
Against the Tide
Callie, my protagonist, actually began taking shape while I was writing A Crazy Quilt Life. I was participating in a writers workshop on ekphrastic poetry. I'm not a poet, but gamily chose a painting, one given to me by my mother, I might add. It hung in her home for years before she gave it to me.
She said the painting reminded her of living outside of Charleston, South Carolina and it does the same for me. I don't know where she got it, probably from a thrift store, knowing her. It's not signed so I can't credit the artist.
While my poetic lines weren't worth mentioning, I remained entranced by the woman in the foreground. As I passed the painting daily, I began to create Against the Tide's plotline and Callie's character. ​
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Reviews for Against the Tide
"Book 1 of the Caine Island Stories covers 17 years of life and growth of the several characters we meet early in the book as they try to keep alive the spirit of the island in a world that is moving away from it. It’s a lovely book to make you close your eyes and wish you could experience some of what Caine’s Island and its inhabitants have to offer." From a review by TAT
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"This was a sweet story about the struggles and triumphs of a young widow and mother on the cusp of the women's liberation movement of the 1970's. After a hurricane destroys the pier where she earns a limited income, Callie finds a way to support herself and stay in this home where she lived with her husband. With friends and family, hard work and grit, Callie creates a successful business and a good life for herself and her daughter. Set in an island beach town near Charleston, South Carolina, the pace is slow, and friendly characters round out the story. A pleasant book to read. Enjoy." From a review by LS
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