Book Review: Tide and Tempest by Elizabeth Ludwig

Book Details

Title: Tide and Tempest

Author: Elizabeth Ludwig

Series: Edge of Freedom #3

2014, Bethany House Publishers

ISBN: 9780764210419

Genre: Christian Historical Fiction

Book Summary

Two years ago, her fiancé perished during their voyage to America. 

Now she discovers it may have been murder …

Dreaming of a better life, Tillie McGrath leaves Ireland behind and, with her beloved fiancé by her side, sets sail for America. But when illness robs her of the man she holds dear, she’s left alone with only a handful of tattered memories. While forging on proves difficult, Tillie soon finds some new friends at her New York boardinghouse, and begins pursuing a new dream – to open a home for orphaned children.

Despite two years passing, Captain Keondric Morgan has never forgotten the lass who left his ship so heartbroken. When a crewman’s deathbed confession reveals her fiance’s demise was the result of murder, the captain knows he must try to contact her. But his attention draws the notice of others as well – dangerous men who believe Tillie has in her possession something that could expose their crimes. And to their way of thinking, the best way to prevent such an outcome is to seize the evidence and then hand Tillie the same fate as her naïve fiancé.

My Review

I was excited to read this novel. It is the first, I think, that I’ve read by this author. The title and the cover of the book looked intriguing. This is the 3^rd book in a series, Edge of Freedom, and I have not read the previous two titles. I felt that this book could stand alone. I’m not sure if they are meant to go together or not, but I felt like this was a stand alone novel.

The setting of this novel is in New York City. This book is told from the perspective of Tille McGrath, Captain Morgan and some of the villians. There are many other notable secondary characters – most prominent is Cass Morgan, the captain’s younger brother. Many of the others are resident’s at Tillie’s boardinghouse. They add a lot to the story.

This book moved a little slow for me – but I think it might have just been me. There were quite a few twists and turns in this novel to keep it interesting. Although the romance seemed fairly predictable, the story of Tille’s fiancés death was shadowy the whole way through. I wasn’t sure how that portion of the story was going to resolve itself - or who was involved - until the end.

Overall a very good read. Interesting and well-written and the characters were intelligent and thoughtful. 

Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers for my honest review. No other compensation was received and all thoughts and opinions are strictly my own.