Endings And Beginnings

Turning Tide by Melody Carlson is a marvellous Christian historical novel and part of the Legacy Of Sunset Cove series. It can be read as a stand-alone but I would recommend reading the previous novels first.

The action is set in 1917 as America is entering World War I. I enjoyed catching up with familiar faces. Some characters are already at the Front, others are draft dodgers and others are excluded from serving but wish this were not the case. “It’s just hard to stand by and watch.”

Women on the home front do what they can to support the war effort including selling liberty bonds.

The men suffer at the Front. The women suffer on the home front as they worry about their men. They need to entrust their worries to God. “It’s better to pray than to worry.” The reader is reminded that we are to worry about nothing and to pray about everything, only by trusting God will receive a supernatural peace in spite of circumstances.

In times of war, it is natural to worry about our menfolk. “Instead of bracing yourself for bad news, you should be praying… I’m not sure God is listening.” God is always listening. Instead of doubting, we must put our trust in Him and know that He is good.

The men who went off to war are not the same men who return. They may be physically maimed or suffering from shell shock. Melody Carlson has sympathetically portrayed this.

After World War I the world was plunged into a Spanish flu epidemic. This seems particularly poignant as our world today faces the uncertainty over the coronavirus. One thing we do know, God is still on the throne and nothing ever surprises Him.

Melody Carlson has created a wonderful set of characters in small town America. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, and includes the reader. We ‘see’ the town and ‘experience’ the action. We ‘share’ the endings and beginnings. Turning Tide is a wonderful read.

I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.

JULIA WILSON

About the Book

Book:  Turning Tide

Author: Melody Carlson

Genre:  Historical Fiction

Release Date: Feb 15, 2020

As the Great War rages on, Sunset Cove continues to feel its impact. Running the small town newspaper, Anna McDowell can’t escape the grim reports from the other side of the world, but home-front challenges abound as well. Dr. Daniel is serving the wounded on the front lines. And Katy, expecting her first child, with her husband in the trenches, tries to support the war effort with her Red Cross club. Even as the war winds down the costs are high—and Sunset Cove is not spared.

Click here for your copy!

About the Author

Melody Carlson has written more than 200 books (with sales around 6.5 million) for teens, women, and children. That’s a lot of books, but mostly she considers herself a “storyteller.” Her young adult novels (Diary of a Teenage Girl, True Colors etc.) appeal to teenage girls around the world. Her annual Christmas novellas become more popular each year. She’s won a number of awards (including RT’s Career Achievement Award, the Rita, and the Gold medallion) and some of her books have been optioned for film/TV. Carlson has two grown sons and makes her home in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and yellow Lab dog.

More from Melody

Writing about the WW1 era has definitely been a good history lesson for me. Prohibition laws in Oregon (and rum-runners breaking them) combined with a massive war that changed the world and a global epidemic is worth paying attention to. Especially since history sometimes repeats itself. The early 20th century had a lot going on—much that seems nearly forgotten. I’m glad to see the movie 1917 is doing well—and we plan to see it this week. Although I’m not a fan of gruesome war movies, this era continues to intrigue me. Even as I wrapped up my Sunset Cove series with Turning Tide I was left wondering . . . what’s next? But isn’t that the beauty of story?

Blog Stops

The Avid Reader, March 16

For the Love of Literature, March 16

Through the Fire Blogs, March 16

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, March 17

Inklings and notions, March 17

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, March 18

deb’s Book Review, March 18

All-of-a-kind Mom, March 19

By The Book, March 19

Wishful Endings, March 19

Texas Book-aholic, March 20

She Lives To Read, March 20

Betti Mace, March 21

Remembrancy, March 21

janicesbookreviews, March 22

Mary Hake, March 22

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, March 22

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, March 23

For Him and My Family, March 23

Maureen’s Musings, March 24

My Devotional Thoughts, March 24

Jeanette’s Thoughts, March 24

Christian Bookaholic, March 25

Artistic Nobody, March 25 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

Older & Smarter?, March 26

Locks, Hooks and Books, March 26

Tell Tale Book Reviews, March 27

Blogging With Carol, March 27

Daysong Reflections, March 27

SPLASHES of Joy, March 28

Vicky Sluiter, March 28

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, March 29

Pause for Tales, March 29

For the Love of Books, March 29

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Melody is giving away the grand prize package of a complete set of The Legacy of Sunset Cove series!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/f6e9/turning-tide-celebration-tour-giveaway