In Linny Mack’s debut novel "Changing Tides," that’s exactly what happens to Sophie Bennett — and it’s the very wave that might carry her toward a new beginning. Mack delivers an emotionally charged neighbors-to-lovers romance that proves some endings can lead to beautiful beginnings.

The novel opens on an earth-shattering revelation: after 13 years of marriage and countless hopes invested in starting a family, Sophie learns her husband has been unfaithful. To add insult to injury, his mistress is pregnant with the child Sophie always dreamed of.

Reeling from this double betrayal (on her birthday, no less), Sophie decides to escape. She heads to the one place that once brought her peace — the quaint coastal town of Cape May, New Jersey, where she spent childhood summers. This idyllic beachside setting becomes more than just a backdrop; it’s a soothing balm for both Sophie and the reader.

The tone of "Changing Tides" strikes a delicate balance between heartbreak and hope from the start. We feel Sophie’s anguish in the wake of her collapsed marriage, but we also sense the promise of renewal in every salty breeze and sunset stroll on the sand. Linny Mack uses the serene small-town atmosphere to temper the heavy emotions, creating a canvas of healing where our heroine can slowly rebuild.

At the heart of the story are two wounded souls whose lives collide as neighbors. Sophie is a sympathetic protagonist from page one — vulnerable and hurt, yet determined not to be defined by her husband’s betrayal. She’s relatable in her moments of doubt and admirable in her decision to seek a fresh start rather than wallow. Moving into her late grandparents’ cozy cottage (a detail that subtly adds history and warmth), Sophie crosses paths with the man next door: Liam Harper.

Liam is the quintessential gruff neighbor with a heart of gold waiting to be uncovered. On the surface, he’s taciturn, guarded and keen on keeping to himself. Life has dealt Liam a series of blows — most notably a tragedy that left him with custody of his 1-year-old niece and a load of self-reproach.

Thrust into the role of instant parent, this brooding carpenter is clearly out of his depth, which leads to some endearing moments (picture a tough guy fumbling with diapers and midnight bottle feedings). His prickly exterior isn’t just for show; it’s armor built from loss and guilt, and it makes for a compelling contrast to Sophie’s open hurt.

When Sophie and Liam first meet, sparks do not fly — at least not the romantic kind. Their initial encounters are awkward and even tense, colored by misunderstandings and the walls that both have put up.

Yet, Mack deftly develops their relationship in stages, allowing annoyance to evolve into a tentative friendship and, eventually, a smoldering attraction. The chemistry between them builds slowly and naturally. Whether it’s Sophie offering a helping hand with Liam’s adorable niece or Liam fixing something broken at Sophie’s cottage, each small interaction chips away at their defenses.

The novel shines in these quieter character moments where genuine trust begins to form. Both characters carry significant baggage, so their hesitation to jump into romance is portrayed with authenticity. As a result, when affection finally sparks, it feels earned and deeply satisfying.

Mack also enriches the story with a supporting cast whose presence offers gentle humor, advice and a reminder that Sophie isn’t alone as she navigates this new chapter. The dynamic between Sophie and Liam remains the focal point, but these relationships in the periphery make the world feel lived-in and lovable.

"Changing Tides" delves boldly into emotional territories like betrayal, infertility, grief and the daunting prospect of starting over in life. Linny Mack doesn’t shy away from the pain Sophie and Liam carry, and weaves these themes into the narrative with sensitivity.

The novel’s title itself is rich with symbolism that underscores its central themes. Sophie often walks along the shore searching for Cape May “diamonds” — little quartz pebbles polished smooth by the ocean. In one reflective moment, she muses, “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.”

This beautiful metaphor encapsulates the heart of "Changing Tides." Both Sophie and Liam have been tumbled and battered by life’s waves, yet as the tides of change roll in, they have the chance to emerge renewed. The story firmly believes in second chances — not just in love, but in life. It’s the kind of emotional journey that leaves you feeling hopeful and uplifted.

Linny Mack’s writing style is engaging and smooth, with gentle and steady pacing — a true slow-burn romance that takes its time developing intimacy. Some contemporary romances rush the protagonists into love, but Changing Tides lets Sophie and Liam heal at a believable pace.

Mack writes with an accessible, heartfelt prose — never pretentious, often poetic when it comes to describing the seaside sunsets or the way grief can cloud a day. As a debut author, Mack demonstrates a strong grasp of pacing and emotional beats. By the end, you’ll likely find yourself with a lump in your throat and a satisfied smile, having experienced a love story that earns its happy ending.

"Changing Tides" is an emotionally resonant, sweet but poignant tale about finding the strength to let go of the past and the bravery to embrace a future full of uncertainty and hope. For anyone who enjoys heartfelt contemporary romances — especially stories of love after loss or the neighbors-to-lovers trope — this book is a sparkling gem waiting to be discovered.