The Tides That Bind

by Katie Eagan Schenck

If sibling rivalry was an Olympic event, the Gallagher siblings would win the gold.

Loyal Emily, the eldest, puts family and work above everything else, including her happiness. Ambitious Peter wants nothing more than to finish his doctorate. Meanwhile, free-spirited Cassie's goals change on a whim.

After they're called home to save their family's failing pub, the siblings’ disagreement over the business's future tests their bond. Emily teams up with a hotel heiress to save the pub and rebuild tourism in her home town, but there’s more to their relationship than just business. Peter wants to sell the business, but his attraction to an interested buyer clouds his judgment. Cassie jumps in with Emily’s plans, but her attention is torn between the local mayor and her childhood crush.

But when Cassie suffers a near-death experience, the fate of the pub isn’t the only thing hanging in the balance. The siblings must put aside their differences and choose a course of action before they lose the pub, their bond, and a chance at love.

The Tides That Bind is inspired by Jane Austen's Sense and Sensibility with a modern twist featuring LGBT+ characters. If you enjoy small town settings, heartwarming characters, and hilarious family dynamics, then you'll enjoy Katie Eagan Schenck's charming beach read.

298 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 8, 2025

About the author

Katie Eagan Schenck, writes sweet romance and women's fiction that warms the heart and gives all the feels. When she's not writing fiction, she's either working on regulations for the federal government or binging Hallmark movies. She lives in Maryland with her husband, daughter, and their three cats.

Reviews

[Emily G · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good book. I am at times reluctant to read book with multiple storylines since one usually tends to be less interesting or falls short. That is not the case with this one.
I enjoyed all the storylines, and each of the siblings were relatable in their own way. I also enjoyed the writing style, which made the story flow.
Definitely recommend this book.

[Lia Lorimer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ryan, mayor of the small seaside town of Blue Heron Bay, is in a potential partnership with the Wakefield Hotel Group to invest in the town if the existing businesses can increase their tourist trade. Teacher Emily and her mom want to uphold the legacy of Fiddler’s Green, the pub owned by their late father.
When Emily persuades her reluctant siblings, Peter and Cassie to spend their summer in promoting the pub’s attractions, she does not expect additional offers of romance for each of them…
The author weaves a cohesive and spellbinding story, focusing her attention on each of the siblings. Despite the expected HEA, the path to success is littered with multiple obstacles of deception, betrayal, danger and, not least, the ambition of two resort groups vying to dominate the potential tourist trade in the town, creating a family division in the process! In addition, although their mom is mentioned quite frequently, she tends to remain in the background in the storyline. In my opinion, she deserves more attention, not only for her efforts to keep the pub afloat, but for her acceptance of her children’s life choices.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[D. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this story with siblings Emily, Peter, and Cassie. As they sort-of work together to save their family pub, they really have different ways to do this. When Cassie suffers a near-death experience, these siblings really come together. I loved this story of family.

[Susan Smallwood · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet story

Lots of twists and turns but a great small town book with great characters! Makes me miss living in a small town !!