It’s release day for Yesterday’s Tides!
In this post you’ll find:
The story behind the story
The official back cover copy
My Wonderful Readers
What People Are Saying
Release Day Fun
Giveaway
The Story Behind the Story
I feel like I say this a lot, LOL, but this is one of those books that has traveled with me for a loooong time. I first wrote this story over the summer of 2004, in the months following my college graduation. This was the first story to ever wake me up in the middle of the night and NOT LET ME GO. There was just something about Louisa and Rem…something about the Outer Banks setting…something about the idea of love blooming where it shouldn’t that held me in its grip.
That original story, which was only about Louisa and Rem and not at all the time-slip it has turned into, was a contemporary. Louisa was still the handy-woman daughter of an innkeeper in the Outer Banks of North Carolina. Rem was still in intelligence, but was an analyst for the CIA. His mom was still a piece of work. 😉 But what made me love these characters and their story so much was, I think, their hearts. Louisa would give up anything, anything for love of her family. She would take any risk, make any sacrifice if it was for the good of those she loved. Rem was a man of deep intelligence, deep faith, and deep heart who wanted to give Louisa her dreams but was afraid he’d stand in the way of them instead.
That first version, written nearly two decades ago, was called Unrequested, Unrequited. I eventually decided that was a bit of a mouthful, LOL, and when I rewrote the book to pitch it to editors back in the 2010s (still as a contemporary romance), I retitled it Yesterday’s Tides. And once again, when I pulled the manuscript out, it held me fast and wouldn’t let me go.
But then I began to get contracts for historicals. My genre was set, my brand began to develop. So what would I ever do with this story that was off-brand, these characters that I thought of every…single…year when my family vacationed in the Outer Banks? It was my best friend/critique partner, Stephanie Morrill, who eventually said, “Make it a historical! Set it during the First World War or the 1920s or something!”
Stephanie is brilliant. 😉
So I planted Remington Culbreath in Room 40, and I waited. I waited for my chance to tell his story.
During another vacation, I found myself flipping through a book on the islands and reading some of the WW2 history, and I thought to myself, “Why did all the interesting stuff happen here during the Second World War? That’s not ‘my’ war!” Then it hit me–TIME-SLIP!!! I could not only write Louisa and Rem’s story in the WW1 setting I’d already created for them in my mind, I could also tell another story that had come to me over the years, the story of Evie and Sterling, at the same time, but set in WW2.
Cue the confetti!!
So while this story is, in many ways, vastly different from that book I first feverishly typed out in 2004, it is also, in some ways, more the story I held in my heart, the one that held my heart. So I threw everything I had at it.
This story is what I call my “key to all mythologies.” (Bonus points if you get the Middlemarch reference, LOL.) In short, there was a character searching for a key that would link every world mythology together. Well, this is the story that combines ALL my stories! We’ve got the Culper Ring, the Ladies of the Manor, the Shadows Over England and Codebreakers worlds. We’ve got a reference to the Secrets of the Isles. We’ve got it ALL, my friends! And I couldn’t be more pleased with how this story turned out.
The cover. The time-slip. The edits. The characters. Be still, my heart!
Or rather, go ahead and race! Because finally, FINALLY Yesterday’s Tides is more than just a story carried around in my heart and mind. It’s one I get to share! This calls for some serious celebration!!!
My Wonderful Readers
I have been blessed with incredible readers and launch team members! Search #YesterdaysTides on social media to see all of their wonderful creations! You can find a few below.
Photo Credit – Ileana V.
Photo Credit – Miranda A.
Photo Credit – Kathryn D.
Photo Credit – Latisha S.
Photo Credit – Paula S.
Photo Credit – Melissa G.
Photo Credit – Cheryl H.
Photo Credit – Grace J.
Photo Credit – Sarah V.
Photo Credit -Paty G.
Photo Credit – Lovely Words
Photo Credit – Marie E.
Photo Credit – Stephanie J.
Photo Credit – Emilee H.
Photo Credit – Jackie L.
Photo Credit – Deena A.
Photo Credit – Jeanne C.
Photo Credit – Susan C.
The Official Back Cover Copy
What People Are Saying
FACEBOOK LIVE
In honor of release day, I’ll be doing a Facebook Live tonight at 7 pm EST! Join me then for more behind the scenes, some fun facts, a bit of the history behind the story, hear me read a short excerpt, be entered into a BONUS giveaway just for commenters, and ask any questions you have!
SEA GLASS PRAYER JEWELRY
What is sea glass prayer jewelry? Well, in the story, the WW2-line heroine, Evie, takes daily walks along the shore. She prays, and she collects sea glass and shells. Each item she picks up becomes linked in her mind with whomever she’s praying for at the time. Later, in her studio, she turns those pieces of glass and shell into jewelry…and every time she wears it or works on it, she yet again remembers to pray for the person. Often, rather than keeping it, she’ll give the jewelry to the person in question or their family.
I loved this idea so much when I came up with it, that I immediately went in search of some sea glass jewelry to put in my shop. I love the designs of this jeweler, and I printed up little cards to explain the “prayer jewelry” aspect. Each one you purchase comes with the card and is just waiting to be linked in your heart and mind with a prayer request, so that its vibrant colors can remind you of it each time you wear it!
And now, the moment you’ve all been waiting for…the giveaway!
To celebrate this long-awaited release, I will be giving away THREE prizes to US-addressees and ONE prize to an international winner!
PRIMARY GIVEAWAY:
Three lucky winners will receive a signed copy of the book PLUS a piece of sea glass prayer jewelery!
INTERNATIONAL GIVEAWAY:
One winner will receive a copy of Yesterday’s Tides via BookDepository.
Roseanna M. White is a bestselling, Christy Award winning author who has long claimed that words are the air she breathes. When not writing fiction, she’s homeschooling her two kids, editing, designing book covers, and pretending her house will clean itself. Roseanna is the author of a slew of historical novels that span several continents and thousands of years. Spies and war and mayhem always seem to find their way into her books…to offset her real life, which is blessedly ordinary.
I loved your Shadows Over England series. And I am looking forward to reading The Codebreakers series. I have all 3 books on hold at our library.
I read the interview you did with Carrie over on Reading Is My Superpower. I liked what you said about the ultimate theme of YESTERDAY’S TIDES — “… What you do matters. What you choose matters. The decisions you make . . . impact your family, their family, friends, communities, and whole countries. …” I don’t think many of us think about this when we decide on a particular ‘thing.’ I know I’m going to try to remember this, and not just for today or tomorrow but for my remaining days.
Thanks for the chance! Can’t wait to read it.
Thanks so much for that chance..I can’t wait to read Yesterday’s Tides!
Your book sounds like a beautiful story I can’t wait to dive into and your prayer glass jewelry is STUNNING!! Thank you so very much for the chance!!
What a great way for this story to come about! I’m so glad you were able to still use that initial story and make it great!!
I love your writing Roseanna! You draw me into the story as I see the characters, join in their challenges, and follow their development and successes! 🙂
A wonderful book! If I win I have a reading friend that would love to have the copy since I have one already.
I am so excited to read this book! WW2 is one of my favorite time periods to study/ read. And thanks to Rosanna’s books WW1 is a close second! Thanks for the opportunity!
Sounds like a wonderful story!
Congratulations! I have loved your books and the worlds you create with so many amazing characters! I cannot wait to read this wonderful story!
This sounds like a really neat book. I am a big fan of the beach and of sea glass, so I am excited about your sea glass prayer jewelry as well.
Happy Release Day! Sounds wonderful! The jewelry is so pretty, love it!
Love your writing! The sea glass jewelry is so beautiful too!
I love sea glass and can’t wait to see how it features in your latest story!
I love the cover!!
I am very interested in reading this book.
Congrats, The book looks great. Thanks for your great generosity.
I love the cover! It sets the stage for the book.
I am so excited to read this book, especially as it has references to all your books!
I absolutely loved “Yesterday’s Tides,” Roseanna! It ranks as one of my top favorites of all your books, and it just might end up being my favorite book of 2023! Thanks for sharing your incredible gift of writing with all of us!
Historical fiction is one of my favorites and I love learning about the past. Sea glass is something I’ve found on beaches and the jewelry is eye-catching.
So happy to have clean reads that are well written and entertaining. Thank you for sharing your talents with us.
Congratulations on your book launch! It’s such a beautiful story and I loved reading it!
Historical fiction has always been my favorite reading. It is absolutely wonderful to have now found Christian historical fiction writers! I read every one of your books that I can find and I love every one of them! You are an amazingly gifted lady! Yesterday’s Tides is beautiful! I cannot wait to read more of it.
My oldest daughter’s name is Sterling so I’m immediately connected to the story. It’s sounds beautiful and I hope to get to read it soon. I also love the idea of sea glass prayer jewelry.
Sounds like a great book. Love book cover and excerpt. Can’t wait to read this book and series.
Would love to review in print format.
Congrats
This sounds like a wonderful book that I’d enjoy reading. The sea glass jewelry is so lovely.
I am looking forward to reading this book and I love the prayer Jewelry! I recently received my autographed copy!
An amazing read!!! Absolutely loved it!
I absolutely loved this book! So proud and excited to have been on the launch team for it!
Congratulations!! So happy for you!
What a fun giveaway! I love the sea glass jewelry, and your books are fantastic!
Happy Release Day! I love the beautiful sea glass prayer jewelry! Thank you for another outstanding novel to read.
Sounds like a really good book.
I’m excited about the book release! I’m glad to know that it ties in with your other stories — I think I’ll finish Codebreakers and read Shadows over England first so I can fully appreciate the detail! 😃
Not sure if you moderate comments or not but let us try again.
Love book cover & excerpt. Would love to read this book & series and also review in print format.
I hope I win
Congrats
Historical fiction is my favorite genre, so I’m excited to read this book. The sea glass jewelry is gorgeous, too! Thanks so much for the wonderful giveaway.
Congratulations on the new release! Thank you for a wonderful giveaway!
Happy Release Day, Ro! I’m so excited for you.
Congratulations Roseanna!! I’m so excited to read your new book!
Congratulations on release day! I think Yesterday’s Tides is your best yet! And it made me dig into the Culper Ring series, which I somehow had never read!
I enjoy your blog, and your books! Thanks for the opportunity to win a copy.
Happy Release Day! I’m excited you’ve written story in my favorite setting, the NC OBX! We go often as we live just 3 hours away. Winter is an amazing season there too!
I hope this is a fun day for you–I am sure it is a relief, too. Congratulations on the official release of your book. I left my review on your shop page for Yesterday’s Tides. It was an excellent book! I am hoping to acquire some of the beautiful sea glass jewelry at some point.
CONGRATULATIONS!!!! Wow, how amazing that you’ve had the idea for so long and how it’s turned into something even more epic!!! I can’t WAIT to read this!!!
I love your books and the inspirational messages you include.
Thank you!
The book seems like my kind of read.
Marilyn
I am so excited to read this!
Congratulations on your release and here’s to many more!
Happy Release Day!
I am so excited to read your newest book! You really do have a talent, I have loved everything I’ve read of yours!
I am so excited to read this book! Congratulations on your book release!
So excited for you Roseanna love the jewelry so pretty congratulations on release day!!
I’m completely enthralled with this book and I loved the cameos! I don’t remember Rem from Room 40 so now I have to go back and re-read those to find him!!! I also love how you carry books with you for years. I have a young author friend who insists her early attempts will never see the light of day and I tell her about The Lost Heiress 🙂
What a great use of sea glass! So pretty and ecological!
I love the sea glass elements! So cool!
I can’t wait to read the book and I love the sea glass jewelry
I love the story behind the story. It’s lovely to learn that as you release this novel, you have not only a historical setting and historical background for your characters, but it celebrates your history too. Happy Release Day!
Congratulations on your new release! I’m so excited for you!
I am looking forward to reading your latest book and getting some of your prayer jewelry for gifts.
Congratulations on your release day! I can’t wait to read this story. I always love your books.
Such a beautiful cover. Congratulations!
I always look forward to reading your books!
So excited for this! Got my lovely signed preorder copy a couple weeks ago and I’m enjoying it already from the first chapters.
I like reading about this period in history when Americans joined together and admitted to their need for God.
Beautiful book cover..
Congratulations!! So excited for another book from you! You’re amazing Roseanna ❤️ I love how you patiently hold books in your heart until just the right time when God sets them free. I also love the sea glass prayer jewellery and the story behind it. It’s so beautiful!
Happy release day!!! How fun to have written a novel nearly 20 years ago and finally have it published for the world to read!! 💜
Congratulations! I am looking forward to reading this book. Thank you for the giveaway.
This sounds like a very interesting book!
A book that combines some of my favorite series??!!! I can’t wait to read this!
Thanks, everyone!
What a great book! Looking forward to reading it!
I would love to read this story.
Can’t wait to read the book. Congrats on your new release
Thank for the chance
Roseeanna~! Loved hearing about the journey this story took! Love the sea glass jewelry, too. So eager to read this one. Happy, happy release day. 🙂
Can’t wait for the opportunity to read and review this fabulous sounding book.
I have enjoyed the snippets of the book that you have shared. After learning about the background of this story I am even more interested in this book. It sounds great!
Happy Release day.
What fun, sounds awesome!
Congratulations! This story sounds amazing!
My Inspirational Book Club has read several of your books. We start as a group with the first book in the series, but we all end up reading the rest of the series. I love your books and am grateful my library carries them. I loved the sneak peaks of this book and look forward to reading the entire book.
I got my library to order. Can’t wait for it to arrive!!
What an intriguing backstory! I can’t wait to read it!
Congratulations! I loved the sneak peek pages. Can’t wait to sit down with the whole story! 🙂
I always enjoy all of your books. Thanks fir such wonderful stories.
Hi Roseanna! I love your books & writing, happy release day to you 🙂
Thank you for the chance to win a signed copy of “Yesterday’s Tides”! That would be a treasure.
Would love to read the book and wish I had been on the advance review. Thanks, please pull my name for the giveaway!
Gorgeous cover.
Sounds like a book I would LOVE.
Happy Pub Day!!
Congratulations, Roseanna! This one is interesting to me because I live near the Outerbanks and my husband and I often go to the Kitty Hawk area when we need a getaway. Our Pastor, when he was first ordained into the Methodist Church, had three different churches there on the Outer Banks! Thanks for sharing your gift with us! Kim
This book sounds great!
I appreciated ‘The Story Behind the Story”, as I hadn’t been able to make the connection yet between the “Sneak Peek”s…
This sounds fantastic
Thank you for the giveaway!
Happy Release Day! The jewelry Is beautiful, and the book sounds like a good read!
Happy book release day! It was love at first sight for me. Beautiful cover!! I also got the sneak peek pages, and I can’t wait to read the rest of the story!
It’s been awhile since I read one of your books. This book sounds glorious. To make it extra special for me is that it is set in my beloved coastal North Carolina. I grew up in the Wilmington area (south of the outer banks) and the NC coast is so special. My parents and uncles were WWII generation with 3 of my uncles in the army. One died. Stories abound about WWII activities along the NC coast so this should be a good read even though it is fiction. And the sea glass jewelry sounds so love.y.
Happy Release Day! Book sounds interesting and the jewelry is so pretty.
This books sounds very interesting and my kind of story to read.
Happy Release Day! I’ve been anxiously awaiting for this day! I can’t wait to read the book!
Happy book birthday!!! I’m looking forward to reading this!
Okay but this sounds so cool and I really want to read it!! I have your Shadows of London series and I really need to read those first though, I think 😉
Happy Release Day!! Good luck to all those who enter!! I look forward to reading this one soon.
I’ve seen many great reviews for the book from early readers. It sounds wondeful!
Happy Release Day!! Good luck to all those who enter!!
Happy Release Day! I am looking forward to reading Yesterday’s Tide.
Oops! I just realized that the second giveaway was international. Sorry about that. Can you tell I want to win the book?
Happy release day! Have a blessed week.
Congratulations on your newest release! I’m so happy to have been on your launch team. It’s such a wonderful book! I absolutely love the sea glass jewelry.
Congratulations on your Release day
So excited!!
Congratulations on finally getting this book out into the world! It was an honor to be part of your launch team. The story is wonderful!
I loved this book! It was so much fun meeting some old friends!
This story sounds absolutely amazing!! Ocean, danger, romance, set during the World Wars … sighhhhhhhhh <3
The book sounds really interesting!! I can’t wait to read it!
Happy release day
I can’t wait to read about ALL the characters! I love those little glimpses of past characters we know and love. 🙂
I love your creativity and especially the idea you had for prayer glass jewelry!
I had no idea when I started this book it would have overlap with other series by you- love that you tie all these books together. I am loving this book and it continues to confirm that your role as one of my favorite authors is well earned. Thank you for this new contribution ❤
Sounds like an interesting read 😁
I am excited to read the new book!
Happy release day! I enjoy your books and know this one too won’t disappoint! Blessings to you and yours!
I enjoy all your historical novels, but I especially like your Culper series.
I have been really enjoying world war books! Can’t wait to read this one!