Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Whispers on the Tide

Rate this book
Dr. Quinn meets Bridgerton in this historical novel set on the Alaskan frontier.Captain Sacha Amos has done stupid things before in his life, but none have been quite so stupid as this.What convinced him to invite a scientist aboard his ship to document the effects of overhunting on the seal population?There’s a lot of money to be made off seal pelts, and also a lot of men who will stop at nothing to make sure the open hunting of seals continues unrestricted. Sacha knows that once the scientist's study is released, it will put a target on his family’s back—again.But when Sacha arrives in Bellingham, WA, he doesn’t just find a scientist waiting for him on the wharf. He also finds a woman and her two younger siblings.Maggie McDougal is determined to save her family’s shipyard. And if that means leaving the sandy shores of Lake Michigan and traveling across the country to Washington Territory in search of her brother, then so be it.The trouble is, when her brother’s ship arrives in Bellingham, he’s not on it. But Captain Sacha Amos is, and he agrees to take her to Alaska, where she meets Sacha’s giant, sprawling family.The more time Sacha and Maggie spend together, the more drawn they are to each other. Then Maggie’s brother returns and word of the seal study leaks, and Sacha and Maggie suddenly find themselves caught in a dangerous web of treachery and deceit that threatens the things they value most.Set against the sprawling backdrop of Alaska, Whispers on the Tide tells an incredible story of resilience, family bonds, romance, and one man's quest for justice against all odds.

418 pages, Paperback

Published April 29, 2024

309 people are currently reading
126 people want to read

About the author

Naomi Rawlings

37 books981 followers
Naomi Rawlings is the author of historical Christian novels, including the Amazon bestselling Eagle Harbor Series. While she'd love to claim she spends her days huddled in front of her computer vigorously typing, in reality, she spends her time homeschooling, cleaning, picking up, and pretending like her house isn't in a constant state of chaos. She lives with her husband and three children in Michigan's rugged Upper Peninsula, along the southern shore of Lake Superior where they get 200 inches of snow every year, and where people still grow their own vegetables and cut down their own firewood--just like in the historical novels she writes.

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
578 (73%)
4 stars
167 (21%)
3 stars
40 (5%)
2 stars
3 (<1%)
1 star
3 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
Profile Image for theliterateleprechaun .
2,470 reviews216 followers
May 25, 2025
Naomi Rawlings explores (1) the impact a person who’s dedicated to doing the right thing can have on others and (2) initiatives taken to protect the Northern Fur Seal in the late 1860s.

I chose this book for my vacation read today because Sitka is featured; it’s the home to the Amos family.

Sacha Amos is the captain of the Aurora, a transport ship travelling between Bellingham, Washington and Alaska in 1887. He’s concerned about pelagic sealing and has hired Xavier Torres, Doctor of Marine Biology from the Smithsonian Institution, to conduct an informal study aboard the Aurora. While in Bellingham, Sacha takes on three unexpected passengers; Margaret ‘Maggie’ McDougal and her two siblings. Maggie is a woman on a mission and her passage is as unexpected as her effect on his heart! Rawlings examines how trials and difficult circumstances are often used by God to bring about good; man focuses on the growing pains, God sees the growth.

Inspired by Henry Wood Elliott and his 1869 study, this book highlights the background of the Hay-Elliott Fur Seal Treaty, the first international treaty to address wildlife preservation issues.

In addition to being encouraged to read about hope in Romans 5, this book had my highlighter working overtime. I appreciated these reminders:

“Maybe the answer is simply to trust God more. To remind yourself, over and over, that he has your best end in mind, even if what you’re going through is painful. Because there should always be hope, not at the end but in the middle too.”

“What you’re facing isn’t about being content or having a perfect-looking life, it’s about God growing you.”

I've already purchased and set aside book 3 for my next Alaskan vacation.
75 reviews
November 15, 2025
This was a good book but I gave it only 4 stars. I was not fond of some of the characters.
Profile Image for Terri Harr.
242 reviews7 followers
February 28, 2025
I am loving this series! I love how close the Amos family is and I love that we get to see more of them in each book as each one gets their happy ending!

Maggie was so kind and filed with determination for the future. She took her younger two siblings on a journey to find their older brother when it seemed the only choice. She made sure her siblings were fed and made it seem like an adventure.

The connection between Maggie and Sacha was so strong from the beginning. He didn’t hesitate to helping her get to where her brother was supposed to be, despite weeks on his ship. He was so good with the kids and that made my heart melt, as it did Maggie’s.

The dangers and conflicts were interesting to me as I learned so much about how things worked during that time period on the ocean. The seal trade was something I knew very little. I feel like after reading this and reading her author’s note at the end, I have a much better understanding of what went on. I’m glad there were those who fought to keep the seals from becoming extinct.

I loved the biblical lessons learned as we sometimes feel that God doesn’t care or isn’t listening when things just keep going wrong. He’s not ignoring us, He is growing us! And we need to learn to be happy in whatever circumstance we are in. Easier said than done, true. But worth the effort. Trust God to see you through and He will bless you more than you can even dream.
Profile Image for Darla.
15 reviews
December 17, 2024
Only two stars because it didn’t hold my interest. Did not finish. I wasn’t drawn to either of the main characters and didn’t really like either of them much. The descriptions of Alaska are breathtaking and the Amos family is heart-warming and enjoyable to read.
Probably just not my kind of read. Might try something else from this author.
1,009 reviews34 followers
May 20, 2024
When Maggie travelled to Alaska in search of her brother, she thought she had only to find him and return to save their father's legacy. But when she arrives almost broke, she finds he's off sailing. Captain Sacha's offer of a passage to meet his ship seems like a Godsend, but there's more going on than she has any idea of. The plight of the fur seals has Sacha seriously concerned, but it soon becomes clear than bringing a scientist to study their decline has stirred up more of a hornets' nest than he expected, and antagonised a powerful enemy. He doesn't have time for the young woman hunting for her brother - but somehow he can't keep away, even though he knows she's leaving. Will his desire to save the fur seals destroy his family? Or can they find some way to save both - and perhaps even build a new family legacy along the way?

A delightful addition to the series, with the background of a close-knit family working to make a livelihood and do the right thing, but with a powerful enemy who will go out of his way to attack anyone who does something he doesn't like. I enjoyed seeing more of the various siblings, but particularly appreciated really getting to know Sacha - and of course Maggie and her siblings. Their various difficulties highlight the importance of having correct priorities, caring for family and relying on God. It's an inspirational story, as well as being interesting historically, enjoyable romantically, and satisfying overall. Note that there are threads which continue through the series, so while each is mostly a standalone story, there are connections which may make them best read as a series. I'm looking forward to the next book already - who's going to get their story next? Recommended.

Note that I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author. I was not required to write a positive review and this is my considered opinion of the book.
54 reviews
June 1, 2024
I absolutely love this new series by Naomi Rawlings! Please go back and read the first book Written on the Mist so you can be introduced properly to the Amos family in Alaska. One of our friends from a previous series (Jonas Redding) makes his way to Alaska where he meets the Amos family, also. A brand new adventure begins for us readers as we become involved in the new life of Jonas and absorbed in the Amos family.

In the second book (Whispers on the Tide), we share an adventure with Sacha Amos. Sacha is captain on the Aurora, a specially designed ship designed by his brother and built by the Amos family. As Sacha fights the battle against the illegal poaching of seals for their furs, threatening to make them extinct, he becomes involved with Dr. Torres, a scientist,who might can help him put an end to this illegal poaching. However, it is very important that this study be kept secret.

Sacha discovers, that along with Dr. Torres, he has more, unexpected passengers to pick up. Along with Sacha, we meet Maggie and her younger brother and sister. Maggie is the sister of one of Sacha's employees, Tavish. However, Tavish is on a different boat. Maggie and Tavish's parent died and their greedy uncle is trying to take their family home and business. Without Tavish returning to Michigan Maggie and her family will lose everything!

Will Tavish show up and get to Michigan on time? Maggie has no money left so how will she take care of herself and two young siblings without Tavish? I don't want to give spoilers so I'm going to encourage you to engross yourself in this wonderful, exciting, new series. Be prepared to lose some sleep!
Profile Image for Mimi.
789 reviews118 followers
December 7, 2025
This was my first book by this author. I was drawn in immediately. I really liked Maggie and her siblings. You could feel her desperation to find her brother. When she finds out he’s not on the Aurora, her panic was palpable! I loved Sacha’s response to help her get to her brother since Tavish is one of their captains on another ship.

The journey isn’t an easy one, and Maggie quickly learns not all of the men aboard are honorable. She’s also enlisted to help the scientist take notes of his findings about marine mammals, but more specifically, the seals, whose numbers are declining at a significant rate. I really appreciated that the author added this important piece of history to the story.

The bad guy, Chandler, was a piece of work! I wanted to reach through the book… Let’s just say I was thrilled with how the brothers put him in his place at the end. But, in the rest of the book, he certainly makes Sacha’s life, and that of his crews’ life, rather miserable. And then the cronies he had along the way had me incredibly frustrated! That’s a nod to the author in getting me riled up!

I love a slow burn romance. This book had that for sure! I enjoyed how Sacha showed so much kindness and gentleness not only to Maggie, but also to her little siblings. Maggie for her part pitched in on the ship where she could and with Sacha’s family when they made land.

There’s a sweet faith thread through the story, which grows more as we get further into it. With all Maggie and her siblings have gone through, does God see? Does He care? Sacha is able to speak Truth her when she’s struggling. Then, things are flipped and Sacha needs hope, Maggie is there to provide it!
Profile Image for Judy.
3,296 reviews
May 29, 2024
Whispers on the Tide by Naomi Rawlings
Dawn of Alaska Series Book Two
Sasha Amos, captain of the Aurora, has a particular passenger coming on board. He’s been contacting DC for years to do something about the illegal poaching of seals. Dr. Torres will do a study and take it to some interested senators, and hopefully, something will be done about it. What he didn’t expect were the other three passengers.
Maggie McDougal has to find her brother, Tavish. He’s been working on the Aurora and should be arriving soon. Only, he wasn’t on the ship. Thankfully, the captain will bring her to meet Tavish for free. She has her two younger siblings to think about as well. Their uncle will take over her late father’s shipyard if they don’t find Tavish. And the only home the three of them ever knew.
As always, the author pulled me into the story with the beautiful surroundings and intriguing characters. It was hard to read about how many seals were killed illegally, but it’s always interesting to learn the facts she adds to her books.
https://justjudysjumbles.blogspot.com...
Profile Image for _sassy_39.
2,594 reviews158 followers
June 22, 2025
"Whispers on the Tide" by Naomi Rawlings is the second book in the Dawn of Alaska series. Maggie McDougal has recently left Wisconsin in search of her brother, Tavish, hoping he can return to claim the family business. Their uncle, who had worked alongside them for twenty-five years, is now attempting to seize their family’s land.

Captain Sacha Amos commands the cargo ship Aurora and agrees to take Maggie to Unalaska, where she believes Tavish might be. With Uncle Ewan determined to take their land, home, and shipyard, Maggie boards the ship with her two younger siblings and only a dwindling stash of money. Will she be able to find Tavish in time?

The story is engaging and held my attention throughout. I especially loved Maggie’s character—strong, determined, and relatable. The narration is smooth and easy to follow, and the author weaves a plot that provides a refreshing escape from everyday life.

The cover art is appealing, and the title fits the story well. Naomi Rawlings' descriptive writing brings the setting to life, making the backdrop feel vivid and immersive. Those who enjoy reading stories invoicing a sea journey will have a great time reading this book.
236 reviews6 followers
May 21, 2024
This is another great story of the Amos family. Sacha loves being a ship's captain for his family's best ship, but when Maggie appears looking for her brother who is a sailor on the Aurora, he offers her and her two young siblings a ride to meet her brother further north. When the presence of a female aboard a sailing ship causes some problelms, Sacha vows to do anything he can to protect her. There is an instant attraction between them, but they both choose to ignore it. This book is full of adventure, danger and surprises that kept me reading late into the night. The strong family ties helped Sacha and Maggie hold onto their faith and face the challenges that they encountered. I love that this author incorperates scripture into the everyday lives of this family. I can't wait for the next book in this series.

I received a copy of this book from the author as an ARC, but this review is my honest opinion.
138 reviews
May 20, 2024
Action and Intrigue

I have been reading Historical Fiction for 62 years. As I read Whispers of the Tide, I was thinking that this book might fit into that classification. In her authors note Naomi mentioned that she put more into the historical facts than we might find in her previous books. The story within the Amos family is still the main focus so whether you are interested in the fur seal and an attempt to save it from extinction or you are just interested in Sacha and Maggie’s story, you will find this a very good read. It begins with action and intrigue that continues throughout. You will want to take a trip north to enjoy the midnight sunset, spend a bit of time in Sitka, wish you could find the Amos family home to spend time in the kitchen drinking tea, enjoying Evelina’s desert while communicating with this family.
Profile Image for Robin Willson.
688 reviews23 followers
June 6, 2024
Takes place in the early days before Alaska became a State. Maggie is looking for her brother so that they won't lose their family land and shipbuilding business. Sasha has been his captain, but her brother is on another ship, so he offers to take her and her little brother and sister to meet him. Captain Sasha's also working to try to save the seals from extinction. They both have difficult trials to face, rough roads to walk, and learn lessons of faith and trust. Unexpected twists. Deep family ties. Wonderful love story. Very real, believable story.

I received this book free from the author and publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

#WhispersOnTheTide #NaomiRawlings #BooksYouCanFeelGoodAbout #NaomiRawlingsBooks #ChristianHistoricalRomance
61 reviews1 follower
January 18, 2025
I’m really enjoying this series as it continues with another member of the family originally introduced in the first book, Written on the Mist. This series is set in a historical setting in Alaska and this Book 2 takes you on a journey surrounding the illegal poaching of seals for their fur which will eventually make them extinct. There’s a lot of mystery and intrigue around a study initiated by one of the main characters. We are also introduced to new characters, a woman and her 2 siblings, looking for their brother. They must find him before they lose their family home and livelihood. Once again, the Author takes you on an emotional journey that covers real life adversities, love and faith. Read about all this and more while you see how all these characters come together in an amazing story. I’m thoroughly enjoying this series and highly recommend it.
Profile Image for Shonda.
Author 10 books47 followers
May 16, 2024
This a thrilling read! With such great characters with the Amos family, I felt as if I personally knew them. Alaska and the indigenous people there grew on me and I found myself wanting to visit Alaska. The plot keeps the story rolling at a fast pace. With an entertaining and exciting plot, I couldn't put this book down. I found myself rooting for a romance between Maggie and Captain Amos. Looking for Maggie's brother before time runs out and going against a wealthy man to protect seals that are being illegally slaughtered brings the story to a white-knuckle-clenched climax. A brilliant end wraps it all together making this a 5-star read!
Was given a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
2 reviews
May 23, 2024
The second book in the Dawn of Alaska Series definitely delivers another great story! Naomi Rawlings continues to write stories that keep the interest.
Sacha and Maggie meet because she looking for her brother, who is a sailor on Sasha’s ship, the Aurora. The story is filled with intrigue with a study of seal poaching causing a twist and bringing more hardships to the Amos family.
Maggie and Sacha are great characters, and I love watching them develop and seeing Sacha share Scripture verses with Maggie-verses he has to remind himself to follow also.
You will not be able to put this one down, and now we wait for the next book in the series!
I received a complimentary copy of this book, but was not required to leave a review.
11 reviews
June 10, 2024
I absolutely loved this book it has it all Romance and such a heartfelt storyline that grabs your attention and heartstrings from the beginning .
Sacha and Maggies love story is one of those books that you just want to keep reading
This is book 2 of the series and I have really enjoyed the series so far but this last book by Naomi Rawlings was my favourite as it gives the reader an insight into what Alaska was like at that time the scenery , the lifestyle the use of boats for travel
I would thoroughly recommend this book you won’t be disappointed
As a regular reader of Naomi Rawlings books I got the opportunity to read this book as a reviewer but the opinions are all my own
805 reviews5 followers
May 26, 2024
What I enjoyed about this story was the hopefulness and perserverance. The Amos family is wonderful and I'm glad we'll get to read more of them. Getting some history woven into the story was a favorite for me. This was done in a nice storytelling way that flowed and didn't bog down the story. The story flowed with a few twists and had a wonderful conclusion.
*tight knit family
*Christian historical
*clean
Profile Image for Lisa.
67 reviews
May 22, 2024
So many twists and turns to this compelling tale of romance and history. It will captivate you right from the very start. Maggie and Sasha are strong and dynamic characters. I loved the bits of history scattered throughout the story. It had so much intrigue and a great cast of hero’s and heroines. I love that it was a multifaceted story drawing in many story lines to support the main story.
Profile Image for Joselyn T Everett.
34 reviews
May 23, 2024
If you love history, adventure, faith and romance then this is the book for you. Clean read. I love this new family. The Amoses are the best. Sacha and Maggie are meant to be. This book can be read as a stand alone but I suggest reading as a series. Can’t wait for the next one. Love this author and her character development. I fall in love each time.
23 reviews
May 24, 2024
This is the second book in the series and I absolutely loved it. The characters have depth and strong Christian values and face challenges with faith. The historical information included in the story is fascinating. I learned a lot about Alaska while reading this book and through the authors descriptions I almost feel as though I've been there and experienced it for myself.
23 reviews
November 12, 2024
Having read all of Naomi Rawlings books I have to say I think this is the best yet! Lots of historical details about the seal culling industry along with romance, adventure and suspense all set in beautiful Alaska. It’s a keeper to be reread at a later date and I cannot wait to read more in the Amos family series.
28 reviews
February 10, 2025
I LOVED this! The story is so well crafted, it hooked me in from the start. I loved the main characters and watching their feelings develop over the course of the novel while not overwhelming the overall plot. The Amos family are awesome!

I love Naomi's writing and how she weaves faith, romance, exciting story lines and tense moments into her storytelling in a completely believable way.
2 reviews
May 20, 2024
Maggie and Sacha come from different places and circumstances; yet they face the same dilemma. When their plans go awry, can they trust that God has a better plan? Set aboard ship in the waters of Alaska, this story offers adventure, intrigue, and love.
50 reviews
June 2, 2024
Naomi you are the best

I loved loved Sasha and Maggie’s story. I felt so bad when she realized her brother had died, but I think it made the story and her finding her way to Alaska and to Sasha. Can’t wait till your next book ♥️
330 reviews
August 14, 2024
Alaska sounds so breathtaking

Sasha and Maggie really had quite a few trials to go through. Maggie’s brother was a twist I didn’t expect. Thank you. But I really wanted to hear what went down in court.
59 reviews
November 9, 2024
I love the way Naomi describes the area, when you look at Google maps of the area it is just as described. I look forward to the next book in the series.
I can always count on a bread read from any of Naomi's books
Profile Image for Mieke Embry.
39 reviews
August 19, 2025
4.5⭐️! Historical fiction, some romance, tragedy, love, family, with several scriptures quoted and references to God and the Bible. Enjoyed it very much! The author’s note on the Audiobook provided more background on what prompted her to cover the topic.
992 reviews
November 8, 2025
beginning of Alaska. A girl is looking for her brother so he can fight to retninger their ship building business in Wisconsin. Money is tight and she is caring for young brother and sister. a scientist is studying the fur seal harvest.
Profile Image for Anita Rohn.
1,965 reviews9 followers
December 10, 2025
Sacha

Sailing was his life and she wanted to go back to her families home. Together they have an adventure in the waters of Alaska seeking poachers and stopping it. They also have the family and friends to deal with. It's an entertaining read
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.