Meg was not interested in her father's fishing business UNTIL he decided to sell it to her arch enemy, the man who ruined her dreams many years before. Now she wants to run the business despite not liking mornings and bait and the like. Her dad decides Meg and Oliver will need to work the season together and then he'll decide who he's going to give his business to.

Oliver is an interesting guy. He could have made things really difficult for Meg but he doesn't. He quickly sees her heart and helps her achieve what she most wants in her relationship with her ailing mother, even though this will complicate things later. Meg is a bit stubborn yet she learns and gains some compassion along the way.

I learned a bit about lobster fishing. It seems like a crazy life fraught with difficulties and uncertainties. I have a new appreciation for those who make this their life's work.

This was a fun read and a good start to a new series. I'll look forward to learning more about Oliver's brother in the next one. Thank you to Revell for providing me with a free e-copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

I enjoyed reading “Beyond the Tides” by Liz Johnson.
This is the story of Liz, set in beautiful Prince Edward’s island, who gives up her career as a teacher to prove her worth as being able to run the business to her father, who wants to retire and take care of her mother with debilitating disease. She has to work with her nemesis for one fishing season to do that. This story is convincing, relatable and the characters are likeable.
I would recommend this book to all readers who enjoy reading about family businesses, relationships, sacrifices and realisations that we are capable of doing a lot more if we put our mind to it.
My rating: 3.5

Beautifully written story of family, friends, challenges, and misconceptions. The book focuses on the Whitaker family and their fishing business on Prince Edward Island. Megan Whitaker’s dad has decided to sell his family business to Oliver Ross, who Megan blames for ruining her future plans in high school. Megan refuses to allow her dad to do this without giving her a chance to prove she can handle the business during the lobster season.

Being forced to work together to have a successful season, Megan and Oliver must learn to tolerate each other. The season brings many challenges for both of them that will force them to face their past choices and how they chose to move forward through life’s challenges.

Sweet notes of faith are woven throughout the story. It has many themes we can all learn a lot from if we will allow it to speak to us. I look forward to reading the rest of the series!

I was given a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are completely my own.

"Beyond the Tides" by Liz Johnson is a poignant tale about the power of love, the ability to face loss, and the power of forgiveness. Meg and Oliver's story resonates resoundingly in our hearts, as they struggle to come to terms with their future, their own hopes and dreams, and the surprisingly unexpected relationship developing between them. Meg Whitaker has to prove to her father that she is worthy of inheriting the family lobster fishing business, instead of selling it to her high school nemesis, Oliver. With poignant self-discovery, Meg grapples with the past, as she tries to face her lost hopes and dreams head-on. In doing so, she unlocks the door to a brilliant future, which includes a love that she never expected. Meg and Oliver's flawed and likable characters are caught in a heart-wrenching tale. Rich in beautiful imagery, "Beyond the Tides" proves that the past we so desperately try to escape from may indeed be the golden key to unlock a brilliant future in store for us. Liz Johnson's stunning tale appeals to all people who want the delightful satisfaction of a good read. I highly recommend this inspiring story!

Megan needed to make some important decisions. Could she give up what she loved to help her family? Did she have what it takes to keep her family's lobster fishing business alive? And what was she going to do about Oliver?

Oliver had something to prove to himself and yes, to others. He was determined to make this work.

The book was easy to enjoy. It was based in Prince Edwards Island. It actually made me think of a trip we took to Maine a few years ago. We went on a lobster boat and was given a short tour of what they do. It sure isn't easy and you can understand how tired and achy Megan must have felt when she was working on the boat. In addition, Megan gets sea sick!!!!

Can Megan and Oliver put aside their differences?

How exciting that this is actually the first book of a new series!



I received an ebook from Reveal to review.

Very well researched and realistic book.
Beautifully emotional,faith filled start to what promises to be an exciting,best selling series.
Our main character, Meg is dealing with an unresolved issue from childhood when this person is suddenly not only thrust into her life again unexpectedly but her father is considering selling the family business to him. Meg and Oliver both try to prove their worthiness to take over the business.
Meg’s father is dealing with his own sadness as his wive’s illness becomes worse and is draining her.
She is trying to preserve the family legacy by taking over the family lobster business but with her father giving all his time and attention to her mother will she learn to trust and lean on Oliver or will past bad memories hold her back?
Absolutely excellent book just wish I didn’t have to wait so long for the next book in the series.

Published August 3rd 2021
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. Thank you.
All opinions expressed are my own.

Great setting! The author’s extensive research about the world of lobster fishing was obvious, and it was enjoyable learning more about the occupation. I sure don’t think I’d be cut out for those pre-dawn sails and frigid weather conditions. Not to mention handling the bait they use in the traps or seasickness. But what fun to read about it.

Our heroine is very strong. I respected her career and know-how, the fact that she was an engineer. She could rewire engines or convert electrical appliances to battery powered. It was refreshing to see her save the day. She also wants to give back to her family, to help, to be strong for them. She’ll need to learn that they can each support the others. She doesn’t have to carry everything on her own shoulders and deny her true emotions. This may be relatable for some readers who’ve felt burdened by family stresses.

The hero is a competent fisherman who is determined to prove himself, to rise above his family’s reputation, to secure his future. I respected him. He’s also honest and noble, along with that competence. I rooted for him as well.

One of the lessons in this story was making lasting memories with loved ones. So touching and relatable. Great advice for readers to take away from the experience. Another theme was family legacies. This was skillfully handled when the author mirrored a positive inheritance against the negative reputation of an ancestor.

The spiritual theme was that of leaning on God for strength and help during hard times as He is the believer’s anchor. The process of learning that will be very relatable for Christian readers. The emotional theme, that love is worth any cost, played out in several areas of the story as the author expertly displayed contrasts in a variety of relationships and situations.

I like novels where the MCs set out to prove their competence or nobility, where characters rise above their own self-doubt or family circumstances to achieve their potential. I believe readers will cheer these characters on.

I received a complimentary copy of this novel in exchange for my honest opinions.

Beyond the Tides by Liz Johnson is the first in her new series, Prince Edward Island Shores. Charming and beautifully written, the stunning cover helped to draw me into the story’s wonderful setting on Prince Edward Island.

I was so taken with the story of Meg Whitaker and Oliver Ross. They were both such likeable and interesting characters. In Beyond the Tides they both have to work together to decide who will end up owning the lobster fishing business that belongs to Meg’s father. But, the problem is Meg’s father has determined they have to spend a three month fishing season working together. Which is very challenging since they were far from friends in the past, have a rough history, and both have their own baggage.

Beyond the Tides tells of two delightfully flawed people as they navigate their past, their present and their future. The author weaves together a delightful story with the redemptive power of forgiveness, loving unconditionally, and the value of living every moment. I highly recommend Beyond the Tides.

I was given a copy by the publisher and not required to write a positive review.

Beyond The Tides by Liz Johnson is book 1 in the Prince Edward Island Shores series. This book captivated me from the start! Liz Johnson always draws me right in with her contemporary romance novels. The characters are brought to life with their unique personality traits, painful pasts and human flaws. While the main character, Meg Whitaker, is a strong female role who decides to take over her dad's lobster business. The supporting role is an enemy from her childhood with his own story to tell. He to is trying to win the bid for her father's fishing boat. The secondary characters are as important as the main characters and weave through the book beautifully. You will feel as though you are living in the town and are familiar with the characters. The small island setting is charming and quaint. The storyline will make you laugh and then pull at your heart strings. It has themes the of grief, forgiveness, determination and family. The best part of the book to me is the surprise ending! Yes, this contemporary romance has a plot twist. If you are a fan of Denise Hunter, Suzanne Woods Fisher or Becky Wade, you will enjoy this novel by Liz Johnson.

A sweet book with a little faith mingled in - such a great combination! I truly enjoyed this awesome book by Liz Johnson. I have never read anything from this author prior to this book, but I will be looking into reading more from her for sure!

Beyond the Tides is the first book in her new Prince Edward Island Shores series and I am patiently waiting for the next book!

This is an "enemies to lovers" novel. Although this is a romance novel, it's also a story about grief and forgiveness. I enjoyed the characters so much and the description in Liz Johnson's writing is wonderful!

Thank you #NetGalley, #LizJohnson, and #Revell

This book will make you cry in many places and laugh in a few. There is a lot of romance and two people learning how to be good friends again. I loved the descriptions of what happens on a lobster boat and what someone who gets seasick might feel. This is a page Turner because you need to know if Oliver or Meg will get the boat. I also love Mama Potts and would love some of her muscle salve. I received a copy of this book from Revell for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.

Beyond the Tides by Liz Johnson has Meg Whitaker enjoys her teaching position at the local high school. She gave up her dream to be closer to home when her mother became ill. Then Meg learns that her father is going to retire and sell Whitaker Fishing to her archnemesis, Oliver Ross. Meg does not want the business to go out of the family. Meg’s father decides to let Meg and Oliver compete for the business. They will work together for the season and at the end of it, her father will decide which one of them will get the fishing business. Neither one intends to lose. Beyond the Tides is a traditional Christian romance. The story has developed characters and a gorgeous setting. I enjoyed the vivid descriptions of Prince Edward Island. It is a place I have always wanted to visit. I read Beyond the Tides, but I could not get into the story. It is a sweet romance that deals with healing, loss of a dream, forgiveness, illness, and love. There is talk about the lobster industry with its numerous regulations, building lobster traps, problem with a steady income, resentment from other fisherman, and sabotage. Beyond the Tide has some humor as well. The story is told from Meg and Oliver’s point-of-view. It alternates chapter’s so we get to see things from each person’s perspective. Oliver and Meg each have good reasons for wanting the business. What is the best way to resolve this conundrum? It is easy to predict how this story will play out. I would have liked more action that would have helped the pacing of the story (it was on the slow side). If you like to read Christian romances, then you will enjoy Beyond the Tides.

"That's the thing about forgiveness - it's a renewable resource. The act of giving it fills you up to give it again. The more you practice forgiveness, the more you have to give."

Liz Johnson's contemporary romance books are a must-read for me and this book, her newest, showcases exactly why. From the opening chapter, the characters and the plot are captivating and the plot has a nice smooth flow with easy-to-read writing. There is great humor peppered throughout the book that you won't be able to help the wide grins and occasional laugh-out-loud moments. There is plenty of heartache and grief seen through Meg and her father as they care for a rapidly deteriorating loved one. Oliver has a difficult, painful, and shameful past to overcome but his gentle, tender, hard-working humility shows what God can do when we put ourselves at His feet. How brokenness can become redeemed and forgiveness can conquer fear really struck home through this book. And I learned quite a bit about lobstering in the beautiful Prince Edward Island. I can't wait for the next two books where we'll get to know Oliver's brothers better!

I received the book from Baker Publishing Group via Interviews & Reviews and was under no obligation to post a positive comment. All opinions are solely my own.

My thoughts: Liz Johnson is one of my favorite romance writers with good reason. She writes characters that come alive on the page, ones that you can relate to. I love that Meg and her father took such good care of her mother. I really sympathized with the mother as I too am facing an undiagnosed neurological issue. Oliver was such a sympathetic character. I couldn't help but fall in love with him. And I loved Violet. And Mama Potts. It was nice to return to Prince Edward Island and to learn a lot about lobstering. I can't wait for the next book in this series to come out. If you like romance you will love this book. Liz Johnson is an author to read. I was given a copy free. All opinions are my own.

Since Meg’s mom began dealing with an unknown and debilitating disease, her dad decides to sell the family’s lobster fishing business. Although Meg is a high level teacher - i.e. no easy subs to be found - who truly loves what she does AND is EXTREMELY seasick, she decides she can’t let the business leave the family.

Oliver has been apprenticing with Meg’s dad for years and has been saving to buy the business ever since he took him on as an apprentice. Meg and Oliver have an unfortunate history - and although a great deal of time has passed things are still tenuous between them. When Meg’s Dad says they must work together for the season and he will then decide who takes it on, will sparks fly that burn everything down? Or perhaps, will those sparks make everything right?

This is an excellent beginning to the author’s new Prince Edward Island Shores series. It was especially fun to learn about the setting and different way of life on PEI. I am eager for the next book in the series!

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book from Revell Publishers and NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

Liz Johnson has quickly become a favorite author of mine. Her contemporary novels are such delightful stories and Beyond the Tides was no different. I wasn't sure how I would enjoy a story featuring a lobster-fishing business, but it was SO good.

From the opening chapter on, I was hooked and loved seeing the main characters interact. There were deep moments and also humorous ones. I liked how there was an unexpected twist in the story, as well.

All in all, Beyond the Tides was a fantastic read and one I definitely recommend. Such a good summer read!

*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. 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.*

Meg Whitaker had a dream ten years ago, but Oliver Ross destroyed it. Her life took another path, but her mother's illness brings her back to her home town. Her father's plan to sell his fishing business to Oliver infuriates her even though she never wanted the business. When she asks her father to sell it to her he agrees to consider it with conditions: The two of them have to work together for one season. She agrees even though she suffers from sea sickness, hates the smell of the bait and detests getting up early. Oliver isn't crazy about the arrangement, but feels he has no choice. What could go wrong? As it happens, plenty.

Coming from two very different backgrounds and with Oliver's regret and Meg's grudge bearing it doesn't seem likely their time together will go well. The author brings to readers a skillfully crafted tale about what is possible when people are willing to open their hearts to forgiveness and to finding the strength to face their fears. Strong themes of family and responsibility are an important part of the narrative.

I found this to be a heartwarming story about likeable characters. It is engrossing and well worth reading. Highly recommended.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell through NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.

This was a charming love story about enemies who become friends and then develop a romantic relationship. Meg Whitaker and Oliver Ross are the central characters, both of whom are delightfully quirky. Meg is a physics teacher and the daughter of a lobster fisherman. When her dad decides to sell his business in order to focus on her mom’s failing health, Meg is distraught to find out that her dad is selling the business to Oliver, the guy who ruined her science project and ruined her chances to attend an Ivy League college. Her father, desperate to sell but also unwilling to anger Meg, comes up with the solution to have the two share the business and see who does the best work with it. The humor in this book is outstanding as the two enemies gradually begin to accept each other, let go of a decades old grudge and forgive. I enjoyed the subtle Christian themes that ran throughout the book and the fact that it is definitely a clean read. The theme of letting go of old dreams and embracing new ones is a good lesson to learn for everyone. There is also a small mystery involved when their lobster boat keeps getting sabotaged and the revelation of who was the culprit was a surprise. Although I was not sure at first that I would enjoy a book about lobster fishing, I really did. The setting of Prince Edward Island and the small town life there was perfect for the story, a story that was not complicated and was somewhat predictable, but it was thoroughly enjoyable.
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions 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 Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”

What a gorgeous story! It was definitely helped by being set on Price Edward Island - thanks to Anne of Green Gables, I have been wanting to go there for years :)

Meg's family has been running lobster boats for generations but she has no interest in that area at all. She has a serious scientific bent and she leaves the fishing to her dad. Unfortunately, her mum is not well and her dad is spending all his time and energy on her so he needs to find a successor. Enter Oliver, who is keen to continue the legacy. Unfortunately, Meg and Oliver have bad blood between them that goes back ten years but in order to help Meg's dad, they have to work together.

A really lovely story about family, love and responsibility. I really liked both Meg and Oliver and Meg's parents were just lovely as well.

5 stars from me.

Thank you to NetGalley and Revell.

I was swept away by this story and was not ready to go back to reality once it was done. I felt like I was right there, and was quite disappointed when I finished that last page. I just wasn't ready for it to be done.