Well written romance has always been a favorite to read, especially written with a realistic understanding of all emotions and people who experience them. "Changing Tides" has it all.

Sophie is a marriage and family therapist and Liam is a small town carpenter. Their romance is fast-paced with mutual sparks from the beginning. Their healing reflects their relationship, with mutual understanding and maturing in dealing with real life situations and growth. Their story sucks you in and you don't put it down until the end.

I give this book 5 stars.

Content warning: struggling with infertility, divorce and PTSD.

Sophie is going through a heartbreaking time in her life, moving on from her marriage while trying to sort out her life and what to do next while visiting Cape May. There, she finds herself continuously in the orbit of Liam, who has his own history and plenty of reasons to stay away from her. Yet neither can keep their distance. Romance ensues!

This was such a beautiful love story, and I can’t wait to see what Linny Mack does next!

🌊Changing Tides🌊
By Linny Mack
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️♾️
Release date: 5/6

This book was absolutely beautiful. I do not think that 5 stars does it justice. This book is one of my absolute favorites!! It will have a special place in my heart forever! 🩵

Tropes:
🐚 starting over in life
🐚 next door neighbors
🐚 friends to lovers
🐚 grumpy x sunshine
🐚 small beach town
🐚 slow burn

Sophie has been married for 13 years to James. They have been struggling with infertility for years and it has taken a toll on their marriage. On her birthday she comes home to find him not only having an affair but comes to find that the mistress is also pregnant with his baby. To pick up the pieces of her life she leaves and goes where she knows she will find peace, Cape May, New Jersey. She spent her childhood summers there until her mother passed away.

Liam is the guardian to his niece, Lucy, after his sister passed away. Haunted by a tragedy from his past that has stayed with him he has a hard time letting people in. He doesn’t want anyone getting close to Lucy and he doesn’t feel ready to be in a relationship so he just kind of keeps to himself. He is a carpenter and lives next door to Ellie.

Sophie moves in with Ellie and just like that she and Liam meet and just cant seem to stay away from each other. Sophie offers to help watch Lucy on days that Liam needs help. From there their friendship grows and they help each other heal.

This story was so beautiful to see. The characters are all a bit older (40s) and it was so nice to see their lives that they have lived up until the point they met. I loved seeing the healing from their past traumas. Not only did they help heal each other but they were so kind to themselves through the process as well. The side characters all feel so lovable and whole, I hope we see more of them in the upcoming book(s?)!! I definitely recommend this book! It does cover some heavier topics but it is dont in such a respectful and kind way that it is so beautiful. Thank you NetGalley and Linny Mack for this arc!!!

This book has so much potential and I definitely think it will be a five star read for someone.
For me the pacing was a little off and I felt like there was just a little umph missing from the story for higher review.
But I enjoyed the story!

A debut novel by Linny Mack, Changing Tides takes place in one of my favorite places, the beautiful shore town of Cape May, New Jersey. Devastated by her husband’s infidelity, Sophie finds refuge in Cape May where she spent her childhood summers with her grandparents. Here she meets Liam who in his own way is trying to find refuge from his troubled past. This is truly a heartwarming story of family and second chance romance. I’m looking forward to reading more from a new favorite author. Many thanks to Page & Vine publishing and Netgalley for this advanced copy. Publication date is May 6th. Add it to your TBR!

Something drew me to this book, even though it’s not my typical genre, and I’m so glad that it found its way into my hands! I read this as an ARC (available 5/6/2025), and here is my in full review with no spoilers:

This novel is a perfect beach read - light enough for a relaxing day but with surprising depth. It had some echoes of a hallmark movie (which isn’t my thing) but it’s interesting plot and authentic characters had me hooked. I finished it in two sittings over 24 hours - the only reason I put it down was that I fell asleep around 2am.

What makes this book a page turner is the unflinching portrayal of profound emotions.
The representation of grief and ptsd is vivid, authentic, and raw. I really loved the depictions of family. The second half of the novel took my breath away a couple of times with deep insight I would have never expected. I kept screenshots of several quotes that I know I want to revisit.

Why Four Stars?
1. Writing Style & Structure: The pacing, coastal setting, and character arcs are expertly crafted. The story unfolds like a friend's heartfelt confession - never trite, always immersive. There are no loose ends, no extraneous characters, or jarring moments disrupting the flow.
2. Characters: Each character, feels distinct and authentic with imperfections and interactions that are relatable. They all have just the right depth for their main, secondary, and background roles in the story.
3. Would I Recommend?: Absolutely! Romance fans will adore this, especially those drawn to reluctant lovers, healing journeys, found family, and traditional values with a touch of spice. Its slow burn, punctuated by a few steamy moment and two “intimate” scenes makes it relatable and a good choice for people that aren’t looking for a lot of spice.
4. Would I Read Again?: I’ll definitely return to this book for its unforgettable quotes, but the story itself isn't my normal diversion from reality. Its emotional weight gave me some insights that will stick, but I'm less likely to reread for the plot alone.

The Missing Star: This is purely personal taste but it didn’t provide the diversion from normal daily life that I most enjoy. While Changing Tides didn't fully sweep me out of my own world the way my 5-star favorites do, it's a gem that I know romance readers will consider as a five-star read!

Thank you to NetGalley and Page & Vine Books for the early copy of Changing Tides!

Linny Mack crafts a heartfelt and engaging story in Changing Tides. The characters are genuine, the plot is well-paced, and the writing is both emotional and uplifting. I thoroughly enjoyed the journey and found myself invested from start to finish.

This is a sweet, heartwarming tale of starting over and discovering who you are after life takes unexpected turns. It definitely has that nostalgic, emotional vibe that fans of Nicholas Sparks novels will appreciate. A beautiful story about hope, healing, and second chances.

If you’re looking for a book that will tug at your heartstrings, leave you smiling, and maybe even make you believe in fresh starts, Changing Tides is the perfect choice. A perfect addition to your TBR. I can’t wait to read more from Linny Mack in the future!

Sophie has been married 13 years and has infertility problems for the last 7, on her birthday she finds out her husband has been having an affair and has gotten her pregnant.

The premise is so great and has all of my favorite things; Small town, single dad, meddling neighbor.

But unfortunately the writing felt choppy. Lots of repetition in the main characters’ inner dialogue, with conflicting thoughts every other sentence.

Changing Tides offers a wonderfully immersive setting that draws you right into the heart of the story. The atmosphere felt like stepping into a cozy Hallmark movie—warm, emotional, and lighthearted all at once. I really enjoyed the overall vibe, but I found myself wishing for a bit more breathing room in the pacing. The relationship between Liam and Sophie had so much potential for a more satisfying slowburn, and it felt like their development was a little rushed. I also could’ve done without Liam’s point of view; his inner thoughts came off as scattered and occasionally cheesy, which took away from the story's charm for me.

A beautifully written story that tugs at the heart. Characters felt real, flawed, and relatable. I loved that the characters were older! Such an impressive debut novel!

Changing Tides is an amazing debut novel written by Linny Mack. It follows Sophie navigating a world post-divorce and Liam finding his way after getting custody of his niece.

What I liked:
This novel speaks to the heart and is cathardic in so many ways. This story really reiterates that if two people choose each other day in and out, that anyone can have a happy ending.

What I didn't like:
The ending while good, felt rushed. I don't want to ruin it by saying what it was, but it really came out of left field. It didn't deter how I felt about the book, because it was very well written and I couldn't put the book down, I devoured it in 6 hours, but the ending just doesn't sit quite right with me.

All in all, I absolutely loved it. I can't wait to buy a copy when it's released! Thanks Page & Vine for the arc copy!

Changing Tides is a debut romance novel by Linny Mack.
The story follows Sophie, who has been struggling with infertility, finds out that her husband of 11 years has cheated on her and got his mistress pregnant. After filing for divorce she decides to take a trip to Cape May; a place where she always felt at peace growing up.

Liam is a Cape May resident and happens to be Sophie’s next door neighbor at her rental unit. Liam has a traumatic past of his own and is guardian of his niece, Lucy. Neither Sophie or Liam are in the head space to be in a relationship right now but they can’t seem to stay away from one another.

I was engrossed in this book from the start. The slow burn romance has everything you want the angst is angst-ing, but it was also great to see both characters take care of their mental health and dealing with their past rather than just falling in love and conveniently forgetting their past traumas.
Highly recommend if you enjoy romances, beach settings, slow burn and emotional depth & healing in your novels. Liny Mack knocked her debut out of the park!

First off, thank you to NetGalley and Page & Vine for this advanced reader's copy. This book will be published on May 6, 2025.

4.5 stars, rounded up to 5.

Ummmm excuse me LINNY, what kind of secret sauce did you put into this book? I did not expect to fall so in love with the town of Cape May and these characters. The slow burn was **chef's kiss** and Liam was PERFECT to me. I'm going to need Miles story, like yesterday.

This story follows Sophie, a recently divorced (and cheated on) woman who heads back to her childhood summer town of Cape May to clear her head and figure out her life. Insert next door neighbor (with lots of past trauma), Liam, and niece Lucy (the cutest little girl without a mom :(), who immediately win over your heart and start to get into Sophie's as well. And let's not forget Ellie (the sweet lady Sophie rents from), because everyone needs a good momma bear in their life.

I was immediately hooked from the first chapter of this book. I was reading whenever I could to see what would happen next. I kept googling Cape May diamonds, the victorian homes in Cape May, and even teakwood! I may or may not have drop hinted to my husband that we need a mini vacation there too.

As I said above I am a SUCKER for a good slow burn and this book was just that. It made me feel all of the feels and want MORE! Also, the connection at the end (once you read the book, you'll understand, not a spoiler) was just soooooo wonderful!! How is this a debut novel?? Let's go ahead and drop it into all of the bookstores ASAP, ok people??

What a sweet, beautiful love story. Absolutely loved this and can't wait to see more from Linny Mack!

Changing Tides
By Linny Mack

Format: ebook ARC
Rating: 4

Debut author Linny Mack writes an emotional but sweet story of Sophie and Liam. The story is set in the beachside town of Cape May, a charming area perfect for the story.
Vibes are Virgin River meets Nicholas Sparks for a love story with all the feels.

Changing tides to be released May 6th, 2025.

Tropes:
- overcoming grief
- heartbreak and romance
- PTSD/anxiety rep
- Infertility rep

Thank you Page and Vine for the ARC!

There is literally no way this is a debut novel! It was written sooo well, and kept me turning page after peg! The story is emotional and raw. I was hooked very quickly and fell in love with these characters and the setting of Cape May. I’ve never been but it sure made me want to pack my bags and head that way. Highly recommend this novel if you love a good single dad and slow burn!

oh i was tied to this book from beginning to end. i also want to say can the people and place of Cape May please adopt me. or allow me to be enveloped by them all for holidays and such?what a wonderful and nostalgia fueling place.
this book is a snippet of two people lives at a time when trauma and hurt is on the menu. life isnt perfect. neither is it all darkness. but for some in moments of their life they face things youd never wish on anyone. but when you have people around you that hold you up and keep you floating there truly can be a path towards belonging. and a path towards a home for and in yourself.
Sophie our Fmc faced too much! my heart broke for her. and i felt extremely protective of her from the start. i was rooting for her to just run into the arms of some place good, some good people. and thankfully that she does. returning to a place she loved as a child is the perfect decision for her.
coming here she meet Liam. Oh Liam you lovely, gorgeous but hurting soul. he has his own painful past and future to navigate. one that is going to be hard to face alone. but thankfully hes not alone at all. and on meeting Sophie it sparks such hope and love in both of them that you immediately dont care for much else apart from them having a happy ending. it wont be easy. and there is so much to come. but you want to witness and cheer for both of them.
they are life changing for each other. and by the end i was all kind of stone in my throat choked up about it all.
this book is just divine. Linny handles some really tough and extreme circumstances. but she does it with tender love and care as if these people really were people she herself loved. she does it so well and covers mental health themes with such importance and gentle handling that it makes you feel safe in her hands when reading.
i loved this book. i cant give it more stars but i wish i could.

This was my first book by this author and it was wonderful! The character development was awesome and the writing battle held my interest!

Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I truly enjoyed every single chapter of this book. It was such a comforting, emotional read. Changing Tides has that perfect small-town, coastal vibe I love, but what really pulled me in was Sophie’s story. She’s been through a lot—losing a pregnancy, going through a divorce—and yet, she slowly finds her way back to herself with the help of the people around her. It’s one of those stories that makes you believe in second chances, even when everything feels like it’s falling apart.

The setting felt so familiar and real to me—maybe because I’m from New Jersey and could totally picture that beach-town backdrop. There’s something really grounding about the way Linny Mack writes. It’s emotional but not overdone, hopeful without feeling forced. Just really honest and heartfelt.

If you’re into stories about healing, starting over, and finding love (and yourself) again, this one’s definitely worth a read. It stayed with me in a quiet, meaningful way.
4.5 Stars!