The Great Tide tells the story of a boom-town Gulf port, of plantation life on Florida's fabulous West Coast in the 1830's and '40's, and of a tempestuous unforgettable woman, Miss Carolina Cohran. more vivid than life at the thriving city of St. Joseph, stronger than any other among its dramatic characters, is Caline herself. Great lady in a setting of political intrigue, duels, and brawls- schemer for possessions and luxury-victim of her own restless emotions, Caline dominates the lives of three men; -powerful wealthy Douglas Blackwell, whom she married without loving; -reckless, irresistible Studd Seven, whom she loved without marrying; -and handsome Anderson McQuaggue, who loved her, resented her, and loved her more deeply for that resentment" 1975 printing.