Riptide

Riptide: Idyllic Island • Deadly Peril

 

Ashlyn Forsyth believes she and her husband Craig have come to idyllic St. Simons Island to restore romance to their flagging marriage. Then, without warning, Craig hands Ashlyn, divorce papers. In shock, Ashlyn watches him drive off with a female colleague from his office. She soon discovers he is being pursued by the Russian mafia and investigated by the FBI for money-laundering.

Abandoned on St. Simons Island, Ashlyn faces not only emotional turmoil but financial ruin, the shipwreck of her career, harassment by the FBI, and pursuit by the Russian mafia. Even as her ordered life plunges into chaos, she finds herself increasingly attracted to Remy Jeandeau, a shrimp boat captain.

Will she find the spiritual resources needed to overcome adversity? Will attraction blossom into romance?

Praise for Riptide:

“I’d like to say that this is a demure read, but that would mislead you. It is a rip-roaring thriller, where heartbreak, romance, and intrigue abound. Eric Wright’s latest book Riptide proves to be an excellent read, with Ashlyn Forsyth desperate to outwit Mafia and government agents alike.  Edge of seat storytelling that keeps the adrenaline rushing, and fingers busy turning the pages. Highly recommended.” Patricia Day, Author

“Riptide’s twists and turns kept my emotions on high alert! Great read!” Brenda J Wood, author and speaker

“Riptide draws the reader immediately into the exotic world of St. Simons Island where Ashlyn Forsyth is dumped by her husband into his secret life involving high level criminals, FBI, and Russian mafia. This suspense driven plot engages the reader’s mind and heart as we follow Ashlyn’s unwitting adventure toward a new life.” Pat Calder, author

Sharon Dow, author writes: “I thoroughly enjoyed reading Riptide by Eric E. Wright. It was fast-paced with many twists and turns which made exciting reading. I loved the island setting and learned interesting facts about the shrimp trade. Not only was it a good read, it also provided helpful insight into coping with divorce and learning to move on after a crisis in life. Well done!”

“Riptide engages the reader as we see Ashlyn develop her relationships with her daughter, the people she meets on St Simons Island and Remy. She ends up a stronger character after all her adventures— and there are many of those. The pace is fast.” Felicity Sidnell, writer

Violet Nesdoly, author writes: “Ashlyn Forsyth joins her husband Craig on St. Simons Island (Georgia) so they can work on their relationship. But when, after only three days, he hands her an envelope and then drives off with a female colleague from work, Ashlyn fears she’s been had.

“Craig’s letter requesting a divorce and stating that he is dropping out of sight blindside this middle-aged marriage counselor/deacon’s wife. Surely, with her relationship experience, she should have seen it coming!

“But Craig’s actions are only the beginning. The cancellation of all her credit cards, the seizure of their house in New York, and the visit of two FBI agents prove how serious is the trouble Craig and his investment agency are in. Soon Ashlyn is herself in a cat-and-mouse chase with the Russian mafia in Riptide by Eric E. Wright, a tale that kept me on the edge of my seat for most of its 328 pages.

“Main character Ashlyn, struggles inwardly with why God is allowing these bad things to happen to her, will her young-adult children be safe, and who is she now that her marriage is falling apart and she no longer has the credibility to run her counseling business. Remy Jeandeau, a rough-around-the-edges but gentle shrimp fisherman keeps popping up whenever Ashlyn is in the thickest trouble. Soon she’s also fighting feelings about him that she knows a married woman shouldn’t be having.

“The St. Simons Island setting, with its laid-back lifestyle and beautiful scenery is a contrast to the story’s dark elements. Wright’s descriptive yet efficient writing style is a good vehicle for this tale with scenes that range from lyrical to danger-filled. The hunt and chase segments are masterfully rendered; I felt like I was watching them on a big screen.

Laura Connell writes: “Riptide hits the ground running and never lets up. Like a short story, the novel begins in the middle of a scene of great tension, wasting no time getting the reader into the center of the action. Somehow the author is able to sustain the tension throughout the entire novel: I found myself looking forward to getting back to the book so I could resume running alongside the likeable characters in this high-octane adventure.

The book’s title refers to turbulence on the sea caused by abrupt changes. The main character’s previously calm and predictable life has likewise been torn asunder by developments beyond her control. Facing a sudden divorce, Ashlyn Forsyth displays all the ambivalence of someone going through an emotional trauma. We join her in a series of intense trials and temptations as she is pushed almost beyond her limits (divorce is the least of her immediate troubles). We see the human ability to survive impossible circumstances with God’s help as she leans on her Savior during desperate times.

The ocean theme runs throughout the novel with a rugged shrimp boat captain coming alongside Ashlyn during her time of deepest need. I was able to visualize the scenes while reading them which made me think the book would translate well to film. I found myself wishing I knew people like Valerie, the inquisitive stranger, and Lottie Jane, the salt-of-the-earth waitress at the Shrimpboat Cafe. Ashlyn’s struggles with her own mind, her relationship with God, her attraction to a new man, all brought on by a frightening series of events not of her own making, provide an enthralling read.”

Jayne Self, author, writes: “Craig and Ashlyn Forsyth stand at the back of the church listening to the choir. He hands her a sealed envelope, and walks out. Leaving Ashlyn alone, and her hope that this romantic vacation would rekindle their marriage destroyed.

Ashlyn is a Christian marriage counsellor who thought she had her life in order, thought she was in tune with God’s plan. But as her life falls apart—between run-ins with FBI agents and Russian mobsters, her life really is imploding—Ashlyn must reassess who she is, and what is really important.

Canadian author, Eric Wright, gave himself an interesting challenge by writing this novel from Ashlyn’s point of view. He does a commendable job portraying her thoughts, feelings, and attitudes. He also paints the setting for most of this novel, St Simon’s Island, Georgia, with believable strokes. From waitresses to shrimp fishermen, the characters come alive.

Pacing is a bit of an issue in the first part of the novel. I would have liked the action to start a bit sooner. But once it does start, there is no time for Ashlyn or the reader to catch their breath.

Riptide is a fun, satisfying read.”