Awesome side characters, interesting world-view and an awesome description of mermaids! The ideo with "the current" was one that I've not expected but really enjoyed. Some might say Benny is a boring protagonist but I disagree. He is such an realistic written dude: with his secrets, his fears and even his pride. One thing I missed was a scene where Benny apologized to Eli... But that's the only thing that I'll criticize about this book!

When Tides Held the Moon is about Benigno (Benny) Caldera, who leaves Puerto Rico for America, hoping for a better life. Instead, he ends up working as cheap labor, facing discrimination, and trying to survive as a factory blacksmith. Things change when he’s given the job of building a huge iron tank. After an accident gets him fired, he finds himself at Coney Island and Luna Park -where that tank has been turned into part of a new attraction. What he doesn’t realize is that it’s meant to hold a living merman, captured to save the park from going under. What I really liked was how unexpected the story felt. Benny slowly finds a kind of family among the people at Luna Park, and Rio, the merman, becomes much more to him than just “a prince of the sea.” The book covers a lot of heavy but important themes alongside the romance - racism, homophobia, the struggle to belong, the exploitation of immigrants, prejudice, and also the courage to live openly as yourself. And all of that is wrapped up in a touching love story. The Luna Park crew were some of my favorite characters. They’re all outcasts for different reasons, but together they form a family. Eli and Emmett stood out to me, but the women were also really well written. Benny himself was such a strong character too - young, unlucky, not fully sure of who he is, but with a big heart and so much courage. I’ll admit, I had a bit of trouble at the start because of the slang. As a non-native English speaker, I had to pay extra attention to catch everything. But once I got into it, I was hooked. I’d definitely recommend this book - not just for the romance (which I loved), but also for the way it handles so many important topics.

This was excellent. I initially picked it up for the Rainbow Reads challenge and beacuse it wasn't all too expensive on kindle. I never expected to fall in love this hard. This book was incredible. I can barely put it in words. Benny's and Rio's dynamic was incredible. They were so loving and tender. They found solace in each other and similarity despite their vastly different experiences. Benny never meant him any harm and Rio, despite it all, understood. He accepted his help, his love and companionship. And the found family in this, my goodness. The Oddities were the most delightful little family. They all fought for each other even though there were plenty of reservations. They made it all work because all they have is each other. Even if it could mean their death or downfall. The epilogue made me weep. Matthias I love you. (Also the illustrations are gorgeous!)

I am speechless. This was so beautiful!! The writing tugged right at my heartstrings and made me feel like I was part of this world. I loved that none of the characters were perfect and yet they were like a big family, especially towards the end. I need this book and I need it now. I can't wait to hold an actual copy of it in my hands once it's out. I need more books written by this author. She does it so beautifully! i think i died and ascended to heaven