Book Spotlight: Tidewater Summer- by Jo Huddleston

Summary:   

 Will Rose find the solitude she seeks during her island

summer or is solitude what she really wants?


A compelling story of one woman’s pursuit of restoration from physical abuse at the hands of her fiancé. Rose Marie Henley’s Great-Aunt Clara convinces Rose to spend the summer at her South Carolina beach house.

Aunt Clara’s handyman sends his nephew to repair Rose’s water heater. Last year Rose would have been excited to see his over-the-top handsome nephew, Frank Sutton. But now she doesn’t want any man in her life again.

Frank has an instant attraction to Rose. Can he break through her defenses? He’ll do anything to protect her, but will she open her heart to trust him?

Author Bio:

Jo Huddleston is an Amazon Bestselling Author who writes sweet Southern historical romance novels in her West Virginia Mountains series; her endearing Caney Creek series; her novella, Donna's Detour; and her recent release, Tidewater Summer.

Jo's nonfiction published books are: Amen and Good Morning, God: A Book of Morning Prayers, Amen and Good Night, God: A Book of Evening Prayers, His Awesome Majesty: Praising God's Greatness, and America: Her Hope for the Future. She coauthored two published nonfiction books with Vickie Phelps: Writing 101: A Handbook of Tips and Encouragement for Writers and Simply Christmas: Memories, Traditions, and Stories of the Season.

Jo likes to laugh with people but not AT people. The beach is her favorite vacation spot. Jo doesn't like to see or hear about people or animals being abused. She's a spectator fan of several sports, her favorite being tennis. Jo doesn't like being in the dark and is fearful of snakes!

Her more than 200 articles and short stories have appeared in over fifty different Christian and general publications, including Guideposts, Decision, and The Upper Room. Jo is a contributing writer to Christian Devotions Ministries (http://www.ChristianDevotions.us).

She writes two blogs you can find at http://www.johuddleston.com and at http://lifelinesnow.blogspot.com. She also publishes a regular e-newsletter and wrote an inspirational newspaper column for seven years.

Jo's career has spanned a variety of work. She was a high school teacher and guidance counselor, a state political campaign secretary, two-time small business owner, and a real estate agent.

Huddleston holds a B.A. degree with honors from Lincoln Memorial University (TN), and is a member of their Literary Hall of Fame. She earned an M.Ed. degree from Mississippi State University. Jo is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW).

Visit Jo's website at www.johuddleston.com where you can read first chapters of her novels and novellas and sign up for her mailing lis to receive her free quarterly e-newsletter as well as timely updates and announcements.

Email Jo at jo@johuddleston.com

My Review:

Tidewater Summer-  by Jo Huddleston
Book cover and summary made me want to read this one as I've been there but knew enough when to leave.
Starts out with Rose Marie and she's engaged to Walter who's gotten a promotion at the bank. When she doesn't want to go out to the movies he takes Amy. When he returns he'd been drinking and he starts lashing out at her. She gets her friend to stay over and Walter shows up the next day to take her to church...
She can get away with not seeing him as her aunt lends her the cottage for her school vacation from teaching kids. Gated community that is self contained.
She fears his hands around her neck. Love hearing of the beach area, author describes it so perfectly you can just picture yourself there.
Rose needs to contact the serviceman as she has no water. Franklin seems to know his work.  Frank comes to the rescue and he realizes she's scared-not sure of what but he'd like to get to know her better.
He prays for her to find peace. Island life-love this part as we experienced it ourselves. Everything is done on island time-no hurry required. They do spend time together and she learns that Walter knows where she's at...
Comparing tidal pools to turmoil with Walter is a direct hit!  I still pay attention to moon phases and tide tables, so important!
She misunderstands his words and he leaves...like hearing both sides of the same situation. Rose sees him in a new light the night of July 4th and learns what he contributes to the community.
Terrifying scary scenes of abuse.  Frank thinks he has the solution for the botched proposal...
Liked this book so much, brought me back to my island, the warm breezes, sea oats, sand dunes and endless water and sun and moon, very descriptive.
Love jewel she finds and treasures. Rose hopes she's not making a mistake, things are moving fast.
I was given the book by the author via Book Fun (The Book Club Network) and this is my honest review.