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Eventide
the time from when the sun begins to set until total darkness has descended. It was once of those magical seasons that lives forever in memory. An Italian seaside village. Days of adventure and romantic exploration. Moonlight swims in a sparkling sea. A once-in-a-lifetime love. And though it ended in heartbreak, though she moved on to marry happily and have a son, Carrie never quite put that summer behind her. Now she's dying young and still haunted by thoughts of her long-ago love. Her best friend Lauren, determined to put Carrie's mind at ease, sets out to do something completely foreign to her own cautious, conservative nature. Out of love, Lauren will find and confront the man she despises, the man who broke her best friend's heart, the man who has spent the last twenty years running from his past. Out of love, she will journey alone to retrieve secrets left behind after that never-for-gotten summer. And somehow, she will set into motion events that change nothing . . . but transform everything. As the mysteries of twenty years unravel, as husband and son and friend and even a long-lost love converge to say goodbye, something unexpected unfolds. Another seaside adventure. Another moonlight swim. And somethow, even at eventide, the miracle of enduring grace.
- GenresChristian FictionFiction
323 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2006
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
July 13, 2009
"Always my free-spirited Carrie,"
It was a moment, just a brief moment that established a connection for three American teenagers in Italy at Eventide.
"Good night to the sea, to the sun and the day.....This night would be a marker in her life, the ending of one age and the beginning of another."
This is a story of an enduring friendship between two women and something buried in a far away land.
Carrie is a creative, artistic lover of life. Her life is filled with wonder and imagination. Lauren is studious and loyal with a mental file cabinet filled with realistic quotes that she frequently utilizes to bring her best friend back to reality when their conversations become to idealic.
They travel to Europe during the summer of 1989 and meet Graham Michaels in a little village by the shore. Graham and Carrie fall instantly in love, prompting a promise between the three to
"...be together always. No matter what the future holds".
Secrets from Grahams past hold him captive. They prompt him to betray Carrie. He tells himself 'it is for her own good'. His fear filled view of love is:
"..It was vulnerability with carelessness,delivering near fatal blows.
In the end, love made secrets that no one cared to hear. It created a loneliness that no one could touch."
Years pass and Carrie recovers, with Lauren's help. Carrie marries and has a child. Now Carrie is dying and her best friend sets out to recover the buried box and offer it to Carrie in the hope it will help her bring closure to that very painful part of her past.
This is a magnificent story of redemption, friendship, and faith. Others may choose differently, but my hero in this novel was Carrie's husband, Jason Myles. In this character, the Truth of what it means to be a christian is displayed.
Rich, elegant story telling is the hallmark of Cindy Martinusen's writing. I have not found any that compare to the emotional depths and insights she presents in her novels. It was a wonderful treat to read that the location in this novel is the same as 'The Salt Garden', another wonderful read from Ms. Martinusen.
From the beginning of the novel through to the end, faith and wisdom are heralded as described in the use of this C. S. Lewis quote from 'The Last Battle':
"But for them it was only the beginning of the real story.
All their life in this world and all their adventures in Narnia had only been the cover and the title page: now at last they were beginning Chapter One of the Great Story which no one on earth has read: which goes on forever:in which every chapter is better than the one before."
This novel also gives a wonderful description of the last days of a dying christian, no fear, only longing. Read this story and you will take away a very different view of the last days in Christian's life.
It was a moment, just a brief moment that established a connection for three American teenagers in Italy at Eventide.
"Good night to the sea, to the sun and the day.....This night would be a marker in her life, the ending of one age and the beginning of another."
This is a story of an enduring friendship between two women and something buried in a far away land.
Carrie is a creative, artistic lover of life. Her life is filled with wonder and imagination. Lauren is studious and loyal with a mental file cabinet filled with realistic quotes that she frequently utilizes to bring her best friend back to reality when their conversations become to idealic.
They travel to Europe during the summer of 1989 and meet Graham Michaels in a little village by the shore. Graham and Carrie fall instantly in love, prompting a promise between the three to
"...be together always. No matter what the future holds".
Secrets from Grahams past hold him captive. They prompt him to betray Carrie. He tells himself 'it is for her own good'. His fear filled view of love is:
"..It was vulnerability with carelessness,delivering near fatal blows.
In the end, love made secrets that no one cared to hear. It created a loneliness that no one could touch."
Years pass and Carrie recovers, with Lauren's help. Carrie marries and has a child. Now Carrie is dying and her best friend sets out to recover the buried box and offer it to Carrie in the hope it will help her bring closure to that very painful part of her past.
This is a magnificent story of redemption, friendship, and faith. Others may choose differently, but my hero in this novel was Carrie's husband, Jason Myles. In this character, the Truth of what it means to be a christian is displayed.
Rich, elegant story telling is the hallmark of Cindy Martinusen's writing. I have not found any that compare to the emotional depths and insights she presents in her novels. It was a wonderful treat to read that the location in this novel is the same as 'The Salt Garden', another wonderful read from Ms. Martinusen.
From the beginning of the novel through to the end, faith and wisdom are heralded as described in the use of this C. S. Lewis quote from 'The Last Battle':
"But for them it was only the beginning of the real story.
All their life in this world and all their adventures in Narnia had only been the cover and the title page: now at last they were beginning Chapter One of the Great Story which no one on earth has read: which goes on forever:in which every chapter is better than the one before."
This novel also gives a wonderful description of the last days of a dying christian, no fear, only longing. Read this story and you will take away a very different view of the last days in Christian's life.
January 9, 2016
Eventide: The time when the sun begins to set until total darkness has descended.
I was blessed with this book via my sister probably because she is just like my library! Novel? This one is amazing, exciting, hooking, mind-blowing and the most singular of its kind. A painful story of loss and love.
Young love gone astray. First love. A tragic love story. And even those were more than most would give it. It happened one summer. Nothing. Forgettable. Momentary. Over. Unrealistic. Fantasy. Love lost.
"The free-spirited Carrie" (amazing)
Pain instead had become her closest companion.
A girl full of life suffering from the loss much deep.
A loneliness swept over her, one she'd never experienced. Deep and penetrating,like osmosis
it spread through her entire being.
Carrie suffered from the disease of a season gone by, season of love young one. <3 She was a wife and a mother as well. This was the life apparent to all but there was also one life buried in her heart (first love life). She sealed envelops for Graham but they remained unsent until the end when Graham found them himself accidentally. (most perfect part of story)
"Graham" (mystery for me only!)
Graham remained mysterious for me throughout the story. I am still confused whether his betrayal was intentional or conditions pulled them (Carrie and Graham) apart? I know answer is more in favour of the latter. But still some things are not clear!
Anyway, I was not much attached with him throughout the read.
"Lauren" (the best friend)
Lauren was Carrie's best friend and I must say friendship of the two was remarkable, something not exceptional.
That's why I am doing it. I am giving my best friend a gift. One she can't get on her
own. May be the last I will ever give.
The most boring parts were when Cindy (the writer) discussed Graham's background:loss of his parents, his cousin, his terrible Uncle. Haha! Although it must not be like that. He really deserved sympathies. Those I am reluctant to give! After 14 years, Graham and Carrie are going to meet and the rest you will discover yourself.
Cindy Martinusen's work is luminous and poetic. Looking forward to read his other books.
Task: Search the shelves, buy a new one (may be there is only one copy left at the shop!) and do whatever you can to reach this book. And if you are also a pain-lover (just like me) then there is no point to think; this book is for You.
A tale of transforming love and enduring friendship.
I was blessed with this book via my sister probably because she is just like my library! Novel? This one is amazing, exciting, hooking, mind-blowing and the most singular of its kind. A painful story of loss and love.
Young love gone astray. First love. A tragic love story. And even those were more than most would give it. It happened one summer. Nothing. Forgettable. Momentary. Over. Unrealistic. Fantasy. Love lost.
"The free-spirited Carrie" (amazing)
Pain instead had become her closest companion.
A girl full of life suffering from the loss much deep.
A loneliness swept over her, one she'd never experienced. Deep and penetrating,like osmosis
it spread through her entire being.
Carrie suffered from the disease of a season gone by, season of love young one. <3 She was a wife and a mother as well. This was the life apparent to all but there was also one life buried in her heart (first love life). She sealed envelops for Graham but they remained unsent until the end when Graham found them himself accidentally. (most perfect part of story)
"Graham" (mystery for me only!)
Graham remained mysterious for me throughout the story. I am still confused whether his betrayal was intentional or conditions pulled them (Carrie and Graham) apart? I know answer is more in favour of the latter. But still some things are not clear!
Anyway, I was not much attached with him throughout the read.
"Lauren" (the best friend)
Lauren was Carrie's best friend and I must say friendship of the two was remarkable, something not exceptional.
That's why I am doing it. I am giving my best friend a gift. One she can't get on her
own. May be the last I will ever give.
The most boring parts were when Cindy (the writer) discussed Graham's background:loss of his parents, his cousin, his terrible Uncle. Haha! Although it must not be like that. He really deserved sympathies. Those I am reluctant to give! After 14 years, Graham and Carrie are going to meet and the rest you will discover yourself.
Cindy Martinusen's work is luminous and poetic. Looking forward to read his other books.
Task: Search the shelves, buy a new one (may be there is only one copy left at the shop!) and do whatever you can to reach this book. And if you are also a pain-lover (just like me) then there is no point to think; this book is for You.
A tale of transforming love and enduring friendship.
November 4, 2011
Book club book. I am seriously struggling with this book. Maybe it is because of the narrator or maybe the story is just that slow.....I don't really know. I am a strong believer that different books hit us different ways at different points in our lives. Maybe I will try again another time. For now I am setting it aside and moving on.
April 5, 2019
There is some beautiful writing here, but the story itself just drug on far too long. I like that it's not a completely sappy "and everyone lived happily ever after" sort of story, but I much preferred The Salt Garden
I did love this bit:
“Most of us within the American pop culture, and I am including myself here, we desire anything that makes us feel good. That’s why we have so many problems like addiction, obesity, greed. We think everything should make us feel good, and that feeling good won’t harm anybody else, not even ourselves.”
“So let me get this right. By looking at disgusting art like Dalí’s, our society would be changed, a countercultural revolution, and all things bad would be decimated?”
“Oh, you have a wicked tongue sometimes. Of course, there is no simple cure. But art has value even when it disturbs us, perhaps even more so because it disturbs us. It makes us think beyond ourselves. Can create compassion, if we let it. Can cause confusion that will lead us to seek more solid answers. Remember Jesus’ parables, they disturbed people more than inspired. The people went home and had to figure them out.”
I did love this bit:
“Most of us within the American pop culture, and I am including myself here, we desire anything that makes us feel good. That’s why we have so many problems like addiction, obesity, greed. We think everything should make us feel good, and that feeling good won’t harm anybody else, not even ourselves.”
“So let me get this right. By looking at disgusting art like Dalí’s, our society would be changed, a countercultural revolution, and all things bad would be decimated?”
“Oh, you have a wicked tongue sometimes. Of course, there is no simple cure. But art has value even when it disturbs us, perhaps even more so because it disturbs us. It makes us think beyond ourselves. Can create compassion, if we let it. Can cause confusion that will lead us to seek more solid answers. Remember Jesus’ parables, they disturbed people more than inspired. The people went home and had to figure them out.”
May 24, 2017
I appreciate Cindy's literary style. Such sentences as this one bless my heart: "The stars were taking their places, shaking off sleep and tired eyes." This plot is riveting and believable as well as one that tugs at the reader's heart.
February 7, 2021
While the writing was decent and the story somewhat interesting the main characters were whiny and annoying. The story developed very slowly. I didn’t realize this was Christian fiction. Shouldn’t have picked it up
July 23, 2019
thought this was by the author who wrote Plainsong. Disappointed to say the least.
January 8, 2022
I enjoyed reading this book.
January 19, 2024
This book just did not make the cut. Far too long, story moved very slowly. Many, many time shifts which made it a bit confusing.
November 16, 2024
A good story showing how God helps you keep living through hardships and heartaches.
September 11, 2025
Romance, mystery, happiness and sadness - a great story
March 6, 2014
In my ongoing search for quality Christian chick-lit (i.e. intelligent, believable, and helpful - NOT the sort of fluff where the whole book is working towards the "happy ending" of all the heroine's problems being resolved by her finally getting a man!!) this was a high point. The story was a bit far-fetched, but I loved the characters, they really tugged at my heart strings - and the author developed the tension well by revealing bits and pieces about the dramas of the past as the story progressed.
I'd definitely recommend this to anyone who's looking for good Christian fiction!
I'd definitely recommend this to anyone who's looking for good Christian fiction!
January 27, 2008
I liked this even more than Plainsong.
Eventide is a continuation of the lives of Raymond and Harold McPheron and the introduction of some new townspeople. I hope there is a third in the series so I can find out what happens to all of these characters--some you love, some you feel sorry for and some are just awful people.
Eventide is a continuation of the lives of Raymond and Harold McPheron and the introduction of some new townspeople. I hope there is a third in the series so I can find out what happens to all of these characters--some you love, some you feel sorry for and some are just awful people.
August 1, 2013
Haunting and lovely, Eventide whisks the reader into the filmy world of memory. This was my first Cindy Martinusin Coloma novel, and it propelled me into her other books. She siphons the reader's longings to the surface and handles them gently. Artistically layered story that leaves the reader fulfilled.
June 15, 2015
The blurb on the back caught my interest. For some reason, it sounded a little Wings Of The Dove-ish to me, so I was curious. The writing in general wasn't all that bad, I think my problem with it was the whole "ethereal" vibe the author seemed to be going for felt a little forced IMO. So much so to the point of making the story TOO slow for me. I didn't feel attached to anyone in this story.
February 10, 2016
Carrie meets Graham in Italy 14 years ago; tragic ending to the summer; he has a background of his parents being killed in a bombing in Ireland...so doesn't want to be attached. 14 years later, Carrie is dying and her best friend, Lauren, is trying to find a box that Carrie and Graham buried 14 years ago in Italy...she finds it, things are healed before Carrie dies.
September 5, 2016
fluffy.
July 14, 2016
My Thoughts: The book isn’t earth shattering, but the prose is lovely and the characters interesting. Each character’s struggles are real and the topics of grace and forgiveness are nicely played out.
Recommendation Status: I would consider another novel by this author.
Recommendation Status: I would consider another novel by this author.
April 11, 2010
This is the first time I have read this author. WOW! I really enjoyed the book, the nice surprise was that it is Christian fiction. The main character is dying and she has a young child. I found myself seeing my best friend and I in this book.
December 31, 2017
While I am intrigued by the story line, and I think that the writing is decent, this book is much too slow moving for me. I'm 100 pages in and dread having to go back to read more to find out what happens. I will probably return to the library without finishing it.
July 11, 2008
I enjoyed this book as much as 'Plainsong' and would love to see how the story continues.
July 13, 2010
Carrie is dying and married but can't get the past 1st love out of her mind, sailboats
January 15, 2011
made me cry reminds you to live in the moment.
February 24, 2011
Hated it. Was boring and slow.
November 3, 2011
I really liked this book. I think I really struggled with this due to her illness...being a mom I cannot imagine having to deal with saying good-bye to my kids...I think the author made it very real.
March 26, 2012
Nice change of pace for me....nothing paranormal or fantasy. A very laid back story - Christian Fiction - with a great storyline of friendship, love and dying.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews