Shaped by the Waves - by Christina Suzann Nelson

Shaped by the Waves by Christina Suzann Nelson has Cassie George returning to Gull’s Bay, Oregon to care for Shasta. Cassie was working on obtaining her doctorate in marine ornithology when she received the call stating that her aunt, Shasta had a stroke and had Parkinson’s disease. When Cassie sees Shasta, she knows that it is time to move home with her daughter, Lark to care for the woman who raised her. Cassie received a package in the mail. It contains typed pages that are someone’s story. Cassie begins reading and soon becomes engrossed. As Cassie reads, she discovers that this story has ties to her life. Cassie’s life is about to change in more ways than one. Shaped by the Waves is not what I expected. I really wanted to enjoy the story, but I could never get into it. I found it slow going. Cassie is not a likeable character. She is stubborn, rude, and does not like to accept help even when she is overwhelmed. Cassie has a cute, precocious daughter named Lark. She is a smart cookie for four years old. I liked the humor that Lark added to the story. We get to meet various townspeople. Most of them are friendly and welcoming. They want to help Cassie with Lark and Shasta. They know they need to be creative since Cassie is bound to say no if they ask directly. Nora is the exception. She is Cassie’s high school nemesis. Nora is pregnant with her third girl, and she has been diagnosed with gestational diabetes. I found Nora to be just as frustrating as Cassie. I enjoyed the descriptions of Oregon. There is a lot going on in Shaped by the Waves. It can be hard to keep track of the people and the various storylines. I thought the story lacked cohesion and the pacing was slow (I saw snails waving as they passed me by). I felt that some information was lacking (such as Cassie getting pregnant). Some items are overly detailed, and others are missing key points. I thought Nora’s story would tie in with Cassie’s, but it really did not (I wanted to see the stories intersect). There is romance in the story as well. Cassie finds herself attracted to a coffee shop employee. Shaped by the Waves is a Christian story, but you have to search to find the mentions of faith, prayer, and church. Shaped by the Waves is an emotional novel. You will definitely need a tissue handy for a scene or two. I read Shaped by the Waves, but I was never able to immerse myself into the story. It is a book that I could have put down and easily never returned to. It had a predictability to it (it is easy to figure out who authored the story sent to Cassie). Shaped by the Waves has an expected, feel-good ending. I am afraid that I was not the right audience for Shaped by the Waves. I suggest you obtain a sample to see if it suits you. Shaped by the Waves is an expressive tale with a clever child, an ailing aunt, delectable coffee, pretty paintings, a caring community, scrumptious cookies, and a moving manuscript.

Christina Suzann Nelson’s latest book had me captivated from the beginning. Shaped by the Waves is a story of community & family, loss & love, shame & redemption, and mystery & romance. I couldn’t wait to get to the end to see how everything panned out, but of course was craving more once the story was over. Throughout the book we follow three story lines. Cassie and her daughter, Lark, have returned home to care for Cassie’s Aunt whose health is failing. When Cassie returns, a mysterious letter with links to her past is waiting for her. She reconnects with those who knew her when she was growing up and comes to cherish their relationships on a new level. She is also introduced to a new friend who just happens to be handsome and charming. We also get to follow along as Nora, Cassie’s high school rival, goes on a soul search of her own. Her perfectionistic ways and bitterness regarding her childhood are both disrupted and challenged by the things in life that are beyond Nora’s control. The letter Cassie received upon her homecoming reveals a mystery character’s life story, and finally identity, as Cassie reads it throughout the book’s progression. Shaped by the Waves is a book I will recommend over and over. I’m also glad that I can pass it on to my 13 & 14 year old daughters and be confident that they will enjoy it and that the material, though it covers many real life scenarios, is clean and a quality read. Thank you to Bethany House for the book. My review is my own.

Wow! I’m speechless. The mystery woven in was jaw dropping and to me painted a picture of how Christ loves us so much, even more than a mother’s unconditional love. I could definitely identify with Cassie and the overwhelming feelings of caring for her aunt under hospice as I recently did that for nine months for my mother. The author was spot on capturing the thoughts and feelings of not being up to the task and the rewards involved in what God has called you to do. Lark was an added bonus to the story as she brought smiles and joy. My minor complaint is that I wish that Cassie and Nora’s relationship had developed more. Maybe we can have a sequel. I loved the family that was formed of community and caring for each other. I recommend putting this on your must read list as it is well rounded with friends, family, faith, mystery, and a side helping of romance. I received a complimentary copy from the author/publisher. The honest review and opinions are my own and were not required.

What a fantastic story, I could not stop turning pages! Shaped by the Waves by author Christina Suzann Nelson has several compelling storylines woven together. I thought I had figured out who the author of the mysterious typed story delivered to Cassie was and I was wrong. Family comes in so many different ways. I so enjoyed this story where all these long-time, small town friends were so loving and supportive of Cassie as she strove to care for her dying "aunt" who raised her like a mother, as she was also caring for her sweet and spunky 4 year old. Themes of family, loss, friendship, forgiveness, second chances, and love laced with kindness, truth, and humor. Themes of returning home, and returning to the things that are most important, and helping young people find their way also play an important role. I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of Shaped by the Waves. I highly recommend this beautiful story! It is SO good. Thank you to the author, Bethany House, and Net Galley for allowing me to read an early copy. All opinions are my own.