Customer Reviews

Grace at Low Tide

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

The first thing you should know about GRACE AT LOW TIDE is that it's a work of literary fiction. The second thing you should know is that it's a work of Christian literary fiction. And the third thing you should know is that it's a work that offers further proof that God has not given up on the Christian publishing industry.

In case I haven't made myself clear, let me do so now: I loved GRACE AT LOW TIDE.

The story is told from the perspective of DeVeaux DeLoach, a teenager whose father, Billy, has suffered one business failure too many. His latest debacle has forced the family to move from their fine home in Charleston to a caretaker's cottage on the grounds of Rose Hill Plantation, which used to be the family plantation. From their new home in the South Carolina low country, the family has a clear view of a multi-million dollar development rising on a nearby island --- the very project that did Billy's business in and sent the family packing for poorer quarters.

If you've ever known a bona fide member of pretentious Southern gentility, the name DeVeaux DeLoach just has to make you chuckle inside. Who else would couple the name DeVeaux with DeLoach but an aristocratic wannabe? And one of those wannabes is named Billy! Oh my. I guess you can take the aristocrat out of the Southerner, but you just can't take the Southerner out of the aristocrat. I love it.

DeVeaux, who has been forced to leave prep school to attend the local high school, now spends her free time waiting tables rather than focusing on those accomplishments that will impress university admissions departments. As the story unfolds, she serves as a highly attached observer as she and her family try to adjust to their deteriorating circumstances. Billy's way of "adjusting," however, involves throwing temper tantrums --- even less attractive for an adult than for a two-year-old --- berating DeVeaux, mocking her mother, and treating those things that the two women love as if it was yesterday's garbage. Which is exactly what some of those things become.

Now to the factors that make this a distinctly Christian novel and why I hope other Christian authors and publishers will sit up and take notice of what the author has done here. DeVeaux's faith is evident throughout the book, in what she says, how she thinks, and what she does, such as attend youth group meetings in Charleston despite the difficulty she sometimes has in getting there. (An aside: There's a brand-new car she could use, but Billy refuses to let anyone, including himself, drive it. The car was a gift, and his pride can't handle that.) What sets Beth Webb Hart apart from many other evangelical authors is her subtle and graceful handling of DeVeaux's faith. There's never the slightest hint of preachiness in this faith-rich story.

Orbiting the DeLoaches' lives are a number of well-drawn characters, like DeVeaux's Cousin Eli, who helps her retain her sanity; the Shuzuki family, who bought Rose Hill and are in the process of renovating it; Maum Bess, Billy's childhood nanny, and her son Chambers, who live nearby; Bethany, the youth group leader; C.C., with whom DeVeaux has her first official date; and several other human characters. But among the leading characters in GRACE AT LOW TIDE is the South Carolina low country, which serves as far more than simply a backdrop to the story.

Hart, the author of this debut novel, is a creative writing teacher and my nominee for Writing Teacher of the Year. I don't know if she teaches at writers' conferences, but I certainly hope so. In fact, I think some of our bestselling Christian novelists ought to be forced to spend a week under her mentorship. This woman is so talented that I'm ready to travel to Charleston so I can take in a few sessions with her.

Beth Webb Hart's "Grace at Low Tide" is a delightful story of a teenage girl's struggle to reconcile her faith with her family's economic misfortunes and her own emotional and moral decisions. Set in the Low Country of South Carolina, Ms. Hart's ability to deliver such an accurate portrayal of this special place and the people who live there is comparable to that of any of the best selling Southern authors writing today. The story is engaging and the writing is superb. This is her first novel- read it and you will long for the next one.

This is a beautiful, well-written story about a young girl who will truly capture your heart. Hart's writing brings you into the story as if you were a part of it. She had me laughing outloud and at the same time in tears. This story about God's great love, mercy, and redemption has truly blessed my life and most importantly, encouraged me and given me hope.

This is a delightful and well written book by a talented young author. You will fall in love with the main character, DeVeaux DeLoach, who matures as the story progresses while confronting issues of family, faith, and friendship. DeVeaux and her family are forced to move from the city of Charleston to Edisto Island, and through her rich and beautiful descriptions, Hart evokes a sense of peace and tranquility found in the South Carolina low country. I highly recommend this enjoyable novel, and I look forward to reading more from this gifted author.

The writing is strong, but I felt the story was a bit too contrived and predictable. The setting and dialog are pretty strong, and the plot itself has a good premise. I did believe the narration was nicely done, but the book as a whole just didn't grab me. I didn't really get pulled in and found myself skipping many pages. I basically read it in about 2 hours and nothing in the book made me stop and re-read due its sheer beauty. It is one of the better Christian fiction books I've read. I hope the Christian market continues to opt for substance and good writing. Grace at Low Tide has a nice flow, just didn't really move me.

Engrossing, poignant, honest, funny, enriched by local manners and setting. I am hungry for her next effort.

I didn't like this book very much but I really like Beth Webb Hart and loved "The Wedding Machine". That was a good book that I enjoyed very much. Not for the teen table at all. Sometimes I think that Beth Webb Hart has seen a lot in her life and has taken note of it all. I look forward to reading more of her books even though this one wasn't one of my favorites, I still enjoy her insights. In a way she reminds me of John D. MacDonald who muses about the human condition and assures us that we all have thoughts that frustrate us whether it's over ruthless development of a beautiful land or of how society is so much more crass than ever before. BTW MacDonald's books are NOT Christian lit so just wanted to warn you there. But his sensitivities are about the same as far as the land and the human condition aside from the fact that Beth Webb Hart's focus of hope is in God (which is a huge difference).

Fifteen-year-old DeVeaux is faced with choices and changes when her father, a formerly affluent and respected Charleston resident, goes bankrupt and moves the family to a much more isolated and much less refined life an on island nearby. DeVeaux, the youngest of the family, deals with her father's breakdown, her mother's illness, and her older siblings' and cousin's troubles, as well as her own relationship and friendship intricacies.

The story is understated, peaceful, intimate. You feel as though you're sitting on the front porch swing with DeVeaux as she relates the saga of the past six months to you. It avoids cliches without being overly cynical. And in my opinion, it is more well-written than many other contemporary Christian novels.

Beth Webb Hart has written an engaging book that will open readers eyes to the Charleston not always seen by tourists. The characters are completely believable, from DeVeaux, Mama, Daddy, and right down to the sleezy Sal. Scripture is such an important part of this book, you will not be disappointed. I can't wait to read more from Mrs. Hart.

What an excellent, excellent book. It's been a long time since a book has drawn me in to another reality so deeply. "Grace at Low Tide" starts slow but once you are in, you are IN! The author created such complex characters and a complex family dynamic that feels so real it almost feels like stumbling upon a family diary. I loved getting to know this family! As an added benefit, I feel the book has uplifted and inspired me by reminding me of all the ways God is present. God was an ever present character in the book. I just discovered this was the author's first novel, WONDERFUL! I will read her others....