NEW RELEASE
Turning the Tide - Christine Stovell (2010)
Harry Watling is struggling to keep her father's boatyard business afloat in the sleepy seaside town of Little Spitmarsh. When property developer Matthew Corrigan threatens to awaken the town by building a fancy restaurant and housing complex, Harry is almost the only dissenting voice. Fearful of change and the holiday lets and yuppie clientele it would bring; Harry tries to resist what Matthew has to offer. Will Harry be able to change the minds of the colourful locals who are welcoming Matthew with open arms, or will she too join in the turning tide of Little Spitmarsh? A charming, well written romantic novel that paints such a good picture of Little Spitmarsh that you can almost smell the sea air. Be prepared for Harry as she's not your average chick lit heroine. She's rough around the edges, feisty and dressed almost permanently in dungarees. (AB)
Christine Stovell's debut novel Turning the Tide tells the story of one woman's desperate quest to keep her father's boatyard afloat. The summary says: "All's fair in love and war? Depends on who's making the rules. Harry Watling has spent the past five years keeping her father's boatyard afloat, despite its dying clientele. Now all she wants to do is enjoy the peace and quiet of her sleepy backwater. So when property developer Matthew Corrigan wants to turn the boatyard into an upmarket housing complex for his exotic new restaurant, it is like declaring war. And the odds seem to be stacked in Matthew's favour. He s got the colourful locals on board, his hard-to-please girlfriend is warming to the idea and he has the means to force Harry's hand. Meanwhile, Harry has to fight not just his plans but also her feelings for the man himself. Then a family secret from the past creates heartbreak for Harry, and neither of them is prepared for what happens next." Stovell was inspired to write the novel after a sailing trip along the British coast with her husband. You can read the intro at the publisher's website.