What do you think?
Rate this book
Hobbs #11
Rip Tide
“You never know when you’re going to say the wrong thing that will make someone hate you forever. It’s like a rip tide. You can’t even see it from the surface. Then you step into it, and the next thing you know, you’re drowning.” – Liz Stolz
A small town in Maine has begun to recover from a school shooting when another mass shooting and divisive politics threaten to divide friends and end relationships. Town doctor Liz Stolz and Episcopal rector Lucy Bartlett, used to bringing people together, find their own alliances threatened. Can these two healers find ways to bind up their own wounds?
A small town in Maine has begun to recover from a school shooting when another mass shooting and divisive politics threaten to divide friends and end relationships. Town doctor Liz Stolz and Episcopal rector Lucy Bartlett, used to bringing people together, find their own alliances threatened. Can these two healers find ways to bind up their own wounds?
294 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 4, 2025
13 people are currently reading
12 people want to read
About the author
Elena Graf
19 books97 followersAward-winning novelist Elena Graf has been scribbling stories since high school. Her first novel, Occasions of Sin was published in 2012. She considers herself primarily a historical novelist, but she is probably best known for the contemporary Hobbs series, featuring a group of middle-aged women living in a small town in Maine.
The novels in the Passing Rites series are set in Europe in the early 20th century and show how a noble family dealt with the momentous changes of the period. Two volumes in the series won both Golden Crown Literary Society and Rainbow Awards for historical fiction.
Elena Graf pursued a Ph.D. in philosophy and often explores difficult moral situations in her fiction. She ended up in the “accidental profession” of publishing, where she worked for almost four decades. She lives in coastal Maine.
The novels in the Passing Rites series are set in Europe in the early 20th century and show how a noble family dealt with the momentous changes of the period. Two volumes in the series won both Golden Crown Literary Society and Rainbow Awards for historical fiction.
Elena Graf pursued a Ph.D. in philosophy and often explores difficult moral situations in her fiction. She ended up in the “accidental profession” of publishing, where she worked for almost four decades. She lives in coastal Maine.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
March 7, 2025
Reading these books is like catching up with old friends from Hobbs. Looking forward to Book 12.
April 14, 2025
Elena Graf’s Rip Tide is book No.11 from the Hobbs series.
It is a compelling and emotionally charged novel that delves into the complexities of identity, self-discovery, love and friendship, but at the core it is a story about resilience. Set against the backdrop of a picturesque coastal town, the story weaves together themes of romance, personal growth, and the challenges of navigating life’s unpredictable currents.
Nevertheless, Elena Graf’s Rip Tide is a character-driven story that shines through its richly developed and deeply flawed human cast. Each character is crafted with care, bringing a unique perspective and emotional depth to the story. The author excels at creating multi-dimensional, deeply flawed human characters. Her ability to create authentic, relatable individuals is one of the book’s greatest strengths.
Each character is bringing their own unique story and emotional depth to the narrative. At the heart of the novel are four central figures: Dr. Liz Stolz is still recovering from the shooting at the Hobbs elementary School (while another one closer to home occurs), her wife, the opera singer and priest Lucille Bartlett needs to find a balance between her Church and her opera events, Liz’s ex-wife Maggie – who faces a break-up and a bad moment with her daughter, Alina, and the touching love story between Mother Reshma and Tiffany, the pastry store owner. The author masterfully weaves their lives together, creating a story that is as much about individual growth as it is about the power of love and connection.
Dr. Liz Stolz: A Journey of Redemption and Healing
Liz Stolz is the anchor of Rip Tide, a character whose complexity and vulnerability make her instantly relatable. A successful surgeon returning to her hometown after years away, Liz is haunted by past mistakes and the fallout of her failed marriage to Maggie, whom she can’t quite forgive yet and her role in the Hobbs Elementary School shooting. Her journey is one of redemption and healing, as she learns to forgive herself and embrace the possibility of a new beginning of a friendship with Maggie, her ex-wife and a blooming marriage with her wife, Lucy. Liz’s strength and resilience shine through, making her a protagonist readers will root for from start to finish.
Lucille Bartlett: The Charismatic Opera Singer
Lucille Bartlett, the enigmatic opera singer, adds a layer of sophistication and intrigue to the story. Her larger-than-life personality and artistic passion make her a captivating character, but Graf also reveals her vulnerabilities. Lucille’s marriage with Liz is a highlight of the novel, offering moments of warmth, humor, and mutual support. Through Lucille, Graf explores themes of ambition, identity, and the sacrifices often made in pursuit of one’s dreams. Her presence in the story enriches the narrative, providing a counterbalance to Liz’s more reserved nature.
Maggie: The Complicated Ex-Wife
Maggie Fitzgerald, Liz’s ex-wife, is a character who embodies the complexities of love and loss. Graf avoids painting Maggie as a villain, instead presenting her as a flawed but sympathetic individual. Her strained relationship with Liz is fraught with unresolved tension and lingering emotions, reflecting the challenges of moving on from a deep connection. Maggie’s presence in the story serves as a reminder of the lasting impact of past relationships and the difficulty of truly letting go. Her interactions with Liz are charged with emotion, adding depth to both characters. However, Lucy helps. And, both help Maggie out , while her relationship with Sam ends
Mother Reshma and Tiffany: A Love Story of Quiet Strength and the fight against home abuse from ex-lovers
One of the most touching aspects of Rip Tide is the love story between Mother Reshma, a spiritual leader, and Tiffany, the kind-hearted pastry store owner. Their relationship is a beautiful portrayal of love that transcends societal expectations and personal insecurities. Graf handles their story with sensitivity and grace, highlighting the quiet strength and resilience required to build a life together. Mother Reshma’s wisdom and Tiffany’s warmth create a partnership that feels authentic and inspiring. Their love story is a testament to the idea that love can flourish in the most unexpected places.
Character Dynamics: The Heart of the Novel
What makes Rip Tide truly special is the way Graf explores the dynamics between the women in the lesbian Hobbs community – while they explore life, love, sexuality and religion (A lesbian over 60 isn’t just aging—she’s leveling up. Every wrinkle is a story, every gray hair a badge of survival). Liz’s evolving relationships with Lucille, Maggie, and the community around her are central to the story, each interaction revealing new layers of her personality. The bond between Mother Reshma and Tiffany serves as a poignant contrast to Liz’s struggles, offering a glimpse of the healing power of love. Graf’s ability to weave these relationships together creates a narrative that is both emotionally resonant and deeply satisfying.
Conclusion: A Masterful Exploration of Love and Connection
Elena Graf’s Rip Tide is a masterful exploration of love, loss, and the ties that bind us. Through characters like Liz Stolz, Lucille Bartlett, Maggie, Mother Reshma, and Tiffany, Graf crafts a story that is as much about individual growth as it is about the power of human connection. Each character is beautifully realized, with their own struggles, triumphs, and emotional arcs. The relationships between them are the heart of the novel, making Rip Tide a deeply moving and unforgettable read. Whether you’re drawn to Liz’s journey of redemption, Lucille’s passion for the opera, or the quiet strength and the fight against home abuse from ex-lovers of Mother Reshma and Tiffany’s love, this book offers something for everyone.
Elena Graf’s prose is both elegant and evocative. She paints emotions with precision, allowing readers to feel the weight of every moment—whether it’s the sting of past mistakes or the warmth of newfound hope. Her ability to balance tension and tenderness keeps the reader engaged from start to finish.
Can’t wait for book 12 from the Hobbs series!!
It is a compelling and emotionally charged novel that delves into the complexities of identity, self-discovery, love and friendship, but at the core it is a story about resilience. Set against the backdrop of a picturesque coastal town, the story weaves together themes of romance, personal growth, and the challenges of navigating life’s unpredictable currents.
Nevertheless, Elena Graf’s Rip Tide is a character-driven story that shines through its richly developed and deeply flawed human cast. Each character is crafted with care, bringing a unique perspective and emotional depth to the story. The author excels at creating multi-dimensional, deeply flawed human characters. Her ability to create authentic, relatable individuals is one of the book’s greatest strengths.
Each character is bringing their own unique story and emotional depth to the narrative. At the heart of the novel are four central figures: Dr. Liz Stolz is still recovering from the shooting at the Hobbs elementary School (while another one closer to home occurs), her wife, the opera singer and priest Lucille Bartlett needs to find a balance between her Church and her opera events, Liz’s ex-wife Maggie – who faces a break-up and a bad moment with her daughter, Alina, and the touching love story between Mother Reshma and Tiffany, the pastry store owner. The author masterfully weaves their lives together, creating a story that is as much about individual growth as it is about the power of love and connection.
Dr. Liz Stolz: A Journey of Redemption and Healing
Liz Stolz is the anchor of Rip Tide, a character whose complexity and vulnerability make her instantly relatable. A successful surgeon returning to her hometown after years away, Liz is haunted by past mistakes and the fallout of her failed marriage to Maggie, whom she can’t quite forgive yet and her role in the Hobbs Elementary School shooting. Her journey is one of redemption and healing, as she learns to forgive herself and embrace the possibility of a new beginning of a friendship with Maggie, her ex-wife and a blooming marriage with her wife, Lucy. Liz’s strength and resilience shine through, making her a protagonist readers will root for from start to finish.
Lucille Bartlett: The Charismatic Opera Singer
Lucille Bartlett, the enigmatic opera singer, adds a layer of sophistication and intrigue to the story. Her larger-than-life personality and artistic passion make her a captivating character, but Graf also reveals her vulnerabilities. Lucille’s marriage with Liz is a highlight of the novel, offering moments of warmth, humor, and mutual support. Through Lucille, Graf explores themes of ambition, identity, and the sacrifices often made in pursuit of one’s dreams. Her presence in the story enriches the narrative, providing a counterbalance to Liz’s more reserved nature.
Maggie: The Complicated Ex-Wife
Maggie Fitzgerald, Liz’s ex-wife, is a character who embodies the complexities of love and loss. Graf avoids painting Maggie as a villain, instead presenting her as a flawed but sympathetic individual. Her strained relationship with Liz is fraught with unresolved tension and lingering emotions, reflecting the challenges of moving on from a deep connection. Maggie’s presence in the story serves as a reminder of the lasting impact of past relationships and the difficulty of truly letting go. Her interactions with Liz are charged with emotion, adding depth to both characters. However, Lucy helps. And, both help Maggie out , while her relationship with Sam ends
Mother Reshma and Tiffany: A Love Story of Quiet Strength and the fight against home abuse from ex-lovers
One of the most touching aspects of Rip Tide is the love story between Mother Reshma, a spiritual leader, and Tiffany, the kind-hearted pastry store owner. Their relationship is a beautiful portrayal of love that transcends societal expectations and personal insecurities. Graf handles their story with sensitivity and grace, highlighting the quiet strength and resilience required to build a life together. Mother Reshma’s wisdom and Tiffany’s warmth create a partnership that feels authentic and inspiring. Their love story is a testament to the idea that love can flourish in the most unexpected places.
Character Dynamics: The Heart of the Novel
What makes Rip Tide truly special is the way Graf explores the dynamics between the women in the lesbian Hobbs community – while they explore life, love, sexuality and religion (A lesbian over 60 isn’t just aging—she’s leveling up. Every wrinkle is a story, every gray hair a badge of survival). Liz’s evolving relationships with Lucille, Maggie, and the community around her are central to the story, each interaction revealing new layers of her personality. The bond between Mother Reshma and Tiffany serves as a poignant contrast to Liz’s struggles, offering a glimpse of the healing power of love. Graf’s ability to weave these relationships together creates a narrative that is both emotionally resonant and deeply satisfying.
Conclusion: A Masterful Exploration of Love and Connection
Elena Graf’s Rip Tide is a masterful exploration of love, loss, and the ties that bind us. Through characters like Liz Stolz, Lucille Bartlett, Maggie, Mother Reshma, and Tiffany, Graf crafts a story that is as much about individual growth as it is about the power of human connection. Each character is beautifully realized, with their own struggles, triumphs, and emotional arcs. The relationships between them are the heart of the novel, making Rip Tide a deeply moving and unforgettable read. Whether you’re drawn to Liz’s journey of redemption, Lucille’s passion for the opera, or the quiet strength and the fight against home abuse from ex-lovers of Mother Reshma and Tiffany’s love, this book offers something for everyone.
Elena Graf’s prose is both elegant and evocative. She paints emotions with precision, allowing readers to feel the weight of every moment—whether it’s the sting of past mistakes or the warmth of newfound hope. Her ability to balance tension and tenderness keeps the reader engaged from start to finish.
Can’t wait for book 12 from the Hobbs series!!
February 28, 2025
The women of Hobbs Maine are back! Once again, we get to live for a while in a tiny Maine coastal town where it seems like all the major players are lesbian, bi, trans or otherwise queer. Eleven stories into life in Hobbs, this novel reads as a cross between a sapphic soap opera and a reasonable person’s take on today’s global and national news. But the three main characters in this installment (Liz, Lucy & Maggie) have matured significantly over the course of the Hobbs series and much of this story revolves around their grappling with, and finally accepting and sharing their hard-earned wisdom. An early exchange between seventy-year-olds Liz and Maggie in the first chapter sets the stage: “Younger women have a different perspective … Yes, they do. They’re reaping the benefits of the battles we fought.”
Make no mistake, this novel is set in contemporary times and touches upon some very divisive, very current events: mass shootings and what sensible gun control could look like, the Hamas attack in Israel and the subsequent destruction of Gaza and the Palestinian people, same-sex domestic abuse, the shortage of affordable housing, racism and the 2024 US elections. Confrontations and ugly talk between different individuals and groups of friends and colleagues occur throughout the novel, sometimes upending what had seemed to be strong relationships. These discussions often are not the main focus, but they thoughtfully move the story along. While she uses these current events to ground this story in today, author Elena Graf keeps her characters away from speaking in social media sound-bites and instead uses these events to illustrate her character’s individual personalities, and evolving maturity as they move from snap judgements to at least seeing the various shades of gray and, sometimes, having growing acceptance that few issues have only two sides.
While you don’t need to read all the prior Hobbs stories to enjoy this one, the story makes a lot more sense if you have read at least the immediately prior one, Extended Capacity, because Rip Tide is a continuation of that story – carrying forward the main theme that catastrophic events, such as a mass shooting, are not over when the shooter is down and the victims buried or recovering, but result in new realities for numerous people, not just those in the headlines.
Like most of the other Hobbs stories, there are relationships at every stage in Rip Tide; beginning, settled and apparently unraveling. Many of the characters from the prior stories pop in to update the reader on their status and some to say “goodbye”. I understand that Hobbs 12 is underway, and I look forward to seeing what the resident of Hobbs are next up to.
Make no mistake, this novel is set in contemporary times and touches upon some very divisive, very current events: mass shootings and what sensible gun control could look like, the Hamas attack in Israel and the subsequent destruction of Gaza and the Palestinian people, same-sex domestic abuse, the shortage of affordable housing, racism and the 2024 US elections. Confrontations and ugly talk between different individuals and groups of friends and colleagues occur throughout the novel, sometimes upending what had seemed to be strong relationships. These discussions often are not the main focus, but they thoughtfully move the story along. While she uses these current events to ground this story in today, author Elena Graf keeps her characters away from speaking in social media sound-bites and instead uses these events to illustrate her character’s individual personalities, and evolving maturity as they move from snap judgements to at least seeing the various shades of gray and, sometimes, having growing acceptance that few issues have only two sides.
While you don’t need to read all the prior Hobbs stories to enjoy this one, the story makes a lot more sense if you have read at least the immediately prior one, Extended Capacity, because Rip Tide is a continuation of that story – carrying forward the main theme that catastrophic events, such as a mass shooting, are not over when the shooter is down and the victims buried or recovering, but result in new realities for numerous people, not just those in the headlines.
Like most of the other Hobbs stories, there are relationships at every stage in Rip Tide; beginning, settled and apparently unraveling. Many of the characters from the prior stories pop in to update the reader on their status and some to say “goodbye”. I understand that Hobbs 12 is underway, and I look forward to seeing what the resident of Hobbs are next up to.
March 10, 2025
Elena Graf’s Rip Tide captivates readers with its universal, timely themes; they resonate deeply on both societal and personal levels. She explores the anxieties of social interactions in an era of heightened sensitivity and polarization, illustrating how even well-meaning individuals can alienate others through casual remarks, probing questions, or lingering glances. Her ability to weave complex issues into a rich, immersive narrative makes Rip Tide both thought-provoking and emotionally engaging.
Graf deepens the story’s impact through relatable, dynamic characters who leave a lasting impression. Liz Stolz, the series’ guiding voice, neatly captures the vulnerability and upset of navigating today’s polarized, cancel-culture landscape. Her reflection on rip tides—how they remain invisible from the surface yet can swiftly pull one under—becomes a striking metaphor for the chaos of unintended missteps in these tense times. As Liz and her wife, Lucy Bartlett, navigate marriage and friendships within their wounded but resilient coastal community, an undercurrent of struggle emerges. Graf draws readers deeper into the characters’ lives, showing how past experiences shape present choices. Each chapter peels back layers of connection and conflict, balancing love and fear, acceptance and rejection. As Liz confronts her insecurities and societal pressures, the voices of those around her—friends, family, and adversaries—intertwine, creating a nuanced tapestry of perspectives that both challenge and inspire.
Set in Hobbs, Maine, a town still recovering from a devastating school shooting, the setting itself becomes a character, shaping the novel’s emotional landscape. Graf masterfully contrasts personal grief, community trauma, and political division against Maine’s serene beauty, underscoring how even the most picturesque places can conceal deep-seated pain. Characters wrestle with personal wounds and conflicting beliefs that threaten to fracture relationships. Grounded in real-world issues—such as gun control and the rising cost of living—Graf makes the stakes urgent and immediate, offering a thoughtful exploration of how societal challenges ripple through individual lives. The ensemble cast, each marked by love and loss, embodies both the resilience and fragility of the human spirit. As they navigate their own unique paths, Graf highlights the many ways people seek connection and comfort—often in unexpected places.
As seasons change in Hobbs, so do its people. Even though the shooting’s lingering trauma continues to shape relationships, Rip Tide remains, at its core, a story of healing, renewal, and commitment—to friends, family and loved ones. As the community stitches itself back together, Graf explores the complexities of forgiveness and love. She illustrates how some recognize the importance of benevolence and reconciliation, while others remain trapped in blame and resentment, unable to let go of past wounds. Their struggles serve as a poignant reminder of the power of acceptance and love, reminding all that the light of compassion can always guide the way home.
Liz—and, by extension, Lucy—remains at the center of the Hobbs story world. The stakes, however, are mounting for them in book eleven. External pressures threaten the equilibrium the two have fought hard to establish. As they navigate personal struggles, cracks begin to emerge. The tension between personal desires, family and friend obligations, and community expectations becomes palpable. They must confront the niggling vulnerabilities and insecurities that tug at their lives. Graf’s keen eye for detail reveals how even the smallest decision or declaration can create a ripple effect, shaping not only Liz and Lucy’s lives but the lives of their family and friends. These relationships, as webbed and woven as they are, deepen Rip Tide’s emotional resonance and reinforce its central theme: much can be overcome with the support and love of many.
Final remarks…
Elena Graf’s fearless storytelling makes Rip Tide an exceptional read. In fact, her bold choices are what make this whole series topshelf. By taking inventive risks with themes, characters, and structure, Graf creates a world that feels both vibrant and authentic. Her sharp dialogue, injected with wit and wisdom, provides moments of levity in even the darkest circumstances. This infusion of humor in heavy moments mirrors the human experience, reminding readers that hope, loss, resentment, and love often coexist in one’s mind and heart. Graf’s skill at bringing this to the page exemplifies her courage as a writer, showing she is unafraid to delve into the depths of the human condition, delivering a narrative that is profoundly moving.
Strengths…
Well-written dialogue
Compelling, entertaining storyline
Well-drawn, likable characters
Well-formed, immersive story world
Resonating, authentic storytelling
Graf deepens the story’s impact through relatable, dynamic characters who leave a lasting impression. Liz Stolz, the series’ guiding voice, neatly captures the vulnerability and upset of navigating today’s polarized, cancel-culture landscape. Her reflection on rip tides—how they remain invisible from the surface yet can swiftly pull one under—becomes a striking metaphor for the chaos of unintended missteps in these tense times. As Liz and her wife, Lucy Bartlett, navigate marriage and friendships within their wounded but resilient coastal community, an undercurrent of struggle emerges. Graf draws readers deeper into the characters’ lives, showing how past experiences shape present choices. Each chapter peels back layers of connection and conflict, balancing love and fear, acceptance and rejection. As Liz confronts her insecurities and societal pressures, the voices of those around her—friends, family, and adversaries—intertwine, creating a nuanced tapestry of perspectives that both challenge and inspire.
Set in Hobbs, Maine, a town still recovering from a devastating school shooting, the setting itself becomes a character, shaping the novel’s emotional landscape. Graf masterfully contrasts personal grief, community trauma, and political division against Maine’s serene beauty, underscoring how even the most picturesque places can conceal deep-seated pain. Characters wrestle with personal wounds and conflicting beliefs that threaten to fracture relationships. Grounded in real-world issues—such as gun control and the rising cost of living—Graf makes the stakes urgent and immediate, offering a thoughtful exploration of how societal challenges ripple through individual lives. The ensemble cast, each marked by love and loss, embodies both the resilience and fragility of the human spirit. As they navigate their own unique paths, Graf highlights the many ways people seek connection and comfort—often in unexpected places.
As seasons change in Hobbs, so do its people. Even though the shooting’s lingering trauma continues to shape relationships, Rip Tide remains, at its core, a story of healing, renewal, and commitment—to friends, family and loved ones. As the community stitches itself back together, Graf explores the complexities of forgiveness and love. She illustrates how some recognize the importance of benevolence and reconciliation, while others remain trapped in blame and resentment, unable to let go of past wounds. Their struggles serve as a poignant reminder of the power of acceptance and love, reminding all that the light of compassion can always guide the way home.
Liz—and, by extension, Lucy—remains at the center of the Hobbs story world. The stakes, however, are mounting for them in book eleven. External pressures threaten the equilibrium the two have fought hard to establish. As they navigate personal struggles, cracks begin to emerge. The tension between personal desires, family and friend obligations, and community expectations becomes palpable. They must confront the niggling vulnerabilities and insecurities that tug at their lives. Graf’s keen eye for detail reveals how even the smallest decision or declaration can create a ripple effect, shaping not only Liz and Lucy’s lives but the lives of their family and friends. These relationships, as webbed and woven as they are, deepen Rip Tide’s emotional resonance and reinforce its central theme: much can be overcome with the support and love of many.
Final remarks…
Elena Graf’s fearless storytelling makes Rip Tide an exceptional read. In fact, her bold choices are what make this whole series topshelf. By taking inventive risks with themes, characters, and structure, Graf creates a world that feels both vibrant and authentic. Her sharp dialogue, injected with wit and wisdom, provides moments of levity in even the darkest circumstances. This infusion of humor in heavy moments mirrors the human experience, reminding readers that hope, loss, resentment, and love often coexist in one’s mind and heart. Graf’s skill at bringing this to the page exemplifies her courage as a writer, showing she is unafraid to delve into the depths of the human condition, delivering a narrative that is profoundly moving.
Strengths…
Well-written dialogue
Compelling, entertaining storyline
Well-drawn, likable characters
Well-formed, immersive story world
Resonating, authentic storytelling
March 6, 2025
Rip Tide (Hobbs Book 11)
by Elena Graf
A review by Ka
*****
Hobbs is a Mirror
I've been a fan of the Hobbs series from book one, and I love how Elena Graf has consistently developed her characters over what are now eleven sequels. While each book can be read as a standalone—thanks to the author’s unobtrusive way of providing key details from previous novels—reading them consecutively offers a far richer experience. Otherwise, you risk missing the many subtle nuances and significant details that Graf masterfully weaves throughout the series. She employs these elements much like stage directions in a play, ensuring that each novel has its own arc of tension while contributing to a larger, overarching narrative.
To categorize Hobbs as a romance series would be both a misrepresentation and an unfortunate oversimplification—though inexplicably, this continues to happen. As a result, the books have unjustly received negative reviews from readers expecting formulaic romance conventions. In fact, these novels are literary reflections on contemporary life and recent history—not just in Southern Maine, where Hobbs is set, but anywhere in our globally interconnected world.
In that regard, Rip Tide is no exception. While it contains elements of budding young love, it also explores relationships in transition—whether due to personal struggles, external crises, or the shifting realities of a post-pandemic society. Themes of illness, aging, and bereavement shape the characters’ personal lives, while larger political issues—such as gun violence, wars, and climate disasters—ripple through their relationships. As in all Hobbs books, medical problems and religious ethics are thoughtfully examined, and, as always, the world of opera finds its place in the narrative.
It isn’t always easy to look into a mirror, but Graf holds one up with skill and sensitivity. She interweaves complex, often challenging themes into a gripping, well-researched, and historically grounded modern novel. Familiar faces from the Hobbs community return, joined by a few newcomers, adding further depth to the story.
The result is an exquisitely written, multilayered novel that I can recommend without reservation. I would give it more than five stars, if that were possible.
by Elena Graf
A review by Ka
*****
Hobbs is a Mirror
I've been a fan of the Hobbs series from book one, and I love how Elena Graf has consistently developed her characters over what are now eleven sequels. While each book can be read as a standalone—thanks to the author’s unobtrusive way of providing key details from previous novels—reading them consecutively offers a far richer experience. Otherwise, you risk missing the many subtle nuances and significant details that Graf masterfully weaves throughout the series. She employs these elements much like stage directions in a play, ensuring that each novel has its own arc of tension while contributing to a larger, overarching narrative.
To categorize Hobbs as a romance series would be both a misrepresentation and an unfortunate oversimplification—though inexplicably, this continues to happen. As a result, the books have unjustly received negative reviews from readers expecting formulaic romance conventions. In fact, these novels are literary reflections on contemporary life and recent history—not just in Southern Maine, where Hobbs is set, but anywhere in our globally interconnected world.
In that regard, Rip Tide is no exception. While it contains elements of budding young love, it also explores relationships in transition—whether due to personal struggles, external crises, or the shifting realities of a post-pandemic society. Themes of illness, aging, and bereavement shape the characters’ personal lives, while larger political issues—such as gun violence, wars, and climate disasters—ripple through their relationships. As in all Hobbs books, medical problems and religious ethics are thoughtfully examined, and, as always, the world of opera finds its place in the narrative.
It isn’t always easy to look into a mirror, but Graf holds one up with skill and sensitivity. She interweaves complex, often challenging themes into a gripping, well-researched, and historically grounded modern novel. Familiar faces from the Hobbs community return, joined by a few newcomers, adding further depth to the story.
The result is an exquisitely written, multilayered novel that I can recommend without reservation. I would give it more than five stars, if that were possible.
March 14, 2025
Elena Graf ripped this one right from the front pages of today’s newspaper! The whole Hobbs series is a snapshot of contemporary life in a small, close knit community. Graf takes us through the highs and lows, the happiness and heartbreak, of friendships, marriages, and civic life in Hobbs, Maine. But “Rip Tide,” number eleven in the series, is like gut punch after gut punch! It picks up after this peaceful, dare I say harmonious, town suffers through the scourge of America - a deadly school shooting. Now trying to heal and get past the pain and anger. Along with the pain and anger over the war in Gaza. All around them, local and world events are causing rifts and tearing holes in the fabric of life in Hobbs. Sam has left, ashamed and fearful of anger directed toward her. Rebecca and Lucy are at odds over Gaza. Maggie, alone and afraid after Sam’s departure and with the threat of a killer on the loose, moves in with Liz and Lucy. Although all have matured, Maggie still carries a torch for ex-wife, Liz. Nurturer Liz jumps into her role of taking care of Maggie. Lucy just wants life to go back to normal, but what is normal? Resumption of her worldwide opera career, or staying put as rector and counselor to her Hobbs community? There is just so much… of TODAY in this book, a reader is swept up in the swirling drama, and just as with a rip tide, the reader is sucked into the true-to-life drama that is “Rip Tide” a chronicle of life in Hobbs, Maine. A world view through the lenses of Hobbsians, “Rip Tide” will bring it home to you in a way you will surely relate. Elena Graf has brought us this slice of Hobbs life, with no sugarcoating. As Liz Stolz says, “You can’t even see it from the surface. Then you step into it, and before you know it, you’re drowning.” That’s “Rip Tide”. I was fortunate to receive an ARC, and this is my honest and enthusiastic review.
March 2, 2025
I have been eagerly waiting for book 11 in the Hobb series and blessed to get a copy to pre-read. I have missed the characters I have grown to love so much. The challenges that the town has had to grown thru since the school shooting have effected so many still.
I am never disappointed in the depth of emotion the characters share navigating every day moments and issues in life. My favorite characters, Liz and Lucy, trying to serve a community and thrive in their relationship. Lucy's side job singing, Liz vocally supporting gun control. Everyone on edge with political issues dividing long time relationships.
Reshma growing in her role as Priest and Tiffany the owner of the new pastry bakery brings a love interest. Oh let's not forget Sam and Maggie drama and Emily and Denise take some new paths.
So many stories to catch up within Hobbs and world events that touch our amazing women.
I must share that the dialogue these woman have about the issues we are facing today touched me heart. Denise and Liz tackle a hard one with such love. Lucy really calls Liz out. The very strong/long relationships that struggle thru the divide of harsh responses. Elena Graf has brought book 11 thru the Rip Tides of life in a brilliantly conversational way. The depth of characters, the very real grasp of life moments and well I miss these amazing women. Glad to have book 11 that will launch on March 4 .
I already want to see what is next for them, hoping for book 12.
I am never disappointed in the depth of emotion the characters share navigating every day moments and issues in life. My favorite characters, Liz and Lucy, trying to serve a community and thrive in their relationship. Lucy's side job singing, Liz vocally supporting gun control. Everyone on edge with political issues dividing long time relationships.
Reshma growing in her role as Priest and Tiffany the owner of the new pastry bakery brings a love interest. Oh let's not forget Sam and Maggie drama and Emily and Denise take some new paths.
So many stories to catch up within Hobbs and world events that touch our amazing women.
I must share that the dialogue these woman have about the issues we are facing today touched me heart. Denise and Liz tackle a hard one with such love. Lucy really calls Liz out. The very strong/long relationships that struggle thru the divide of harsh responses. Elena Graf has brought book 11 thru the Rip Tides of life in a brilliantly conversational way. The depth of characters, the very real grasp of life moments and well I miss these amazing women. Glad to have book 11 that will launch on March 4 .
I already want to see what is next for them, hoping for book 12.
March 19, 2025
I’m delighted that Elena Graf has published another novel in the Hobbs series. Rip Tide is a perfect title for a book set on the coast, with characters metaphorically swept out to sea by a maelstrom of powerful currents. It swept me up from page one. Graf adroitly weaves multiple plot lines as her ensemble cast of characters face complex issues from gun control and cancel culture to autism and PTSD.
Graf balances these challenges with her characters’ deep bonds of love and friendship, supportive community, playfulness, and meaningful conversations. I love that these conversations are so often with ex-lovers in this nuanced portrayal of contemporary lesbian culture.
Another thing I appreciate is Graf’s attention to food. Fiction often minimizes this huge part of everyone’s life, but Hobbs women shop for, prepare, enjoy, and clean up after frequent home-cooked meals. I also love the classical music threading through the novel. Graf embeds links in the eBook, making it easy to access an audio or video recording of each piece.
Elena Graf’s characters have become part of my world, beloved fictional friends. Thanks to the author’s graceful inclusion of backstories from previous novels, the Hobbs series can be read in any order, but Rip Tide will be richer if you have at least read its immediate predecessor, Extended Capacity. Both books illustrate that a school shooting, a divorce, or even a painful conversation can have long-term devastating effects, like a dangerous rip tide.
Graf balances these challenges with her characters’ deep bonds of love and friendship, supportive community, playfulness, and meaningful conversations. I love that these conversations are so often with ex-lovers in this nuanced portrayal of contemporary lesbian culture.
Another thing I appreciate is Graf’s attention to food. Fiction often minimizes this huge part of everyone’s life, but Hobbs women shop for, prepare, enjoy, and clean up after frequent home-cooked meals. I also love the classical music threading through the novel. Graf embeds links in the eBook, making it easy to access an audio or video recording of each piece.
Elena Graf’s characters have become part of my world, beloved fictional friends. Thanks to the author’s graceful inclusion of backstories from previous novels, the Hobbs series can be read in any order, but Rip Tide will be richer if you have at least read its immediate predecessor, Extended Capacity. Both books illustrate that a school shooting, a divorce, or even a painful conversation can have long-term devastating effects, like a dangerous rip tide.
March 1, 2025
Elena Graf's Hobbs stories always provide an intelligent and entertaining take on contemporary American life, but her latest novel is exceptionally subtle in its analysis of the conflicting viewpoints and the tensions that affect a group of friends recovering from a horrific incident. The mass shooting that traumatized their small community in the last story, Extended Capacity, happened six months previously, and we now pick up our favorite characters and see how they are dealing with it. Stepping carefully around her frailties, Dr Liz, the main character, seeks to maintain her own principles and integrity while coming to terms with what she was forced to do. Convincing others of her point of view is not always easy. This is a kind and loving book, romantic in the best sense of the word, in that it empathizes with its characters, and we still get to enjoy all the dinners and breakfasts they keep cooking and eating. A new breakfast diner/ French patisserie is a welcome addition to the town! Do buy this book and enjoy it. You won't be disappointed, and will also be given much food for thought. It is exactly the right book for 2025.
March 24, 2025
It's impressive that Elena Graf has developed the Hobbs series, Rip Tide being it's 11th book. The characters are well drawn and they deal with pressing issues. In the wake of a school shooting in the last book, Rip Tide looks at trauma and gun control. It addresses the developing sharp divisions in the United States. I'm sure future volumes will continue to look at those divisions.
The characters face difficulties in their lesbian and familial relationships. Some model how to deal well with differences.
I was surprised when one usually sensitive character was astonished that calling Netanyahu's assaults on Gaza "genocide" apparently ended her friendship with a rabbi. I think one should be able to express distress and anger at the actions of Netanyahu's government without using a term that is triggering for many Jews. (She used that term only a few months after October 7.)
I continue to enjoy this well-written series.
The characters face difficulties in their lesbian and familial relationships. Some model how to deal well with differences.
I was surprised when one usually sensitive character was astonished that calling Netanyahu's assaults on Gaza "genocide" apparently ended her friendship with a rabbi. I think one should be able to express distress and anger at the actions of Netanyahu's government without using a term that is triggering for many Jews. (She used that term only a few months after October 7.)
I continue to enjoy this well-written series.
March 4, 2025
#11 current life in Hobbs, ME is divisive
I love Elena Graf‘s Hobbs series: great older women, a tight community, a great take on contemporary events, the waxing and waning of relationships, serious topics - you name it, you got it. It‘s like living there and peeking into Hobbs.
We‘re in 2023 / 2024 and get a heavy dose of all the divisive-ness, no hot button is left out, to name a few the Hamas terrorism, gun control, the US election, racism, … Not every discussion is easy and civil. There is a new couple emerging: Taylor, the patisseur and atheist, and mother Reshma.
I could go on - but hard core fans know by now that it‘s a good one. And if you don‘t know Hobbs yet, give it a go from the start.
I got an ARC. The review is voluntarily.
I love Elena Graf‘s Hobbs series: great older women, a tight community, a great take on contemporary events, the waxing and waning of relationships, serious topics - you name it, you got it. It‘s like living there and peeking into Hobbs.
We‘re in 2023 / 2024 and get a heavy dose of all the divisive-ness, no hot button is left out, to name a few the Hamas terrorism, gun control, the US election, racism, … Not every discussion is easy and civil. There is a new couple emerging: Taylor, the patisseur and atheist, and mother Reshma.
I could go on - but hard core fans know by now that it‘s a good one. And if you don‘t know Hobbs yet, give it a go from the start.
I got an ARC. The review is voluntarily.
March 10, 2025
Once again, we join the group in Hobbs, Maine, as they are still coming to terms with the mass shooting that happened 6 months ago. Since this is the 11th book in this series, all the characters feel like old friends and as such we are familiar with all the characters and there is even a new romance on the horizon in this book.
Liz is haunted by the event she was responsible for, and the other residents of Hobbs are still feeling the effects as well.
Lucy is thinking about expanding her singing career and there are other changes for others being hinted at.
After reading this book, it was a pleasure to be surrounded by the characters that had you feeling that you were part of the extended family.
I received an ARC from the author.
Liz is haunted by the event she was responsible for, and the other residents of Hobbs are still feeling the effects as well.
Lucy is thinking about expanding her singing career and there are other changes for others being hinted at.
After reading this book, it was a pleasure to be surrounded by the characters that had you feeling that you were part of the extended family.
I received an ARC from the author.
March 20, 2025
This author just keeps getting better
I have read every book in the Hobb’s series and the author’s ability to make one believe that they are part of the story is the hallmark of Elena’s writing. I rarely find books with lesbian characters that are more than ridiculous girl meets girl, goes to bed with girl and the couple breaks up, stories. This book and the entire series is intelligently written with experiences that are complex as well as those that are funny all of which one can relate to. The character studies reflect women in various situations and lifestyles that are relatable without being ridiculous. Can’t wait for the next book in the series.
I have read every book in the Hobb’s series and the author’s ability to make one believe that they are part of the story is the hallmark of Elena’s writing. I rarely find books with lesbian characters that are more than ridiculous girl meets girl, goes to bed with girl and the couple breaks up, stories. This book and the entire series is intelligently written with experiences that are complex as well as those that are funny all of which one can relate to. The character studies reflect women in various situations and lifestyles that are relatable without being ridiculous. Can’t wait for the next book in the series.
April 9, 2025
Rough Ride through the Rip Tide
Wow, Elena Graf writes an incredible story filled with very real and flawed characters. Definitely a story of "our times" but even more than that, it's a story of our lives. Like our lives the story sort of just pauses and that's the end of book #11. I hope there is another because I love these people.
You really would benefit from reading the whole Hobbs series, but there is still much to enjoy in this book if you haven't read them. Life just drops us into the middle of things sometimes.
Wow, Elena Graf writes an incredible story filled with very real and flawed characters. Definitely a story of "our times" but even more than that, it's a story of our lives. Like our lives the story sort of just pauses and that's the end of book #11. I hope there is another because I love these people.
You really would benefit from reading the whole Hobbs series, but there is still much to enjoy in this book if you haven't read them. Life just drops us into the middle of things sometimes.
March 13, 2025
Another great installment of the Hobbs series
Graf has done it again. This installment of the Hobbs series touches many social issues from domestic violence to sensible gun control, plus Romane sprinkled in. The book was enjoyable and well written. I recommend it as your next read.
Graf has done it again. This installment of the Hobbs series touches many social issues from domestic violence to sensible gun control, plus Romane sprinkled in. The book was enjoyable and well written. I recommend it as your next read.
July 9, 2025
fun read
I love these characters and the banter between Liz and Lucy is so good. I’m still not sure I trust Maggie but the last couple of pages sounds like her life is about to go in many different directions.
I love these characters and the banter between Liz and Lucy is so good. I’m still not sure I trust Maggie but the last couple of pages sounds like her life is about to go in many different directions.
February 22, 2025
Loved catching up with the Hobbs community, the good and the sad. An excellent review of worldwide affairs and the reactions of those affected.
April 13, 2025
While the Hobbs, Maine community remains torn by the shooting in the previous book, ‘Extended Capacity,’ our favourite characters return determined to heal and forge towards some semblance of peace. However, the political climate, both domestic and international, is making this more difficult. Issues such as gun control, domestic politics, the Gaza Strip, the plight of African refugees, and transgender rights have the potential to be polarising at the best of times. Still, when added to the trauma the community is already experiencing, everyone’s senses and sensibilities are in a heightened state. And so, emotions become involved, and opposing views are taken personally, creating rips in otherwise strong relationships. Elena Graf has captured this phenomena expertly in ‘Riptide’.
Graf, with the innate ability to guide the reader through each character’s reasoning, adds a whole new level of depth in Riptide that demands the reader become invested in their lives. With so many significant characters, each navigating their issues, as well as their relationships with each other, it takes a truly talented author to keep a tight rein on the story and stay on plot. In this, Graf succeeds. In fact, she succeeds so well that each character will stay with you long after the book has ended, as will the issues raised.
Graf, with the innate ability to guide the reader through each character’s reasoning, adds a whole new level of depth in Riptide that demands the reader become invested in their lives. With so many significant characters, each navigating their issues, as well as their relationships with each other, it takes a truly talented author to keep a tight rein on the story and stay on plot. In this, Graf succeeds. In fact, she succeeds so well that each character will stay with you long after the book has ended, as will the issues raised.
May 17, 2025
Another great book in the series. We know these characters so well now that they are all like real friends which means we really feel for them through all the ups and downs. Elena does an amazing job of showing you how things that you say or do can make such a large impact and change friendships that you would have thought were rock solid. There are a lot of politics and current affairs in this book and that can also cause a divide amongst the residents of Hobbs. Elena has threatened us that this is the last book in the series but she also said that when she wrote the previous one. I for one hope she changes her mind again as I enjoy catching up with old friends.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews