Title: A Change in Tide
Author(s): Freya Barker
Series: Northern Lights #1
Also in this series: A Change of View
Narrator(s): Charley Ongel, Tor Thom
Published by Spectrum Audiobooks on June 2, 2020
Length: 9 hrs 17 mins
Genre(s): Contemporary Romance
Source: Netgalley
Format: ARC, Audiobook
Purchase: Amazon|Audible
Rating:
Series Rating:
Heat Level:
Listening Length: 9 hours and 17 minutes
What impact would it have when everything suddenly faded to black?
For Mia, a crowded subway ride changes her entire life. Retreating to the wilderness helps her cope with a world that is suddenly too loud, too turbulent. Her existence safely contained to the small cottage on the lake, she is unprepared for the neighbor that moves across the bay.
A career-ending injury has Jared permanently benched. His reputation as The Enforcer won’t survive the unanticipated responsibilities awaiting him. Away from the public eye, he adjusts to his new reality, under the quiet observation of the intriguing hermit on the other side of the water.
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
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A Change in Tide introduced me to the work of Freya Barker. I thought the main characters would be in the late twenties or early thirties age group. However, it surprised me to discover they were older, which I appreciated. This is the first book in the Northern Lights series, and I have to say it’s off to a good start.
In this installment, we get Mia and Jared’s story. Mia, a divorcee and a midwife, lives in seclusion in a lake house, a choice she made after being diagnosed with agoraphobia. Living at the lake house provided her , however her peaceful life would be disturbed when Jared, a retired hockey player, moved in next door.
Mia’s first impression of Jared did not go well. Witnessing him in a compromising position with a woman she believed to be his girlfriend, then not soon after she sees a pregnant woman moving in with him. However, things are not always as one may first perceive.
I have to my first impression of Jared was far from flattering, but as the story progressed my feelings towards him changed. Jared oozed confidence. Strong, determined, protective and an excellent cook. He refused to let his career ending injury impact him negatively. Instead, he worked on finding other ways to utilise his skills. He was not afraid to go after what he wants, and Mia was in his sights. I admired Mia’s willingness to help someone in need and her feistiness. Both are complex characters and I had fun peeling away their layers.
I loved the friendship and the romance which developed between Mia and Jared. They took time to know each other and learnt a lot. The biggest revelation was learning of their connection through a tragedy they both suffered on the same day. Both characters showed tremendous growth throughout the story, especially Mia.
The story featured some humorous situations that had me giggling whenever they occurred. It moved at a steady pace to a large extent. The reader got the chance to witness Jared’s sister going through her own share of issues and finding happiness in the end.
Narration
With this story we got a dual narration. This is the first time I have listened to narrators Tor Thom and Charley Ongel. I think they did an excellent job in bringing out the temperament of the characters. Their range of voices and tone enhanced the listening experience. Their voices were distinct making easy to distinguish between the characters they are representing.
Overall, A Change In Tide delivered a well-written romance featuring mature characters with real-life problems and realistic flaws.
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About Freya Barker
- Face Off With the Captain: R C Stephens - September 12, 2024
- The One I Didn’t See Coming : Piper Rayne - September 10, 2024
- Meant for Gabriel: Natasha Madison - September 8, 2024
This sounds really good! Mia and Jared sound like great characters and I love that there is some humor in the story.
They are great characters. I enjoyed getting to know them especially Mia. She came a long way.
This sounds good. I like that the characters are slightly older. So many books have romance with characters in their twenties and thirties but no so many give space to older generations.
I agree. I found this quite refreshing.
LOL, I already suspect that her noticing him with the women formed the wrong impression, but it sounds like a great start. I like the way they become friends and work through stuff. Going on my list.
I can understand why she would. have gotten that impression. I enjoyed the growth they both displayed
Sounds like characters driven story. Great review.
Thanks.
Ooo older characters. I think I’d enjoy this one.
I am sure you would Kim.
I love the sound of this read! And how fun that this book made you giggle! Isn’t it amazing when a book can do that?!
I’ll definitely check this one out.
I hope you enjoy it.
I read and enjoyed this too
That is good to know.
Thanks Nadene sounds like this is a good one for you.
Yes it was Debbie.
I love listening to romance books on audio. I’ll give this a go!
Enjoy.
As I have entered my thirties, I enjoy reading about characters in their thirties and forties rather than the usual twenty-somethings. I’ll keep this in mind!
I do like to romance featuring characters in their late thirties and early to late forties. After all they deserve a happily ever after too.
I really enjoyed this one, too! All the books so far in this series have been a win for me. The narration was really good too! Nice to see it was a hit for you as well.
I am looking forward to book 2.