What do you think?
Rate this book
Tides of Honour
A novel of love, loss, and honour amidst the horrors of war and its aftermath.
It’s 1916, and the last thing Nova Scotian soldier Danny Baker expects to find in war-torn France is the love of his life. Audrey Poulin is alone in the world, and struggling to survive the war in the French countryside. When Audrey and Danny meet and fall in love, it seems like the best version of fate.
But love is only the beginning, as Danny loses a leg in the Battle of the Somme, and returns home to Halifax with Audrey, only to discover that he’s unable to leave the war behind. Danny and Audrey struggle with their new life together, and must face not only their own internal demons, but a catastrophe that will soon rip apart everything they think they know about themselves and each other.
Genevieve Graham, author of Under the Same Sky and Sound of the Heart, brings her passion for weaving history and fiction together in a seamless tale that will capture and enthrall the reader.
It’s 1916, and the last thing Nova Scotian soldier Danny Baker expects to find in war-torn France is the love of his life. Audrey Poulin is alone in the world, and struggling to survive the war in the French countryside. When Audrey and Danny meet and fall in love, it seems like the best version of fate.
But love is only the beginning, as Danny loses a leg in the Battle of the Somme, and returns home to Halifax with Audrey, only to discover that he’s unable to leave the war behind. Danny and Audrey struggle with their new life together, and must face not only their own internal demons, but a catastrophe that will soon rip apart everything they think they know about themselves and each other.
Genevieve Graham, author of Under the Same Sky and Sound of the Heart, brings her passion for weaving history and fiction together in a seamless tale that will capture and enthrall the reader.
432 pages, Paperback
First published April 1, 2015
39 people are currently reading
3336 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 247 reviews
May 24, 2015
If you have never read a Genevieve Graham book, what's wrong with you? Seriously, this author knows how to take her readers back into the past and it's a real gift. As a person who bursts with pride at hailing from the "Maritimes", I am very glad that Graham chose to a) speak about the life of a soldier in World War One, a war that our country is slowly beginning to ignore, and b) the devastating disaster of the Halifax explosion.
Graham packs an emotional punch right from the beginning with an injured Danny Baker returning to his parents in Nova Scotia. I swear after the first four chapters I had to stop and grab a Kleenex. Danny, is forced to re-adjust to civilian life although the horrors of what Danny saw in the war still haunt his dreams. I felt that Graham really paid careful to attention to the struggles soldiers had with what we now know as PTSD and also how alcoholism became a real coping mechanism.
In Audrey Poulin, our female protagonist, we see a young woman that was orphaned at a young age that grew up with grandparents that at times did not make her feel loved. Her brief encounter with Danny during his time in France and the letters they share are a testament to the love that they feel for each other. Graham also exposes us to the social issues of women desiring the vote and we see that Audrey is a product of that change. Something which will be a struggle for the traditional Danny. Travelling from England, to start a new life with her Canadian husband, Audrey is a representative of the legacy of how the war brides changed and shaped our early 20th century society.
The young couple is happy at first, but they begin to have their share of struggles and this was a difficult section to read. I did start to feel frustrated with both characters, but most especially with Audrey. Usually I love both the male and female protagonists in Genevieve Graham's stories, but I must confess that Audrey proved someone that I couldn't seem to connect to. I'm not quite certain that I like how easily Danny forgave her for some things that occurred later in the book. I'm quite certain that there will continue to be up and down struggles in the years to come.
I feel that the attention to the Halifax Explosion was beautifully researched and really captures the fear and the panic that enveloped the city in the days and months following the disaster. The beginning of the union movement was also an interesting twist which I would have liked to have a little bit more in the author's note regarding the history behind it all. Of course, this is a personal preference and I understand that authors do tend to be told how long their notes should be. Let's just chalk it down to I'm always thirsty for history.
I'm looking forward to where this author will take us next! Don't forget to check out her other books as well. Sound of the Heart, Somewhere to Dream, and Under the Same Sky. They're different than this book, but are real treats to delve into.
Graham packs an emotional punch right from the beginning with an injured Danny Baker returning to his parents in Nova Scotia. I swear after the first four chapters I had to stop and grab a Kleenex. Danny, is forced to re-adjust to civilian life although the horrors of what Danny saw in the war still haunt his dreams. I felt that Graham really paid careful to attention to the struggles soldiers had with what we now know as PTSD and also how alcoholism became a real coping mechanism.
In Audrey Poulin, our female protagonist, we see a young woman that was orphaned at a young age that grew up with grandparents that at times did not make her feel loved. Her brief encounter with Danny during his time in France and the letters they share are a testament to the love that they feel for each other. Graham also exposes us to the social issues of women desiring the vote and we see that Audrey is a product of that change. Something which will be a struggle for the traditional Danny. Travelling from England, to start a new life with her Canadian husband, Audrey is a representative of the legacy of how the war brides changed and shaped our early 20th century society.
The young couple is happy at first, but they begin to have their share of struggles and this was a difficult section to read. I did start to feel frustrated with both characters, but most especially with Audrey. Usually I love both the male and female protagonists in Genevieve Graham's stories, but I must confess that Audrey proved someone that I couldn't seem to connect to. I'm not quite certain that I like how easily Danny forgave her for some things that occurred later in the book. I'm quite certain that there will continue to be up and down struggles in the years to come.
I feel that the attention to the Halifax Explosion was beautifully researched and really captures the fear and the panic that enveloped the city in the days and months following the disaster. The beginning of the union movement was also an interesting twist which I would have liked to have a little bit more in the author's note regarding the history behind it all. Of course, this is a personal preference and I understand that authors do tend to be told how long their notes should be. Let's just chalk it down to I'm always thirsty for history.
I'm looking forward to where this author will take us next! Don't forget to check out her other books as well. Sound of the Heart, Somewhere to Dream, and Under the Same Sky. They're different than this book, but are real treats to delve into.
March 8, 2018
A broken down wagon, war-weary soldiers and romance set in the back drop of war in 1916. Daniel and Audrey connect instantly and communicate with one another through letters while he is off fighting in the war in France. They fall in love and he asks her to marry him. The two are hopeful until Daniel's injured and loses his leg. He doesn't think Audrey will want him anymore but she assures him that she loves him no matter what. Audrey's a brave young woman, naïve but refreshing. She moves overseas to marry a man she hardly knows other than through letters.
" You always make the pretty things ugly"
It's all fine in the beginning while they live with his parents but things begin turn when they move to Halifax for Daniel to find work. He's more withdrawn and becomes bitter because he feels he should be able to provide for Audrey as a man. She's determined not to give up on him. He resents her in a way because she's able to make money with her artwork and it eventually comes to a head in an argument that will change them both forever.
"How would he survive without the hope of her love flickering at the end of his tunnel."
It's sad that it took something explosive for Daniel to come out of himself and realize what he's done. He was mean, self-absorbed and jealous of Audrey's success but he is on point about a particular patron of hers. He's having regrets because he's afraid that moment will be the last one she will remember of him. Audrey is kind but she is gullible. She sees the good in people and that's wonderful but some people will take advantage of that. I had to remind myself that she was only 20 years old and though that doesn't excuse some things that happened to her and that she allowed to happen because she saw the red flags but mistook them for kindness. Pierre is a cold-calculating character that has had his eyes on Audrey from the beginning, he sees her as something to be possessed and she just doesn't see it.
Overall, this story broke my heart, mending it and made me feel so much for these two characters. I wish some things didn't happen the way they did but the world that Graham has built was so visually crafted it was like I could touch each moment. It gives a very detailed perspective on the aftermath of the war. This is a captivating historical romance set with the backdrop of war and told from the alternation viewpoints of Audrey and Daniel. It's about loss, love and hope but also it's about peace and redemption. I think anyone that likes romance with a historical aspect will enjoy this book.
Narration: Fajer Al-Kaisi does a great job of bringing Danny and Audrey to life. He pulled me into this world the moment he began to speak. His voice came through clear and clean with no distractions. He was able to give varied distinctions between the characters. I would listen to him narrate other books as well.
Original post on my blog
" You always make the pretty things ugly"
It's all fine in the beginning while they live with his parents but things begin turn when they move to Halifax for Daniel to find work. He's more withdrawn and becomes bitter because he feels he should be able to provide for Audrey as a man. She's determined not to give up on him. He resents her in a way because she's able to make money with her artwork and it eventually comes to a head in an argument that will change them both forever.
"How would he survive without the hope of her love flickering at the end of his tunnel."
It's sad that it took something explosive for Daniel to come out of himself and realize what he's done. He was mean, self-absorbed and jealous of Audrey's success but he is on point about a particular patron of hers. He's having regrets because he's afraid that moment will be the last one she will remember of him. Audrey is kind but she is gullible. She sees the good in people and that's wonderful but some people will take advantage of that. I had to remind myself that she was only 20 years old and though that doesn't excuse some things that happened to her and that she allowed to happen because she saw the red flags but mistook them for kindness. Pierre is a cold-calculating character that has had his eyes on Audrey from the beginning, he sees her as something to be possessed and she just doesn't see it.
Overall, this story broke my heart, mending it and made me feel so much for these two characters. I wish some things didn't happen the way they did but the world that Graham has built was so visually crafted it was like I could touch each moment. It gives a very detailed perspective on the aftermath of the war. This is a captivating historical romance set with the backdrop of war and told from the alternation viewpoints of Audrey and Daniel. It's about loss, love and hope but also it's about peace and redemption. I think anyone that likes romance with a historical aspect will enjoy this book.
Narration: Fajer Al-Kaisi does a great job of bringing Danny and Audrey to life. He pulled me into this world the moment he began to speak. His voice came through clear and clean with no distractions. He was able to give varied distinctions between the characters. I would listen to him narrate other books as well.
Original post on my blog
February 26, 2015
I received an ARC of this book through the GoodReads First Reads program.
I am so very torn about this book. First off, I have to say that I'm a sucker for anything involving Canada and The First World War. That is one of my favourite areas of history to study, and so I was super excited to read this novel. And there were a lot of things I liked about it! War bride? Yes, super interesting! A soldier that lost not only good friends, but his leg on the battlefield and now has to adjust to a completely different life at home than he thought he'd have? YES! This changed man and his new wife having to negotiate all of this together, only to be faced with another disaster in the form of the Halifax Explosion? GOOD LORD YES! All supremely interesting, and for the most part it is handled well, and quite realistically. Awesome! It was also obvious that the authour did a good amount of research for this novel, and that's a good thing.
There was a point towards the middle where I started to worry that this was heading in the kind of direction endemic to the Canadian literature one studies in high school, namely everything goes to crap and no one ends up happy, but it went elsewhere, which is another Very Good Thing. I was zooming through this book, and when I did manage to put it down to get something done, I still found myself thinking about the book while doing other things. A great sign.
But.
There's a tendency throughout this book to tell rather than show that is unfortunate, but ultimately that didn't bother me all that much. However, I was aware that it took away some impact on occasion. There were scenes that suddenly cropped up only as descriptions after the fact, scenes that would have done more for the plot and characters if they actually played out on the page, rather than just the characters separately musing on them later.
I definitely think it would have been great to get more sections from Audrey's POV, especially post-explosion. Because it's pretty obvious simply due to the genre and the amount of space left in the book at that point(a little less than half), I am considering it NOT a spoiler to say that Audrey survives, and using only Danny's POV for some time post-explosion results less in an "is she really dead?" tension than an impatience to see what she's doing. In my opinion, the tension of each character believing the other to be dead could have been just as effective, if not more so, if we saw their experiences concurrently. Instead, we get Audrey's experience through an infodump of a flashback that has much less of an impact than it could. If we were watching both storylines in alternating chapters, say, I think it would have been much more intense for the reader, in an "oh no, everything is going wrong, and when will they find out/will they find out before it's too late?" way.
However, those were all things that I could push by in favour to a good plot. Unfortunately, the plot that I was so enjoying fell apart completely for me in the final fifth of the book. To go into the reasons for this, I really do have to go into spoilers, so I'll put them behind a tag.
In unspoiled terms, suffice it to say, the narrative suddenly threw in a bunch of completely unnecessary and somewhat baffling junk that results in a rather sloppy and abrupt ending. For a book that I was enjoying so much, regardless of its other issues, the letdown of that final 70-odd pages was a huge disappointment. What would have been a four star unfortunately ends up as a very unhappily given two. And I'm really sad about that.
I am so very torn about this book. First off, I have to say that I'm a sucker for anything involving Canada and The First World War. That is one of my favourite areas of history to study, and so I was super excited to read this novel. And there were a lot of things I liked about it! War bride? Yes, super interesting! A soldier that lost not only good friends, but his leg on the battlefield and now has to adjust to a completely different life at home than he thought he'd have? YES! This changed man and his new wife having to negotiate all of this together, only to be faced with another disaster in the form of the Halifax Explosion? GOOD LORD YES! All supremely interesting, and for the most part it is handled well, and quite realistically. Awesome! It was also obvious that the authour did a good amount of research for this novel, and that's a good thing.
There was a point towards the middle where I started to worry that this was heading in the kind of direction endemic to the Canadian literature one studies in high school, namely everything goes to crap and no one ends up happy, but it went elsewhere, which is another Very Good Thing. I was zooming through this book, and when I did manage to put it down to get something done, I still found myself thinking about the book while doing other things. A great sign.
But.
There's a tendency throughout this book to tell rather than show that is unfortunate, but ultimately that didn't bother me all that much. However, I was aware that it took away some impact on occasion. There were scenes that suddenly cropped up only as descriptions after the fact, scenes that would have done more for the plot and characters if they actually played out on the page, rather than just the characters separately musing on them later.
I definitely think it would have been great to get more sections from Audrey's POV, especially post-explosion. Because it's pretty obvious simply due to the genre and the amount of space left in the book at that point(a little less than half), I am considering it NOT a spoiler to say that Audrey survives, and using only Danny's POV for some time post-explosion results less in an "is she really dead?" tension than an impatience to see what she's doing. In my opinion, the tension of each character believing the other to be dead could have been just as effective, if not more so, if we saw their experiences concurrently. Instead, we get Audrey's experience through an infodump of a flashback that has much less of an impact than it could. If we were watching both storylines in alternating chapters, say, I think it would have been much more intense for the reader, in an "oh no, everything is going wrong, and when will they find out/will they find out before it's too late?" way.
However, those were all things that I could push by in favour to a good plot. Unfortunately, the plot that I was so enjoying fell apart completely for me in the final fifth of the book. To go into the reasons for this, I really do have to go into spoilers, so I'll put them behind a tag.
In unspoiled terms, suffice it to say, the narrative suddenly threw in a bunch of completely unnecessary and somewhat baffling junk that results in a rather sloppy and abrupt ending. For a book that I was enjoying so much, regardless of its other issues, the letdown of that final 70-odd pages was a huge disappointment. What would have been a four star unfortunately ends up as a very unhappily given two. And I'm really sad about that.
June 30, 2016
4.5 stars
Oh how I love war time romances but I especially enjoy them when they are different.
This book is set in Canada during the Great War which is what immediately drew me in.
I haven’t read any books on the Great War set anywhere other than England or France so this book totally grabbed my attention.
This book had everything that I look for in a swoon worthy war romance…..a dashing hero, believable romance, overcome-able tragedy,character depth, and a strong historical background. The first thing that I loved about this book was the historical structure set up by the author.
In general I would think that most readers have a basic knowledge of the Great War, but this book goes into great historic detail…..not overwhelming or boring details, but necessary relevant details that contribute to the over all story. I didn’t really know how Canada fit into the Great War so I personally found the historic detail welcome.
The next thing that I appreciated about this book was two memorable and classic characters. Danny and Audrey had chemistry on each and every page. I found each of them to be intriguing and relate-able individually but when you bring them both together their chemistry both as romantic interests and individual characters is classic and captivating.
I especially loved how Graham portrayed Danny’s inner turmoil after the war. He clearly struggled with post war life and I could feel that conflict within his character very well. I loved Danny, it was easy to see what Audrey saw in him and their romance was one that I will continue to think about even after reading the book.
The issues they faced as a couple were spot on. Though there were times when I was like how are they going to make it thru this, there was never a time where I never felt like the odds were entirely against them. Each conflict or ‘problem’ was solvable as long as the characters choose to work at it so for me their ‘overcome-able tragedy’ was realistic and they handled it the best that they could. I loved that about this book.
The only thing that I had hoped the book would have explored slightly more were some of the movements like the labor movement. In the book, the labor movement was an important part of post war society and impacted their story, however it wasn’t addressed in the way I thought it deserved.
I would have liked to know a little more about that historic background, especially since the author did a great job of adding historical reference to the Great War and so many other aspects of the novel…..for me this part was lacking. Though in the grand scheme of things, it was a minor criticism.
This was a fantastic read…..heart wrenching, emotional, but also beautiful and entertaining. This is why I love war time romances…..this book packed a lot of punch for me.
There were a few minor things such as some more about the labor movement but on the whole I thought this was an outstanding choice, especially for summer reading. I would highly recommend this book to war romance fans as well as historical fiction fans a like! Well done!
See my full review here
Oh how I love war time romances but I especially enjoy them when they are different.
This book is set in Canada during the Great War which is what immediately drew me in.
I haven’t read any books on the Great War set anywhere other than England or France so this book totally grabbed my attention.
This book had everything that I look for in a swoon worthy war romance…..a dashing hero, believable romance, overcome-able tragedy,character depth, and a strong historical background. The first thing that I loved about this book was the historical structure set up by the author.
In general I would think that most readers have a basic knowledge of the Great War, but this book goes into great historic detail…..not overwhelming or boring details, but necessary relevant details that contribute to the over all story. I didn’t really know how Canada fit into the Great War so I personally found the historic detail welcome.
The next thing that I appreciated about this book was two memorable and classic characters. Danny and Audrey had chemistry on each and every page. I found each of them to be intriguing and relate-able individually but when you bring them both together their chemistry both as romantic interests and individual characters is classic and captivating.
I especially loved how Graham portrayed Danny’s inner turmoil after the war. He clearly struggled with post war life and I could feel that conflict within his character very well. I loved Danny, it was easy to see what Audrey saw in him and their romance was one that I will continue to think about even after reading the book.
The issues they faced as a couple were spot on. Though there were times when I was like how are they going to make it thru this, there was never a time where I never felt like the odds were entirely against them. Each conflict or ‘problem’ was solvable as long as the characters choose to work at it so for me their ‘overcome-able tragedy’ was realistic and they handled it the best that they could. I loved that about this book.
The only thing that I had hoped the book would have explored slightly more were some of the movements like the labor movement. In the book, the labor movement was an important part of post war society and impacted their story, however it wasn’t addressed in the way I thought it deserved.
I would have liked to know a little more about that historic background, especially since the author did a great job of adding historical reference to the Great War and so many other aspects of the novel…..for me this part was lacking. Though in the grand scheme of things, it was a minor criticism.
This was a fantastic read…..heart wrenching, emotional, but also beautiful and entertaining. This is why I love war time romances…..this book packed a lot of punch for me.
There were a few minor things such as some more about the labor movement but on the whole I thought this was an outstanding choice, especially for summer reading. I would highly recommend this book to war romance fans as well as historical fiction fans a like! Well done!
See my full review here
November 12, 2019
I think I would have prefered more on Danny's time in France while he was still fighting and less marital drama but it was a good story, I enjoyed it.
December 27, 2015
Too much telling and not enough showing in this historical fiction set in Nova Scotia.
The historical aspects of the novel were far more interesting than the love story between returning WWI soldier Danny Baker and Audrey, his British war bride. The Halifax Explosion was well done and I appreciated the added stories of how the city was rebuilt following the 1917 devastation.
The author touched on issues of the time, but did not flesh them out enough to raise this book above just an average read. I would have liked hearing more about the Suffragette and labour movements, explored the poverty and corruption angles along with the PTSD suffered by many returning soldiers.
Instead we get the male attitudes of the time. A woman's place is in the home and a man's job is to keep her there. The pity party Danny dwells in throughout the novel gets tiring. His switch from adoring husband to angry dock worker hints at PTSD but the personality shift was too quick in my opinion.
The historical aspects of the novel were far more interesting than the love story between returning WWI soldier Danny Baker and Audrey, his British war bride. The Halifax Explosion was well done and I appreciated the added stories of how the city was rebuilt following the 1917 devastation.
The author touched on issues of the time, but did not flesh them out enough to raise this book above just an average read. I would have liked hearing more about the Suffragette and labour movements, explored the poverty and corruption angles along with the PTSD suffered by many returning soldiers.
Instead we get the male attitudes of the time. A woman's place is in the home and a man's job is to keep her there. The pity party Danny dwells in throughout the novel gets tiring. His switch from adoring husband to angry dock worker hints at PTSD but the personality shift was too quick in my opinion.
February 1, 2018
From the fields of France to the shores of Nova Scotia, Graham captured the period and delivered a tale that will stay with you long after the audio ends. In Tides of Honour, she shares the story of Nova Scotian soldier Danny Baker as he traipses through France in the summer of 1916 and meets a young woman named Audrey Poulin. His troop holds up for the night in the barn of her grandmother's farm. Orphaned, Audry has spent the last ten years caring for her grandmother and the farm. The two feel a connection and begin a relationship through letters.
The story is told through the POVs of Danny and Audrey as their letter courtship grows. Graham takes us through their courtship, Danny's time in the trenches and eventually brings them both to the shores of Nova Scotia. Their fated romance faced obstacles as Danny carries the war with him and Audrey's passion for her art grows.
Graham made me weep, laugh, scowl in anger, and cry out in despair as I listened to Tides of Honour. Her ability to bring the period and characters to life through imagery and emotions created a timeless story with depth. I found myself caught up in the happenings and trials of the Baker family. I felt Danny's struggles as a man and provider as he battled the demons of war and faced down his fears of inadequacy. Graham has a firm grasp of PTSD, as well as the thoughts and expectations one faces. She allowed Danny to suffer, grow and ultimately heal.
Audrey is smart, bright, and a little insecure but I admired her strength and willingness to forgive. Graham doesn't go easy on Audrey, and at times I was angered by her actions and fears, but her story will make you ponder your action if you had to step into her shoes.
This was my first time listening to Fajer Al-Kaisi, and I felt his narration from the Irish lilt to the tone was brilliantly done. His pacing and tone allowed me to slip easily into the world and enhanced Graham's story. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
The story is told through the POVs of Danny and Audrey as their letter courtship grows. Graham takes us through their courtship, Danny's time in the trenches and eventually brings them both to the shores of Nova Scotia. Their fated romance faced obstacles as Danny carries the war with him and Audrey's passion for her art grows.
Graham made me weep, laugh, scowl in anger, and cry out in despair as I listened to Tides of Honour. Her ability to bring the period and characters to life through imagery and emotions created a timeless story with depth. I found myself caught up in the happenings and trials of the Baker family. I felt Danny's struggles as a man and provider as he battled the demons of war and faced down his fears of inadequacy. Graham has a firm grasp of PTSD, as well as the thoughts and expectations one faces. She allowed Danny to suffer, grow and ultimately heal.
Audrey is smart, bright, and a little insecure but I admired her strength and willingness to forgive. Graham doesn't go easy on Audrey, and at times I was angered by her actions and fears, but her story will make you ponder your action if you had to step into her shoes.
This was my first time listening to Fajer Al-Kaisi, and I felt his narration from the Irish lilt to the tone was brilliantly done. His pacing and tone allowed me to slip easily into the world and enhanced Graham's story. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
April 22, 2019
I guess when a couple is almost together at once then one should expect a bit of heartache along the way.
Danny met Audrey in French, in the midst of war. When he is sent home cos he lost his leg she follows. And then the real story begin. And that is what it was. It felt real.
Once he tells himself that he is luckier since he does not suffer from shell shock. But he clearly is not ok and he does have ptsd. Drinks too much, depressed (I mean he did loose a leg!), violent. Pushing way those who care. And yes I confess that there sure were times I did not like him when he was an idiot, but then it was not really him. It was war that had changed him and he tried to fight his demons but could not.
Since this is another time he also had trouble with his wife making money while he was useless.
So all credit goes to Audrey. She stands by him for better and for worse. It is not an easy life, but worry not, there is happiness at the end. And I am glad for it.
There was also this really interesting historic event woven into the story. The explosion in Halifax. I had no idea that it had happened. And at that scale! Mind blowing and horrible.
I enjoyed it. The ups and downs. The bitter reality of life.
Narrator
I have not listened to him before (I think). But I enjoyed his voice for women and men. He made it into a nice tale to listen at.
Danny met Audrey in French, in the midst of war. When he is sent home cos he lost his leg she follows. And then the real story begin. And that is what it was. It felt real.
Once he tells himself that he is luckier since he does not suffer from shell shock. But he clearly is not ok and he does have ptsd. Drinks too much, depressed (I mean he did loose a leg!), violent. Pushing way those who care. And yes I confess that there sure were times I did not like him when he was an idiot, but then it was not really him. It was war that had changed him and he tried to fight his demons but could not.
Since this is another time he also had trouble with his wife making money while he was useless.
So all credit goes to Audrey. She stands by him for better and for worse. It is not an easy life, but worry not, there is happiness at the end. And I am glad for it.
There was also this really interesting historic event woven into the story. The explosion in Halifax. I had no idea that it had happened. And at that scale! Mind blowing and horrible.
I enjoyed it. The ups and downs. The bitter reality of life.
Narrator
I have not listened to him before (I think). But I enjoyed his voice for women and men. He made it into a nice tale to listen at.
May 12, 2016
Okay, I’ll be honest – the reason I read romance? The sexy heroes. Everything else is secondary. Except emotion. There are very few authors I’ve read who have made me cry, laugh, or react in some other way through the emotional intensity in their books. I have just added Genevieve Graham to that list. Tides of Honor is all about duty, honor, tragedy, triumph, and, of course, love. She had me turning pages as fast as I could to find out what was next for Danny and Audrey as we travel along with them through their entire romantic and emotional life with World War I as their backdrop.
Danny is a simple man from Nova Scotia, but he’s in France fighting in a war that takes from every nation involved. His battalion is tired and hungry, looking for shelter before the coming storm with none in sight. Then they come upon a young lady and her grandmother, their wagon needing work, and as he gazes at this beauty, his world shifts. It’s the same for Audrey, and she invites the men to their farm for a warm meal and place to bunk for the night. I love those first new and slightly awkward but full-of-emotion scenes between Danny and Audrey. You can feel the sweet love take hold, while neither of them truly realizes what it is right at that moment. But Danny does promise to return for Audrey as soon as humanly possible.
What neither of them can imagine is that Danny’s life is about to change even further. He and his best buddies from home are hit by enemy fire, his friends killed and Danny losing his leg. So he’s then shipped home, where everything is now so different from what he knew before, people staring and not knowing what to say to the newly injured hometown boy. It’s even awkward with his parents, especially his father, Danny feeling he’s let his dad down, he’s not the man he should be in his father’s eyes. The scenes where he returns his friends’ last possessions to their families are wonderfully done. Truly a bygone era when mothers and fathers are so very happy to see a son of their heart, even though their sons are gone and buried.
As Danny tries to find a new normal, he awaits Audrey’s arrival. She’s had a time of it herself – her grandmother passes away, leaving Audrey on her own, heading for London with the memories of her mother who also left home on her own to live as she wished before dying so young. But she’s free of her grandmother’s judgment and on her way to Danny, though it will take a while before she can begin her journey. In the meantime, she works in factories and befriends a few ladies who are fighting for women’s right to vote. I enjoyed this look into the women’s suffrage movement, having only really seen it from a U.S. point of view. But women everywhere did go through the same prejudice and work to equal their rights, and Ms. Graham does an admiral job in describing how Canadian women progressed and persevered through the process. Audrey even uses her artistic skill to further their cause.
When Audrey finally makes it back into Danny’s arms, all is right with the world. They marry quickly and live in a room attached to his parents’ house that Danny himself built. It’s those small nuances that pull you further into the story and make you feel you’re part of these lives that live simply but happily with so very little. Slowly, however, Danny’s feelings of inadequacy become more pronounced and he moves them to Halifax where there’s work he’ll be able to handle, even with his disability. Audrey is hesitant to leave their idyllic life, but she goes where her husband goes. All does not go well for them in Halifax, to the point it seems they no longer know one another. Separation comes abruptly one night and Danny is now truly afloat in a morass of emotion he can’t contain. And if that’s not enough, their world literally explodes one bright and sunny day.
As I read those scenes when a ship explodes in the harbor at Halifax, killing hundreds – including scores of children – destroying everything near and damaging everything far, I kept wondering if those events were real. It’s a horrific tragedy and Ms. Graham does it justice in these scenes. I felt the impact of that day in every way possible as Danny helps those he can while he searches for Audrey and falls for three young orphaned brothers. He’s turned his life around after experiencing such devastation, and when he finally finds Audrey alive, there’s still the question of how strong their love is after so much strife and turmoil. I love the ending Ms. Graham gives them. Thankfully in such simpler times love can conquer all.
This is a beautifully heartwarming and romantic story in a time when hope and dreaming were in low supply. Danny and Audrey find each other by a fluke of fate, and the trials they go through will wrench your heart. If you’ve not read Genevieve Graham yet, please do so soon. Start with this one. I guarantee then you’ll want to read her Scottish historicals too.
See my complete review at http://www.goodbadandunread.com
Danny is a simple man from Nova Scotia, but he’s in France fighting in a war that takes from every nation involved. His battalion is tired and hungry, looking for shelter before the coming storm with none in sight. Then they come upon a young lady and her grandmother, their wagon needing work, and as he gazes at this beauty, his world shifts. It’s the same for Audrey, and she invites the men to their farm for a warm meal and place to bunk for the night. I love those first new and slightly awkward but full-of-emotion scenes between Danny and Audrey. You can feel the sweet love take hold, while neither of them truly realizes what it is right at that moment. But Danny does promise to return for Audrey as soon as humanly possible.
What neither of them can imagine is that Danny’s life is about to change even further. He and his best buddies from home are hit by enemy fire, his friends killed and Danny losing his leg. So he’s then shipped home, where everything is now so different from what he knew before, people staring and not knowing what to say to the newly injured hometown boy. It’s even awkward with his parents, especially his father, Danny feeling he’s let his dad down, he’s not the man he should be in his father’s eyes. The scenes where he returns his friends’ last possessions to their families are wonderfully done. Truly a bygone era when mothers and fathers are so very happy to see a son of their heart, even though their sons are gone and buried.
As Danny tries to find a new normal, he awaits Audrey’s arrival. She’s had a time of it herself – her grandmother passes away, leaving Audrey on her own, heading for London with the memories of her mother who also left home on her own to live as she wished before dying so young. But she’s free of her grandmother’s judgment and on her way to Danny, though it will take a while before she can begin her journey. In the meantime, she works in factories and befriends a few ladies who are fighting for women’s right to vote. I enjoyed this look into the women’s suffrage movement, having only really seen it from a U.S. point of view. But women everywhere did go through the same prejudice and work to equal their rights, and Ms. Graham does an admiral job in describing how Canadian women progressed and persevered through the process. Audrey even uses her artistic skill to further their cause.
When Audrey finally makes it back into Danny’s arms, all is right with the world. They marry quickly and live in a room attached to his parents’ house that Danny himself built. It’s those small nuances that pull you further into the story and make you feel you’re part of these lives that live simply but happily with so very little. Slowly, however, Danny’s feelings of inadequacy become more pronounced and he moves them to Halifax where there’s work he’ll be able to handle, even with his disability. Audrey is hesitant to leave their idyllic life, but she goes where her husband goes. All does not go well for them in Halifax, to the point it seems they no longer know one another. Separation comes abruptly one night and Danny is now truly afloat in a morass of emotion he can’t contain. And if that’s not enough, their world literally explodes one bright and sunny day.
As I read those scenes when a ship explodes in the harbor at Halifax, killing hundreds – including scores of children – destroying everything near and damaging everything far, I kept wondering if those events were real. It’s a horrific tragedy and Ms. Graham does it justice in these scenes. I felt the impact of that day in every way possible as Danny helps those he can while he searches for Audrey and falls for three young orphaned brothers. He’s turned his life around after experiencing such devastation, and when he finally finds Audrey alive, there’s still the question of how strong their love is after so much strife and turmoil. I love the ending Ms. Graham gives them. Thankfully in such simpler times love can conquer all.
This is a beautifully heartwarming and romantic story in a time when hope and dreaming were in low supply. Danny and Audrey find each other by a fluke of fate, and the trials they go through will wrench your heart. If you’ve not read Genevieve Graham yet, please do so soon. Start with this one. I guarantee then you’ll want to read her Scottish historicals too.
See my complete review at http://www.goodbadandunread.com
February 20, 2015
I received this for free from first reads. Awesome right? Right.
To be completely honest, I'm not even sure why I entered the giveaway but I sure as hell am glad that I did.
I've never really had an interest in history, and therefore never really had an interest in historical fiction, but this novel blew me away.
Amazing plot. Amazing characters. Amazing story.
I was a little wary to read this book because of the setting of the first world war (that's what I'm studying in history class right now and I am not enjoying it very much), but like every good historical fiction novel, that's just the setting, just a place for the story to take place.
I thoroughly enjoyed this novel through my lack of enthusiasm for historical fiction and already have two friends asking to borrow it lol.
To be completely honest, I'm not even sure why I entered the giveaway but I sure as hell am glad that I did.
I've never really had an interest in history, and therefore never really had an interest in historical fiction, but this novel blew me away.
Amazing plot. Amazing characters. Amazing story.
I was a little wary to read this book because of the setting of the first world war (that's what I'm studying in history class right now and I am not enjoying it very much), but like every good historical fiction novel, that's just the setting, just a place for the story to take place.
I thoroughly enjoyed this novel through my lack of enthusiasm for historical fiction and already have two friends asking to borrow it lol.
February 16, 2018
A war-torn and weary soldier, a woman who crosses an ocean to be with him, and a hard-fought, gritty story of love surviving so much. The deep-felt storytelling of the author paired with a new to me narrator bringing WWI era Canadian Maritime history to life made this a fabulous listening experience.
Tides of Honour is a standalone story of war, love, darkness, and healing. It's not an easy story to hear and brings to life the light and dark of this critical time in history. The first part of the story is told split narrative and split time line as it is in the present and then looks back to show how Danny and Audrey meet and then what became of them before they come together in Canada.
Most of this story swirls around the personal story of Danny and Audrey. Their romance is there, but its only the stepping off point as they have to work and suffer to keep it alive. Danny Baker, disillusioned, shell-shocked, amputee returns from the war with his pride in tatters and feeling less of a man when faced with his worried family and faithful young, and naive wife. Audrey Poulin married Daniel because she sees so much more in him than he does in himself after she is left to shift for herself in the world after her own painful past. He has to figure out what he will do with his future as he works the rough world of the Hallifax docks even as Audry has her artistic talent and dreams of something more. They have a strong love, but love is not enough when Danny is losing himself and Audrey must face her own temptation and struggles. The author wrote the pair of them with flaws and strengths and placed them in the crucible of war and disaster and personal darkness.
The historical backdrop was painted well whether it was the portions of Danny out on the battlefields of Europe, Audrey at a suffragette meeting in London, or the pair of them fighting to survive the explosion that rocked Halifax and played such a crucial role in the story. Danny and Audrey and the rest of the cast were people of their time so that the whole of this story wove together so well.
Fajer Al-Kaisi narrated Tides of Honour and did a wonderful job of a large cast of characters, emotions, and accents. I thought he caught a nice balance in how much emotion to portray especially when some scenes got very intense. I would definitely listen to more of his narration work.
So, all in all, this was a gripping, many times heartwrenching, but hopeful historical romance set against a dark time in history. I highly recommend it to those who like a strong historical foundation, authenticity in the plot and characters response to their situation, and a well-developed romance.
My thanks to the author for the opportunity to listen to this book in exchange for an honest review.
Tides of Honour is a standalone story of war, love, darkness, and healing. It's not an easy story to hear and brings to life the light and dark of this critical time in history. The first part of the story is told split narrative and split time line as it is in the present and then looks back to show how Danny and Audrey meet and then what became of them before they come together in Canada.
Most of this story swirls around the personal story of Danny and Audrey. Their romance is there, but its only the stepping off point as they have to work and suffer to keep it alive. Danny Baker, disillusioned, shell-shocked, amputee returns from the war with his pride in tatters and feeling less of a man when faced with his worried family and faithful young, and naive wife. Audrey Poulin married Daniel because she sees so much more in him than he does in himself after she is left to shift for herself in the world after her own painful past. He has to figure out what he will do with his future as he works the rough world of the Hallifax docks even as Audry has her artistic talent and dreams of something more. They have a strong love, but love is not enough when Danny is losing himself and Audrey must face her own temptation and struggles. The author wrote the pair of them with flaws and strengths and placed them in the crucible of war and disaster and personal darkness.
The historical backdrop was painted well whether it was the portions of Danny out on the battlefields of Europe, Audrey at a suffragette meeting in London, or the pair of them fighting to survive the explosion that rocked Halifax and played such a crucial role in the story. Danny and Audrey and the rest of the cast were people of their time so that the whole of this story wove together so well.
Fajer Al-Kaisi narrated Tides of Honour and did a wonderful job of a large cast of characters, emotions, and accents. I thought he caught a nice balance in how much emotion to portray especially when some scenes got very intense. I would definitely listen to more of his narration work.
So, all in all, this was a gripping, many times heartwrenching, but hopeful historical romance set against a dark time in history. I highly recommend it to those who like a strong historical foundation, authenticity in the plot and characters response to their situation, and a well-developed romance.
My thanks to the author for the opportunity to listen to this book in exchange for an honest review.
January 31, 2018
TIDES OF HONOUR
Genevieve Graham
Graham’s latest is a poignant, moving masterpiece of historical fiction, set during WWI both in the bloody trenches of France and Nova Scotia Canada it’s an epic tale of love, loss and hope. Told in the third person from the points of view of both the male and female lead protagonists, Danny and Audrey and with a matter of fact narrative this author weaves an exquisite tale that gives a voice to a piece of Canadian history, the Halifax Nova Scotia explosion of 1917, while showcasing important social issues of the time and telling a story that readers will find hard to put down. All her characters are willful and insightful but it’s the travails of Danny and Audrey that will evoke raw emotions. Fans of historical fiction, epic love stories and unforgettable characters will fall in love with this novel and I personally can’t wait to get my hands on another of her books.
Fajer Al-Kaisi is a new narrator to me and is unbelievably perfect for this story. His portrayal of Danny and Audrey is utter perfection and he handles all the other voices, accents and intonations brilliantly. His voice is articulate and mesmerizing and his emotion filled performance will bring tears.
SUMMARY:
Nova Scotia native Danny Baker along with his Canadian battalion are in France heading for the trenches when he meets a girl, falls in love as they correspond and asks her to marry him. Then war intrudes and Danny loses more than his two best friends, he loses his leg. Knowing he’s only half the man he used to be he doesn’t want his love to suffer being married to a cripple. She has other ideas but he knows the real battle will start when he gets home to his small fishing village.
As the Great War begins Audrey Poulin is living on a small family farm in the French countryside. She meets a Canadian soldier heading for the front and falls in love with him while exchanging letters. After learning of his severe injury and being sent home she’s determined to make her own way to be with him. She doesn’t know what to expect when she gets to him she only knows she has no choice but to take on what may be the biggest challenge of her life.
Genevieve Graham
Graham’s latest is a poignant, moving masterpiece of historical fiction, set during WWI both in the bloody trenches of France and Nova Scotia Canada it’s an epic tale of love, loss and hope. Told in the third person from the points of view of both the male and female lead protagonists, Danny and Audrey and with a matter of fact narrative this author weaves an exquisite tale that gives a voice to a piece of Canadian history, the Halifax Nova Scotia explosion of 1917, while showcasing important social issues of the time and telling a story that readers will find hard to put down. All her characters are willful and insightful but it’s the travails of Danny and Audrey that will evoke raw emotions. Fans of historical fiction, epic love stories and unforgettable characters will fall in love with this novel and I personally can’t wait to get my hands on another of her books.
Fajer Al-Kaisi is a new narrator to me and is unbelievably perfect for this story. His portrayal of Danny and Audrey is utter perfection and he handles all the other voices, accents and intonations brilliantly. His voice is articulate and mesmerizing and his emotion filled performance will bring tears.
SUMMARY:
Nova Scotia native Danny Baker along with his Canadian battalion are in France heading for the trenches when he meets a girl, falls in love as they correspond and asks her to marry him. Then war intrudes and Danny loses more than his two best friends, he loses his leg. Knowing he’s only half the man he used to be he doesn’t want his love to suffer being married to a cripple. She has other ideas but he knows the real battle will start when he gets home to his small fishing village.
As the Great War begins Audrey Poulin is living on a small family farm in the French countryside. She meets a Canadian soldier heading for the front and falls in love with him while exchanging letters. After learning of his severe injury and being sent home she’s determined to make her own way to be with him. She doesn’t know what to expect when she gets to him she only knows she has no choice but to take on what may be the biggest challenge of her life.
October 22, 2021
This is the first of a two-book series, although each of them stands alone. I read the second one first, Letters Across the Sea about a Nova Scotia family in the Second World War, and then decided to go back and read the first book, about the same family during the First World War. I think I liked this one even better. It is centred around the fate of a young guy who loses his leg in France and comes home to experience another shattering event, the Halifax Explosion of 1917. The author does a marvellous job of bringing this little-known incident to life. She also describes very movingly the effects of post-traumatic stress disorder on the innocent young guys who travelled to Europe without the faintest idea of what horrors were in store for them. Her motto, very appropriately, is "Breathing Life Into History, One Story at a Time" and she is doing a great job.
April 25, 2017
This romance takes place during WWI, primarily in Nova Scotia, between Jeddore in the Eastern Shore and in Hailfax at the time of the Halifax Explosion in 1917 so I particularly identified with it. I enjoy reading books set where I live involving the history of Halifax and the Explosion has always fascinated me. The author has done very good research into the events, what happened to people and how some of them survived.
Danny meets Audrey in France during the war and it's love at first sight. They only have a brief time together but keep in touch. Danny is severely injured and loses part of his leg and is sent home but Audrey pledges her continuing love. She eventually moves to London, gets a job in a munitions factory and sails to Nova Scotia to be Danny's bride where they start married life in a room in his parents' house in Jeddore, a small fishing village. Danny's injury and post traumatic stress have had an emotional impact. His self esteem and pride have taken a beating and in that day and age, if a man can't support his family and has to rely on his wife, it means he's a Bad Husband. They move to Halifax where he can find work that he can do with his disability and it all gets worse from there when Danny becomes even more moody and starts drinking heavily. They find themselves apart on the morning of the explosion and we don't find out for sure if she's died or not but this being a romance, you can be pretty sure she's alive somewhere.
As in most romances there is plenty of angst, diagreements, miscommunication, self sacrificial deeds and redemption before it's all wrapped up. I liked the characters even when Danny wasn't very nice though I do think the plot was wrapped up kind of quickly in the end. Although the story gets told from the point of view of both Danny and Audrey, after the explosion we only get Danny's side, to keep the suspense of whether Audrey is alive or not, I suppose, but why bother at all if she wasn't? They could have ended the book a lot earlier if that was the case so I was pretty sure she was ok in the end.
It is a well written book with a background topic I really enjoyed. They touch on the emergence of unions and the Suffragette movement and it would have been nice to get a bit more about that.
Danny meets Audrey in France during the war and it's love at first sight. They only have a brief time together but keep in touch. Danny is severely injured and loses part of his leg and is sent home but Audrey pledges her continuing love. She eventually moves to London, gets a job in a munitions factory and sails to Nova Scotia to be Danny's bride where they start married life in a room in his parents' house in Jeddore, a small fishing village. Danny's injury and post traumatic stress have had an emotional impact. His self esteem and pride have taken a beating and in that day and age, if a man can't support his family and has to rely on his wife, it means he's a Bad Husband. They move to Halifax where he can find work that he can do with his disability and it all gets worse from there when Danny becomes even more moody and starts drinking heavily. They find themselves apart on the morning of the explosion and we don't find out for sure if she's died or not but this being a romance, you can be pretty sure she's alive somewhere.
As in most romances there is plenty of angst, diagreements, miscommunication, self sacrificial deeds and redemption before it's all wrapped up. I liked the characters even when Danny wasn't very nice though I do think the plot was wrapped up kind of quickly in the end. Although the story gets told from the point of view of both Danny and Audrey, after the explosion we only get Danny's side, to keep the suspense of whether Audrey is alive or not, I suppose, but why bother at all if she wasn't? They could have ended the book a lot earlier if that was the case so I was pretty sure she was ok in the end.
It is a well written book with a background topic I really enjoyed. They touch on the emergence of unions and the Suffragette movement and it would have been nice to get a bit more about that.
April 7, 2015
I loved this book. didn't know much about the Halifax Explosion but had heard about it. this story was emotional but filled also with laughter. I loaned the ARC that I had after I read it to my friend and she loved it and her husband , who is originally from Nova Scotia, read it also and really liked it. I would definitely recommend it to people to read as it gives an incite to some of our Canadian history in the World War I- how difficult it was for our young men over in Europe , the hardships they faced upon returning to Canada at the end of the war, and also the effects of the Halifax Explosion that most Canadians don't even know happened.
September 17, 2023
*3.5 stars. This started so strong, I was loving it. But then it turned into a story all about dealing with PTSD & adoption, with very little historical detail. This could’ve easily been a contemporary romance, I forgot it was set during WW1 many times. I still enjoyed it, but I’m sad it wasn’t better after Bluebird being my favorite book of last year.
May 17, 2018
This is a story of the horror of WW1 and a chance meeting of a soldier, Danny Baker, who meets the love of his life in France. Audrey Poulin is an English girl living in the French countryside with her harsh grandmother. Audrey and Danny write many letters during the war and realize they want a life together.
I seldom read romance novels, even historic ones, but had read Come From Away and enjoyed it very much. I wanted to know more about the Baker family of East Jeddore, Nova Scotia. Come From Away told the story of Audrey’s and Danny’s grown children during WW11.
Audrey comes to East Jeddore after the war and they marry. Danny’s family love her and she is very happy in the fishing village and her new life. Danny has lost a leg during the Battle of Somme and is discouraged that there are things he can no longer do to provide. Circumstances take them to Halifax. Danny works as a labourer on the docks while Audrey is gaining fame and and money for her art work amongst local people of wealth. Danny has flashbacks of the war and friends he lost in the battle and is depressed about his loss of his leg which prevented him from a decent livelihood in East Jeddore.and now is bringing home less income than his wife. He is jealous of Audrey as she moves into the wealthy circles and the suffragette movement. He becomes cruel and resentful of her and is drinking heavily. The marriage disintegrates. She misses their happy life back in the fishing village.
Things change during the Halifax Explosion, which is vividly told. I have read non-fiction books on the Halifax explosion, but this was so well described that it made it much more real for me. The author paints such a strong picture of the unimaginable death and destruction in Halifax as if I were witnessing the event.
.
The dialogue seems accurate for the era, and there is a strong sense of place in allowing the reader to picture both Halifax and the south shore of Nova Scotian villages. The characters seemed very real to me. This is a story of the trauma of war, love, loss, forgiveness, resilience and the ability to create a new life after horrifying experiences.
I seldom read romance novels, even historic ones, but had read Come From Away and enjoyed it very much. I wanted to know more about the Baker family of East Jeddore, Nova Scotia. Come From Away told the story of Audrey’s and Danny’s grown children during WW11.
Audrey comes to East Jeddore after the war and they marry. Danny’s family love her and she is very happy in the fishing village and her new life. Danny has lost a leg during the Battle of Somme and is discouraged that there are things he can no longer do to provide. Circumstances take them to Halifax. Danny works as a labourer on the docks while Audrey is gaining fame and and money for her art work amongst local people of wealth. Danny has flashbacks of the war and friends he lost in the battle and is depressed about his loss of his leg which prevented him from a decent livelihood in East Jeddore.and now is bringing home less income than his wife. He is jealous of Audrey as she moves into the wealthy circles and the suffragette movement. He becomes cruel and resentful of her and is drinking heavily. The marriage disintegrates. She misses their happy life back in the fishing village.
Things change during the Halifax Explosion, which is vividly told. I have read non-fiction books on the Halifax explosion, but this was so well described that it made it much more real for me. The author paints such a strong picture of the unimaginable death and destruction in Halifax as if I were witnessing the event.
.
The dialogue seems accurate for the era, and there is a strong sense of place in allowing the reader to picture both Halifax and the south shore of Nova Scotian villages. The characters seemed very real to me. This is a story of the trauma of war, love, loss, forgiveness, resilience and the ability to create a new life after horrifying experiences.
May 13, 2016
This book, there is so much to say and I fear that my review of it will not say enough. The story of the ages comes in the form of Danny and Audrey and an event that actually happened on the Halifax Harbour in December of 1917. It killed 1600 people. The story starts off in the middle of the first world war and trails through one of the most significant pieces of Canadian History. While Danny and Audrey learn how to be a husband and wife, her a war bride he met in France while on a tour of duty fighting the first world war on the front lines. They go through some trials, Danny has PTSD and is at a loss of how to deal with being sent home less of a man than he went. He has lost his leg in the war and is unable to finish what he thought was his duty. Then comes the Halifax Harbour Explosion, lies and deceit from prominent members of society and the chance to rebuild their relationship. Over all this book was an amazing testiment to how people lived in the time and how they faced their trials head on. I would definitely recommend this book. I recieved his book for review from Simon & Schuster Canada in exchange for an honest review.
March 7, 2021
This is a well written story , very emotional , very real human characters , covers deep issues such as PTSD in soldiers from WW1 , before it was really talked about , a great love story as well , very intense yet inspiring as well
April 22, 2015
Find this and other reviews at Ramblings of a Daydreamer.
It’s no secret I love historic fiction. Books dealing with war aren’t my favourite, but the fact that Genevieve Graham is Canadian and this book has a Canadian setting (which is unfortunately rare) intrigued me. Tides of Honour was emotional, powerful, and heartbreaking. It was an epic love story, but it was also so much more than that.
When Danny returns to Nova Scotia after being injured during WWI, he’s haunted by the war and missing part of one leg. His emotional and psychological scars, like many soldiers, are as painful as his physical ones. Life is the same, and yet completely different than when he left home two years ago. His brothers are growing up, his family treats him differently, and there are so many things he could once do that are no longer possible because of his injury. I liked Danny a lot - he was complex and had a lot of depth. His struggles, both physically and mentally, were very real. I kept tearing up at his descriptions in the first few chapters, and I found it easy to connect with him.
With so many changes and so much pain in his life, the thought of Audrey coming from France to Canada to be his wife kept Danny going. I really liked these two together. They had an instant connection, one that remained through the time and distance that separated them. They were one of those couples that seemed meant to be, and I rooted for them throughout the course of the book. The struggles they experienced, both together and separately, taught them a lot and made them grow. Life threw a lot of obstacles in their way, things that many people wouldn’t be able to overcome, but they were strong and persistent, and they fought through everything that came their way.
Tides of Honour wasn’t always easy to read in terms of content. Parts of the book got quite dark, and a lot of the scenes after the Halifax Explosion were pretty gruesome and disturbing, plus just utterly heartbreaking. And yet the story was so compelling and the setting so vivid, I had trouble putting this book down. Normally a book that’s 400+ pages would tell me close to a week (or more) to read, but I managed to read Tides of Honour in three evenings. I don’t remember learning about the Halifax Explosion in school, so I found it interesting (and completely horrifying and heart-wrenching), and it was obvious Ms Graham had done a lot of research, not only with that, but also with the aspects of the war we saw through Danny’s memories, flashbacks, etc.
Clearly I thoroughly enjoyed this book. So why only four stars? Parts of it (especially the parts from Audrey’s perspective) kind of dragged. It got repetitive at times, going over the same information over and over (like how Audrey had come from living with her mother in England to living with her cold, unfeeling grandmere in France). And while I thought the sentiment of the ending was nice and I was mostly satisfied, it felt a bit rushed. There were also parts that seemed unrealistic, with one thing in particular that really bothered me and seemed completely unnecessary and left a bad taste in my mouth. There were also times when the timeline seemed a bit off, like it felt like quite a bit of time had passed, but it would only be a day or a week or something. It felt a bit discombobulated.
Tides of Honour is an intense and compelling read about perseverance, hope, faith, love, and family, set against a Canadian backdrop that comes alive on the page. I felt a wide range of emotions while reading this story about timeless love and survival. I won a copy of Ms Graham’s Under the Same Sky from a Canadian reading challenge last year, and after reading Tides of Honour, I’ll be bumping it up on my reading list, and I’ll be eager to see what she writes next.
It’s no secret I love historic fiction. Books dealing with war aren’t my favourite, but the fact that Genevieve Graham is Canadian and this book has a Canadian setting (which is unfortunately rare) intrigued me. Tides of Honour was emotional, powerful, and heartbreaking. It was an epic love story, but it was also so much more than that.
When Danny returns to Nova Scotia after being injured during WWI, he’s haunted by the war and missing part of one leg. His emotional and psychological scars, like many soldiers, are as painful as his physical ones. Life is the same, and yet completely different than when he left home two years ago. His brothers are growing up, his family treats him differently, and there are so many things he could once do that are no longer possible because of his injury. I liked Danny a lot - he was complex and had a lot of depth. His struggles, both physically and mentally, were very real. I kept tearing up at his descriptions in the first few chapters, and I found it easy to connect with him.
With so many changes and so much pain in his life, the thought of Audrey coming from France to Canada to be his wife kept Danny going. I really liked these two together. They had an instant connection, one that remained through the time and distance that separated them. They were one of those couples that seemed meant to be, and I rooted for them throughout the course of the book. The struggles they experienced, both together and separately, taught them a lot and made them grow. Life threw a lot of obstacles in their way, things that many people wouldn’t be able to overcome, but they were strong and persistent, and they fought through everything that came their way.
Tides of Honour wasn’t always easy to read in terms of content. Parts of the book got quite dark, and a lot of the scenes after the Halifax Explosion were pretty gruesome and disturbing, plus just utterly heartbreaking. And yet the story was so compelling and the setting so vivid, I had trouble putting this book down. Normally a book that’s 400+ pages would tell me close to a week (or more) to read, but I managed to read Tides of Honour in three evenings. I don’t remember learning about the Halifax Explosion in school, so I found it interesting (and completely horrifying and heart-wrenching), and it was obvious Ms Graham had done a lot of research, not only with that, but also with the aspects of the war we saw through Danny’s memories, flashbacks, etc.
Clearly I thoroughly enjoyed this book. So why only four stars? Parts of it (especially the parts from Audrey’s perspective) kind of dragged. It got repetitive at times, going over the same information over and over (like how Audrey had come from living with her mother in England to living with her cold, unfeeling grandmere in France). And while I thought the sentiment of the ending was nice and I was mostly satisfied, it felt a bit rushed. There were also parts that seemed unrealistic, with one thing in particular that really bothered me and seemed completely unnecessary and left a bad taste in my mouth. There were also times when the timeline seemed a bit off, like it felt like quite a bit of time had passed, but it would only be a day or a week or something. It felt a bit discombobulated.
Tides of Honour is an intense and compelling read about perseverance, hope, faith, love, and family, set against a Canadian backdrop that comes alive on the page. I felt a wide range of emotions while reading this story about timeless love and survival. I won a copy of Ms Graham’s Under the Same Sky from a Canadian reading challenge last year, and after reading Tides of Honour, I’ll be bumping it up on my reading list, and I’ll be eager to see what she writes next.
June 11, 2018
3.5/5 Ahh, historical fiction in times of war - a favourite of mine. The tagline on the cover of Genevieve Graham's new book Tides of Honour made this a must read for me - "Halifax 1917 - Love in a Time of War. Canadian historical fiction!
Tides of Honour opens in 1916 with Danny Baker returning home from WWI to the small fishing outport of East Jeddore, Nova Scotia - minus a leg. While in France, Danny had met a young woman named Audrey. Both smitten, they had struck up a written correspondence that sustained them both through troubled times. They plan to marry when the war is over, but with the loss of his leg, Danny tries to end it. Tides of Honour is told from both Danny and Audrey's perspective, with both protagonists having their own chapters.
Graham has woven a lovely historical piece around war, the aftermath and it's effect on individuals, communities and society. The Halifax Explosion is part of history every Canadian should know about and Graham depicts it very well. But, it is romance that is at the heart of this novel. Graham hits all the right notes for a love story - love found, love lost, barriers (social, mental, physical and there's a well drawn antagonist it's impossible not to dislike) and a rocky path to resolution. I became caught up in Danny and Audrey's story - hoping for a happy ending. I did find that there were perhaps one too many 'push me, pull me, yes or no moments' near the end of the novel. And, I question a plot point involving Audrey, given her interest and support of the Suffragette movement. But that aside, I was caught up in their story from start to finish.
I loved the setting - I've traveled to Nova Scotia and visited both Halifax and the area around Jeddore. Graham did a wonderful job bringing these locations to life - I was able to easily envision them. The easy community, friendliness and perseverance of the Nova Scotians is just as well portrayed through the supporting players. Graham herself makes her home on the island - her first hand view shows in her work.
Tides of Honour is an easy, enjoyable read perfect for the back porch after dinner.
Tides of Honour opens in 1916 with Danny Baker returning home from WWI to the small fishing outport of East Jeddore, Nova Scotia - minus a leg. While in France, Danny had met a young woman named Audrey. Both smitten, they had struck up a written correspondence that sustained them both through troubled times. They plan to marry when the war is over, but with the loss of his leg, Danny tries to end it. Tides of Honour is told from both Danny and Audrey's perspective, with both protagonists having their own chapters.
Graham has woven a lovely historical piece around war, the aftermath and it's effect on individuals, communities and society. The Halifax Explosion is part of history every Canadian should know about and Graham depicts it very well. But, it is romance that is at the heart of this novel. Graham hits all the right notes for a love story - love found, love lost, barriers (social, mental, physical and there's a well drawn antagonist it's impossible not to dislike) and a rocky path to resolution. I became caught up in Danny and Audrey's story - hoping for a happy ending. I did find that there were perhaps one too many 'push me, pull me, yes or no moments' near the end of the novel. And, I question a plot point involving Audrey, given her interest and support of the Suffragette movement. But that aside, I was caught up in their story from start to finish.
I loved the setting - I've traveled to Nova Scotia and visited both Halifax and the area around Jeddore. Graham did a wonderful job bringing these locations to life - I was able to easily envision them. The easy community, friendliness and perseverance of the Nova Scotians is just as well portrayed through the supporting players. Graham herself makes her home on the island - her first hand view shows in her work.
Tides of Honour is an easy, enjoyable read perfect for the back porch after dinner.
April 14, 2016
4.5 stars. "Tides of Honour" is the story of Danny, a soldier from Canada, meets the love of his life in war torn France during WWI. He dreams of spending the rest of his life with Audrey, a beautiful Englishwoman. When he's sent home with injuries, he's hoping to bring Audrey home with him. Little do both of them know that their lives in Halifax will be chaotic and heartwrenching. With great historical detail and a lot of swoonworthy romance, Graham creates a memorable romance that I will be thinking about for a very, very long time!
The romance in the book is fantastic. The author creates two really realistic characters that I rooted for throughout the book. I loved all of the little details in the book. Neither Danny nor Audrey are perfect and it's their imperfections that really endeared me to them. Danny has a lot of trouble reintegrating himself back into society after he comes home. He's injured and all of the planning he did on what he would do when he came home has to change due to his injuries. I really thought the author did a great job of capturing all of Danny's internal turmoil. Audrey is an artist and begins to make a living painting for others. The push and pull between Danny and Audrey as Audrey begins to do more to to support the family was so interesting. You are still pulling for both of them in both cases!
I love historical fiction because it can teach me something new! This book introduced me to a new historical event - there was a huge explosion in Halifax due to two ships crashing into each other - one was loaded with explosives. It decimates much of the city and kills so many people. I had no idea that this had happen. The explosion almost becomes another character in the book with the way that it drives the action in the latter half of the book. This adds a very interesting and often heartwrenching element to the book that had me holding on to my seat.
Overall, this was a great pick. It had so many elements of what I like in a book: great characters, good pacing, romance, action, lots of historical detail.... the list goes on!
The romance in the book is fantastic. The author creates two really realistic characters that I rooted for throughout the book. I loved all of the little details in the book. Neither Danny nor Audrey are perfect and it's their imperfections that really endeared me to them. Danny has a lot of trouble reintegrating himself back into society after he comes home. He's injured and all of the planning he did on what he would do when he came home has to change due to his injuries. I really thought the author did a great job of capturing all of Danny's internal turmoil. Audrey is an artist and begins to make a living painting for others. The push and pull between Danny and Audrey as Audrey begins to do more to to support the family was so interesting. You are still pulling for both of them in both cases!
I love historical fiction because it can teach me something new! This book introduced me to a new historical event - there was a huge explosion in Halifax due to two ships crashing into each other - one was loaded with explosives. It decimates much of the city and kills so many people. I had no idea that this had happen. The explosion almost becomes another character in the book with the way that it drives the action in the latter half of the book. This adds a very interesting and often heartwrenching element to the book that had me holding on to my seat.
Overall, this was a great pick. It had so many elements of what I like in a book: great characters, good pacing, romance, action, lots of historical detail.... the list goes on!
August 28, 2018
Tides of Honour - No Spoilers - 3.5/5
.
.
Historical fiction is something I'm very interested in as a reader though I haven't read much from Canada's involvement, nor much centered around WWI. So when I was approached to listen to this novel in exchange for a review I was elated. Not only was I trying my first audio book but it was by a Canadian author and in one of my favourite genres. Sidenote: I'm trying to not let the medium affect my rating but I will admit I far prefer physical and ebooks. Not having something tangible in my hand left me with this odd loss of control feeling. But that's not the story's fault.
.
There are a lot of elements touched on in Tides of Honour: love, PTSD, war, the Halifax explosion and more. I was drawn in right away to Danny's story, returning from war missing a limb and unsure of his place in life and in love as he was uncertain how his significant other would cope.
.
I do feel like there might have been too much put in, which for me had the last quarter of the book feeling rushed. But I was entertained, educated (I recall learning about the Halifax Explosion in school but it was ages ago and not explored deeply) and that's what I look for in a book.
.
All-in-all a good solid read. I would recommend this to fans of Dear John, The Nightingale and Those Who Save Us.
.
.
Historical fiction is something I'm very interested in as a reader though I haven't read much from Canada's involvement, nor much centered around WWI. So when I was approached to listen to this novel in exchange for a review I was elated. Not only was I trying my first audio book but it was by a Canadian author and in one of my favourite genres. Sidenote: I'm trying to not let the medium affect my rating but I will admit I far prefer physical and ebooks. Not having something tangible in my hand left me with this odd loss of control feeling. But that's not the story's fault.
.
There are a lot of elements touched on in Tides of Honour: love, PTSD, war, the Halifax explosion and more. I was drawn in right away to Danny's story, returning from war missing a limb and unsure of his place in life and in love as he was uncertain how his significant other would cope.
.
I do feel like there might have been too much put in, which for me had the last quarter of the book feeling rushed. But I was entertained, educated (I recall learning about the Halifax Explosion in school but it was ages ago and not explored deeply) and that's what I look for in a book.
.
All-in-all a good solid read. I would recommend this to fans of Dear John, The Nightingale and Those Who Save Us.
November 23, 2018
I had this as one star, but changed it to two because it is about the Halifax explosion and I appreciate that this event is not written about very often. That’s where my appreciation ends. I just found so many things unbelievable in this book. Danny and Audrey fell deeply in love based on a couple hour conversation? Audrey never gave her name at the hospital when she was in there? She never checked the lists for Danny even though he was the love of her life? Then I just couldn’t keep up with Danny’s emotions. One minute he tells her he forgives her for getting pregnant and literally a few pages later he is making sarcastic comments about it and completely making her feel awful about it.... and I just couldn’t get over how much he “wanted to be a man.” He had to go get Antoine beat up in jail because he wanted to prove himself as a man? Ugh 🤢 Then their relationship was forgiving each other one minute and then completely losing trust with each other the next. Sorry, but this book just wasn’t for me!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 8, 2016
An improbable meeting leads to a wonderfully warm love story. Danny is a Canadian soldier in France during WWI; Audrey is caring for her aged grandmother on a desolate farm in the French countryside. When Audrey's wagon loses its wheel on the rocky road home one afternoon, and a group of soldiers stops to see if they can be of some assistance, and Danny's eyes meet Audrey's, this unlikely romance takes off.
It's almost a Cinderella tale, until, just about the middle of the book, when a monstrous and unexpected explosion threatens to destroy their very lives. A little predictable at times, but a thoroughly enjoyable read nonetheless.
Based on the true story of an explosion in Halifax harbor on December 6, 1917, this is a breathtaking journey through love and deceit and remorse and wonder and friendship, and love that never gives up.
Pub date 04/21/16 I read this DARC courtesy of Edelweiss and the publisher, Simon and Schuster.
It's almost a Cinderella tale, until, just about the middle of the book, when a monstrous and unexpected explosion threatens to destroy their very lives. A little predictable at times, but a thoroughly enjoyable read nonetheless.
Based on the true story of an explosion in Halifax harbor on December 6, 1917, this is a breathtaking journey through love and deceit and remorse and wonder and friendship, and love that never gives up.
Pub date 04/21/16 I read this DARC courtesy of Edelweiss and the publisher, Simon and Schuster.
March 2, 2015
I consider myself very fortunate to have won an advanced copy of this book. I have to admit, I knew very little about the Halifax Explosion in 1917, and I thank the author for educating me. The book itself was one of those books I just wanted to fly through and read until the wee hours of the morning. Conversely, I wanted to read each and every word, and live with the characters and their story for awhile. I have never read any of Genevieve Grahams' books before, but before I was half done "Tides of Honour" I had made a book loan request at my public library to read "Under the Same Sky". I think I have found a very talented author, and I look forward to reading more from her. I only have one question for Ms. Graham, and that is "Can she please write a sequel to Tides of Honour" ? I highly recommend this book !
December 4, 2015
I have not had this much emotion for a fictional story in a long time. This book made me smile (and laugh once or twice), it gave me chills and goosebumps and it made me cry more than once. I felt parts of it were dragged out but everything comes together knitting a beautiful tale of love and loss. I forget where in the book he says it, but when Danny said the loss of Audrey drained all the color from his world so he saw in blacks and greys I nearly died it was so poetic.
August 13, 2015
I was pleasantly surprised by this book - I didn't really enjoy her previous (romance) novels, but historical fiction with added romance is my jam. Ms. Graham did an extraordinary amount of research for this, and it shows. The characters are incredibly relatable, and I got so involved in their stories that I ended up in tears a few times.
Phenomenal piece of Canadian fiction.
Phenomenal piece of Canadian fiction.
December 19, 2022
I really enjoyed this story. I wholeheartedly recommend it. It's a historical adventure which touches on WWI, love, and family and how to live through tragedy. I lived in Halifax and was touched by Genevieve Graham's rendition of the Halifax explosion. I didn't want the story to end.
June 30, 2018
TIDES OF HONOUR
Genevieve Graham
Graham’s latest is a poignant, moving masterpiece of historical fiction, set during WWI both in the bloody trenches of France and Nova Scotia Canada it’s an epic tale of love, loss and hope. Told in the third person from the points of view of both the male and female lead protagonists, Danny and Audrey and with a matter of fact narrative this author weaves an exquisite tale that gives a voice to a piece of Canadian history, the Halifax Nova Scotia explosion of 1917, while showcasing important social issues of the time and telling a story that readers will find hard to put down. All her characters are willful and insightful but it’s the travails of Danny and Audrey that will evoke raw emotions. Fans of historical fiction, epic love stories and unforgettable characters will fall in love with this novel and I personally can’t wait to get my hands on another of her books.
Fajer Al-Kaisi is a new narrator to me and is unbelievably perfect for this story. His portrayal of Danny and Audrey is utter perfection and he handles all the other voices, accents and intonations brilliantly. His voice is articulate and mesmerizing and his emotion filled performance will bring tears.
SUMMARY:
Nova Scotia native Danny Baker along with his Canadian battalion are in France heading for the trenches when he meets a girl, falls in love as they correspond and asks her to marry him. Then war intrudes and Danny loses more than his two best friends, he loses his leg. Knowing he’s only half the man he used to be he doesn’t want his love to suffer being married to a cripple. She has other ideas but he knows the real battle will start when he gets home to his small fishing village.
As the Great War begins Audrey Poulin is living on a small family farm in the French countryside. She meets a Canadian soldier heading for the front and falls in love with him while exchanging letters. After learning of his severe injury and being sent home she’s determined to make her own way to be with him. She doesn’t know what to expect when she gets to him she only knows she has no choice but to take on what may be the biggest challenge of her life.
Genevieve Graham
Graham’s latest is a poignant, moving masterpiece of historical fiction, set during WWI both in the bloody trenches of France and Nova Scotia Canada it’s an epic tale of love, loss and hope. Told in the third person from the points of view of both the male and female lead protagonists, Danny and Audrey and with a matter of fact narrative this author weaves an exquisite tale that gives a voice to a piece of Canadian history, the Halifax Nova Scotia explosion of 1917, while showcasing important social issues of the time and telling a story that readers will find hard to put down. All her characters are willful and insightful but it’s the travails of Danny and Audrey that will evoke raw emotions. Fans of historical fiction, epic love stories and unforgettable characters will fall in love with this novel and I personally can’t wait to get my hands on another of her books.
Fajer Al-Kaisi is a new narrator to me and is unbelievably perfect for this story. His portrayal of Danny and Audrey is utter perfection and he handles all the other voices, accents and intonations brilliantly. His voice is articulate and mesmerizing and his emotion filled performance will bring tears.
SUMMARY:
Nova Scotia native Danny Baker along with his Canadian battalion are in France heading for the trenches when he meets a girl, falls in love as they correspond and asks her to marry him. Then war intrudes and Danny loses more than his two best friends, he loses his leg. Knowing he’s only half the man he used to be he doesn’t want his love to suffer being married to a cripple. She has other ideas but he knows the real battle will start when he gets home to his small fishing village.
As the Great War begins Audrey Poulin is living on a small family farm in the French countryside. She meets a Canadian soldier heading for the front and falls in love with him while exchanging letters. After learning of his severe injury and being sent home she’s determined to make her own way to be with him. She doesn’t know what to expect when she gets to him she only knows she has no choice but to take on what may be the biggest challenge of her life.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 247 reviews