TIDE is the first book In the Three Sisters Island series. Camden Grayson thinks her father has lost his mind after he buys an island off the coast of Maine. It is the island where he met his wife, at a summer camp. His wife has passed away and he lets his three daughters know that he is selling the family home and moving to the island. All three sisters join him there and are shocked at the condition of the camp. It hasn't been used for years and it is very neglected. All the sisters think this island camp is going to be a nightmare to renovate. Such a fun story!
Besides the condition of the camp, all three sisters are going through their own problems. Cam just got to the island and her boss tells her she is needed in England for her job. Maddie is a therapist and worries about everything and makes everyone else nuts with her concerns. Blaine has been in college so long that she could make a career of it instead of majoring in one subject! She has been there for so long that the college tells her it's time to leave! ON A SUMMER TIDE introduces the reader to a town suffering from a downturn in the economy and the three sisters who at first are at each other's throats, but who eventually come to understand each other. Can they come together and help their dad get the camp up and running?
ON A SUMMER TIDE is filled with forgiveness, family, and love and had me staying up way too late one night to finish! I had to know where Suzanne Woods Fisher was taking us and what would happen to this family. There is so much heart in Suzanne's writing that I was left with a huge smile on my face and my heart very happy. All of the characters are very interesting and believable, so much so that I felt as if I've known them for a long time. Now I need to figure out how to fit more of Suzanne's books into my reading plans! I can totally see ON A SUMMER TIDE becoming a Hallmark movie that I would love to watch. I loved watching the sisters grow and come into their own. I have two sisters of my own and we used to fight like cats and dogs until one day, we didn't. Haha if you have sisters you know what I mean. The secondary characters are just as important as the main family and you will come to love them all.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from CelebrateLit through Netgalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. -
FTC Disclosure: Revell Reads gave me a complimentary copy of this book. A positive review was not required. These are my honest opinions.
What a lovely way to kick off the Three Sisters Island series! This book was a breath of fresh air that raised the stakes of the plot in every chapter. It’s definitely one to learn from, if you’re a writer.
The ensemble cast was superb. Some I hated, plenty I loved, and many surprised me. I loved the idea of sisters struggling to figure out how their lives fit together to make the puzzle of their family come out right. This was totally realistic, as I know from having a sister of my own. We may not always understand each other on every aspect of our lives, but we respect each other and love each other always. I think that same concept was well represented in this book and brought a unique specialness to the story.
Themes of family, forgiveness, faith, trust, and rebuilding a legacy were exquisitely displayed throughout. Each one was explored by multiple characters, in their own ways. That’s what made this story spectacular. Every character, including the island itself, were allowed space to breathe and be itself and react to the others. It was like watching the tide shift from low to high, how the waves crash into their neighbors until their stories become one. Very lovely indeed. -
This is a delightful book with a unique setting and plot. Bostonian Paul Grayson has bought an island off the coast of Maine and his three daughters and young grandson begrudgingly follow him there. His late wife wanted to return to the island where they met and fell in love at summer camp but never got a chance before they she passed away. These very different sisters have some issues to overcome to get on with their lives and need to communicate within the family dynamics to face the past, this includes Paul as well. On the island, newly named Three Sisters Island, there are some interesting characters where time seems to have stopped or is moving at a snail's pace but this may be a good thing. Three Sisters Island may just be the perfect place to heal and find new beginnings and faith.
Great start for a new series. -
After a bout of laryngitis, sports announcer Paul Grayson is left without his distinctive voice. In a drastic career move, he decides to buy a summer camp on an island off Maine, sight unseen. The camp held special memories for him because it was where he first laid eyes on his future wife. But his three now grown daughters are less enchanted, especially after they see the rundown and deplorable condition of the camp. Even Cam’s young adopted son Cooper is anxious about the state of things. But Paul has enough optimism for all of them and then some. The daughters are having some career problems of their own: Cam is too focused on work, sometimes leaving Cooper in the care of her sisters; Maddie, being a therapist, is worried about everything, and Blaine is trying to make a career out of going to school instead of majoring in one usubject. They have a hard enough time getting along, but now they are in a rundown camp, in a very small town that has its own problems. For the past year, the lobsters have disappeared and the fishermen can’t make a living. The town is suffering from a major downturn in its ecomony, with the town unable to provide much in the way of services. There are problems galore, and how the sisters, and the town, cope makes for some very entertaining reading. The author does a fantastic job of balancing the introduction to the series with a fascinating story, part informative and part mystery, and adding in the right amount of religious statements so that the whole story rings true in a cohesive manner. Characters that are wonderful and well developed are placed in a story that is well thought-out and well-written, and the result is a great start to a most promising series.
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What an interesting story. I really felt as if I was on Three Sisters Island and experiencing the quirky characters and inconveniences of island life in far northern Maine.
While this story does have its focus on the oldest sister, Camden, I enjoyed that her father and two sisters also had many sections of the book written from their points of view. It was interesting to see how each individual person viewed the family dynamics and their place in the family, while also reading about how others viewed them.
The romance was naturally built with a gentle progression that made sense for the story. I loved the various twists and turns that arose. These characters definitely have flaws and issues that have molded them into the people that they are in this book. It will be interesting to see how they grow and change emotionally in future novels. I enjoyed this story a lot.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
You can read this review on my blog:
https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c... -
I read very little Amish Fiction but won a Suzanne Woods Fisher novel which motivated me to read that entire Amish Fiction series. I completely enjoyed it. When I learned she had a contemporary fiction novel releasing, I was eager to read it.
Cam, Maddie and Blaine are more apart than together. Their widowed father Paul sells the family home and buys a fixer upper former summer camp on an island. His hope is that the change in scenery and pace will bring them closer and make them all more content. The island includes some charming and not so charming characters.
Cam's story is the focus of On a Summer Tide, which is the first in a series. She is driven toward success and has a hard time to relating to those with different goals. It was lovely to see how the slower pace of island life altered her. I look forward to Maddie and Blaine's stories in the future novels.
My gratitude to publisher Revell for a complimentary NetGalley copy of the novel. I was not required to post a review and all opinions expressed are my own. -
While I've been reading this author's Amish books for years and enjoying them immensely it was great to change up the pace and read a contemporary by her. She made the transition with ease too. This book was just as good as her Amish books. Three sisters who have very different personalities and don't always get along the best are totally taken off guard when their aging father buys an island. Thinking he's lost his marbles they aren't sure how to proceed with this discovery of his purchase. In a way the book has a melancholy ring to it because this is where the father met his wife back when they were young and she has since passed away.
The daughters are all adults and have different things going on in their lives, important things and we see how they try to assimilate themselves to life on the island. It works better for some than others.
The island lifers sure don't make things easy for these newcomers, can they really trust them?
From the descriptions in the book I can picture myself there with this family and it sounds so peaceful. This is just what I need to get away from it all. Some of the island regulars are a bit quirky but very endearing characters, especially Peg. What a dear she is. I also enjoyed seeing how the sisters started getting along better and I look forward to seeing their character development in future books in this series. Can't wait to read the next book in this series.
Published April 30th 2019 by Fleming H. Revell Company .
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. Thank you.
All opinions expressed are my own. -
What a refreshing read! From page one, I was captivated by both the characters and the setting. The story line was original, and the plot was plain fun to watch unfold. Definitely looking forward to finding the next in the series, which I suppose is really the ultimate compliment to an author.
Highly recommend. -
Great story that will fill you full of emotions with the great characterizations. There is sweet romance, inspirational moments, and most of all, that feel-good feeling you get from watching characters learn and grow. A satisfying ending left me wanting to read the next story in this series very soon!
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The beauty of an island off the coast of Maine provides the main story in On a Summer Tide. The story centers on a widower and his three grown daughters and a grandson. The father has sold the family home after the death of his wife and purchased an island and requests his family to help restore the island’s buildings. Each member of the family struggles with internal problems, but the characters never develop, and remain flat throughout the story. Emotions begin, but never heighten.
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Reviewed at The Power of Words:
https://bit.ly/2X1Bocp
Suzanne Woods Fisher is a masterful storyteller, skilled at creating characters so real that they could live in my community. On a Summer Tide takes us into the realm of contemporary fiction, and while the genre might be different from Fisher’s popular Amish fiction, her ability to explore complex characters and relationships doesn’t change. I was caught up from the first page and loved every minute spent in reading this story.
I’ve always been drawn to the New England area, so the setting of an island off the coast of Maine couldn’t be more appealing. Fisher’s words paint such strong visual images that you can almost feel the ocean breezes and smell the salty air.
The story involves the Grayson family, father and three daughters, with fractured relationships. The daughters are appalled when their dad sells his home and buys Three Sisters Island, and I’m not sure I would have felt differently. But the beauty comes as layer after layer is peeled back and healing begins to take effect. I loved this family! Some of the island people are quirky, as one would expect, but so are the daughters – such as Blaine, who gained a wealth of knowledge by exploring different college majors without ever committing to one.
The main focus is on Camden and seven-year-old Cooper, but we get to know the whole family as backgrounds and family dynamics are explored. There’s much delightful humor, a surprising twist, and some wonderful secondary characters, such as school teacher Seth and the adorable Peg Legg, who runs a diner.
I loved On a Summer Tide and can’t wait for the next book in this series.
Highly recommended. -
This is the first novel in the Three Sisters Island series where the author introduces all three sisters who are at very different stages in life. Any closeness they had died along with their mother. Their dad has called a family meeting, the girls expected this would be the time their father told them some bad medical news about his voice, but nothing could have prepared them for the words that came out of their father’s mouth. “Girls I have an announcement.” Paul Grayson took a breath and blurted out, “I sold the house.”…And bought an island.”
Paul saw their shocked expressions and continued….”no this is not a delayed midlife crisis. This is something your mother and I had always wanted to do. Planned to do.”….”I want to breathe new life into the island.” He tells his girls he’s changed the name of the island to Three Sisters Island, the actual translation of its original Native American name. They weren’t impressed.
The girls couldn’t believe their dad expected them to be happy about this. They began to wonder if he has lost his mind. Does he have dementia? Paul Grayson was desperate to bring his family together. He thought this project would do the trick.
There was so much to enjoy in this story. I was drawn into the lives of these engaging characters; their situations and I was fascinated by life on the island. It’s a beautiful setting for this thought-provoking story to unfold, with interesting plots and subplots, intertwined in the story line were passions from the authors personal life. For example, the authors husband is passionate about making ice cream one of the sisters has this same thing. The authors whole family has a passion for training Guide Dogs for the Blind, hence their love of animals. The authors passions shine through and make the story all the more intriguing.
These sisters had special skills their father hoped they’d use in this project. CAM is a competitive businesswoman with a 7-year-old adopted son, Cooper. Maddie is an encourager who is plagued with fear and anxiety as she attempts to become a counselor. Blaine is a 19 yr-old, college student, who is easily influenced. She’s in a bit of a quandary about what to with her life and what to major in college.
Then there’s Seth Walker a handsome schoolteacher whose hands-on approach to teaching is connecting with Cam’s son Cooper. Quirky Peg Legg, owner of the Island’s Lunch Counter and General Store is a hoot and her bird named Lola is too. She’s an Islander that will make you smile. Then there’s the ever popular Phinney family whose father is the Mayor, with an agenda.
Some inspirational quotes I enjoyed, . “…life was full of simple miracles, if you just opened your eyes to them.”
The girls reflect on what their mom had told them…”life would surprise us with important choices, and our true character would emerge in how we responded.”
This story will make you smile, laugh, bite your nails in one part and melt your heart in others as this family faces the unexpected, the author throws in a splash of romance for good measure. I enjoyed the Grayson family, and the other characters in this heartwarming story,
I look forward to reading more adventures as they fix up the Island. The author has included discussion questions in the back of the book which help make for a lively book club discussion.
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
The Book Club Network blog
www.psalm516.blogspot.com -
I haven't read a book by Suzanne Woods Fisher in a while. On a Summer Tide had me asking myself why I hadn't. This book completely drew me in like a magnet. I loved the characters that made up this story. Three Sisters, each with their own emotional issues, getting on each other's nerves, refusing to openly discuss their late mother and avoiding each other as much as possible. A father that spent most of their growing up years working a job that took him away from home most the time. The book had a rollercoaster of emotions. I found myself laughing, crying and captivated by this story.
Paul Grayson had loved his career as a sports announcer and had advanced to the top of his field. But laryngitis had robbed him of his rich baritone voice and left him on the sidelines with only a raspy whisper. Forced to retire early he made the decision to buy a summer camp for kids and ended up with 51 percent of an Island. His goal was to include his daughters in this adventure, hoping to bring the family closer together. His daughters where convinced that he had dementia.
Camden Grayson was the oldest daughter. Well educated in the field of technology. Owned her own business at twenty eight. Single parent and no time for romance. Travelled a lot for business.
Madison Grayson was the middle daughter. Studied to become a marriage and family therapist, now working to become certified. Single but engaged to Tre, a mommy's boy . Annualized her nephew, sisters and Dad to the point of everyone wanting to leave the room whenever she walked in.
Blaine was a nineteen year old gal attending university without a major. Just couldn't decide what career she wanted to study and get a degree in. No boyfriend but a best friend who would like to be a little more than a friend.
Cooper Grayson was a seven and a half year old boy and adopted son of Chamden. He was very intelligent for his age but had anxiety disorders and insecurities. He had a fascination with string that drove his teachers and family to despair. He had phobias about dogs and certain types of food and games involving any type of balls.
These are the main characters but there are many other secondary ones in this book that are a special part of the story. The author did a great job with this well researched story and I highly recommend it to readers who enjoy contemporary romance fiction . I can only give it five Stars but it truly deserves more.
I downloaded a Kindle ebook copy of this book from the Amazon Prime Members lending library. A favorable review was not requested. All opinions expressed are my own. -
A book I was actually quite surprised by last year and which I managed to somehow forget to review...I’m odd like that, I suppose. I requested the book to review on total impulse (partly because of the gorgeous cover) and was surprised to be completely absorbed in the family’s issues. It turned out to be one of the better contemporary novels I’ve read and one that had some actual meat in it instead of just a feel-good story. It explores threads of what it means to truly be family and what the boundaries of family and career really ought to mean to us.
Content:
There was one circumstance of where a guy had a child out of wedlock and for awhile it didn’t look like it was portrayed as anything wrong, but then the author subtly highlighted several consequences of it and my moralistic sense was satisfied. :)
Thanks to the publisher for a free reading copy. A favorable review was not required. -
What a delightful setting and cast of characters. This story had me ready to pack for a stay on Three Sisters Island to enjoy the scenery and help renovate MOOSE MANOR, the grand old Victorian house.
Being one of three sisters myself, I enjoyed the banter between Cam, Maddie and Blaine. Such a rich story of family, making new friends, taking new directions; a rekindling of faith and a twist that I couldn’t imagine. It had me reminiscing about my upbringing with memories of past friends and vacation trips in the summer to my grandparents house.
This was a wonderful story that has me wanting to go on to the next book very soon.
*I read this ebook through Amazon Prime Reading. All opinions are my own.* -
The beginning was snoozyish and slow, but Suzanne really delivered it in the middle and the end! Very charming tale. RTC.
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I enjoyed this read, and it kept me page turning along with a few chuckles.
This is a family with a strong bond, but since the death of their wife/mother, they have been missing their glue. When their Dad buys an island in Maine, they think he has dementia.
You will quickly become involved in these three sister’s lives and their Dad, and surprises abound and most of it wrapped up in love of God and family.
I can’t wait for the next book in this series!
I received this book through Celebrate Lit, and was not required to give a positive review. -
A refreshing and charming contemporary novel, On A Summer Tide brings together a story of family bonds broken and now given the space to heal, a dream unrealised and now given time to grow, and the sparks of a new romance all set against the gorgeous backdrop of coastal Maine. On A Summer Tide is funny, surprising and a joy to read.
Three sisters, with not much in common, their own separate lives and constant conflict hanging over them, are forced to work together when their father buys a summer camp on a small island off the coast of Maine. At first very reluctant to be drawn into their father’s crazy scheme, each soon finds the island gives them something they weren’t looking for.
Oldest sister Cam has a highly successful career but everyone tells her she should be worried about her adopted son, his list of worries and obsession with string. Cam is torn between staying on the island and helping her father bring his dream to life and following her career wherever it takes her. Yet, the island, its slow pace and inhabitants, from the quirky diner/general store owner to the charming school teacher Seth, challenge Cam to see her life and what’s best for Cooper in a new light. Maddie, middle-child, is on track to be a family counsellor, is recently engaged and just needs a training placement. Looking after her family has always helped assuage her constant worrying, but Maddie is not sure what step she should take next. Youngest sister Blaine feels the most removed from her sisters, has just been asked to leave her ongoing university studies, and has no idea what she wants to do with her life. The island and an unexpected opportunity to dust off her cooking skills and work for Peg in the diner, may be just the chance she needs.
While On A Summer Tide features the story of each of these three sisters and each have chapters written from their perspective, it is Cam who gets the most page time, the romance story and the “happy ending”. Each sister has a lot of growing to do. The first few chapters are very amusing and the girls seem almost comical with their bickering and crazy lives. Yet the island and lots of hard work give the girls everything they need to start breaking down the walls between them and starting new directions in their lives.
I enjoyed the renewing of family bonds in this book, loved the way each and every character grows and changes. The book touches on some series topics but retains a lightness and gentle humour that is refreshing. The little snippets dedicated to romance are sweet, and the discussions of faith are thoughtful. And that twist! It was right there in front of my eyes and I didn’t see it. I love when a book surprises me and this one delighted me at every turn. I look forward to continuing the story of this island and the three sisters as they grow into the women they were meant to be.
The publishers provided an advanced readers copy of this book for reviewing purposes. All opinions are my own.
Find more reviews, reading age guides, content advisory, and recommendations on my blog
Madison's Library -
Look at that beautiful cover! Isn't it gorgeous?
My Review of On A Summer Tide
Genre: Romance, Contemporary, fiction.
My Rating: 5 stars.
My Recommendation: 16-17 up, Warnings below.
My Favorite Character/s: Cooper, he's such a sweet little boy that has had a hard time since his mother died. I loved reading about him and seeing how he grew in the book.
My Verse for Cooper is Matthew 18:3
And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. (King James Version.)
My Thoughts: I almost didn't try this book because I read a book by the author last year that I didn't even finish it I thought this one sounded wonderful. And it was! The whole story was really good and the characters developed well throughout the book. I loved this book and it may be my favorite summer read ever! As I said before I almost didn't read it but I'm glad now that I did and if you like romance this book may be perfect for you though I suggest if you're younger then 16 you not read it or have a family member/trusted friend read it.
Warnings: A child is born out of wedlock, and cheating.
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review and am truly happy to provide it -- all the thoughts are my own. -
I should become the next Sherlock Holmes......or maybe I have read one too many books. Either way I saw something coming from a mile away even when there were no hints what so ever!
This book was truly a masterpiece. The theme of forgiveness really stuck out to me and I loved it!! Both as a Believer and just the person I am, forgiveness is a HUGE thing in my life. Forgiveness to me is one of the most important things in life, so I was super happy to see that theme weaved into this story. Also they mentioned Crowder's song, Forgiven, which is one of my all time favorite songs of all time!!
The characters were also something that made me love this book so much. Seth, Cam, Peg, and Cooper were some of my faves but I also loved all the other characters!
The sibling relationship in this book was on point. Being the oldest of 5 girls, I know how hard it is at times. I know that my sisters and I fight all the time, but we all love each other and are are a pack of wolves if you hurt one of us. ;)
I really enjoyed reading this book. I cannot wait to finish the series!!
*I received this book in exchange for me honest review from Revell Publishers. I was not required to write a positive review.* -
My thoughts: When Paul Grayson loses his voice and apparently his mind, he buys a remote island off the coast of Maine just to own the romantic summer camp where he met his beloved wife and fell in love.
The story is told in each of the daughters' point of view as well as the father's. I love his optimism and his sense of humor. I'm afraid I wouldn't be as gung-ho about the adventure as he is. I'd be having panic attacks like one of the sisters.
There are certainly a lot of colorful characters, descriptive terms, and multiple personality types. I quickly grew to care for the characters, wanted to see them succeed, and I am anxious to read more of their story in subsequent books in the series.
Fans of family drama (with a light touch of romance) will love ON A SUMMER TIDE, book one of The Three Sisters Island series. Ms. Fisher is talented in so many different time periods and settings, whether Amish, historical, Quaker, or contemporary, and readers will fall in love with her style.
Grab a copy of ON A SUMMER TIDE today. The perfect summer read.
I was given a copy free. All opinions are my own. -
On a Summer Tide is the first book in Suzanne Woods Fisher’s Three Sisters Island series. She tells the story of family, friendship, and new beginnings. Three adult sisters, all with various issues in their lives, come together when their father sells their family home and buys an island without their prior knowledge. This is an enjoyable story that is rich in faith, community, and a bit of romance. A well written novel recommended for fans of contemporary fiction.
“You can’t live other people’s lives for them, even if you love them. Sometimes love means trusting them to make their own decisions.”
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell through NetGalley and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine. -
4.5 Stars
ON A SUMMER TIDE is one of those stories that draws you in with its family dynamics, small-town island setting, and heart. With complex characters and an endearing plot, it's sure to delight readers from beginning to end.
I easily fell in love with these characters. The author did such a great job with their different POVs and how I always knew whose voice was whose. Camden was definitely my favorite, but she also was the main focal point of this story. I also loved the other two sisters and their father. Then there was Peg and Seth and Cooper, who all were easy to love as well. Just a great set of characters overall. I also loved the idea of the island and flipping the camp and cabins. I loved the island and all the scenery and how Seth expands both Cam's and Cooper's visions. The inspirational element was handled really well too. I felt it was weaved through these characters' lives in a very natural way. The romance was sweet and didn't overtake the story. I'm looking forward to seeing more romance in coming books in the series as everything wasn't all wrapped up for Cam or for her sisters. I'm also excited to see how the camp and island has evolved in the next book. If you can't tell, I was really invested in this story and loved it!
The only thing I had issues with was I thought Maddie was over the top with her worries and anxieties, but also that her family followed and believed so many things she spouted off as well. I just felt like her family would at least be used to it and take her advice in stride more often than not, and definitely not encourage it.
In the end, was it what I wished for? I thoroughly enjoyed reading this! There were moments when I laughed, when I wanted to cry, and sweet moments of faith and romance. This family and island have grown on me. I definitely recommend picking this story up and am looking forward to finding out what happens next to the Grayson family.
Content: Clean
Source: I received a complimentary copy from the tour host/NetGalley, which did not require a positive review nor affect my review in any way. -
On a Summer Tide by Suzanne Woods Fisher is the 1st book in the Three Sisters Island series, and my first book by this author. This book tells a beautiful story of Paul Grayson who sold the family home to buy an island off the coast of Maine. Paul was a sports announcer who had laryngitis and his voice never full recovered. Paul has three daughters. The oldest is Camden, who is career driven with a son. Maddie is the middle daughter who just graduated as a family counselor, but not yet licensed. Blaine is the youngest who has attended several years of junior college, not sure what she wants to do with her life. I disliked all the girls when the book started, but they slowly grew on me. Glad I kept reading. All three sisters ended up coming to Three Sister's island to help their dad rebuild it. Be prepared to be swept up in this story and these characters. I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series. Highly recommended.
I reviewed a digital arc provided by NetGalley and the publisher. Thank you. -
If you've never read Suzanne Woods Fisher, this is the book to jumpstart your acquaintanceship (and likely a long friendship) with her books. She writes a lot of Amish book but does venture into other genres like historical fiction and contemporary. I discovered her books by reading the historical fiction series set on Nantucket Island and loved the series; this book is the first in a contemporary series set on an island off Maine called Three Sisters Island. Whether historical or contemporary, the author has a writing style that draws you into the heart of her characters and leaves you looking forward to the next book. If you're a fan of her writing, you will doubtless be pleased and satisfied with the tale of a widowed father making his late wife's wishes come true as he hopes to rebuild the family ties with and amongst his three independent daughters on a breath-taking island filled with God's beauty but also economic decline.
Paul, a widowed and retired sports announcer, buys a large chunk of an island that holds dear memories for him and his late wife in hopes that he can revive the area and the island itself. Convinced that he needs to be coddled, his three daughters follow him to the island and their worlds turn upside down. Cam, the oldest, is your stereotypical first born who is bossy and driven in her determination towards the goal. Maddie, the middle one, is finishing up her training as a family counselor and wants everyone to be in touch with their feelings. Blaine, the youngest by quite a few years at nineteen, is a free spirit who still hasn't decided what she wants to do with her life. As the Grayson family actually spends time together, each are drawn to the island that helps them remember the good memories of their past and build new ones. The romantic thread in the story involves Cam and the island school teacher Seth, whose steadfast kindness and gentleness bring her adopted son Cooper out of his shell. But there is more! Intertwined within this sweet story of growing up and becoming a true family is a bit of mystery and some plot twists that definitely add excitement.
I can't wait for the second installment in the series! Will the island go through a true revival? Will Maddie and Blaine find their one and only? Will Paul fall in love again? So many questions....
I received a copy of the book from Revell (Baker Publishing Group) via Celebrate Lit Tours and was under no obligation to post a positive review. All comments and opinions are solely my own. -
On a Summer Tide by Suzanne Woods Fisher is the first book in Three Sisters Island series. Paul Grayson has purchased part of Three Sisters Island in Maine which shocks his three daughters. Paul does not like how the girls have drifted apart since their mother passed away unexpectedly. Camden Grayson is the eldest daughter who is successful in the business world plus is raising her adopted son, Cooper Grayson. Paul arrives on the island and understands why it was sold as is. He needs to find a way to turn the island into a visitor destination, and he is hoping his daughters will assist him. An unexpected turn of events allows Camden to spend time on the island. She discovers a different, slower way of life and untapped potential. Camden enrolls Cooper in the island school and meets schoolteacher, Seth Walker. Seth has a unique way of teaching his students and his rugged charm appeals to Camden. What does the future hold for the Grayson family? You will have to read On a Summer Tide to find out.
On a Summer Tide is the first book in the charming new Three Sisters Island series. The book contains believable, frustrating and lovable characters. Camden, Maddie and Blaine are Paul Grayson’s three daughters who act like typical siblings (lots of bickering). The girls have not been as close since their mother passed away and Paul wants to find a way to fix it. I thought On a Summer Tide was well-written as are all of Suzanne Wood Fisher’s novels. This story, though, is refreshingly different. It moves along at a good pace and has smooth transitions. While the focus of the story is on Camden, we interact with Paul, Blaine, Maddie, and the townspeople as well. The town contains a variety of quirky characters with my favorite being Peg Legg who owns the Lunch Counter and General Store on the island. She provides plenty of levity and I enjoyed the interactions between her and Paul. There are inserts that take readers back into Camden’s growing up years. We see how the past influenced her life choices. In addition, we get to see how her mother passed away and how Camden came to raise Cooper. I found On a Summer Tide to be a compelling story. The book touches on serious topics in a gentle way so that the story never feels heavy or depressing. There is a touch of romance that is sweet. I like the discussions of faith and the island’s church services. There are two phrases from On a Summer Tide that I want to share with you. The first is “one man’s insanity is another man’s genius” and “life is full of simple miracles if you just open your eyes to them”. I look forward to the next book in the Three Sisters Island series. You will find yourself drawn into On a Summer Tide and not want to put it down. Do not miss out on this entertaining and thoughtful new novel by Suzanne Woods Fisher. -
In this charming novel the author introduces us to the Grayson family and a whole host of memorable characters in the first book in her Three Sisters Island series. As a longtime fan of Suzanne Woods Fisher I was pleased to see that she was writing contemporary fiction although I have absolutely loved every single one of her Amish fiction books that I have read.
I thought the premise of the book was really good but I have to admit that I would have been just as shocked as Cam, Madison and Blaine Grayson were had that happened in my family. Because having your father buy an island would surely surprise anyone. Although Cam and her young son Cooper are the main focus in this book we do see more of the family dynamic and the relationships the family has and have had in the past. Each of the three sister have a distinct personality and yes they sometimes clash but that happens, right?
One of my favorite characters is Peg Legg a nickname she doesn't like but that doesn't stop Paul Grayson from calling her that. Peg's storyline is pretty humorous and unexpected, I mean who would run the Lunch Counter and General store without knowing much about cooking? Peg does just that and I loved the help she gets from Blaine who became my second favorite character. Seth Walker, the schoolteacher on Three Sisters Island is an unusual but likable character who I became fond of the more I got to know him.
Overall, I absolutely loved this book and the quirky but sweet characters. Is island living for me? No but I certainly enjoyed reading how the Grayson family, their friends and neighbors adapted to the lifestyle. There is one huge twist that I did not see coming but oh, how I loved it! This is a quick and fun read that would be perfect for a day at he beach or really anywhere you like to read.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher but was under no obligation to post a review. All opinions are my own. -
Paul Grayson sells the family home and purchases most of an island near Mount Desert Island in Maine. He plans to call the island by its translated English name, Three Sisters Island. It's ironic because he reared three daughters who all face decisions in their own lives. The oldest Cam adopted her best friend's son. His struggle with socialization means she needs to find a new school for him to attend. She also faces job changes. Middle sister Maddie needs to find a counseling internship. She's engaged to a man with a domineering mother who takes charge of the wedding. Youngest sister Blaine finds making decisions, such as a college major, difficult.
The island's population contains some interesting persons. Peg owns a dry goods store and restaurant, but her cooking is atrocious. She finds Blaine possesses skills she lacks. Schoolteacher Seth spends a lot of time teaching students about the great outdoors. Cam hopes he spends time teaching things students will find on standardized tests too. Mayor Phinney and his unreliable sons, Captain Ed, and others fill out the cast of local characters.
I enjoyed the story, but I suspect it will lack appeal to non-Christian readers. It's an enjoyable story, but not great literature. Editors failed to catch a few things in their proofreading. I received a copy through LibraryThing Early Reviewer's program with an expectation of an honest review. (3.5 stars)
