When the Tides Held the Moon

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

“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

“This queer cozy fantasy is a perfect summer read! The scene: 1910s New York City, the plot is epic, the romance is absolutely wonderful, written, and you can feel the longing!! The two charters fall in love, but how long can they stay together when one is a merman in captivity and the other is trying to break him out! If you want a story of forbidden romance and learning to love yourself as you are, this is for you!”

— Sarah • Cavalier House Books

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

“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

“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... ”

— Eden • Cavalier House Books