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There are currently 26 member reviews
for Between the Tides
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Deborah P. (Dunnellon, FL)
between the tides
The narrative of Susannah Marren's debut novel is so smooth and detailed at times I forgot that I was not reading a biography. The novel captured my attention from the first page with a theme of what life looks like for women who move and loose the life they made and love for the sake of their husband's career. I found the book to be not only a compelling read but also a character study on how each family member was affected. This contemporary novel will hit home for many readers and left me wondering what choices I would make given the same set of circumstances. A perfect choice for the beach.
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Kristen H. (Hagerstown, MD)
Predictable
Between the tides is an alright read. Nothing very spectacular between the pages. I struggled to get through the story but finished to see what the ending would be. The ending was not as I anticipated, would have liked for this twist to come sooner as it would have made the story more capturing to the reader. This would be a good first book club read as a starter book.
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Anne S. (Coralville, IA)
Between the Tides
This is an easy and quick read. I felt Lainie's disappointment when her husband said they must move to another city for his career advancement. As time went by, she was so unhappy and so trapped in her new situation. She had left the city, the water, everything dear to her She has her children and her painting, but not the familiar life she had enjoyed.
She finds a friend, Jess. She and Jess had been friends in high school years The new town is not friendly, and it seems her children are always misbehaving and her husband, Charles is not very supportive.
The story is most interesting until it takes a few turns in the last few chapters. I did not like the ending. It seemed implausible, contrived.
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Marjorie W. (Bonita Springs, FL)
Between the Tides
It took a few chapters for me to really get into this story. When I did I really enjoyed it. I liked the distinctions in the chapters about Lainie and Jess (what a nasty person). The ending was a complete surprise - definitely leaves one with something to think about. I will probably recommend this to my book club - plenty of material to discuss.
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Dawn C. (Meridian, ID)
Between the Tides by Susannah Marren
Lainie thought she had it all. A successful husband, four children, and life in the Big Apple. Charles announces they are moving to Elliot, NJ. Lainie is not happy, and feels suffocated in her new surroundings. Then she reconnects with her arch enemy and they become friends, or so she thinks. Jess has an agenda of her own. I thought it was very well written.
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Kathryn K. (Oceanside, CA)
Good 'Chick Lit'
Between The Tides by Susannah Marren is what the women in my book discussion group would call 'chick lit'. That's not to devalue it in some way, but simply help you decide whether you want to read, or not. It's a quick read as the plot keeps you turning the pages. There are the challenges of marriage; cute but eccentric kids; and the reunion of an old friend that may or may not be helpful. There is drama, passion, betrayal and of course, the requisite sex! It's 'chick lit'! The author tells the story in the voice of two of the characters and uses foreshadowing. You may not catch it, but if you do, you may want to do some research to get the full impact. I'll give it four stars for those of you who like to grab a glass of wine and escape with some good 'chick lit'!
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Beth B. (New Wilmington, PA)
Between the Tides: a life story defined by water
Three quotes from the main character's grandmother appear early and permeate the telling of the tale: The future is preordained; He who owns the gold rules; We are born alone and die alone.
The author skillfully places the cast of characters in situations in which they are pitted against one another ---power vs. submission, adult vs. adult, sibling vs. sibling, spouse vs. spouse, newcomer vs. "queen" of the town, to name a few.
The plot's intensity level is consistent throughout and the reader is compelled to continue reading in an effort to discover who the victors will be and how crucial is it to fit in. Anyone who has been forced to sacrifice what it is that comprises their essence will readily identify with Lainie, just as will anyone who is being manipulated by someone who is supposed to be a friend. Have you ever had the desire to step into the story and shake some sense into someone? Have you ever experienced the frustration of despising a character so deeply while realizing you are helpless to do anything -- you are viewing the situation as through a window but oh, how you want to DO SOMETHING!!
What is the perfect life anyway? How long can one sustain a charade? These and more issues are abundant and make the novel one to ponder once the final word has been read. My only criticism is the inadequacy of the title --- it conveys nothing that would entice anyone to be drawn to the powerful story that enfolds within the pages.
