Emily Jane’s latest novel, Here Beside the Rising Tide, is a masterful genre-bending tale that seamlessly weaves together elements of science fiction, romance, and family drama. Following the success of her debut novel On Earth as It Is on Television, Jane proves her versatility as a storyteller by crafting a narrative that is both wildly imaginative and deeply grounded in human emotion.
The story follows Jenn Lanaro (formerly Jenni Farrow), a bestselling romance author going through a divorce, as she escapes to her childhood home on Pearl Island with her two children. What begins as a summer getaway takes an extraordinary turn when her long-lost childhood friend Timmy Caruso—who disappeared thirty years ago—emerges from the sea, still ten years old and on a mission to save the world.
Strengths and Literary Merit
Masterful Character Development
Jane excels at creating multidimensional characters who feel authentic and relatable. Jenn’s struggle to balance her career, motherhood, and personal life while dealing with divorce resonates deeply. The children—Evie, Mason, and the time-traveling Timmy—are wonderfully portrayed with distinct personalities and realistic behaviors that avoid common child-character stereotypes.
The romantic subplot involving Dax, the contractor, is refreshingly mature and well-developed, avoiding the typical romance novel clichés while still delivering satisfying emotional payoff.
Innovative World-Building
The author’s creation of the squidinox—peculiar sea creatures with time-traveling abilities and an insatiable sweet tooth—is brilliantly original. These beings serve as both comic relief and crucial plot devices, while their evolution throughout the story mirrors the characters’ personal growth.
Themes and Emotional Depth
The novel explores several profound themes:
- The complexity of parent-child relationships
- The lasting impact of childhood trauma
- The balance between personal ambition and family responsibilities
- The nature of time and memory
- The power of friendship and community in facing overwhelming odds
Writing Style and Narrative Structure
Jane’s prose is vibrant and engaging, with a perfect balance of humor and poignancy. She demonstrates particular skill in:
- Seamlessly transitioning between past and present
- Creating tension through multiple storylines
- Building to an emotionally satisfying climax
- Using metaphor and symbolism effectively
- Maintaining consistent character voices
Critical Analysis
Areas for Improvement
While the novel is largely successful, there are some aspects that could have been stronger:
- The pacing in the middle section occasionally lags, particularly during the build-up to the Tentageddon conflict
- Some secondary characters, especially Chuck (Jenn’s ex-husband), could have been more fully developed
- The resolution of certain plot threads feels slightly rushed
- The scientific explanation for the squidinox’s abilities remains somewhat vague
Genre Elements and Innovation
The novel successfully subverts expectations of multiple genres:
Science Fiction Elements
- Time travel with unique rules and limitations
- Mysterious sea creatures with otherworldly abilities
- An apocalyptic threat in the form of Tentageddon
Romance Components
- A mature love story between complex adults
- Realistic relationship challenges
- Emotional growth and healing
Family Drama Aspects
- Authentic parent-child dynamics
- Divorce and its impact on children
- The struggle to maintain work-life balance
Impact and Significance
Cultural Relevance
The novel addresses several contemporary issues:
- Modern parenting challenges
- The impact of technology on family relationships
- Environmental concerns
- Mental health and personal growth
Literary Significance
Jane’s work contributes to the growing body of genre-blending literature that defies traditional categorization. Her ability to combine elements of science fiction with literary fiction and romance creates a unique reading experience that appeals to a broad audience.
Comparison to Similar Works
The novel shares DNA with several notable works while maintaining its own unique identity:
- The childhood nostalgia and supernatural elements evoke Stephen King’s IT
- The blend of family drama and fantastic elements recalls Neil Gaiman’s work
- The beach setting and relationship dynamics bring to mind Elin Hilderbrand’s novels
Final Verdict:
Here Beside the Rising Tide is a remarkable achievement that successfully balances multiple genres while delivering a deeply moving story about family, love, and redemption. Despite some minor pacing issues and occasional plot convenience, the novel’s strengths far outweigh its weaknesses.
Recommendations
This book is perfect for readers who:
- Enjoy genre-blending fiction
- Appreciate complex family dynamics
- Love beach reads with depth
- Seek stories about second chances
- Want a fresh take on time travel narratives
Closing Thoughts
Emily Jane has created something special with Here Beside the Rising Tide. It’s a novel that reminds us of the magic that exists in everyday life while acknowledging the very real challenges we face as adults. The story’s ability to maintain optimism in the face of overwhelming odds, combined with its thoughtful exploration of family dynamics and personal growth, makes it a standout release of 2025.