The Companion Novel Compass: Navigating Emerald Tide and Sapphire Seas
Set Sail Your Way: A Choose-Your-Itinerary Reading Experience
One of the questions I get asked the most is:
“Why two books for one love story?”
Closely followed by:
“Okay… but which one should I read first?”
And those are exactly the kinds of questions I love to answer.
Emerald Tide and Sapphire Seas are companion novels—two books, one love story, told from two very different perspectives. You could say it's one couple, two tides. Each book stands fully on its own, but when read together, they create a deeper, more intimate experience—two hearts, one unforgettable journey.
And with just 9 days to go until launch on March 31, there’s no better time to decide how you want to experience their story.
Why Tell the Story Twice?
Because love isn’t a one-sided tale.
When I first started writing Aidan and Harper’s story, I realized pretty quickly that one book just couldn’t capture it all. Each of them had their own past, their own hopes and hurts, and their own journey toward rediscovery. The cruise where they met was just the beginning—almost like a week-long first date—but their real stories run deeper.
Their perspectives color every moment, especially the ones they share.
It reminds me of something personal from when I was younger. I used to love asking my parents and grandparents how they met and fell in love. I’d hear about the same big moments—first date, first kiss—but the details were always different.
My mom might say she made my dad mad one day and he stormed out of my grandmother’s shop. My dad? His version included a squeal of tires, burnt rubber, and my grandfather recognizing the tread marks because no one else with that kind of muscle car would’ve been anywhere near the place. Apparently, it led to a lesson in love and forgiveness—one my dad never forgot.
That contrast stuck with me. Two people, one shared memory, two totally different ways of remembering it. That’s what Emerald Tide and Sapphire Seas are all about. The truth of a love story lives somewhere in between the two perspectives.
Which One Should I Read First?
There’s no wrong answer—this is a choose-your-own-itinerary kind of reading experience.
Option 1: Start with Emerald Tide
Dive into Aidan’s journey as he wrestles with legacy, identity, and his creative spark.
Perfect for readers who love:
A broody, soft-hearted chef
Irish pub family dynamics
Quiet strength, slow-burn emotions
Option 2: Start with Sapphire Seas
Step into Harper’s shoes as she navigates career burnout, emotional baggage, and rediscovery.
Perfect for readers who love:
Smart, ambitious heroines
Office politics and emotional depth
Sharp wit with a vulnerable core
Option 3: Read Them Side-by-Side
Alternate chapters or sections to experience their overlapping perspectives in real-time. You’ll catch shared scenes with totally new insight—and a few emotional surprises along the way.
Same Cruise. Different Cabins.
Aidan and Harper both board the Elysian Serenade for a getaway—but neither is expecting a love story.
Aidan’s chasing clarity. Harper’s escaping heartbreak. And the sea? The sea has its own plans.
While they share unforgettable moments aboard the ship, their internal journeys—what they think, what they feel, what they almost say—make each story uniquely powerful. Seen together, they create a richer portrait of what it means to fall in love while finding yourself.
For Book Clubs: Two Perspectives, One Great Discussion
Looking for your next club read? This pair offers a unique experience unlike any single title.
Here’s a fun idea:
Split your group in half—some read Emerald Tide, others Sapphire Seas.
Or read them both, then compare reactions.
You’ll discover:
Which scenes hit harder from which POV
Where misunderstandings grow and resolve
How love is felt, even when it’s not yet spoken
The conversations practically host themselves—and I’d love to hear how your club experiences it. Feel free to drop me a message on Instagram @jdharbor and let me know what resonated with your group!
Your Cruise. Your Choice.
However you decide to read—one book first or side-by-side—what matters is that you come aboard.
Because Emerald Tide and Sapphire Seas aren’t just about falling in love. They’re about learning how to show up as your truest self and finding someone who meets you there.
Release day is March 31, and preorders are live now.
So pour yourself a cocktail, cue up a playlist, and settle in for the journey. Aidan and Harper are ready to meet you—whichever story you choose first.
