Elena Graf’s Rip Tide is book No.11 from the Hobbs series.
It is a compelling and emotionally charged novel that delves into the complexities of identity, self-discovery, love and friendship, but at the core it is a story about resilience. Set against the backdrop of a picturesque coastal town, the story weaves together themes of romance, personal growth, and the challenges of navigating life’s unpredictable currents.
Nevertheless, Elena Graf’s Rip Tide is a character-driven story that shines through its richly developed and deeply flawed human cast. Each character is crafted with care, bringing a unique perspective and emotional depth to the story. The author excels at creating multi-dimensional, deeply flawed human characters. Her ability to create authentic, relatable individuals is one of the book’s greatest strengths.
Each character is bringing their own unique story and emotional depth to the narrative. At the heart of the novel are four central figures: Dr. Liz Stolz is still recovering from the shooting at the Hobbs elementary School (while another one closer to home occurs), her wife, the opera singer and priest Lucille Bartlett needs to find a balance between her Church and her opera events, Liz’s ex-wife Maggie – who faces a break-up and a bad moment with her daughter, Alina, and the touching love story between Mother Reshma and Tiffany, the pastry store owner. The author masterfully weaves their lives together, creating a story that is as much about individual growth as it is about the power of love and connection.
Dr. Liz Stolz: A Journey of Redemption and Healing
Liz Stolz is the anchor of Rip Tide, a character whose complexity and vulnerability make her instantly relatable. A successful surgeon returning to her hometown after years away, Liz is haunted by past mistakes and the fallout of her failed marriage to Maggie, whom she can’t quite forgive yet and her role in the Hobbs Elementary School shooting. Her journey is one of redemption and healing, as she learns to forgive herself and embrace the possibility of a new beginning of a friendship with Maggie, her ex-wife and a blooming marriage with her wife, Lucy. Liz’s strength and resilience shine through, making her a protagonist readers will root for from start to finish.
Lucille Bartlett: The Charismatic Opera Singer
Lucille Bartlett, the enigmatic opera singer, adds a layer of sophistication and intrigue to the story. Her larger-than-life personality and artistic passion make her a captivating character, but Graf also reveals her vulnerabilities. Lucille’s marriage with Liz is a highlight of the novel, offering moments of warmth, humor, and mutual support. Through Lucille, Graf explores themes of ambition, identity, and the sacrifices often made in pursuit of one’s dreams. Her presence in the story enriches the narrative, providing a counterbalance to Liz’s more reserved nature.
Maggie: The Complicated Ex-Wife
Maggie Fitzgerald, Liz’s ex-wife, is a character who embodies the complexities of love and loss. Graf avoids painting Maggie as a villain, instead presenting her as a flawed but sympathetic individual. Her strained relationship with Liz is fraught with unresolved tension and lingering emotions, reflecting the challenges of moving on from a deep connection. Maggie’s presence in the story serves as a reminder of the lasting impact of past relationships and the difficulty of truly letting go. Her interactions with Liz are charged with emotion, adding depth to both characters. However, Lucy helps. And, both help Maggie out , while her relationship with Sam ends
Mother Reshma and Tiffany: A Love Story of Quiet Strength and the fight against home abuse from ex-lovers
One of the most touching aspects of Rip Tide is the love story between Mother Reshma, a spiritual leader, and Tiffany, the kind-hearted pastry store owner. Their relationship is a beautiful portrayal of love that transcends societal expectations and personal insecurities. Graf handles their story with sensitivity and grace, highlighting the quiet strength and resilience required to build a life together. Mother Reshma’s wisdom and Tiffany’s warmth create a partnership that feels authentic and inspiring. Their love story is a testament to the idea that love can flourish in the most unexpected places.
Character Dynamics: The Heart of the Novel
What makes Rip Tide truly special is the way Graf explores the dynamics between the women in the lesbian Hobbs community – while they explore life, love, sexuality and religion (A lesbian over 60 isn’t just aging—she’s leveling up. Every wrinkle is a story, every gray hair a badge of survival). Liz’s evolving relationships with Lucille, Maggie, and the community around her are central to the story, each interaction revealing new layers of her personality. The bond between Mother Reshma and Tiffany serves as a poignant contrast to Liz’s struggles, offering a glimpse of the healing power of love. Graf’s ability to weave these relationships together creates a narrative that is both emotionally resonant and deeply satisfying.
Conclusion: A Masterful Exploration of Love and Connection
Elena Graf’s Rip Tide is a masterful exploration of love, loss, and the ties that bind us. Through characters like Liz Stolz, Lucille Bartlett, Maggie, Mother Reshma, and Tiffany, Graf crafts a story that is as much about individual growth as it is about the power of human connection. Each character is beautifully realized, with their own struggles, triumphs, and emotional arcs. The relationships between them are the heart of the novel, making Rip Tide a deeply moving and unforgettable read. Whether you’re drawn to Liz’s journey of redemption, Lucille’s passion for the opera, or the quiet strength and the fight against home abuse from ex-lovers of Mother Reshma and Tiffany’s love, this book offers something for everyone.
Elena Graf’s prose is both elegant and evocative. She paints emotions with precision, allowing readers to feel the weight of every moment—whether it’s the sting of past mistakes or the warmth of newfound hope. Her ability to balance tension and tenderness keeps the reader engaged from start to finish.
Can’t wait for book 12 from the Hobbs series!!
Inkmarksonemptydreams 