Tidewater

I love Stockenberg's work.. it is usually 4 stars.. but this one just couldn't get off the ground. I read 2 other books in between this one. But once you get past the middle.. it speeds up very fast.. and the second half is definately worth it.

I have read all of Antoinnette Stockenberg's novels and have generally enjoyed them. "Tidewater" should really get 3 and 1/2 stars, but she is a writer of substance and ability, hence 4 stars. The problems between Sarann and Rodger were telegraphed without any subtlety on the writer's part. However, the ending, even with all the hints throughout the book, was blatently shocking, but did not have the appropriate build up. Ben and Abbey were the most appealing characters in the book, although Ben's transformation was also lacking appropriate development.

Antoinette Stockenberg can always be relied upon to deliver a quality product that will keep you in your reading chair long past your bedtime. This latest gem, Tidewater, has a great plot and is peopled with finely drawn characters, all of whom come packed with their own intriguing baggage - in particular, her hero, Ben McElwyn. I have one word for Ben - Whew! What woman can resist the idea of a scruffy, hunky loner who has carried a torch for his lost love for years? Lucky, lucky Sarann. :) Another particular skill of Ms. Stockenberg is her ability to completely nail the voice of her younger characters; in this case, spunky, rebellious Abby. Congratulations to Ms. Stockenberg for another triumph.

As a reader, this book satisfied me on many levels. It has a touching romantic reunion, gut-twisting suspense, and wrenching emotional impact. I especially liked the development of the "villain" because it was done so subtly that even I began to doubt my perception of him. Ms. Stockenberg excels at novels that explore the mother/daughter relationship and this one is no exception. If you like suspense, romance, and family relationships all wrapped up in a credible story, TIDEWATER should make you very happy.

Sarann Bonniface worries that schizophrenia is hereditary as she feels she is behaving more like her ailing mother every day. Sarann seems to forget simple things like did she put gas in the tank or not? Her spouse Roger offers no empathy or support telling her to stop acting foolish, leaving Sarann to feel further alone.At the same time, her preadolescent Abby, who ignores her mother's cry for help, is obsessed with learning the identity of her biological father. Abby learns that a former cop turned private sleuth Ben is her sire. Through Abby, Ben enters the scene with affection and nurturing for the two females, even as Roger carries out his own agenda to alienate the same two women.The theme involving Ben entrance into the lives of the Bonniface is an entertaining, exciting subplot that will thrill readers. The other major subplot without Ben seems contrived as Roger is a villain so ludicrous the tale nearly stops. Antoinette Stockenberg shows glimpses of her fabulous ability to steam up a small town environment, but TIDEWATER has one dam too many, turning a strong relationship drama into a weak suspense novel.Harriet Klausner