When the Tides Held the Moon

Bookseller recommendation

“An absolutely beautiful love story that takes place in the early 1900s in New York City. This gave me Song of Achilles vibes but with a merman and a whole cast of found family. The narrators are fantastic and I will definitely seek out books that they narrate going forward. This is also a great summer read with the oceans and sweltering heat and carnival rides.”

— Krystal • The Bookies Bookstore

Bookseller recommendation

“A beautiful story rich in detail both cultural and historic. I will admit to going in a bit blind, and found a romance between a merman and his male caretaker that was sweet and filled with kindness and revelations on both sides. I enjoyed the story and its broad cast of characters and was satisfied with the conclusion. Easily recommended!”

— TJ • Anne’s Secondhand Bookshop

Bookseller recommendation

“Everything about this audiobook was magic. The romance and life written by Venessa Vida Kelley was beautiful and brilliant. The narration by Joel de la Fuente and Lee Osorio truly brought this masterpiece together. Every character has a voice and is given a full story. This will always be stocked in my store, our book club loved it! We all listened to the audiobook and shared our love for it! ”

— Kat • Bookish Modesto

Bookseller recommendation

“This book was beautifully written, with a cast of fascinating characters. Of course a found family story would fit in perfectly with a carnival sideshow being the backdrop-but who knew a wonderful romance could fit in there as well? The narrator is perfect and does the various accents justice. Original, cozy and heartfelt, I highly recommend.”

— Chris • The Epic Shelf

Bookseller recommendation

“Everything about this book was exquisite. Beautifully, achingly written romance, with a found family that will forever go down as one of my favorites. The narrators put their souls into their performances and you can tell. I will be recommending this book to everyone. ”

— Lindsay • Reads by the River

Bookseller recommendation

“Oh my gosh, I've never seen a book picked by so many booksellers! I'm usually wary of highly praised stories, but this hit all my expectations. The narrators are fantastic, the romance is sweet and dramatic, and the historical setting is so well researched. The period correct slang is wonderful. I really love the overarching theme of assimilation vs self agency, and thoroughly appreciate the authors note of historical accuracy.”

— Kestrel • Drury Lane Books

Bookseller recommendation

“I LOVE THESE BOYS THEY ARE SO SWEET AHHHH THEY DESERVE NOTHING BUT HAPPINESS.”

— Katie • A Novel Romance

Bookseller recommendation

“One of the best books I've listened to in a long time! The imagery was gorgeous and downright poetic. The narration was so dynamic and immersive that I felt like I was inside the world of When the Tides Held the Moon. I think I'm obsessed... ”

— Eddie • Cavalier House Books

Bookseller recommendation

“The setting is unique and fascinating, the found family aspect was really laid into, and the representation of historically marginalized people felt incredibly realistic. The book had some mysteries, a good plot, romance, and fantastical intrigue. I highly enjoyed it! ”

— Nicole • Read It Again Books

Bookseller recommendation

“This book. I absolutely devoured it. I cried, I laughed, and I swam with these characters and was completely pulled into the Current. This love letter of a novel is a soulful historical fantasy with a vibrant, show-stopping backdrop. I highly recommend it for lovers of all things Puerto Rican, queer, and just a little bit magical. There was an extensive amount of research and love poured into this novel. It holds a simply fantastic band of characters that are so, so easy to fall in love with and root for. Kelley’s commentary on identity hit so close to home for me. There are so many pieces of ourselves that we shift and cut away to fit the standards of those who would tear us apart for our differences. This smash hit of a debut rendered that undeniable truth with incredible prose and poeticism. Then, there is the boundless love that grows resplendent between Benny, our brave Boricua blacksmith, and Rio, our merman adrift from home who is filled with so much heart and soul. To find your home within another being is so deeply transcendent and personal, and Kelley has crafted a love story for the ages. Quick note for these narrators too: Oh my goodness. Benny and Rio and the entire menagerie were so beautifully brought to life in this audiobook. I will be doing a re-read in print, but I am so happy and grateful to have heard it in this form, first. I was completely astounded. An unforgettable performance for sure! This was one of my favorite reads of 2025 so far! :) ”

— Sanya • The Book Bin

Bookseller recommendation

“A young immigrant blacksmith barely surviving in an early 1900s New York city. A merman captured from the banks of the East River forced to be the newest amusement in a Coney Island sideshow. A romance as unlikely as it is tender blossoming in a hopeless place. With a carousel of unusual characters Benny and Rio find themselves in the middle of a strange and vibrant world, both seeking impossible freedoms in an improbable place. ”

— Jericha • Northshire Bookstore

Bookseller recommendation

“A story so lyrical, romantic, and wonderful, I thought I would be left breathless and castaway. However, it cradled me like the gentle and steadfast moon as it swept me out to sea. I was hooked from the first page, and I’m reeling from the last.”

— Brandy • Page 1 Books