Reviewed by Arya Fomonyuy for Readers' Favorite

The Big Tide by Marc Heberden is a book that features a wide range of literary elements to keep the reader intrigued and spellbound — love, adventure, jealousy, political intrigue, and a conflict that is so masterfully developed that the reader can’t wait to know how it ends. Meet Eric Sunmers, a successful businessman in the Pacific Northwest, a very smart and handsome man who decides to give an unusual gift to his wife — a luxurious, wooden sailboat, fashioned by expert hands. But this gesture sends deep waves rippling through the hearts of many people, and in comes jealousy, greed, and lust. Follow this wonderful tale to discover how an act can reveal the hidden, unfettered desires of people, the very nature of their hearts, and how far they can go to fulfill their needs. Here is a literary novel that transports the reader into the inner workings of the hearts of the characters, fast-paced, and masterfully executed.

Marc Heberden’s story is beautifully written and the seductive prose casts a powerful spell on the reader, who can’t resist its music and the powerful images it conjures. The narrative voice is clear and irresistible, and the shifts in points of view through every chapter allow readers to connect intimately with the characters. I loved the realism that comes through in this story. The characters are compelling and memorable and readers will feel as if these are people they encounter in their daily lives, because they are real. The Big Tide is an engaging story that captures the spirit of consumerism that characterizes the contemporary American lifestyle, an entertaining story with a relevant message on the joys and perils of things we desire — secretly or publicly.