Changing Tides

An emotional second-chance at love story set against the charm of Cape May

If you’re a fan of heartfelt, slow-burn romances featuring mature characters with complicated pasts, Changing Tides by Linny Mack is a must-read. This emotional contemporary romance dives deep into love, healing, and rediscovering yourself after life takes an unexpected turn.

The story centers around Sofie, a mid-30s relationship and family therapist, whose life is turned upside down when she walks in on her husband of 13 years with another woman—on her birthday, no less. After years of fertility struggles and heartbreak, this betrayal is the final blow. When she finds out the other woman is pregnant, Sofie retreats to the comforting familiarity of Cape May, where she spent summers with her grandparents growing up.

Enter Liam—40 years old, born and raised in Cape May, a skilled woodworker and contractor with a heart of gold and a heavy past. He’s currently raising his one-year-old niece, Lucy, after the sudden death of his sister during active military duty. Haunted by guilt from a tragic accident involving his ex-girlfriend, Liam is navigating life with quiet strength and a deep sense of responsibility.

Their connection begins slowly—neighbors who keep bumping into each other between therapy appointments, at hot yoga class, and even on a night out with friends. Their chemistry is undeniable, but both are wary and carrying too much pain to dive in headfirst. Liam’s protectiveness shines when he helps an intoxicated Sofie home from a bar one night, gently rejecting her advances with respect and care.

What follows is a beautifully paced transition from neighbors to friends, and eventually, to something more. The emotional tension between them simmers as they each work on their mental health and personal growth. Conflict naturally arises, but it’s grounded in their individual trauma and desire not to hurt each other. One especially heartwarming twist? Sofie discovers that she and her brother were childhood friends with Liam and his sister—adding a nostalgic sweetness to their story.

This book hits all the right notes: emotional depth, slow-building romance, relatable characters, and a satisfying, heartfelt climax. Linny Mack does a phenomenal job crafting realistic, lovable characters you’ll root for. And the audio narration? Absolutely spot-on. Both voice actors breathe life into Sofie and Liam, adding even more richness to their story.

Read this if you love:

• Second-chance or healing romance

• Slow-burn, friends-to-lovers dynamics

• Stories with mature protagonists and real-life issues

• Coastal settings and summer vibes

• Emotionally satisfying, character-driven stories

Changing Tides is the first in an interconnected series, and I, for one, cannot wait for book two. We get a glimpse of the next main character, Miles, in this story—and trust me, you’ll want to know more.

Linny Mack has officially earned a spot on my must-read list. Don’t sleep on this book—just read it.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
Spice Level: 🌶️

Blurb:

“I think about how a person can be like a Cape May diamond. A dull piece of quartz but when the tide changes, as it always does, they can become shiny and new again.”

Sometimes the tide that sweeps you away can bring you home…

After thirteen years of marriage and seven years of infertility with her supposed soulmate, Sophie Bennett’s life is turned upside down. Not only does she discover her husband is having a sordid affair, on her birthday, but his mistress is also pregnant with his baby. Seeking solace, Sophie flees to Cape May, New Jersey, a quiet coastal town where she spent many summers as a child. There she encounters Liam Harper, a brooding carpenter who seems intent to keep everyone at a distance. Despite his best efforts, Sophie recognizes the vulnerability under his prickly exterior, sparking a curiosity about him that she can’t ignore.

Liam Harper is walking around with the weight of the world on his shoulders. Haunted by a tragedy from his past that changed him forever, Liam doesn’t believe he deserves love or happiness. After being unexpectedly awarded permanent custody of his one-year-old niece, Liam’s script flips yet again. He doesn’t know the first thing about parenthood, and his gruff exterior makes it hard for him to ask for help. When the beautiful and heartbroken Sophie becomes his new neighbor, Liam never expects her to be the one to chip away his defenses.

As the two navigate their attraction and work to heal old wounds, emotions run high. If they want to change the tides of their futures, they must decide whether love is worth the risk. Will they walk away forever, or will fate step in and see them through?

Content Warnings:
PTSD
Infidelity
Infertility (not directly on page)
Fatal Car Crash

Xoxo, Melissa