Books and Films
Sarah's Vignettes: The Returning Tide by Liz Fenwick
Introducing Sarah Swan who has a passion for reading books, books and more books, and enjoys a healthy bit of rambling about life too!
Sarah has been reading books from a very early age and before she could read, she was always flicking through picture books. Sarah is convinced that she was born with a book in her hand!
Sarah reads a wide range of genres and is willing to try most genres once, but she does keep going back to both contemporary and historical fiction more than anything else. She also loves taking her own photographs and sharing them with friends and family.
Books are a big part of Sarah's life and as well as running her own blog so she can share her love for books, Sarah will be sharing her top reads on The Riviera Woman.
"If you would like to use any of my photographs, you can contact me and also if there is a book you would like me to read and review, let's talk."
www.sarahsvignettes.wordpress.com
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Book Review: The Returning Tide by Liz Fenwick
To say I loved this book is an understatement and if I could give it more than 5 stars, I would! It is, simply, stunning and had me hooked from the very first page.
~ Book Blurb~
Two sisters and one betrayal that will carry across generations . . .
In wartime Cornwall, 1943, a story between two sisters begins – the story of Adele and Amelia, and the heart-breaking betrayal that will divide them forever. Decades later, the effects of one reckless act still echo – but how long will it be until their past returns?
The Returning Tide will sweep you away to the beautiful Cornish coast, full of secrets and mystery, perfect for fans of Kate Morton.
~ My Thoughts ~
The Returning Tide, set in beautiful Cornwall, is a story of love, war, loss, family, and betrayal. It tells two interconnecting stories: one of sisters Amelia and Adele, living in Cornwall, during World War II, and, one of Lara, in the present day, living in Cape Cod, Massachusetts, and of her trip to Cornwall to trace her Great-Grandfather’s steps during World War II.
The Returning Tide is extremely well researched and beautifully written. If I had not known otherwise, I would have thought the author was writing from her own life experiences. The depth of feeling in telling this story increases with each turn of the page, so much so, I was in tears by the end of it. It takes a lot for a book to make me cry and this is testament to Liz Fenwick’s sophisticated, elegant, and heartfelt writing style.
One chapter, in particular, will stay with me for a very long time. I cannot imagine how it feels to be in a highly and emotionally charged situation where you are completely powerless. Liz Fenwick conveys it so beautifully and sympathetically. It wasn’t until I read the Acknowledgements and Author’s Notes, that I discovered this episode was based on real experiences of a close family member to the author. Out of this episode, Amelia and Adele’s story, and thus The Returning Tide, were born. I am in awe of how, from one experience, this great story came to life.
There are many exquisite lines in this book but one line which kept coming back to me throughout, was in the opening pages: ‘…Just one look from his big blue eyes and I was lost without a map and my compass took a different north.’ Wow. It wasn’t until I got to the end that I really thought about this line’s significance. I won’t say anymore as I don’t want to spoil the story for anyone who is yet to read it.
It is very evident that a lot of blood, sweat, and probably tears, has gone into writing this very special story. Thank you Liz Fenwick for sharing it with us.
