Tidewater

by Eric B. Miller

"Active prose maintains the novel's brisk pace."
A RECOMMENDED Review by US Review of Books

A family saga spanning four generations, three decades, two continents, and one world war.
The story covers the years 1890 to 1925. Andrew and Alice Croft leave a difficult past behind to take up life as large landowners in tidewater Maryland. Living and working on the property are Elijah and Viola Brown, and their precocious daughter, Delphina, along with three other families, one of which has lost three sons to the Great War.

Enlarging the scope of the narrative are the morally adrift sons of Alice and Andrew. One incurs debts and amorous affairs across two continents; the other goes to war seeking adventure and returns with medals bought on the Parisian black market. In love with both since childhood, an adopted sister waits, unsure of herself but ready to take risks.

Completing the cast of protagonists is a Belgian war bride on the brink of suicide, a young stock broker living fast in Gay Nineties New York City, a bohemian artist known for her Greenwich Village salon nights, and a disfigured war veteran running liquor in the early days of Prohibition.

Love comes to the forefront in the lives of both the privileged and the disadvantaged in Tidewater in ways unique to their circumstances. What they look for in each other, what they find, their choices and decision making, is inevitably the task before every human life wishing itself bound to another.

Genres: Historical Fiction

590 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 13, 2024

About the author

Eric B. Miller grew up in southern New Jersey. He holds a master’s degree in English and pursued writing while working on farms in Virginia, Maryland, and Belgium. He spent twenty years in the business world back in New Jersey, then eighteen years in the American Red Cross, and recently began writing again. He is the author of "Hula Girls, a novel"...and "Little Known Stories, Prose in Format."

Reviews

[Laura Shubert · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was everything I hoped for and more. I had it on my shelf for a while and was putting it off because of how many pages it is. But as soon as I started it, I couldn’t stop reading, the pages just flew by. The book kept going in directions I wasn’t expecting, keeping me fully captivated in this family’s story. I hope this author writes more books, I will be first in line to get the next one!

[Gina Rae Mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Tidewater" by Eric B. Miller is an expansive family saga that weaves together the lives of multiple characters over 35 years, from 1890 to 1925. Set primarily in the Tidewater area of Maryland, the story explores themes of love, loss, moral dilemmas, and the impacts of war across generations.

The saga is anchored in the Tidewater areas of Maryland, where Andrew and Alice Croft establish themselves as landowners. This setting is crucial, as it provides the backdrop for the social and economic dynamics that influence the characters' lives. The story also spans across continents, touching on life in New York City, Paris, and the battlefields of World War I.

The impact of World War I is a significant theme in "Tidewater." It shapes the lives of those who fought in it and those who remained behind. The novel examines how war alters individuals, families, and society at large.

The story is full of well-researched historical detail, vividly capturing the different time periods and locations. Its multi-generational nature allows for a deep exploration of how history and personal choices ripple through time, affecting successive generations of the Croft family.

I was slightly intimidated by the length of this book, but that was a completely unwarranted fear. The story is so gripping that I zoomed through page after page without realizing time was passing, and the chores remained undone.

Historical fiction fans will love this book, which covers four generations of the Croft family and intricately details their lives, loves, and pursuit of happiness.

[Kim Bartosch · Rating 3 out of 5]

Eric B. Miller’s Tidewater is a sprawling historical novel that takes readers on a journey from the Gilded Age through the aftermath of the Great War. The story begins on a Chinese river in 1890, where American heiress Alice Sheffield meets Andrew Croft, a soldier of fortune. Their complicated relationship gives birth to two sons, Autie and Rory, whose lives unfold alongside a large cast of characters, including the adopted sister Laura Eklund, the bohemian Lois, and the disfigured war veteran Gregory Haines.

Miller excels at painting vivid pictures of the settings, capturing the opulence of the Gilded Age and the tumult of the early 20th century with great detail. The novel's strength lies in its richly crafted characters and the historical depth of its narrative. However, the large ensemble cast and multiple storylines can sometimes be overwhelming, making it difficult to connect with each character fully. While some readers may appreciate the ambitious scope and the interwoven stories, others might find it a bit too sprawling.

Tidewater is perfect for readers who enjoy historical fiction that dives deep into the complexities of its characters and the eras they inhabit. Overall, it's an engaging but occasionally crowded read.

Thank you to the author for the book and my honest review.

[Country Mama · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love a good historical fiction y’all, so I wanted to read this one based off the summary I read for this book. This is the story about several characters and the author tells it in 3rd person POV. The story is broken into several parts and we start in Maryland in the year 1919. And then we travel to China in the year 1890 with a different set of characters.
The characters in this book are Andrew Croft and Alice Sheffield. We get to meet them and see how they fall in love and their relationship beginnings. They are such a great story to read about. And this book is what is referred to as a family multi-generational read. We get to hear about the mom and dad and also the kids and their siblings, etc. The author wrote an engaging story with many things happening in the book all at once and many twists and turns in the plot of the story. I really loved reading this one.
The author did a great job with the two different countries of China and the US. Especially the past US and past China, was written very well with lots of research done on these areas. I loved the writing style of the author overall. I am excited to see where the family’s story is headed in the next book as this is just the beginning of their story.
I highly recommend this book to historical fiction readers!

[Dalyn Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tidewater by Eric B. Miller is an expansive, multi-layered historical saga that carries readers across generations, continents, and defining moments of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Miller writes with an immersive clarity his vivid settings, morally complex characters, and interwoven storylines create a rich tapestry of American and European history from 1890 to 1925.

What stands out most is the emotional depth he brings to each thread of the narrative. From the Croft family’s ambitions and internal fractures, to the struggles and hopes of the Brown family, to the war scarred lives woven throughout the story, Miller builds a world that feels deeply lived in and profoundly human. The novel’s thematic focus on love how it shapes decisions, transforms lives, and defines destinies gives the epic scope a resonant, intimate heartbeat.

Meticulously detailed yet effortlessly readable, Tidewater is a sweeping, character driven novel that blends history, emotion, and literary craftsmanship into a memorable and beautifully executed story.

[Leanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tidewater is a historical family saga story spanning thirty five years from 1890-1925. It is quite a long novel but don't be intimidated by it's size as I enjoyed every word and once I started reading the pages flew by in the blink of an eye. The meeting and story of Andrew Croft and Alice Sheffield was a pleasure to read. Going back and experiencing life and all it threw at the characters was exciting and getting to travel the world with them even more so. The author writes a vivid picture of the times. The plot is unexpectedly filled with many plot twists to keep the reader occupied. I highly recommend it to readers of well written historical fiction!

[Virginia Winfield · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed getting to know this interesting family and all that they go through in their lives. I loved Alice and Andrew. I loved how strong these two characters are as they go through all that life throws at them. I did not care for their children as much but I am looking forward to seeing if they mature in the next book. I enjoyed how the story goes back and forth between all of the characters and different time periods. I received a copy of the book from the publisher for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.

[Kathryn Simoes · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved, loved, LOVED this book!!!

This was a GREAT story, so well written. With such wonderfully fun, and moving, and sometimes infuriating, characters I never for a minute lost interest and could happily have read another thousand pages. I’ll definitely look for the next book in the series, and please, Mr. Miller keep writing. This was truly enjoyable!! Thank you for sharing it with the world.

[Diane Jewell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Historical Fiction and more.

Tidewater by Eric B. Miller ⭐⭐⭐⭐

A great historical fiction book that tells of 3 generations of war heros. Time spanning between the Guild ages and the great war. All the heartaches, deaths and obstacles many people had to overcome just to stay alive. Its not all sad and gloom. There's A beautiful romance blossoming. Can't wait to see what the next book will hold.

[Tracy Fox · Rating 5 out of 5]

The more I read, the more I enjoyed this book. It was long, but didn't feel long, and I absolutely loved Alice and Andrew. It started in a weird way because I thought it was going in one direction but then took a completely different direction. I recommend it and I am looking forward to the sequel.

[Barbara Olaewe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely Must Read

This multigenerational book was absolutely brilliant. The woven history and the character development was incredible. Don’t be intimidated by the length. It really is a quick read. I highly recommend this great story.

[patricia sendelbach · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful story of a family and all of the relationships over time influenced by WWI.

[Martha Turner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book! Can't wait for the next one.

[Katie · Rating 1 out of 5]

Thank you for the book, Goodreads. Could not get into this. Was put off by the accents.

[Bob Ruffe · Rating 3 out of 5]

It’s a tough read, took a lot of patience to wade through it, not sure that I would read book 2 when available

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tidewater is the first book I have read from Eric B Miller. After I finished reading this one, it will not be the last. The size of the novel was intimidating when first received it but once I opened to page one, I did not want to put it down. Historical fiction is my favorite genre to read and the author does not disappoint with this saga. The novel spans thirty five years - from 1890 to 1925. At the first meeting of Andrew Croft and Alice Sheffield, I was quickly captivated with the story. The vivid details all throughout the book made me feel as though I was part of it. It was a joy to travel all over the world from China and United States, etc. It was wonderful going back in time with these characters and discovering their experiences and journeys along the way. There were many plot twists and turns that I could have never predicted, making me want to continue to read on. I loved every single page.

I am giving Tidewater a very well deserved five plus stars. I highly recommend it for readers who love to read historical fiction. I am eager to find more novels from the talented Eric B Miller in the future. He no doubt has earned himself a new fan.

I received a paperback copy Eric B Miller's Tidewater from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.