I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House Bloggers and was under no obligation to post a review. No compensation was received for sharing this review and all opinions are my own.
Published by Bethany House on April 4th 2017
Source: Bethany House Bloggers
Genres: Fiction, Amish & Mennonite, Christian, General, Religious
Pages: 336
A Heartwarming Tale of Courage and Love from Amish Fiction's #1 AuthorWhen a well-to-do family asks Sallie Riehl to be their daughter's nanny for the summer at their Cape May, New Jersey, vacation home, she jumps at the chance to broaden her horizons beyond the Lancaster County Amish community where she grew up. Sallie has long dreamed of seeing more of the world, but her parents are reluctant for her to put off baptism yet another summer, and the timing is unfortunate for Perry Zook, who has renewed interest in courting her.
Though she loves nannying, Sallie has free time on the weekends to enjoy the shore. It is there that she meets Kevin Kreider, a marine biology student who talks freely about all he's learning and asks about her interests, unlike most of the guys she grew up with. Time with Kevin is invigorating, and Sallie realizes she's never felt quite this alive around Perry. Then again, Kevin is Mennonite, not Amish.
Sallie tries to brush aside her growing feelings for Kevin, but she fears what her parents would think about her new friendship. Just as concerning, however, is Sallie's realization that her time in Cape May is increasing her desire to see the world, challenging her plans for the future. Has she been too hasty with her promises, or will Sallie only find what her heart is longing for back home in Paradise Township?
The Ebb Tide is a standalone novel written by bestselling author, Beverly Lewis. I’ve long been a Beverly Lewis fan and I’ve always enjoyed her books. Her covers are always so lovely—some of the best on the market. I really wanted to love this book. I just feel like this book doesn’t quite live up to her usual standard.
I know that standalone books are all the rage as of late but I miss a community of characters that I can connect with on a deeper level. I miss Ella Mae Zook most of all. Have I completely missed something there? Where has Ella Mae disappeared to in Beverly’s Amish world?
The Ebb Tide simply didn’t hold my attention. I felt as if there were a bit too much filler content involving Sally’s nanny duties. I didn’t need to hear about their itinerary or whether the baby had colic again. This story needed to focus either on the children or on Sallie. By including so much filler, I didn’t get to know Sallie as well as I should have and I just didn’t connect with her.
I wanted to see more angst as Sallie wrestled with her decision to go English or stay Amish. Where was the inner turmoil? I get it, Sallie had wanderlust and that’s all good and fine but the heart would still be torn between family and that desire to see the world.
I knew from the moment that Sallie left home that she would never be happy being Amish. Again, I’m okay with that. I just wanted to see the very natural emotional upset that one would experience when making such a life changing decision.
About Beverly Lewis
Beverly Lewis, raised in Pennsylvania Amish country and both a schoolteacher and an accomplished musician, has been an award-winning author for over a dozen years. Her acclaimed novel, The Preacher’s Daughter, was a 2006 Quill Book Award finalist in the romance category. Her books have appeared on numerous bestseller lists, including USA Today and The New York Times. She and her husband, David, live in Colorado.”
Ella Mae Zook is sad she wasn’t included in this book!! I haven’t read it yet so I’m curious to see how I’ll like it.
I expect you to link me your review so I can see your thoughts!