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Here Beside the Rising Tide
A romance author takes a trip to her childhood beach home, but her summer is upended by the startling return of a deceased childhood friend, newfound love, and . . . sea monsters?
The USA Today bestselling author of On Earth as It Is on Television returns with an earnest, humorous novel on the pressures of adult life, the magic of childhood, and what swims in between.
As a lonely ten-year-old resident of Pearl Island, Jenni Farrow befriends Timmy Caruso and together they enjoy a glorious summer of swimming, fireworks, and carnival rides. (Not to mention rescuing a strange sea creature from a tidepool). Then, one late summer day, Timmy disappears.
Thirty years later, Jenni—now Jenn Lanaro, bestselling author of the Philipia Bay action-romance series—is desperate to escape the fatigue of her career and her soon-to-be-ex-husband. With her Pokémon-obsessed children in tow, Jenn rents a summer house on Pearl Island. But shortly after she arrives, a boy emerges from the nighttime sea. His name, he says, is Timmy Caruso. He’s ten years old. And he’s on a mission to save the world.
In the days that follow, Jenn grapples with work deadlines, her own spirited children, the mysterious boy-from-the-sea, and her burgeoning interest in a very sexy contractor. But when alarming events unfold along the coast—shark attacks, tidal waves, a proliferation of sugar-addicted sea creatures, and a terror out in the deeper water—she wonders if just maybe the young boy knows what he’s doing after all?
The USA Today bestselling author of On Earth as It Is on Television returns with an earnest, humorous novel on the pressures of adult life, the magic of childhood, and what swims in between.
As a lonely ten-year-old resident of Pearl Island, Jenni Farrow befriends Timmy Caruso and together they enjoy a glorious summer of swimming, fireworks, and carnival rides. (Not to mention rescuing a strange sea creature from a tidepool). Then, one late summer day, Timmy disappears.
Thirty years later, Jenni—now Jenn Lanaro, bestselling author of the Philipia Bay action-romance series—is desperate to escape the fatigue of her career and her soon-to-be-ex-husband. With her Pokémon-obsessed children in tow, Jenn rents a summer house on Pearl Island. But shortly after she arrives, a boy emerges from the nighttime sea. His name, he says, is Timmy Caruso. He’s ten years old. And he’s on a mission to save the world.
In the days that follow, Jenn grapples with work deadlines, her own spirited children, the mysterious boy-from-the-sea, and her burgeoning interest in a very sexy contractor. But when alarming events unfold along the coast—shark attacks, tidal waves, a proliferation of sugar-addicted sea creatures, and a terror out in the deeper water—she wonders if just maybe the young boy knows what he’s doing after all?
400 pages, Paperback
First published January 28, 2025
64 people are currently reading
22586 people want to read
About the author
Emily Jane
4 books307 followersEmily Jane is the USA Today bestselling author of fun, heartfelt, genre-bending novels. She grew up in Boise, Boulder, and San Francisco. She earned her B.A. in psychology from the University of San Francisco and her J.D. from the UC Law San Francisco. She lives on an urban farm in Cincinnati, Ohio with her husband, Steve, their two kids, three cats, and a husky.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 273 reviews
January 10, 2025
Hey! You got sea monsters in my life-crisis novel!
But just like those peanut butter cups, those things go together, thanks to this creative and fun sophomore effort from Emily Jane. She crammed aliens and cats and television and bacon and swirled them into her successful debut, On Earth as It Is on Television, so with that, the jacket info, and the appealing cover, we know what to expect.
The multifaceted, wildcat plot centers around Jenni Farrow, author of the dime-store romance novel series starring action heroine Philipia Bay. When she was just ten, Jenni’s best (and only) friend Timmy found an odd creature on a beach on Pearl Island, where they lived under very different circumstances. Then, maybe or maybe not related to the “squiddoodle,” Timmy just vanishes.
And thus, while the subsequent thirty years resulted in Jenni’s emergence as a bestselling author, at mid-life everything seems to be wrong. The husband’s leaving, maybe taking the kids, and she’s getting sick of pumping out the same old action-romance story. So, under the pretense of renovating her dilapidated childhood home, she steals away back to Pearl Island. Suddenly, Timmy materializes…still age ten. And so do the squiddoodles. And something’s disappearing ships and wrecking the town…is it the creatures?
Right there, that’s enough. The text is a feast for the imagination. Sea monsters, sea cuties, hot contractor dudes, oh my! I don’t know what kind of dreams (or nightmares) Jane has, but yeesh! That “Tentageddon” was tremendously well-conceived, and that translates into scary stuff. Same for the squiddoodle: it didn’t take much to picture that mythical creature.
Speaking of descriptions, she’ll make you run for Air BNB to book your stay on Pearl Island. The first section pans over Jenni’s age-ten summer, the first one she remembers being independent and fun. I could smell the fried dough and feel the breeze from the Ferris wheel. It’s the dead of winter here in Brooklyn, but this reminded me that Coney Island is a little slice of heaven at that time of year.
The action scenes are tense, detailed, and frightening. Timmy has supposedly returned to save the world, and we get a good idea why. There are sea battles, widespread panic, and mysterious dealings all throughout the story. One such battle probably had one too many “turns,” but it was still exciting.
I’m also a sucker for books featuring kids as main characters. Evie and Mason leap from their screens when they meet the adventurous Timmy, and their dreams of becoming Pokemon trainers approaches reality as they work with the squiddoodles. They have crazy ideas about how to defeat the evil monsters, and after a while the adults just follow their lead. I loved that: succumbing to fantasy and magic, letting go of adult-like realism.
There’s a lot to like about Jenni, since her story arc is a relatable one. Though told in the third person, the narrator seems to ask, “Is my life headed in the right direction?” That said, this seemed to me the slowest part of the novel, forcing a little too much length for my taste. Jenni’s crisis feels less like a diary and more like a diagnosis. A bit too much “tell” when the rest of the book is “show.” Also, Dax is a good love interest, and that relationship had potential, but it seemed to have been swallowed up by other plot elements. Finally, the title is a line from a classic Grateful Dead song, “Uncle John’s Band.” But there’s no connection in the book!
All the same, this is a very strong follow-up to her appearance on the scene. Jane seems to have imagined a genre all her own, a set of themes no one’s ever considered before. Call it “family-fantasy-romance-disaster-sci-fi.” Here Beside the Rising Tide is a creative Cyclone, a thrilling and imaginative ride. Get your tickets now!
Thank you to the author, the publisher and NetGalley for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review. Here Beside the Rising Tide will be released January 28.
But just like those peanut butter cups, those things go together, thanks to this creative and fun sophomore effort from Emily Jane. She crammed aliens and cats and television and bacon and swirled them into her successful debut, On Earth as It Is on Television, so with that, the jacket info, and the appealing cover, we know what to expect.
The multifaceted, wildcat plot centers around Jenni Farrow, author of the dime-store romance novel series starring action heroine Philipia Bay. When she was just ten, Jenni’s best (and only) friend Timmy found an odd creature on a beach on Pearl Island, where they lived under very different circumstances. Then, maybe or maybe not related to the “squiddoodle,” Timmy just vanishes.
And thus, while the subsequent thirty years resulted in Jenni’s emergence as a bestselling author, at mid-life everything seems to be wrong. The husband’s leaving, maybe taking the kids, and she’s getting sick of pumping out the same old action-romance story. So, under the pretense of renovating her dilapidated childhood home, she steals away back to Pearl Island. Suddenly, Timmy materializes…still age ten. And so do the squiddoodles. And something’s disappearing ships and wrecking the town…is it the creatures?
Right there, that’s enough. The text is a feast for the imagination. Sea monsters, sea cuties, hot contractor dudes, oh my! I don’t know what kind of dreams (or nightmares) Jane has, but yeesh! That “Tentageddon” was tremendously well-conceived, and that translates into scary stuff. Same for the squiddoodle: it didn’t take much to picture that mythical creature.
Speaking of descriptions, she’ll make you run for Air BNB to book your stay on Pearl Island. The first section pans over Jenni’s age-ten summer, the first one she remembers being independent and fun. I could smell the fried dough and feel the breeze from the Ferris wheel. It’s the dead of winter here in Brooklyn, but this reminded me that Coney Island is a little slice of heaven at that time of year.
The action scenes are tense, detailed, and frightening. Timmy has supposedly returned to save the world, and we get a good idea why. There are sea battles, widespread panic, and mysterious dealings all throughout the story. One such battle probably had one too many “turns,” but it was still exciting.
I’m also a sucker for books featuring kids as main characters. Evie and Mason leap from their screens when they meet the adventurous Timmy, and their dreams of becoming Pokemon trainers approaches reality as they work with the squiddoodles. They have crazy ideas about how to defeat the evil monsters, and after a while the adults just follow their lead. I loved that: succumbing to fantasy and magic, letting go of adult-like realism.
There’s a lot to like about Jenni, since her story arc is a relatable one. Though told in the third person, the narrator seems to ask, “Is my life headed in the right direction?” That said, this seemed to me the slowest part of the novel, forcing a little too much length for my taste. Jenni’s crisis feels less like a diary and more like a diagnosis. A bit too much “tell” when the rest of the book is “show.” Also, Dax is a good love interest, and that relationship had potential, but it seemed to have been swallowed up by other plot elements. Finally, the title is a line from a classic Grateful Dead song, “Uncle John’s Band.” But there’s no connection in the book!
All the same, this is a very strong follow-up to her appearance on the scene. Jane seems to have imagined a genre all her own, a set of themes no one’s ever considered before. Call it “family-fantasy-romance-disaster-sci-fi.” Here Beside the Rising Tide is a creative Cyclone, a thrilling and imaginative ride. Get your tickets now!
Thank you to the author, the publisher and NetGalley for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review. Here Beside the Rising Tide will be released January 28.
January 28, 2025
Come on in. Come on, little humans. The water's fine.
With the deadline for her latest book fast approaching, and her soon-to-be-ex-husband clamoring for custody of the young ‘uns, popular romance author Jenn Lanaro snatches the kiddos and heads for the beach – her childhood home of Pearl Island, to be precise. Though she’s never forgotten that weird incident thirty years ago when her new best friend disappeared beneath the waves, it happened a long time ago, and right now she needs to unwind with her children while dreaming up new scenarios for her fictional heroine. What she doesn’t need is another child . . . a boy who wanders out of the ocean claiming to be her best bud from three decades ago.
And, if that’s not weird enough, strange little morphing, gelatinous creatures keep appearing in the surf. The kids have named them “squidoodles” or “squidnox” and are really hoping to keep one as a pet. The odd critters love nothing more than to dine on gummy candy, and cookies. And, as it turns out, they may just be the key to preventing Tentageddon.
That’s right. I said . . . Tentageddon.
You’re just gonna have to read it to find out.
This is another fantastical tale by Emily Jane. It’s delightful, and not just because junk food saves the day. As in her first book, On Earth as It Is on Television, she peoples her novel with warm, lovable characters, and children I wouldn't want to own, but whose antics I greatly enjoy.
‘Twas a fun, imaginative romp that I hated to see end.
Thanks to NetGalley and Hyperion Avenue for the read.
With the deadline for her latest book fast approaching, and her soon-to-be-ex-husband clamoring for custody of the young ‘uns, popular romance author Jenn Lanaro snatches the kiddos and heads for the beach – her childhood home of Pearl Island, to be precise. Though she’s never forgotten that weird incident thirty years ago when her new best friend disappeared beneath the waves, it happened a long time ago, and right now she needs to unwind with her children while dreaming up new scenarios for her fictional heroine. What she doesn’t need is another child . . . a boy who wanders out of the ocean claiming to be her best bud from three decades ago.
And, if that’s not weird enough, strange little morphing, gelatinous creatures keep appearing in the surf. The kids have named them “squidoodles” or “squidnox” and are really hoping to keep one as a pet. The odd critters love nothing more than to dine on gummy candy, and cookies. And, as it turns out, they may just be the key to preventing Tentageddon.
That’s right. I said . . . Tentageddon.
You’re just gonna have to read it to find out.
This is another fantastical tale by Emily Jane. It’s delightful, and not just because junk food saves the day. As in her first book, On Earth as It Is on Television, she peoples her novel with warm, lovable characters, and children I wouldn't want to own, but whose antics I greatly enjoy.
‘Twas a fun, imaginative romp that I hated to see end.
Thanks to NetGalley and Hyperion Avenue for the read.
January 15, 2025
What. The. Heck. I read all genres, including science fiction and fantasy and Here Beside the Rising Tide is quite possibly the weirdest, most random book I have read in years. I kept waiting for this book to be over. A book where an author of adventure smut is having a mid life crisis amidst a divorce from her husband, so she irresponsibly decides to pack up their children and run away to the island where she grew up and where her best friend disappeared thirty years ago. So far this sounds like the plot to a mystery or suspense novel, right? Then it devolves into completely irresponsible parenthood, the missing child reappearing from the sea-the same age as when he disappeared, and an ocean full of squidoodles addicted to sugar that Jenni and her children try to recruit with candy and jam music to fight against the real sea monster that’s out to destroy the world. Meanwhile Jenni fails at adulthood while ignoring her ex, trying to accrue brownie points with the contractor her editor hired while not writing her book and coping with the fact that her childhood friend thinks she’s turned into a boring adult. If my synopsis of the story sounds ridiculous please bear in mind that it’s as cohesive as I can make it for a book that meanders through the weird fantastical for almost 400 pages. I’m not even really sure how the battle between sea creatures ended, but quite frankly I was so ready for the book to end that I didn’t really care. If you like stories that start off in reality but quickly take a sharp so far off the deep end that you couldn’t see the weirdness cliff coming, by all means read this book. I however, recommend against it. A complimentary copy of this book was provided by the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
October 27, 2024
I found Emily Jane’s second novel to be similar in tone to her first - whimsical with a hint of sci-fi, but rooted in great characterization with meaningful on-page relationships. Her characterization really shines through the friendships, family relationship, and romantic relationships that she showcases and develops along the way.
The plot is a bit ridiculous, but in a fun and magical way - a sea monster off the coast of a small beach town, where everything is otherwise as you might expect it (apart from the squidoodle, of course). The main character, Jenni, is a mom who’s about to go through divorce, and dealing with a lot of complicated emotions. It turns out to be a very heartwarming tale about growth and evolving into new versions of yourself.
The sci-fi in this is not too strong, so don’t expect complicated world-building, or a lot of definitive detail regarding the other entities in this book. The focus is definitely on Jenni’s family and relationships, and her kids are hilarious. The side characters definitely carry the plot along and make it a well-rounded cast! The beginning does drag a bit, but the second half makes up for it in action and fun.
With a bit of romance, action, and many heartfelt moments, this was definitely an enjoyable read! Thanks to NetGalley, Hyperion Avenue, and Emily Jane for the eARC! I was so excited to receive this as my first ARC, since I found her first novel to be so much fun.
The plot is a bit ridiculous, but in a fun and magical way - a sea monster off the coast of a small beach town, where everything is otherwise as you might expect it (apart from the squidoodle, of course). The main character, Jenni, is a mom who’s about to go through divorce, and dealing with a lot of complicated emotions. It turns out to be a very heartwarming tale about growth and evolving into new versions of yourself.
The sci-fi in this is not too strong, so don’t expect complicated world-building, or a lot of definitive detail regarding the other entities in this book. The focus is definitely on Jenni’s family and relationships, and her kids are hilarious. The side characters definitely carry the plot along and make it a well-rounded cast! The beginning does drag a bit, but the second half makes up for it in action and fun.
With a bit of romance, action, and many heartfelt moments, this was definitely an enjoyable read! Thanks to NetGalley, Hyperion Avenue, and Emily Jane for the eARC! I was so excited to receive this as my first ARC, since I found her first novel to be so much fun.
December 21, 2024
This was a great, whimsical read. I was drawn into the story right away. The characters came alive for me. The author's writing was great. I look forward to reading more by her. If you want a fun read, check it out.
July 17, 2024
Loved this book so much! Blends Jane’s style and sci-fi sensibilities from On Earth as it is on Television with a dash of horror and romance! Fast paced and at times action packed but with a heart and soul and plenty of humor. Lots to love here! Will particularly appeal to fans of Jane’s debut as well as those who enjoy jam bands, Pokémon, kaiju, and romance. I know it’s a lot to unpack, but if you enjoy it half as much as I did you won’t regret it!
February 2, 2025
Emily Jane's latest novel, Here Beside the Rising Tide, is a masterful genre-bending tale that seamlessly weaves together elements of science fiction, romance, and family drama. Following the success of her debut novel On Earth as It Is on Television, Jane proves her versatility as a storyteller by crafting a narrative that is both wildly imaginative and deeply grounded in human emotion.
The story follows Jenn Lanaro (formerly Jenni Farrow), a bestselling romance author going through a divorce, as she escapes to her childhood home on Pearl Island with her two children. What begins as a summer getaway takes an extraordinary turn when her long-lost childhood friend Timmy Caruso—who disappeared thirty years ago—emerges from the sea, still ten years old and on a mission to save the world.
Strengths and Literary Merit
Masterful Character Development
Jane excels at creating multidimensional characters who feel authentic and relatable. Jenn's struggle to balance her career, motherhood, and personal life while dealing with divorce resonates deeply. The children—Evie, Mason, and the time-traveling Timmy—are wonderfully portrayed with distinct personalities and realistic behaviors that avoid common child-character stereotypes.
The romantic subplot involving Dax, the contractor, is refreshingly mature and well-developed, avoiding the typical romance novel clichés while still delivering satisfying emotional payoff.
Innovative World-Building
The author's creation of the squidinox—peculiar sea creatures with time-traveling abilities and an insatiable sweet tooth—is brilliantly original. These beings serve as both comic relief and crucial plot devices, while their evolution throughout the story mirrors the characters' personal growth.
Themes and Emotional Depth
The novel explores several profound themes:
- The complexity of parent-child relationships
- The lasting impact of childhood trauma
- The balance between personal ambition and family responsibilities
- The nature of time and memory
- The power of friendship and community in facing overwhelming odds
Writing Style and Narrative Structure
Jane's prose is vibrant and engaging, with a perfect balance of humor and poignancy. She demonstrates particular skill in:
- Seamlessly transitioning between past and present
- Creating tension through multiple storylines
- Building to an emotionally satisfying climax
- Using metaphor and symbolism effectively
- Maintaining consistent character voices
Critical Analysis
Areas for Improvement
While the novel is largely successful, there are some aspects that could have been stronger:
- The pacing in the middle section occasionally lags, particularly during the build-up to the Tentageddon conflict
- Some secondary characters, especially Chuck (Jenn's ex-husband), could have been more fully developed
- The resolution of certain plot threads feels slightly rushed
- The scientific explanation for the squidinox's abilities remains somewhat vague
Genre Elements and Innovation
The novel successfully subverts expectations of multiple genres:
Science Fiction Elements
- Time travel with unique rules and limitations
- Mysterious sea creatures with otherworldly abilities
- An apocalyptic threat in the form of Tentageddon
Romance Components
- A mature love story between complex adults
- Realistic relationship challenges
- Emotional growth and healing
Family Drama Aspects
- Authentic parent-child dynamics
- Divorce and its impact on children
- The struggle to maintain work-life balance
Impact and Significance
Cultural Relevance
The novel addresses several contemporary issues:
- Modern parenting challenges
- The impact of technology on family relationships
- Environmental concerns
- Mental health and personal growth
Literary Significance
Jane's work contributes to the growing body of genre-blending literature that defies traditional categorization. Her ability to combine elements of science fiction with literary fiction and romance creates a unique reading experience that appeals to a broad audience.
Final Verdict:
Here Beside the Rising Tide is a remarkable achievement that successfully balances multiple genres while delivering a deeply moving story about family, love, and redemption. Despite some minor pacing issues and occasional plot convenience, the novel's strengths far outweigh its weaknesses.
The story follows Jenn Lanaro (formerly Jenni Farrow), a bestselling romance author going through a divorce, as she escapes to her childhood home on Pearl Island with her two children. What begins as a summer getaway takes an extraordinary turn when her long-lost childhood friend Timmy Caruso—who disappeared thirty years ago—emerges from the sea, still ten years old and on a mission to save the world.
Strengths and Literary Merit
Masterful Character Development
Jane excels at creating multidimensional characters who feel authentic and relatable. Jenn's struggle to balance her career, motherhood, and personal life while dealing with divorce resonates deeply. The children—Evie, Mason, and the time-traveling Timmy—are wonderfully portrayed with distinct personalities and realistic behaviors that avoid common child-character stereotypes.
The romantic subplot involving Dax, the contractor, is refreshingly mature and well-developed, avoiding the typical romance novel clichés while still delivering satisfying emotional payoff.
Innovative World-Building
The author's creation of the squidinox—peculiar sea creatures with time-traveling abilities and an insatiable sweet tooth—is brilliantly original. These beings serve as both comic relief and crucial plot devices, while their evolution throughout the story mirrors the characters' personal growth.
Themes and Emotional Depth
The novel explores several profound themes:
- The complexity of parent-child relationships
- The lasting impact of childhood trauma
- The balance between personal ambition and family responsibilities
- The nature of time and memory
- The power of friendship and community in facing overwhelming odds
Writing Style and Narrative Structure
Jane's prose is vibrant and engaging, with a perfect balance of humor and poignancy. She demonstrates particular skill in:
- Seamlessly transitioning between past and present
- Creating tension through multiple storylines
- Building to an emotionally satisfying climax
- Using metaphor and symbolism effectively
- Maintaining consistent character voices
Critical Analysis
Areas for Improvement
While the novel is largely successful, there are some aspects that could have been stronger:
- The pacing in the middle section occasionally lags, particularly during the build-up to the Tentageddon conflict
- Some secondary characters, especially Chuck (Jenn's ex-husband), could have been more fully developed
- The resolution of certain plot threads feels slightly rushed
- The scientific explanation for the squidinox's abilities remains somewhat vague
Genre Elements and Innovation
The novel successfully subverts expectations of multiple genres:
Science Fiction Elements
- Time travel with unique rules and limitations
- Mysterious sea creatures with otherworldly abilities
- An apocalyptic threat in the form of Tentageddon
Romance Components
- A mature love story between complex adults
- Realistic relationship challenges
- Emotional growth and healing
Family Drama Aspects
- Authentic parent-child dynamics
- Divorce and its impact on children
- The struggle to maintain work-life balance
Impact and Significance
Cultural Relevance
The novel addresses several contemporary issues:
- Modern parenting challenges
- The impact of technology on family relationships
- Environmental concerns
- Mental health and personal growth
Literary Significance
Jane's work contributes to the growing body of genre-blending literature that defies traditional categorization. Her ability to combine elements of science fiction with literary fiction and romance creates a unique reading experience that appeals to a broad audience.
Final Verdict:
Here Beside the Rising Tide is a remarkable achievement that successfully balances multiple genres while delivering a deeply moving story about family, love, and redemption. Despite some minor pacing issues and occasional plot convenience, the novel's strengths far outweigh its weaknesses.
December 29, 2024
3.5 ⭐️
this was definitely an interesting sci-fi romance(ish) book and i thought it was good just not necessarily for me. when jenn is a child growing up on pearl island her mother is a single mother so she spends a lot of time by herself. one summer she befriends a boy named timmy and after a tragic accident that summer timmy drowns. fast forward 30 years jenn is going through a messy separation and in an impulsive attempt at control she takes her children to pearl island. freaky things start happening and there are odd sea creatures and a sea monster that is out for blood. overall super interesting just not really my cup of tea.
thank you to the publishers and netgalley for the ARC!
this was definitely an interesting sci-fi romance(ish) book and i thought it was good just not necessarily for me. when jenn is a child growing up on pearl island her mother is a single mother so she spends a lot of time by herself. one summer she befriends a boy named timmy and after a tragic accident that summer timmy drowns. fast forward 30 years jenn is going through a messy separation and in an impulsive attempt at control she takes her children to pearl island. freaky things start happening and there are odd sea creatures and a sea monster that is out for blood. overall super interesting just not really my cup of tea.
thank you to the publishers and netgalley for the ARC!
September 25, 2024
A mystery from the past, a crumbling present, and a threat to the future collide in Jane's sophomore novel, and it is beautiful in the most humorous and heartfelt of ways. I am in love with every word. 10 out of 10 recommend reading this one while on the beach of a small coastal island for the full immersive experience.
January 28, 2025
This book was interesting and definitely different and I think many readers will love this one! Personally, this was not my favorite book but there is no doubt it's a good story. The fact that Jenn just up and left with her kids did put me off a bit and I don't know if that was the best decision but it does make a good setup for the plot.
Thank you NetGalley and Hyperion Avenue for access to the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Pub Date: 1/28/25
Thank you NetGalley and Hyperion Avenue for access to the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Pub Date: 1/28/25
August 28, 2024
Wow! This author has an amazing imagination, but she roots every wacky idea in something true. I loved the take on aging and motherhood in this day and age. I was happily along for this wild ride. This book is incredibly unique, and I can’t wait to read all the future Emily Jane novels.
May 21, 2025
I don’t care what any negative book reviewer says, this is such a good summer read. The author found a way to bring a child like innocence and playfulness into an adult world/situation. While it was hard to follow at times, it helped me think of my inner child. Love.
July 16, 2025
Never thought a book about sea monsters would be this good!
December 30, 2024
First of all - I just want to say this book is going to be incredibly special to me, as it is the first ARC I have ever received! Wohoo!
I really enjoyed the writing style and multiple perspectives and interjecting chapters of ‘Philippa Bay’. I fell in love with Jenns character, she felt so true and real to me. Overall, this book to me is about growing pains (even at stages of life where we are supposed to have it “figured out” - spoiler alert! - we don’t), dealing with loss and how it shapes us, and the complexity of mother hood. I found it to be very beautiful.
My only problem with the book is that the ending seemed to drag on with a bit of repetition. But that doesn’t take away from how strong the overall story was.
Look for my full review on the “Kelp Journal” if you’re interested in hearing more about this book!
Some of my favorite quotes…
- “Its just that,well, people change over time. I'm not the same me. Dad's not the same Dad. And sometimes when people change, they grow in different directions. They don't fit together anymore. And there's nothing anyone can do to change that. But it's not anyone's fault. It's just a thing that happens."
-“Life was a losing battle, really. Everything else out there in the vast beyond was so lifeless and empty. Mostly, a person had to look away. But there came a moment, or many moments, when a person had to extract their proverbial head from the sand and set aside their screens and remove their headphones and stand witness.”
-“sometimes love wasn't enough. Sometimes things didn't turn out the way they should.”
I really enjoyed the writing style and multiple perspectives and interjecting chapters of ‘Philippa Bay’. I fell in love with Jenns character, she felt so true and real to me. Overall, this book to me is about growing pains (even at stages of life where we are supposed to have it “figured out” - spoiler alert! - we don’t), dealing with loss and how it shapes us, and the complexity of mother hood. I found it to be very beautiful.
My only problem with the book is that the ending seemed to drag on with a bit of repetition. But that doesn’t take away from how strong the overall story was.
Look for my full review on the “Kelp Journal” if you’re interested in hearing more about this book!
Some of my favorite quotes…
- “Its just that,well, people change over time. I'm not the same me. Dad's not the same Dad. And sometimes when people change, they grow in different directions. They don't fit together anymore. And there's nothing anyone can do to change that. But it's not anyone's fault. It's just a thing that happens."
-“Life was a losing battle, really. Everything else out there in the vast beyond was so lifeless and empty. Mostly, a person had to look away. But there came a moment, or many moments, when a person had to extract their proverbial head from the sand and set aside their screens and remove their headphones and stand witness.”
-“sometimes love wasn't enough. Sometimes things didn't turn out the way they should.”
January 14, 2025
This is a sweet, strange novel about sea monsters and friendship, about motherhood and grief and rediscovery. Our main character Jenn, still grieving the death of her mother 3 years ago, and faced with an unexpected divorce, is coping in perhaps not in the healthiest of ways; by packing up her kids, leaving her husband, and spending the summer on her childhood home of Pearl Island. Between cleaning out her mother’s estate and trying to write her last in a series of action romance books, Jenn is visited by a ghost from her past. Suddenly weird creatures appear on the beach, and even weirder events start happening, causing Jenn and her family to band together to save the island, and maybe even the world.
The prose is full of sensory details, which really transported me to the sticky island summer, and every time I thought I knew where we were going, the plot kept on surprising me. I especially loved the characterization of the children, wildly imaginative and obsessed with Pokémon and always convinced of happy endings. The only parts that didn’t work for me were the frequent mini-chapters from different perspectives, and the excerpts from Jenn’s books; I think those excerpts were meant to mirror Jenn’s fantasy life and her real life, but I felt they just disrupted the momentum of the story.
All in all, a fun and extremely original novel, with great characterization and some wacky sci-fi elements. I had a great time reading!
Thanks to Hyperion Avenue and NetGalley for providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review!
The prose is full of sensory details, which really transported me to the sticky island summer, and every time I thought I knew where we were going, the plot kept on surprising me. I especially loved the characterization of the children, wildly imaginative and obsessed with Pokémon and always convinced of happy endings. The only parts that didn’t work for me were the frequent mini-chapters from different perspectives, and the excerpts from Jenn’s books; I think those excerpts were meant to mirror Jenn’s fantasy life and her real life, but I felt they just disrupted the momentum of the story.
All in all, a fun and extremely original novel, with great characterization and some wacky sci-fi elements. I had a great time reading!
Thanks to Hyperion Avenue and NetGalley for providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review!
January 2, 2025
This! Whatever this genre is, I want more of it! A little bit science-fiction, a little bit romance, a little bit chick-lit and pure quirky entertainment.
It starts off a bit morose and "woe is me" then quickly turns into a quirky sea monster adventure story. Generally, I'm not a fan of divorcees with lots of problems. This take on that role is quite different since she's a famous writer who's been more than able to financially support her family. While her husband, discovers "himself" and basically does the guy version of "eat pray love." Yet, all that messy life stuff is a backdrop and setup for the monster story.
Kind of like in Bear, where the story is part fever dream, part to incredible to believe story. You keep wondering while reading if at the end, the MC will "wake up from her dream and realise it was all a metaphor?" I won't ruin anything here for you.
Just when you think you know what's going to come next, the book takes a non-sequitur turn into the deep blue abyss. Enjoy!
It starts off a bit morose and "woe is me" then quickly turns into a quirky sea monster adventure story. Generally, I'm not a fan of divorcees with lots of problems. This take on that role is quite different since she's a famous writer who's been more than able to financially support her family. While her husband, discovers "himself" and basically does the guy version of "eat pray love." Yet, all that messy life stuff is a backdrop and setup for the monster story.
Kind of like in Bear, where the story is part fever dream, part to incredible to believe story. You keep wondering while reading if at the end, the MC will "wake up from her dream and realise it was all a metaphor?" I won't ruin anything here for you.
Just when you think you know what's going to come next, the book takes a non-sequitur turn into the deep blue abyss. Enjoy!
July 7, 2025
I’m not sure how to describe this book - it defies genre (though if I had to pick, I’d say magical realism?) and is unlike anything I’ve read before. There are sea monsters, time travel, alien sea creature blobs, an action hero, and at the middle of it all is a middle aged mom who is in disbelief of everything happening around her.
I also think this book has one of the most realistic depictions of children (ages 7 and 10), dogs, and the trenches of parenting I’ve ever read.
I really enjoyed this book and I will be reading this author’s other books. And, as an added bonus, she lives in Cincy!
I also think this book has one of the most realistic depictions of children (ages 7 and 10), dogs, and the trenches of parenting I’ve ever read.
I really enjoyed this book and I will be reading this author’s other books. And, as an added bonus, she lives in Cincy!
April 4, 2025
4.5 stars. I loved Emily Jane’s first book and this has a lot of the same off-the-beaten-path quirky storytelling but was a bit more congested with fewer moments of levity but still an incredibly fun and different book. Still recommend but read On Earth as It Is on Television first.
April 18, 2025
If "Here Beside the Rising Tide" by Emily Jane isn't on your TBR, it should be. It's weird, absurd, heart-wrenching, hilarious, shocking, and just so damn good. It's a book I finished and instantly wanted to experience for the first time again.
July 21, 2025
Jenni returns to her seaside town with her kids during an impending divorce so she can both finish her book and get away from her husband, Chuck. One night, she looks out at sea and up out of the water appears her old friend Timmy. The only thing is, he disappeared 30 years ago under an alleged drowning and has now returned, having not aged a day, to warn Jenn that sea monsters are coming and they need to stop them. And sea monsters coming is exactly what happened. A ridiculous plot but fun nonetheless, although it was losing me in the end. I also think Jenn gave Chuck too much grace toward the end, as he was divorcing her because he came across the author version of the Tate brothers and realized he had to go on a path of “self actualization” and everything was her fault and not his. BUM! HE DIDN’T EVEN WORK!
July 21, 2025
Super cute. Not the most intellectual, but sweet and I cruised through it. I loved the internal monologue of Jenn.
October 3, 2024
Another imaginative and moving work by Emily Jane. She has a distinct flair for blending genres so that those of us who are not usually fans of alien action stories are still won over by the detailed characters and their deeply human emotional journeys. The story is reminiscent of “A Wrinkle in Time” with quirky children battling an unearthly evil, and it has a similarly immense scope without ever leaving this planet. At the same time, her prose reminds this reader of Frederik Backman, taking simple descriptions of daily life and letting them sit heavy with deeper implications about humanity and the meaning of our existence. Woven through it all is Jane’s trademark humor and clear love for life and all its ups and downs. Suspense, action, romance, giggles—this story has it all, plus enough beauty and heart that this reader wept in the airport terminal while finishing the book. Highly recommend.
Disclosure: reviewer was provided an ARC.
Disclosure: reviewer was provided an ARC.
January 17, 2025
What a fun read! I enjoyed the first book from this author and I also enjoyed this one. She is so silly and whimsical and outlandish while also being incredibly deep and introspective and poignant. I never knew where this book was going and I loved that. I think that some ppl may find this slow as there’s lots of internal monologue, but I liked the main character and related to her a lot so I was down for it. I loved the concept of this book and I loved the execution! Four stars because I think at times it was a bit slow but overall I would recommend.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advanced copy of this book!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advanced copy of this book!
January 1, 2025
NetGalley pub 1/28/25
This is a sci-fi/fantasy/romance mash up. The storyline was unique. I've never read anything quite like this.
Jenn and her 2 children are spending the summer on the island where Jenn grew up. Jenn is trying to escape a bitter divorce and her husband. Things take a weird turn when sea monsters show up, along with a childhood friend of Jenn's that went missing years ago. I liked how Jenn became a "go with the flow" type of person as the story progressed. And the amount of candy she and her children eat throughout is kind of amazing. This was a fun story to read.
This is a sci-fi/fantasy/romance mash up. The storyline was unique. I've never read anything quite like this.
Jenn and her 2 children are spending the summer on the island where Jenn grew up. Jenn is trying to escape a bitter divorce and her husband. Things take a weird turn when sea monsters show up, along with a childhood friend of Jenn's that went missing years ago. I liked how Jenn became a "go with the flow" type of person as the story progressed. And the amount of candy she and her children eat throughout is kind of amazing. This was a fun story to read.
May 14, 2025
I absolutely adored Emily Jane’s debut novel, On Earth as It Is on Television, so I was elated when I saw her second novel was available. Here Beside the Rising Tide brings us more of her humor and insights and whimsy, in a magical tale told in two connected timelines that explores the depths of childhood and parenthood, reminding us of the magic we sometimes lose sight of in adulthood.
Thank you Emily Jane, Hyperion Avenue, and NetGalley for providing this ARC for review consideration. All opinions expressed are my own.
Thank you Emily Jane, Hyperion Avenue, and NetGalley for providing this ARC for review consideration. All opinions expressed are my own.
December 9, 2024
Quirky, strange, fun, weird, some romance, squidoodles at the beach that evolve like Pokemon. A mother getting divorced takes her two kids ages 10 and 7 to the beach for some fun. Then the fun begins. Her best friend who was 10 when he disappeared 30 years ago returns, he is still 10. The book jacket does warn you “love, fun, sun, and sea monsters?” I think this is the quirkiest book I have read this year and I did enjoy it. I do want to read her first book now. The ending makes you smile.
September 18, 2025
This was a wonderfully strange read. This book feels like pure imagination - like the author just let her creativity take the wheel and somehow ended up with this oddly charming story.
The beginning is a bit slow & Jenni makes some pretty dumb decisions but I found myself unable to stop reading. The middle and end definitely picked up but also at times it felt like Jenni & her kids weren’t doing anything!
If you want something a little absurd but also heartwarming -I’d recommend giving this book a chance.
‘She thought about the circle her own life had taken. . . How the unbridled future became the static past. How the carefree girl became the beleaguered adult and everything that was once fun was lost to drudgery, and she went along with it. Everyone went along with it, convinced that it was how things were supposed to be. But maybe the rules everyone thought they knew were just dumb that someone made up.
Maybe she wanted to play a different game.’
‘Scared was a permanent feature of being sentient in a volatile universe.’
‘Jenni realized - and then forgot until many years and agonizing workdays later- was that work could be marvelous, if you did it for the sake doing it. If you believed it meant something.’
The beginning is a bit slow & Jenni makes some pretty dumb decisions but I found myself unable to stop reading. The middle and end definitely picked up but also at times it felt like Jenni & her kids weren’t doing anything!
If you want something a little absurd but also heartwarming -I’d recommend giving this book a chance.
‘She thought about the circle her own life had taken. . . How the unbridled future became the static past. How the carefree girl became the beleaguered adult and everything that was once fun was lost to drudgery, and she went along with it. Everyone went along with it, convinced that it was how things were supposed to be. But maybe the rules everyone thought they knew were just dumb that someone made up.
Maybe she wanted to play a different game.’
‘Scared was a permanent feature of being sentient in a volatile universe.’
‘Jenni realized - and then forgot until many years and agonizing workdays later- was that work could be marvelous, if you did it for the sake doing it. If you believed it meant something.’
March 13, 2025
I read this author's previous book, On Earth as it is on Television, and really loved its humorous lighthearted approach to sci-fi, so I trusted this would be a book I would enjoy. I love the way she writes children, a little precocious but not overly so. I think I had more fun with her previous novel, but found this one to have a stronger emotional center.
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