Welcome to the World of
Yesterday’s Tides
In two world wars, intelligence and counterintelligence, prejudice, and self-sacrifice collide across two generations.
On the small island of Ocracoke, in the chain of North Carolina’s barrier island Outer Banks, there’s a village. In that village, there’s an inn. And in that inn, stories played out across generations. Stories that didn’t just shape the lives of those few people who claimed the inn as their home…stories that rippled out to impact their community, their countries, and the world.
Yesterday’s tides always affect today’s currents…and the choices we make today will play out for thousands of tomorrows.
Come away for a while to Ocracoke. Sit around the table at the Ocracoke Inn and enjoy some of the Southern hospitality they’re known for. Rest secure, knowing the Coasties are watching over you. And dive into the waters of story.
About Us
RECIPES
Ocracoke Inn Recipes
The ladies of the Ocracoke Inn are known around the island and well beyond as fantastic cooks…and especially for their baked goods. Come sample some of their favorites, and get variations too, for whichever way of eating you embrace!
American Sign Language (ASL)
Ready to Learn the Signs?
Learn the history of American Sign Language, how names are assigned, and see the signs from the book.
HISTORY
Did you know ASL is based on older signing systems?
Read about the history!
NAMES
Ever wonder what your name’s sign would be in ASL?
Learn all about sign names!
IN THE BOOK
Wondering what Elsie’s signs looked like? Take a chapter-by-chapter tour with an ASL teacher!
About Us
INTELLIGENCE
From Room 40 to Bletchley Park
In the Great War, England revolutionized intelligence with their Room 40 codebreaking team of cryptographers. Between the wars, those codebreakers went on to form a Cryptography School for the government, training the next generation…and founding Bletchley Park in World War 2.
From the Bookish Things Shop
Sea Glass
& More
Here’s where you can shop all things Yesterday’s Tides! From signed copies of the books, to the sea glass prayer jewelry Evie would have made, to the Yaupon tea islanders enjoy, my Bookish Things shop has you covered!
Easter Eggs
Did You Find Them?
Yesterday’s Tides pulls all my romance books together! Did you catch all the references to previous books? Check the list to see if you spotted them all!
Testimonials
The Family
Meet the Characters
Across two generations, it’s the members of the families and the guests at the inn that make Ocracoke and Yesterday’s Tides what it is. Meet the people whose secrets have such far-reaching consequences.
Louisa Adair
Louisa Adair has lived all her memory on Ocracoke Island, helping her family manage their inn. Though visitors tend to see only her pretty face, she’s actually a genius at fixing things, from broken steps to Coast Guard equipment. Family means more to her than anything…including her dreams of seeing the world.
Remington Culbreth
Second son of an English baron and an American “Dollar princess,” Rem is the bookish, scholarly one…and not much inclined to take over his maternal grandfather’s business empire while his older brother inherits the barony. What he wants is a life in academia. But what he wants doesn’t seem to matter much.
Evie Farrow
Though Evie had many options open to her in life, she chose to live in Ocracoke and run the inn. Though she has no regrets, when war breaks out, she’s left an ocean away from most of the people she loves most. That doesn’t stop her, however, from doing all she can to care for her neighbors…even if she’s more than she seems.
Sterling Bertram
Englishman Sterling Bertram can’t tell anyone about his true work. Though technically in the Royal Navy, he’s an intelligence officer, in America chasing a lead for a German agent.
Stavi
And that’s all we can say about him. Shhh.
The Location
Ocracoke Island
The Atlantic Ocean and Pamlico Sound surround this small barrier island. From the lighthouse–one of the oldest still in operation in America–to the maritime forests, from Blackbeard’s lair to the shops and inns, Ocracoke is an island full of history and life. Learn more about why it captures so many hearts.
Reading
Browse All
View the latest articles about the world of the Yesterday’s Tides.
ASL Names
ASL Names and How They're ChosenWhat would your name be? You may have noticed when reading Yesterday's Tides that each character who interacts with Elsie (who is deaf and speaks American Sign Language) is given a sign for their name...In the deaf community, names can...
Classic French Baguette
Classic French BaguetteDelicious, crusty loaves made in the traditional fashion.Servings 12Prep time: 30 minTotal Time: 14 hours (overnight)Good For: BreadInroduction About this Recipe If there's anything better than a classic, crusty baguette, I've yet to find it....
Ocracoke Fig Cake
Ocracoke Fig CakeAn island classic, traditionally using fig preserves made from locally grown fruit.Servings 16Prep time: 30 minTotal Time: 1.5 hoursGood For: DessertInroduction About this Recipe Each year on Ocracoke, the village hosts a Fig Festival. During this...
Fun & Games
Downloadable codebreaking games and coloring pages, fun for adults AND kids!