Monday, June 11, 2018

A Vast and Gracious Tide by Lisa Carter

I have read most of Carter's novels and she remains one of my favorite romantic suspense authors. I like that she takes me to new locations where I learn about the history and culture of the area.

The location this time is the Outer Banks. The plot revolves around three issues: PTSD, the history of German submarines during WW II, and the area's current use by nefarious and dangerous characters. Carter has included an Author's Note so we know that U-boats were off the coast during the war and her historical aspects of the novel are a possibility. That the plot dealt with three major issues did mean that it was a bit complex. A more satisfying plot for me would have concentrated on just two issues.

I felt the major characters in the novel were a bit over dramatized. Caden struggled with meaning in life after loosing his leg to an IED. McKenna suffered from deep hurt caused by the death of her fiance. I liked many of McKenna's character traits but, like Caden's, felt they were larger than life. I thought the revealing of obstacles in their relationship and then getting over them was a bit repetitive. And the bad guy, well he was characterized to the point I knew who he was early on.

That being said, I did enjoy the novel and do recommend it to readers of Christian romantic suspense. There is a good presentation of the healing that comes from a relationship with the Lord. You'll learn about the culture and history of the Outer Banks, possible current illegal activities, and you'll be exposed to a good bit of suspense.

My rating: 4/5 stars.

Lisa Carter is the best-selling and award-winning author of seven romantic suspense novels, four historical novellas, and a contemporary Coast Guard series. She is a native of North Carolina. You can find out more at http://www.lisacarterauthor.com/.

Gilead Publishing, 320 pages.

I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.

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