A Dancing Tide

by Grace Greene

A Dancing Tide, the second book in the Barefoot Tides two-book series, continues the story of Lilliane Moore of Cub Creek in rural Virginia, who accepted a temporary companion job for ninety-year-old Merrick Dahl of Emerald Isle, North Carolina—and discovered it’s not always so easy to go home again. That even if you do, you’ll find your life has changed in unexpected ways.How do you put the pieces back together? Should you try? Lilliane accepted the job because she needed the cash, but the biggest payoffs were the new friendships she made and the realization that she is more tied to protecting her family history and homeplace than she’d ever understood. Now she wants freedom to travel or to make changes in her life, but she is torn between that desire and needing to do right by her deceased parents and their memory—most specifically, protecting the numerous sculptures her father crafted in his workshop before his death twenty years earlier. The workshop can’t stand forever, and she, herself, is almost forty. What will become of her family home and treasures if something happens to her? She can’t be in two places at once—helping Merrick at the beach and in Cub Creek protecting the homeplace. Whatever choice she makes, she risks failing everyone—her friends, her family and herself, and her future.

312 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 12, 2021

About the author

Grace Greene writes fiction with romance, suspense and inspiration ~ The Emerald Isle, NC Stories Series includes Beach Rental, Beach Winds, Beach Wedding, along with the Christmas novellas, Beach Christmas and Beach Walk. Her Virginia books are Women's Fiction with romance, suspense and mystery. Most are set in rural Cub Creek and include her bestselling The Memory of Butterflies and The Happiness In Between which were released in 2017. Three new Cub Creek books were released in 2019 - The Wildflower House Series: Wildflower Heart, Wildflower Hope and Wildflower Christmas, and Wildflower Wedding, A Light Last Seen was released in Feb. 2020. A Barefoot Tide and A Dancing Tide brought a new character from Cub Creek to the beach at Emerald Isle with beloved crossover characters from both settings. Beach Heart and Emerald Heart are single titles set in Emerald Isle, NC. Grace's newest, A HEART BEYOND, will be released on September 3rd, 2024.

Grace is also an artist and photographer and these interests show up on the pages of the stories. She lives in central Virginia. You'll find Grace here:

Website: http://www.gracegreene.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GraceGreeneB...
Author Central: http://amazon.com/author/gracegreene

Reviews

[Bambi Rathman · Rating 5 out of 5]

"A Dancing Tide"....what a great title for this sequel story. The words hold so much allure and possibility for what happens where A Barefoot Tide ended. Lilliane's story that pulled me in with the great story telling that Author Grace Greene brilliantly does through her endearing, lovely characters, the settings of Cub Creek and Emerald Isle, and situations that bring a challenge to which choices and challenges Lilliane faces. She's at a crossroads in her life and is drawn to two different places. "She can't be in two places at once-helping Merrick at the beach and in Cub Creek protecting the homeplace." Cub Creek, where she grew up, her home and where her friends are. Her father's legacy. The security of the same thing. Or....Emerald Isle, where she's discovered there is more to life and a family she finds in new people. Connections that are just as strong as blood family. An old, cantankerous Merrick who she has bonded with through banter and stubbornness but with respect for each other. Davis.... she has an attraction to him but where could that lead in a life so unsure. Yet he's there for her emotionally. Miranda, the older lady on the beach who holds wisdom and advice. Even the ocean...where Lilliane finds solace, answers and peace.

How wonderful to reconnect with characters I became friends with in the first book. Friends I am so happy to spend time with. Ones who look out for each other and bring the best out of their lives. This book was page turning from the front cover to the back. A true experience I found myself immersed in as I became reconnected to the characters and the beautiful writing that creates the images that drew me in. Ms. Greene took me to the beaches of Emerald Isle like I was actually there. My emotions were pulled in all the directions that Lilliane's were. The yearning to honor her father and his "art". The loving commitment to Merrick and how he means so much to her. The bonds that she makes with the friendships she's developed all were part of what made me want to cheer her on and find her answers. Grace Greene is such a wonderful storyteller and "A Dancing Tide" is a wonderful continuation of Lilliane's story. One that has a meaningful message about friendships, healing from the past, compassion, and finding happiness. I truly "lived in the pages" and didn't want the story to end. My hope is that there will be another escape to the beach at Emeral Isle with Lilliane, Davis and Merrick. There's so much more to experience with them.

I want to thank Ms. Greene for the honor and privilege of reading an ARC of this remarkable work of fiction that I enjoyed so very much. A feet in the sand five star read for me. All opinions and thoughts in this review are my heartfelt own.

[Sally · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was oh so happy that we would get to spend more time with Lilliane, Merrick, Davis, Susan, Gwen and any other marvelous characters author Grace Greene creates for us, and to journey back and forth once again between Lilliane’s beloved Cub Creek and her new love, Emerald Isle, NC. Every book Grace Greene writes draws you in and envelops you in warmth, love, beauty and matters of the heart. You are always left wanting more, feeling that your time with these wonderful, complex characters and breathtakingly beautiful places has been much too short. And sometimes we are lucky and Grace Greene gives us just what we are longing for.

A Barefoot Tide ended with Lilliane “ready to see what was over the next hill and around the corner.” Still cautious, still hesitant, but by taking that short, brave, journey to Emerald Isle Lilliane had opened her eyes and her mind and her heart to not just what was and what is, but what might be. A life where she retains the familiar but ventures into the unknown, to see what a life that is hers alone, not based on and surrounded by the past, might hold.

Lilliane is very careful and likes to plan and take things one step at a time, but she is amazed and delighted about what her new world holds: this stunning ocean that calls to her, new friends that have quickly become very, very important, her contributions to Merrick’s manuscript, and the completely unexpected realization that maybe, just maybe, she doesn’t have to be the forever caretaker of the old homestead, her father’s unusual and often startling sculptures, and the memories of her parents. She’s nearly 40. She has needs and longings and desires – and ambitions – that she never thought she would have. It’s time for change. Past time. But how will she manage it and how will her life look if she allows the change? Will she embrace or regret it? Does she have the courage to try?

A Dancing Tide takes us through Lilliane’s quest to discover what’s around the corner. She experiences freedom and successes and then self-doubt. Two steps forward, one step back. At time she can’t believe the emotions she is experiencing, can’t believe what’s she’s seeing or hearing or feeling without doubting and being suspicious of it.

A Dancing Tide is the perfect follow up to A Barefoot Tide and another masterpiece by this author. As Lilliane takes each tentative and then not-so-tentative step you feel her hesitation and her hope, and her courage. You are afraid things won’t go as planned but seeing her spread her wings makes you want to see her fully open them. A well written, superbly plotted, totally satisfying read. Thanks to author Grace Green for providing an advance copy of A Dancing Tide for my reading pleasure and honest review. I thoroughly enjoyed it and recommend it without hesitation. All opinions are my own.

[Laurie · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Time waits for no one. It is up to us to mind our minutes."

I was so excited and happy to be returning to Emerald Isle to check on my friends.
It is always heartwarming to come "home" to an enchanting setting, and this second novel in the Barefoot Tides Series is a beautiful sequel.
Lilliane has decided to move forward with her life after much contemplation.
She remains friend, family and caretaker for ninety year old Merrick.
Lilliane and Merrick's relationship has intensified despite both being hard-headed and stubborn.
Things are definitely changing.
There are some surprises along the way that I was thrilled about and I believe more to come?
There is no doubt that both books in the series are a wonderful and definitely an inspiring family story that everyone will love and enjoy.
Pull up a chair, grab a cup of tea and meet some new friends. You will be glad you did.

*I would like to return once again, to have additional time with these amazing people.
I feel that there is more they need to share with us.
Please, Grace ?*

[Nita · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Perfect sequel to A Barefoot Tide! Absolutely loved both stories and A Dancing Tide was such a good and cozy read! It has all the warm feelings!

[Cindy Feigert · Rating 3 out of 5]

A nice wrap up to Liliane's story. Her journey had some twists and turns but she learns family is important wether it's blood or made by friends.

[ROBIN RUIZ · Rating 5 out of 5]

“I had a good life. A respectable, relatively ordinary life. Some people might consider it dead end or unfulfilled…”.

Lilliane is the “ Caretaker , the keeper of memories , of her home place and her father’s creations.”
She’s also at a turning point in her life… that in between place of past and future.
This book is so beautifully written with such amazing characters, this is a follow up book to A Barefoot Tide .
I could not love Lilliane more, I could feel the weight of her decisions and the warmth of her friendships shaping her along the way. A beautiful story of past and present, friendship, love and life!

[Sandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another beautifully written book by Grace Greene. Her words just flow with emotion and feeling from the heart. The characters are all people who I would love to know in person. I loved how all these characters truly care about one another; even an ex husband. Lilliane’s relationship with the 90 year old Merrick is my favorite. Proof family is not just by blood. A story of letting go of the things that hold you down from the past and moving into the future. Thanks to the author for the opportunity to read an ARC. All comments are my own.

[Joan mooney · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not good

I have read nearly all of Grace Greene’s books and loved them all. Until I got this one. It is not a good book. I never found the storyline. It repeated the same pointless lines over and over. It moved like a slug. Disjointed and boring. I finished it but the entire story could have been told in 2 chapters. I’m sorry Ms Greene. You are a good author, but in my opinion this one is a fail.

[Sherry Bledsoe · Rating 4 out of 5]

A series I had to learn to appreciate

The first book in this series, I feel I rather slammed in my review. I has a hard time understanding the protagonist - I felt she was rather maudlin and her story didn't feel plausible to me but the supporting characters are what pulled me through that book. However, it must be said that I still read the book and it caught my interest enough to order and read this book (book 2 in the series).

I gave this one more star than the first book not because it was better written. The Author's style of writing was lovely in both books but in this book I started to feel more of a connection to the protagonist. I started to criticize her as a character less and enjoy her more (which is why it earned this book one more star in my review than Book 1) but I still feel the supporting cast of characters - Merrick in particular - still held me to this book. All that really matters is that I not only finished reading this book but actually found myself slowing down my reading to make the last 2 chapters last longer. Isn't that the definition of what you would call a good book when you don't want it to end?

I also felt the book left open a crack in the door for a next book in this series though the ending didn't feel incomplete and I didn't feel cheated or left hanging at the ending of this book. Still, I could see a possibility of more and or maybe I'm hoping for more and you would only hope for more if your enjoying the story.

[Big Time Book Junkie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Dancing Tide is a wonderful sequel to A Barefoot Tide. Grace Greene's readers asked for a sequel and not only did she oblige, she put together the most beautiful, lyrical follow-up to Lilliane's story.

This author writes so lyrically and gently that I can almost feel the sea breeze on my face, the sand on my feet, and the water lapping against my ankles. The beautiful relationship between Lilliane and Merricki continues to deepen and develop in this book, and the reader is quickly pulled into Lilliane's struggle in deciding what to do with her father's metal sculptures.

I enjoyed this book very much and do believe that Ms. Greene will find herself yet again asked for another book in this series. There is so much of Lilliane's expanding world to explore, her relationship with Davis to follow, and of course, the big question of her father's art.

If you haven't yet read this series, pick it up today. You will be happy you did.

Thank you to the author and publisher for granting my request for an ARC. All thoughts are my own and happily shared.

[Claudia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grace Greene is an author who listens to her readers. While it wasn't a part of her original plan, she has graced us with a sequel continuing Lilliane Moore's story begun in A Barefoot Tide. A much requested and much appreciated story, A Dancing Tide allows us to see Lilliane's continuing journey into embracing both her past and her future, not allowing either to negate the other. It was delightful to again visit with the group of endearing characters who walk this journey along with her, to browse the dusty contents of the shed in Cub Creek, to sip tea under the shade trees in the backyard, as well as to walk the sands of Emerald Isle. One cannot help but to become completely immersed in Grace Greene's stories. I would suggest reading A Barefoot Tide prior to reading A Dancing Tide in order to get the most enjoyment from the experience.

I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of A Dancing Tide from the author and her publisher, Kersey Creek Books, without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.

[Jeff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful Sequel. Full disclosure up front on this one: I read the book a month ago and somehow forgot to write my review then. Fortunately, I've been slowing down and I've only read about a dozen and a half books since. :D This book was a great continuation of a story... that the author originally had no intention of continuing. But she listens to her fans - including myself - and when we began clamoring for a sequel to A Barefoot Tide due to several unresolved threads at the end of that tale, Greene eventually wrote this tale as well. And while I think we could continue in this world for at least one other book, most of the threads that were left a bit too open in the previous book are more fully explored here, and thus if this series ends as a duology, I think that too could work. But while it *can* *technically* be read first, you really should go read A Barefoot Tide before this book... and then you'll be glad the rest of us begged Greene enough for this book that she finally wrote it. :D Very much recommended.

[Susan (The Book Bag) · Rating 5 out of 5]

As much as I loved book one, A Barefoot Tide—and I did love it—I think I love this one just a little bit more, if that's even possible. I loved the beach, the relationships, both old and new, the drama, and the growth that Lilliane continues to experience. A Dancing Tide seemed to take all of those things to a higher, more intense level.

Book one focused mainly on the relationship between Lilliane and Merrick, which I did enjoy immensely, while this one explores a lot more relationships in Lilliane's life. Her father's workshop, full of all of his amazing sculptures, takes on its own persona and almost becomes a character itself. As Lilliane struggles with what to do with the shop and the pieces her dad created, she learns a lot about herself and the people who want to be a part of her life. I love watching her work through all of that.

A Dancing Tide is the perfect conclusion to this delightful, two book series. Grace Greene has written a wonderful story with these two books and I highly recommend them. I thoroughly enjoyed my escape to Liliane's world!

[Shirley Swoope · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Dancing Tide is the second book in the Barefoot Tides series, and reacquaints us with the wonderfully real characters from A Barefoot Tide.

Grace Greene has a way with words that draws you in to the book and the characters to the point that you can feel their emotions as well as you can feel your own. As the words flowed with descriptions that had you set right down in the middle of Cub Creek or Emerald Isle, you also experienced the struggles of the characters, their joys, their grief, their insecurities, and so many more feelings.

I love that connection that makes people into families by heart and not by blood, and these books overflow with that connection.

I read this book cover to cover last night when I went to bed. I simply couldn't find a good stopping point. It was an all or nothing read, and I'm so glad I chose all.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Extremely grateful to the author for allowing me to read an ARC of her upcoming novel. A Dancing Tide is book 2 in the Barefoot Tides Series and it will be released in October. If you loved the first book you will most certainly love this one ! Lilliane and Merrick are back and their relationship is just the best. The snarky comments, the little jabs but underneath there is nothing but love. It is a truly special relationship. We get to see her relationship with Davis blossom a bit. New characters are introduced and existing characters got a little bit more attention. I am so hoping this means there will be many more books to come in the series. Great escape from reality. Just a well written, beautiful and enjoyable story. Highly recommend.

[Cathy Garrison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bravo Grace Greene! The continuing saga of Lilliane Moore does not disappoint. This is a page-turning, do not put down until finished book! I have truly loved the journey of a not in her 20’s main character who has experienced love, loss and what is the next step in life. Lilliane has to decide whether to step out of the comfortable and follow dreams she has never let lead her. This is also a story of finding family and learning that the definition of family is so much more than blood. Thank you to Grace Greene and her publisher for this requested ARC. This review is an honest and all my own review.

[Ruby · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was honored to be able to read an ARC of this book. Thank you, Ms Greene and your publisher. I'm now honored to write this review. This is the 2nd book from the Barefoot Tides Series, and picks up with Lillianne growing her friendship with Merrick, traveling from her home in Cub Creek to his home on Emerald Isle.
She decides to share her father's work with the world, and with the help of Susan, photos of the art are published in a magazine.
Will her friendship with Davis develop into more than friends? Ms Greene handles the fragile Lillianne with such tenderness that we can all understand her fears and love her.

[Anita · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lilliane is once again heading the the beach to visit her dear friend Merrick, but things are a little different for her. She has met with a reporter who has written a magazine story about her, her fathers sculptures and her father's workshop in Cub Creek. The plan is to possibly sell the art and not leave in sitting in the workshop till she died. Her Cub Creek neighbors hear about the article and become curious. Now Lilliane is worried about someone breaking in. After securing the property, she goes to Emerald Isle to see Merrick and Davis.
This is a lovely story with a wonderful happy ending.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Dancing Tide is the sequel to A Barefoot Tide, set in Cub Creek and Emerald Isle, SC. This was a much requested sequel, and Grace Green did not disappoint. It’s such a beautifully written story, and the characters became my friends all over again. Reading this book was like slipping into a song. The lyrical prose just enveloped me with its soft music. I loved this beautiful book and highly recommend it! I also am hoping for another book to follow. Five sparkly stars! Thank you to the author for the arc, all opinions are my own.

[Sheri P · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grace Greene once again captivates the reader with her lyrical writing style in A Dancing Tide. This story allows us to follow Lillianne on her journey as she grapples with the ebb and flow of the changes in her life. I love the way Greene examines the meaning of family, friendships and what it means to be home. A wonderful read that will be even more meaningful if you read A Barefoot Tide first. Thank you to the author for the opportunity to read an advance copy, all thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't know how I could love A Dancing Tide more than A Barefoot Tide, but I do. I love the lyrical quality to these novels and the way the story is evolving with Lilliane, Merrick, and Davis. Oh how I love that it wasn't wrapped up at the end. More please - there is so much more for these wonderful characters to share. A great read!

Thank you to the author for providing an early reader copy. This is my honest review.

[Katina Fragakis · Rating 5 out of 5]

And again the beach calls

Oh ,Grace, please hurry! The four of us can't wait to see what you have planned. We know it will be a mixture of love, frustration, joy, and sorrow, but we will endure as we await the double rainbow.

Lilliane, Merrick, and Davis have become dear friends. They are exactly the people I would love to meet on my beach trips: a sweet and salty mix. Thanks,Grace, for introducing us.

[Lynda Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very Enjoyable Reading!

A Dancing Tide was very enjoyable reading because it delved into unusual relationships and captured the thoughts and actions of the characters in an entertaining way. I appreciated the wholesome and often amusing conversations between the characters. There was honesty in their relationships and the plot was interesting. I would recommend this book and the one that precedes it in the series.

[Myra Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The perfect sequel to A BAREFOOT TIDE. I loved seeing where Lilliane's life took her after the first book in the series. The story deepens the connection between Lilliane and Merrick, the elderly gentleman she works for. It's also a journey of discovery as she delves into her past and figures out what to do with the amazing metal art her late father created. Beautiful writing, characters you don't want to close the book on, just a delightful and touching read.

[Amanda Aker · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this mini series. The loss, heartbreak and a new chapter in Lilliane's life just pulled me right in and I hated that it ended. The fact that it is set in parts of VA and also in Emerald Isle NC was also a clench for me to read it. By the time I got into the 3rd chapter, I was hooked. I highly recommend this book as well as the first one and Grace Green is quickly becoming one of my favorite woman writers.

[Marilyn Anderson · Rating 3 out of 5]

So Sad

This book was kind of hard to follow. I am glad I read the first book in this series first. Grace sometimes has very maudlin stories. Rarely is a ninety year old man the hero of a book like Merrick is in this one. My husband and I are elderly and that is why I chose this sequel. No longer does Grace have to be labeled as a woman’s fiction writer, she can now be categorized as a writer of senior fiction. At least it had a happy ending.

[Patricia Harrison · Rating 5 out of 5]

I need more!

I am not ready for this series to end. I wasn't sure I was going to like this series, but I stuck with it and fell in love with each and every character who were so beautifully weaved in and out of the pages of this story.
Merrick is my favorite because he reminds me of my dad. These are two beautiful books and I won't soon forget them, but 1 more Barefoot series would make it perfect.

Thank you, Patricia Harrison

[Carol DeVoss · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have danced in the tide. Once in reality and again through this book.

Lilliane is a person I'm familiar with, reserved, proud, well-intentioned. Overcoming an early life of sadness and loss in her 40s is finely drawn by the author. I never pitied her or felt the otherness she could have brought to the character. I care about Lilliane and with her.

[Maria Ryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful

This story has been a treat to read.
The relationships between Lilianne, Merrick,Dante,and Susan and Gwen and Joe knit together a most fulfilling story.
The art of Lili’s parents and of the famous author and the newly published author showed the mesh of characters that mattered to each and every one.
I’d love to actually meet them.

[Mrs Linda J Kitson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Following on from A Barefoot Tide we see more of Lilliane’s story unfold as she gets to grips with her fathers ‘art’ and her parents sudden departure. We see the relationship develop with Merrick and also with Davis, other characters also grow within this unpitdownable sequel. I only hope Grace Greene has a third Barefoot Tides book in her mind because I am missing Lilliane already. Read this one in less than 24hors!