Making Waves

by Shari Cylinder

It’s 1955, and New Yorker Rose Bennington is ready to let her dreams set sail in a new direction. Losing her job as a secretary on the eve of her thirtieth birthday is the catalyst she needs to no longer squeeze herself into a life that doesn’t fit. Society tells her she should focus on settling down. Her parents tell her she should follow in her twin sister’s footsteps and marry a man who will be devoted to her. The trouble with those outside voices, though? They’ve been threatening to drown out her own – until now. When Rose reads a newspaper article about the SS Harmony, a transatlantic ocean liner, she’s inspired to buy a one-way ticket on the ship. Maybe this is just the thing to help her discover what her heart yearns for most. She can’t make any waves, after all, if she never leaves the shore. But what she isn’t expecting is a whirlwind romance with a man she meets onboard – who, on their last night before the ship docks, writes her a letter that could change her plans entirely.

More than six decades later, Grace Anderson stumbles upon that same letter in the Atlanta bookstore she co-owns with her sisters. With the shop struggling to make a profit and her sisters pushing to close its doors for good, Grace draws hope from the words penned so long ago. She’s always been fascinated by stories, by the worlds they weave, and this letter is no exception. Even as she fights to keep the store open – and to open her heart, too, enough to say yes to the marriage proposal that seems to have paralyzed her – she can’t stop thinking about that letter. Determined to unearth the mystery behind it, she sets out to track down the person who tucked it into the pages of a book for safekeeping. When she finally succeeds, though, the story arc isn’t remotely what she’s imagined. Will it convince her and her sisters to say goodbye to their family’s bookstore once and for all, or will it be exactly what they need to realize that sometimes “The End” is really only the beginning?

320 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 15, 2021

About the author

Shari Cylinder believes in the importance of dreaming big, working hard, and embracing our own stories. She is a graduate of Arcadia University and lives in the suburbs of Philadelphia, where she spends her time as a writer, transcriptionist, and the vice president of Luv-N-Bunns Rabbit Rescue – and, thanks to her own rabbits, also a makeshift sprinter and gymnast who tries very hard to keep up with bunnies that run much faster than she does. Sometimes she’s even successful.

For more information or to reach out, please visit: https://www.sharicylinder.com/.

Reviews

[Barbie Baker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heart warming & intriguing " Making Waves"

A gentle story that feels so true . I am certain parts of it are true for many people . It is as if you are reading someone's ancestry as well as being the bookstore owner herself. A good book is one that makes you think, smile, & have an occasional concern for the people you are reading about. This author creates this in " Making Waves".

[Elizabeth Luczyszyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so well put together, heart warming, surprising at times, and just thoroughly enjoyable. I highly recommend, especially if you're looking for a feel-good happy read.

[Gary R Borman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome!

I loved this book as it engages the reader to keep guessing the the outcome of the two women search for redemption and truth. I could not stop reading this very beautiful story

[Marissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Making Waves is a delightful read that follows the stories of two women of two different generations through alternating points of view each chapter. Both Rose and Grace have journeys to make, shaping who they are. The way their stories intertwine is seamless, leading to a satisfying ending that has you guessing until you reach the final chapters! I highly recommend as a feel-good beach read. A fantastic debut from a new author!

[P.K. Abbot · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a well crafted story about human connections and the importance of being true to oneself. Spanning generations, the story line reaches a surprising but extremely satisfying conclusion. it is well worth your time.
Aside from the story, I must say it was a joy to read the author's prose. Shari Cylinder has a way with words -- better than many best selling authors. I highly recommend this one.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved every second of this book! But, the last chapter was the best. I laughed. I cried. I cheered. It was everything I hoped for and more.

[Amber · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a very sweet romance that follows two timelines- one set now and one in the 1950. The two timelines collide in this heartwarming story about the enduring love of sisters and inevitability of fate. I enjoyed getting to know Grace, Josie and Abigail, as well as Rose, Violet, and Henry. Some felt forced and it was awkward in places, but I enjoyed it.

[lindi]

Book review

I loved the original idea of the book,but, that was as far as it went. The book was too predictable and drawn out.

[Riley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this sweet and easy read. Both Grace and Rose were relatable and compelling characters for me. They each had their own doubts, fears, and frustrations -- but also courage and conviction. I liked how their stories were not mirrored, but still connected to each other in ways that made sense. And I liked how they were both strong in different, real-world ways.

Other thoughts:

- Sisterhood was a strong theme throughout the story.

- Despite some moments of tension, the book is overall pretty rosy-colored in its outlook. One could even say it gives "healing" vibes.