Driftwood Tides - eBook

Saturday, August 29, 2015

Driftwood Tides by Gina Holmes, 2014

Driftwood Tides is set at the Outer Banks in North Carolina, bringing another time and place to life.

While writing Driftwood Tides, I sat on the beach, closed my eyes and heard what I would have guessed to be a sprinkler system rapidly firing. I knew it couldn't be, but that's what it sounded like. It was actually the sound of chirping cicadas and the sprinkler system description was something I was able to use to describe that sound in the book.

--author Gina Holmes

Holton Creary ~ An ordinary day ... jolting news. What do you do with that? In an instant, life changes. This morning started out so easy. Would we have lingered longer, not knowing this would be our last smile, our last touch?

Libby Slater is going beachside for two summer months ~ only, her life is about to change ... Her fianc is sure it is too. Living above an art studio as an intern without monetary pay, she may find there is more benefit than "experience on her resum." At least, that is what she told him she was applying for ~ so much more....

I like the strength of the characters building upon weaknesses we all have in one form or another ~ unable to get out from under them without the Lord's help. Determination to become more than turmoil and what-ifs could produce, this story is very well-written with the foibles of man and the truth that no man is an island. We need each other. I like the steadfastness of Tess as she continues to give of herself regardless of return. Her artistic features blossom amid pain and rejection, not letting it mar what she sees or hamper her creativity. I would say she is the strong heroic person in this story. Accepting Libby, treating Holt with respect and honor, not giving in to be coerced beyond who she is. These people live ~ they're alive with daily life as it really is. How long can we remain influenced by the past, not recognizing the merits of today, and relishing a hope for tomorrow?

***Thank you to author Gina Holmes and Tyndale House Publishers for sending me a copy of Driftwood Tides for review. This review was written in my own words. No other compensation was received.***

Gina Holmes writes about realities and struggles that a lot of Christian author's avoid. I have often wondered if that is why a lot of authors have turned to Historical Romance. She writes about life and subjects that we can relate to.

This is a well written novel about healing and forgiveness and love.

There are very few authors who write novels that move me like Gina Holmes'. Driftwood Tides is no exception.

Holton is an artist who is struggling, not only with his career, but also with alcoholism. He is still mourning the loss of his wife, Adele, and drinks to try and dull the pain.

Things are turned upside down when Libby enters the scene. She has her own agenda when Libby inquires about an internship.

The story takes it's readers through the ups and downs of life, love, loss, and addiction. Each character is well drawn and certainly have their flaws. It brings to the forefront how people are affected by addiction and how it impacts those around them. Even the secondary characters play a vital role in how this story plays out.

My favorite quote was, "I wouldn't buy a glass of water from him if I were passed out in the desert."

I especially enjoyed the lessons in forgiveness, hope and love. If you are looking for a novel that will make you laugh, will bring on the tears, and have your routing for it's characters, this is the book for you. I highly recommend Driftwood Tides.

Gina Holmes writes an interesting story of Libby who, as a young adult, discovers she is adopted. Libby and her adoptive mother have a shaky relationship primarily due to Caroline being a controlling mother. Libby searches for her biological mother and uncovers several surprises including a grandmother. Most of all she learns forgiveness and real love.

The characters in the book were real people facing real problems. I enjoyed this book and will look for more books by Gina Holmes.

I received this book free from Goodreads in exchange for my honest opinion.

Gina Holmes states that the books she writes are based on forgiveness and Driftwood Tides is no exception. Forgiveness is not just needed by one of the characters but by nearly all in some form or the other. Libby finds out in her twenties that she was adopted. Her mother gives her her birth information reluctantly and she goes in search of her birth mother. She finds a drunk that turns out to be the husband of her birth mother Adele. In the process she discovers Adele was killed in a horrible traffic accident a few years back. Holton, Adele's husband, blames himself for her death and has been drinking daily since then. Libby has to decide whether she wants to stay the summer and try to help Holton or go back home. She initially hides her identity from Holton, hoping to try and find out more about her mother. I loved how the author brought the characters to life, making them seem like people you could actually know in real life. It was a book that drew me in and I was able to read it in such a short time. I love the beach and could almost feel the wind blowing through my hair as I read. This is an excellent book that has a good lesson on forgiveness and God's Grace.