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The Storyteller by the Sea
'Uplifting and delightful, you will be hooked from the very first page.' Faith Hogan
A heartwarming and uplifting new novel, perfect story for fans of Sally Page and Hazel Prior.
Melody spends her days combing the shore for items washed up on her beach. She collects them in her basket and takes them back to Spindrift, her weathered little bungalow overlooking the sea, and weaves stories about her treasures.
Everything Melody thinks she could ever need is right where she is, cupped by the rocks that shape her bay. But Melody has been keeping a secret…
When she learns that her little corner of Devon is under threat from developers looking to modernise the strip of coast on which Spindrift stands, Melody realises she is about to lose all she has ever known. Is it time for her to tell her own story - a story of love, loss, secrets and lies?
A heartwarming and uplifting new novel, perfect story for fans of Sally Page and Hazel Prior.
Melody spends her days combing the shore for items washed up on her beach. She collects them in her basket and takes them back to Spindrift, her weathered little bungalow overlooking the sea, and weaves stories about her treasures.
Everything Melody thinks she could ever need is right where she is, cupped by the rocks that shape her bay. But Melody has been keeping a secret…
When she learns that her little corner of Devon is under threat from developers looking to modernise the strip of coast on which Spindrift stands, Melody realises she is about to lose all she has ever known. Is it time for her to tell her own story - a story of love, loss, secrets and lies?
- GenresContemporary
352 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 14, 2023
86 people are currently reading
283 people want to read
About the author
Phyllida Shrimpton
4 books36 followersPhyllida Shrimpton is a full-time mother of a teenage daughter and currently lives in Essex with her husband, badly behaved, small Jack Russell and a rescue Newfoundland called Nina.
She achieved a Post Graduate Degree in Human Resource Management, but soon jumped ships to work with teenagers, including students with Asperger's syndrome on an Essex based agricultural college farm before eventually moving to live temporarily in the Netherlands.
Her interests are reading, producing fine detailed black and white ink artwork and writing.
She achieved a Post Graduate Degree in Human Resource Management, but soon jumped ships to work with teenagers, including students with Asperger's syndrome on an Essex based agricultural college farm before eventually moving to live temporarily in the Netherlands.
Her interests are reading, producing fine detailed black and white ink artwork and writing.
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September 5, 2023
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The Storygraph and The Book Review Crew Blog
The book is told entirely from Melody's point of view. This is a very character-driven story, and even though there is a big family secret it is Meldoy as a character that carries the story. Melody and Jules didn't let the family secret tear them apart, in fact, it brought them closer than ever. The story has two timelines; the current timeline starts in 1988 but we also have flashbacks as far as 1968 and we move forward in time to 2023. As is usual for me I enjoyed the earlier timeline explaining what happened in the past much more.
Melody is a paradox, she seems both older and younger than her years, she is stubborn and set in her ways like an older person might be yet she is also not very street-wise or versed in romance and the dating scene. Although there is a bit of a romance going on I was so glad the book wasn't romance focused. I loved how much Melody grew as a character and a person, I cheered Melody on in her endeavours.
As sad as this story was at times it is ultimately a book about hope, letting go and moving on and letting people in. Melody's love of the sea is second only to her love and devotion to her family. Her love for her family shone through every page I loved the coastal location and the author's descriptions took me there. Phyllida Shrimpton certainly has a way of writing about time and place. I felt like I could feel the sea spray and smell the fishy air.
Heavy topical fare is dealt with in this tale; about the differently abled (like me as I am deaf), the environment, grief, and secrets. A memorable story I won't soon forget and oh so poignant. I also have to say that I absolutely love the cover as it suits the wonderful story inside perfectly.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the Advance Readers Copy.
The Storygraph and The Book Review Crew Blog
The book is told entirely from Melody's point of view. This is a very character-driven story, and even though there is a big family secret it is Meldoy as a character that carries the story. Melody and Jules didn't let the family secret tear them apart, in fact, it brought them closer than ever. The story has two timelines; the current timeline starts in 1988 but we also have flashbacks as far as 1968 and we move forward in time to 2023. As is usual for me I enjoyed the earlier timeline explaining what happened in the past much more.
Melody is a paradox, she seems both older and younger than her years, she is stubborn and set in her ways like an older person might be yet she is also not very street-wise or versed in romance and the dating scene. Although there is a bit of a romance going on I was so glad the book wasn't romance focused. I loved how much Melody grew as a character and a person, I cheered Melody on in her endeavours.
As sad as this story was at times it is ultimately a book about hope, letting go and moving on and letting people in. Melody's love of the sea is second only to her love and devotion to her family. Her love for her family shone through every page I loved the coastal location and the author's descriptions took me there. Phyllida Shrimpton certainly has a way of writing about time and place. I felt like I could feel the sea spray and smell the fishy air.
Heavy topical fare is dealt with in this tale; about the differently abled (like me as I am deaf), the environment, grief, and secrets. A memorable story I won't soon forget and oh so poignant. I also have to say that I absolutely love the cover as it suits the wonderful story inside perfectly.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the Advance Readers Copy.
October 4, 2023
3.75⭐
As the story begins, we meet thirty-four-year-old Melody, a resident of the community of Shelly in Exmouth on the southern English coast. Melody has spent her whole life in her family home, a bungalow named “Spindrift”. After the demise of her mother Flora and younger brother Milo who was born with a developmental disability, she now lives alone, surrounded by the familiarity of the sea and the coastal community and memories of her family. She still spends her time collecting her “treasures”- flotsam and jetsam from the seashore - and making up stories about her finds as she had been doing since she was a child to entertain Milo. But her days in her childhood home are about to come to an end once her lease is up and the community is razed to the ground to allow for a new development. Melody must figure out how to move on and decide on what she wants to do with the rest of her life. Complicating matters further is a secret she discovered among her late mother’s belongings – a reality that would irrevocably impact her relationship with her dear cousin Juliana with whom she shares a close bond. The narrative follows her as she navigates the challenges life throws her way and faces losing the only home she knew, her relationship with her cousin, and a budding romance with a childhood crush.
The Storyteller by the Sea by Phyllida Shrimpton is a beautifully written story that revolves around themes of love, grief, community, family and belongingness. The narrative is presented in the first-person narrative format from Melody’s perspective. The present-day timeline is set in the late 1980s, and we get to know more about her childhood and family history with chapters set in multiple past timelines interspersed throughout the narrative. I loved the description of the coastal community and thought the emotional bond between each of her friends and family members was described with much sensitivity, especially her bond with Milo. I felt that the story became a tad convoluted as the narrative progressed but not so much as to detract from the overall reading experience. I enjoyed following Melody’s journey but thought certain aspects of her life could have been explored in more depth, allowing for better character development and personal growth. I would have also loved it if more of her ”stories” had been woven into the narrative. However, overall, I thought this was a moving story that would strike a chord in your heart.
This was my first time reading this author and I hope to explore more of her work.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Aria & Aries for the digital review copy of this novel. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Connect with me! ✏ Instagram ✏ My Blog ✏ The StoryGraph
As the story begins, we meet thirty-four-year-old Melody, a resident of the community of Shelly in Exmouth on the southern English coast. Melody has spent her whole life in her family home, a bungalow named “Spindrift”. After the demise of her mother Flora and younger brother Milo who was born with a developmental disability, she now lives alone, surrounded by the familiarity of the sea and the coastal community and memories of her family. She still spends her time collecting her “treasures”- flotsam and jetsam from the seashore - and making up stories about her finds as she had been doing since she was a child to entertain Milo. But her days in her childhood home are about to come to an end once her lease is up and the community is razed to the ground to allow for a new development. Melody must figure out how to move on and decide on what she wants to do with the rest of her life. Complicating matters further is a secret she discovered among her late mother’s belongings – a reality that would irrevocably impact her relationship with her dear cousin Juliana with whom she shares a close bond. The narrative follows her as she navigates the challenges life throws her way and faces losing the only home she knew, her relationship with her cousin, and a budding romance with a childhood crush.
The Storyteller by the Sea by Phyllida Shrimpton is a beautifully written story that revolves around themes of love, grief, community, family and belongingness. The narrative is presented in the first-person narrative format from Melody’s perspective. The present-day timeline is set in the late 1980s, and we get to know more about her childhood and family history with chapters set in multiple past timelines interspersed throughout the narrative. I loved the description of the coastal community and thought the emotional bond between each of her friends and family members was described with much sensitivity, especially her bond with Milo. I felt that the story became a tad convoluted as the narrative progressed but not so much as to detract from the overall reading experience. I enjoyed following Melody’s journey but thought certain aspects of her life could have been explored in more depth, allowing for better character development and personal growth. I would have also loved it if more of her ”stories” had been woven into the narrative. However, overall, I thought this was a moving story that would strike a chord in your heart.
This was my first time reading this author and I hope to explore more of her work.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Aria & Aries for the digital review copy of this novel. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Connect with me! ✏ Instagram ✏ My Blog ✏ The StoryGraph
September 26, 2023
EXCERPT: There were, Melody knew, two reasons that the pair of them had begun to drift apart. One, the things she'd discovered in the old book could never be unseen. Two, Juliana herself had changed and, no matter how pleased they were to see each other, these days they could never quite seem to rekindle the easy friendship they'd shared in their youth.
Juliana's criticisms from her previous visit still hung in the air as if she'd visibly hooked them from the ceiling in every room like butchered carcasses. Melody still couldn't believe that Juliana had accused her of living with ghosts. She'd survived grief, that's what she'd done.
ABOUT 'THE STORYTELLER BY THE SEA': Melody spends her days combing the shore for items washed up on her beach. She collects them in her basket and takes them back to Spindrift, her weathered little bungalow overlooking the sea, and weaves stories about her treasures.
Everything Melody thinks she could ever need is right where she is, cupped by the rocks that shape her bay. But Melody has been keeping a secret…
When she learns that her little corner of Devon is under threat from developers looking to modernise the strip of coast on which Spindrift stands, Melody realises she is about to lose all she has ever known. Is it time for her to tell her own story - a story of love, loss, secrets and lies?
MY THOUGHTS: Melody is a woman who carries her scars deep inside her. She is still grieving the loss of first her dear mother, and then her disabled brother for whom she cared. She still trawls the beach each day, collecting items of interest and the plastic and fishing nets which have washed up. The items of interest she used to spin tales of adventure for Milo, bringing the outside world into his restricted one. It's something she can't stop doing although Milo is long gone.
Juliana, her cousin, is determined to bring Melody into the present by whatever means works. But Juliana has problems of her own to deal with and is unaware that Melody guards a secret that may change both their lives forever.
There are some extremely emotional moments in The Storyteller by the Sea. There were times when my heart felt broken beyond repair, and others where I found myself laughing at the absurdity of a situation. Phyllida Shrimpton obviously has a wicked sense of humor, and this shines through in several places.
I enjoyed the characters: the cousins who are trying to recapture their childhood relationship; Melody's wonderfully eccentric neighbors; and Will, Melody's friend on whom she has quite a crush. Even the doomed town of Shelly has a character all of its own, as has Spindrift, Melody's home.
I thought I had a secure grip on the mystery, but my grip was far more tenuous than I thought. I was partly right in that I had the right idea, the wrong people.
I liked that Melody was taking care of the ocean well before it became fashionable. The timeline is non-linear and takes in from the 1960s to the late 1980s, then jumps forward to the present day 2023. I didn't find this a problem, but some might.
I would have liked to have seen more made of Melody's storytelling abilities and her crafting with her beach finds. She was obviously very talented with both. Despite the title there is not much focus on the storytelling.
The epilogue? I'm not sure how much I liked it or found it necessary. If you are a reader who likes everything tied up nice and neat with a big shiny bow, then you will like it. Personally, I would have ended the book with the previous chapter.
This was a well written, emotional read, but one I am unlikely to remember a few weeks further on.
⭐⭐⭐.7
#TheStorytellerByTheSea #NetGalley
THE AUTHOR: Phyllida Shrimpton is a full-time mother of a teenage daughter and currently lives in Essex with her husband, badly behaved, small Jack Russell and a rescue Newfoundland called Nina.
She achieved a Post Graduate Degree in Human Resource Management, but soon jumped ships to work with teenagers, including students with Asperger's syndrome on an Essex based agricultural college farm before eventually moving to live temporarily in the Netherlands.
Her interests are reading, producing fine detailed black and white ink artwork and writing.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Aria and Aries via NetGalley for providing a digital ARC of The Storyteller by the Sea by Phyllida Shrimpton for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
Juliana's criticisms from her previous visit still hung in the air as if she'd visibly hooked them from the ceiling in every room like butchered carcasses. Melody still couldn't believe that Juliana had accused her of living with ghosts. She'd survived grief, that's what she'd done.
ABOUT 'THE STORYTELLER BY THE SEA': Melody spends her days combing the shore for items washed up on her beach. She collects them in her basket and takes them back to Spindrift, her weathered little bungalow overlooking the sea, and weaves stories about her treasures.
Everything Melody thinks she could ever need is right where she is, cupped by the rocks that shape her bay. But Melody has been keeping a secret…
When she learns that her little corner of Devon is under threat from developers looking to modernise the strip of coast on which Spindrift stands, Melody realises she is about to lose all she has ever known. Is it time for her to tell her own story - a story of love, loss, secrets and lies?
MY THOUGHTS: Melody is a woman who carries her scars deep inside her. She is still grieving the loss of first her dear mother, and then her disabled brother for whom she cared. She still trawls the beach each day, collecting items of interest and the plastic and fishing nets which have washed up. The items of interest she used to spin tales of adventure for Milo, bringing the outside world into his restricted one. It's something she can't stop doing although Milo is long gone.
Juliana, her cousin, is determined to bring Melody into the present by whatever means works. But Juliana has problems of her own to deal with and is unaware that Melody guards a secret that may change both their lives forever.
There are some extremely emotional moments in The Storyteller by the Sea. There were times when my heart felt broken beyond repair, and others where I found myself laughing at the absurdity of a situation. Phyllida Shrimpton obviously has a wicked sense of humor, and this shines through in several places.
I enjoyed the characters: the cousins who are trying to recapture their childhood relationship; Melody's wonderfully eccentric neighbors; and Will, Melody's friend on whom she has quite a crush. Even the doomed town of Shelly has a character all of its own, as has Spindrift, Melody's home.
I thought I had a secure grip on the mystery, but my grip was far more tenuous than I thought. I was partly right in that I had the right idea, the wrong people.
I liked that Melody was taking care of the ocean well before it became fashionable. The timeline is non-linear and takes in from the 1960s to the late 1980s, then jumps forward to the present day 2023. I didn't find this a problem, but some might.
I would have liked to have seen more made of Melody's storytelling abilities and her crafting with her beach finds. She was obviously very talented with both. Despite the title there is not much focus on the storytelling.
The epilogue? I'm not sure how much I liked it or found it necessary. If you are a reader who likes everything tied up nice and neat with a big shiny bow, then you will like it. Personally, I would have ended the book with the previous chapter.
This was a well written, emotional read, but one I am unlikely to remember a few weeks further on.
⭐⭐⭐.7
#TheStorytellerByTheSea #NetGalley
THE AUTHOR: Phyllida Shrimpton is a full-time mother of a teenage daughter and currently lives in Essex with her husband, badly behaved, small Jack Russell and a rescue Newfoundland called Nina.
She achieved a Post Graduate Degree in Human Resource Management, but soon jumped ships to work with teenagers, including students with Asperger's syndrome on an Essex based agricultural college farm before eventually moving to live temporarily in the Netherlands.
Her interests are reading, producing fine detailed black and white ink artwork and writing.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Aria and Aries via NetGalley for providing a digital ARC of The Storyteller by the Sea by Phyllida Shrimpton for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
June 5, 2023
4.5 stars
Exmouth, Devon, June 1988.
Melody combs the seashore for “treasures“ to take back to her beloved bungalow, “Spindrift“, located by the sea. She weaves each item into a story. However, while the magic of her home endures, a harsh reality creeps in and she can’t ignore the real world or the secrets that she’s keeping. The story is told over several timelines from the 1950s onwards.
This is another lovely book by this wonderful storyteller to lose myself in from the realities of the real world. I alternate between having a smile on my face to tears rolling down my cheeks! First of all, via the fantastic setting of Shelley, Exmouth, there’s a thought-provoking exploration of what your home means to you and what makes a community. This 1980s community is brilliant and I love spending time with them, especially when Mrs Galespie is on the page, she’s a hoot! Everyone needs a Mrs Galespie as a neighbour!
The characterisation is outstanding with free spirit Melody at the centre and her cousin Juliana who are such a terrific contrast to each other but who share an unbreakable bond. The extended family are all wonderfully portrayed and the author takes you on an emotional journey through them. It has joy, resilience and overwhelming selfless love, but also heartbreak and sadness. How Melody becomes the storyteller by the sea is so poignant, but yet at the same time it’s uplifting. Here are the strongest and closest of connections.
This novel really captures the 80s vibe (and my heart), big hair, neon and all but also the wider context of massive change and upheaval as old traditional industries take their last gasps of breath. “Spindrift” comes alive too, as it’s chockablock with Melody’s
I daresay the book follows a certain predictable path but it’s one I’m more than happy to tread as it’s a delightful book from beginning to end.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Aria and Aries for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
Exmouth, Devon, June 1988.
Melody combs the seashore for “treasures“ to take back to her beloved bungalow, “Spindrift“, located by the sea. She weaves each item into a story. However, while the magic of her home endures, a harsh reality creeps in and she can’t ignore the real world or the secrets that she’s keeping. The story is told over several timelines from the 1950s onwards.
This is another lovely book by this wonderful storyteller to lose myself in from the realities of the real world. I alternate between having a smile on my face to tears rolling down my cheeks! First of all, via the fantastic setting of Shelley, Exmouth, there’s a thought-provoking exploration of what your home means to you and what makes a community. This 1980s community is brilliant and I love spending time with them, especially when Mrs Galespie is on the page, she’s a hoot! Everyone needs a Mrs Galespie as a neighbour!
The characterisation is outstanding with free spirit Melody at the centre and her cousin Juliana who are such a terrific contrast to each other but who share an unbreakable bond. The extended family are all wonderfully portrayed and the author takes you on an emotional journey through them. It has joy, resilience and overwhelming selfless love, but also heartbreak and sadness. How Melody becomes the storyteller by the sea is so poignant, but yet at the same time it’s uplifting. Here are the strongest and closest of connections.
This novel really captures the 80s vibe (and my heart), big hair, neon and all but also the wider context of massive change and upheaval as old traditional industries take their last gasps of breath. “Spindrift” comes alive too, as it’s chockablock with Melody’s
I daresay the book follows a certain predictable path but it’s one I’m more than happy to tread as it’s a delightful book from beginning to end.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Aria and Aries for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
November 8, 2023
The Storyteller By The Sea is the second adult novel by award-winning British author, Phyllida Shrimpton. Melody has lived all of her thirty-four years in a beachside cottage called Spindrift, in the village of Shelly right near Exeter. When she was three, her baby brother, Milo arrived to much fanfare, and Melody was instantly smitten. A year later, her cousin Juliana was born to her stern, unapproachable Aunt Isobel and lovely Uncle Gordon. The summers that Juliana spent at Spindrift made them firm friends.
When Melody was seven, her father Daniel left, unable to cope with the idea of a backward son, leaving her mother Flora and Melody to raise Milo. Melody wondered why Milo’s delight in life could not be enough for their father. They never saw Milo as a burden: the joy he brought them eclipsed any inconvenience. Life in Spindrift was always happy and carefree, even if Flora had to take in darning and ironing to make ends meet. No amount of cajoling by Isobel or Gordon could convince them to leave their shabby cottage.
While Juliana’s wealthy parents ensured she had a top-notch education, an exclusive school and University, Melody willingly gave up her higher education aspirations to stay in Spindrift with Milo and Flora. During a particularly severe winter, when library visits were impossible, Melody kept her brother amused with stories she made up, and thereafter took inspiration from her beachcombing finds to create interesting tales for the boy who was, by this time, less mobile and more confined. “Why limit Milo to the characters in a book, when there were a thousand stories she could think of to make his small world a magical place?”
When Melody lost Flora, and then Milo, within two years of each other, she clung to every reminder she had there in Spindrift: Flora’s terry dressing gown hung on a hook behind her door; Milo’s wheelchair in his bedroom; Daniel’s gum boots by the door. Her part-time work at the shop allowed her to keep roaming the beach, bringing home flotsam and jetsam, and spinning stories around them, telling Milo, even though he was only there in spirit.
It's true that what Melody collected and kept was seen as a problem by her cousin Juliana, who kept offering to help her clear it out. Melody knew that Juliana didn’t understand the importance of what she kept. But now, in mid-1988, maybe it is going to be a problem…
Juliana, somewhat estranged, is insisting on a visit, and Melody dreads her repeated offers of help. She will have to reveal the awful news that Shelly is to be “regenerated” and the developers will be demolishing the row of cottages. She and all her neighbours, her only friends, will have to relocate, but Flora and Milo, still there with her: will she lose that connection? Where will Big Joe Wiley, her neighbour since childhood, and the man with whom she has secretly been in love, go?
Juliana has her own troubling news to tell. And is it now time to tell the deep dark secret she stumbled across when sorting her mother’s papers?
Shrimpton easily evokes her era and setting, particularly the 1950’s mindset about teen pregnancy and physical and mental disability. Her characters have depth and appeal, and it’s wonderful to see Juliana’s laterally-thought-out solution to Melody’s hoarding problem.
The secret that Melody has discovered will keep even the most astute reader guessing, and the plot takes some unexpected turns. It is debatable whether the epilogue was really necessary: a neatly-tied bow that is perhaps overkill. A moving and uplifting read.
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by NetGalley and Aria & Aries.
When Melody was seven, her father Daniel left, unable to cope with the idea of a backward son, leaving her mother Flora and Melody to raise Milo. Melody wondered why Milo’s delight in life could not be enough for their father. They never saw Milo as a burden: the joy he brought them eclipsed any inconvenience. Life in Spindrift was always happy and carefree, even if Flora had to take in darning and ironing to make ends meet. No amount of cajoling by Isobel or Gordon could convince them to leave their shabby cottage.
While Juliana’s wealthy parents ensured she had a top-notch education, an exclusive school and University, Melody willingly gave up her higher education aspirations to stay in Spindrift with Milo and Flora. During a particularly severe winter, when library visits were impossible, Melody kept her brother amused with stories she made up, and thereafter took inspiration from her beachcombing finds to create interesting tales for the boy who was, by this time, less mobile and more confined. “Why limit Milo to the characters in a book, when there were a thousand stories she could think of to make his small world a magical place?”
When Melody lost Flora, and then Milo, within two years of each other, she clung to every reminder she had there in Spindrift: Flora’s terry dressing gown hung on a hook behind her door; Milo’s wheelchair in his bedroom; Daniel’s gum boots by the door. Her part-time work at the shop allowed her to keep roaming the beach, bringing home flotsam and jetsam, and spinning stories around them, telling Milo, even though he was only there in spirit.
It's true that what Melody collected and kept was seen as a problem by her cousin Juliana, who kept offering to help her clear it out. Melody knew that Juliana didn’t understand the importance of what she kept. But now, in mid-1988, maybe it is going to be a problem…
Juliana, somewhat estranged, is insisting on a visit, and Melody dreads her repeated offers of help. She will have to reveal the awful news that Shelly is to be “regenerated” and the developers will be demolishing the row of cottages. She and all her neighbours, her only friends, will have to relocate, but Flora and Milo, still there with her: will she lose that connection? Where will Big Joe Wiley, her neighbour since childhood, and the man with whom she has secretly been in love, go?
Juliana has her own troubling news to tell. And is it now time to tell the deep dark secret she stumbled across when sorting her mother’s papers?
Shrimpton easily evokes her era and setting, particularly the 1950’s mindset about teen pregnancy and physical and mental disability. Her characters have depth and appeal, and it’s wonderful to see Juliana’s laterally-thought-out solution to Melody’s hoarding problem.
The secret that Melody has discovered will keep even the most astute reader guessing, and the plot takes some unexpected turns. It is debatable whether the epilogue was really necessary: a neatly-tied bow that is perhaps overkill. A moving and uplifting read.
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by NetGalley and Aria & Aries.
September 9, 2023
I found this quite a strange and muddled book about a women who collects stuff off the beach which the sea has brought in and her house is stuffed full of all the things she doesn't want to throw away. I didn't dislike this book but, I didn't like it either. Very mixed. My thanks to netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.
November 18, 2023
This was such a poignantly beautiful story. I know I'm a bit of a sap, but I loved it. Phyllida Shrimpton's books are storytelling at their finest!
The story is told in pieces throughout Melody's lifetime as she grows up in Exmouth, England, with her mother Flora and her disabled brother Milo. It also highlights her relationship with her cousin Juliana and the bond she shares with her neighbors.
The Storyteller by the Sea wraps you in warmth and nostalgia. The characters are lovingly written, and seeing Melody transform her life profoundly captured my heart.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are my own.
The story is told in pieces throughout Melody's lifetime as she grows up in Exmouth, England, with her mother Flora and her disabled brother Milo. It also highlights her relationship with her cousin Juliana and the bond she shares with her neighbors.
The Storyteller by the Sea wraps you in warmth and nostalgia. The characters are lovingly written, and seeing Melody transform her life profoundly captured my heart.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are my own.
July 21, 2023
What a poignant story of transformation and emotional healing, wrapped in the warmth of nostalgia, love and longing. This novel proved to be quite a pleasant surprise as I had never read any books by author Phylidda Shrimpton before this one. I am delighted to say it delivered on all counts in plot, characters, atmosphere and setting. The descriptions are vivid and definitely strike the emotional heart strings. It is so well-written, it was easy to be transported to the quaint coastal village in Devon.
The Storyteller By the Sea first caught my attention with its gorgeous cover and title. From the first page, I was drawn in quickly to the tumultuous lives of the main cast. I felt a strong connection to the story, its message and main character Melody. I also grew up in a small coastal village with the pull of the sea strong on my heart and often scavenged the beaches for coastal treasures to make pieces of art. I could hear the imaginary surf sounds in the shells and the music of the waves. I played piano and guitar with those natural sounds behind me. So, walking in Melody’s shoes was easy for me (even her name is appropriate!). But I did not have the disadvantage of seeing my actual dwelling taken over by a large developer who wanted to build high rise apartments. But I did see another industry swallow up the cove in front of my house! And it affected the sea-life that had so beautifully survived there for hundreds of years. It is very sad to see the destruction of nature – its value and innocence disregarded. And Melody, understandably, wanted to preserve her piece of paradise.
The theme of change resounds through this novel. It is never easy when forced upon us. For the villagers, it was the destruction of a close knit community. It meant they had to find new homes, with many forced into aged care. As for Melody, it left her homeless. Without family to support her, the challenge was overwhelming. I was deeply sympathetic to her loss. This novel shows how memories are often attached to our dwellings. A place where our lives have played out: a roof that has sheltered our heads and nurtured our hearts. There are so many memories and ghosts tied up in Spindrift cottage for Melody— and to see it all evaporate— leaves her grief-stricken and overwhelmed. She feels as though she is losing her parents and brother all over again. She has tried to maintain their presence by holding on to the cottage and their belongings. The demolition means all that will be taken away.
There are other things about Melody we learn, that are positive. She is gifted in the arts. She makes treasures from items brought in by the sea. She also has the ability to tell stories to lift children’s hearts and to put some magic in their lives. How she gets to develop this talent is amazing. I loved reading about her story-telling abilities and the wonderful tales she shares.
This novel has a fabulous cast of characters. The community gatherings are delightful and the support for each other is heart-warming. It is sad when they are torn apart by the changes that are occurring. There is nothing Melody can do to stop it but she turns to her neighbours and cousin, Juliana. And then there is a man she has grown up with. He's been a constant presence in her life. Their relationship gets shaken and the changes separate them physically for a while but eventually these events clarify the next steps she must take.
The Storyteller By The Sea is beautiful story about grief, love, loss, starting over, change, family secrets and healing of broken hearts. The story sweeps backwards and forwards like the waves on the sand in timelines (between the 50’s to current), delivering its gems and pieces of history. It concludes on a warm note and I truly had tears of both joy and sorrow before turning the last page. I highly recommend this story with heart, nostalgia and imagination. 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thanks to publisher Aria & Aries and Netgalley for my review copy.
The Storyteller By the Sea first caught my attention with its gorgeous cover and title. From the first page, I was drawn in quickly to the tumultuous lives of the main cast. I felt a strong connection to the story, its message and main character Melody. I also grew up in a small coastal village with the pull of the sea strong on my heart and often scavenged the beaches for coastal treasures to make pieces of art. I could hear the imaginary surf sounds in the shells and the music of the waves. I played piano and guitar with those natural sounds behind me. So, walking in Melody’s shoes was easy for me (even her name is appropriate!). But I did not have the disadvantage of seeing my actual dwelling taken over by a large developer who wanted to build high rise apartments. But I did see another industry swallow up the cove in front of my house! And it affected the sea-life that had so beautifully survived there for hundreds of years. It is very sad to see the destruction of nature – its value and innocence disregarded. And Melody, understandably, wanted to preserve her piece of paradise.
The theme of change resounds through this novel. It is never easy when forced upon us. For the villagers, it was the destruction of a close knit community. It meant they had to find new homes, with many forced into aged care. As for Melody, it left her homeless. Without family to support her, the challenge was overwhelming. I was deeply sympathetic to her loss. This novel shows how memories are often attached to our dwellings. A place where our lives have played out: a roof that has sheltered our heads and nurtured our hearts. There are so many memories and ghosts tied up in Spindrift cottage for Melody— and to see it all evaporate— leaves her grief-stricken and overwhelmed. She feels as though she is losing her parents and brother all over again. She has tried to maintain their presence by holding on to the cottage and their belongings. The demolition means all that will be taken away.
There are other things about Melody we learn, that are positive. She is gifted in the arts. She makes treasures from items brought in by the sea. She also has the ability to tell stories to lift children’s hearts and to put some magic in their lives. How she gets to develop this talent is amazing. I loved reading about her story-telling abilities and the wonderful tales she shares.
This novel has a fabulous cast of characters. The community gatherings are delightful and the support for each other is heart-warming. It is sad when they are torn apart by the changes that are occurring. There is nothing Melody can do to stop it but she turns to her neighbours and cousin, Juliana. And then there is a man she has grown up with. He's been a constant presence in her life. Their relationship gets shaken and the changes separate them physically for a while but eventually these events clarify the next steps she must take.
The Storyteller By The Sea is beautiful story about grief, love, loss, starting over, change, family secrets and healing of broken hearts. The story sweeps backwards and forwards like the waves on the sand in timelines (between the 50’s to current), delivering its gems and pieces of history. It concludes on a warm note and I truly had tears of both joy and sorrow before turning the last page. I highly recommend this story with heart, nostalgia and imagination. 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thanks to publisher Aria & Aries and Netgalley for my review copy.
July 22, 2023
Thank you NetGalley for my advanced reading copy of The Storyteller by the Sea by Phyllidia Shrimpton.
Overall rating 3 stars.
There is a lot to unpack with this book. I feel three stars is very generous in this instance. I would not recommend this book.
To describe this book in a nutshell would be a puzzle that was smooshed together to make it fit, when in fact, it was glaringly mismatched with a lot of loose pieces.
The book simply does not flow in one direction. There is a lot of jumping around. Having flashbacks from past to present did not help, only making things more confusing.
Making matters worse for the storyline was towards the end throwing conflict at the main character to see what was going to stick. There appeared to be big info dumps as the character went back to the past which did not really enhance the story in my opinion.
I wasn’t sure if this was a romance or not. The romance between a childhood sweetheart and the main character was practically nonexistent until the end which was disappointing and leaving the reader feeling the romance was forced to fill the pages. It missed an opportunity to weave through the romance.
The main character lacks agency and strength. I felt Melody was kind of weak and her story was not compelling enough after the first part of the story. It was hard to cheer for her or see her actually evolve or overcome obstacles. It fell flat for me. I think because the character is being hit with so much conflict but not actually dealing with it made it hard to make it to the end of the book.
There was no need for her cousin in the book who although was at a loose end also was more of a stronger character.
To improve the story I would suggest part one: forget about past and present chapters. The idea of Melody taking care of Milo, her disabled brother to stand on its own. The idea has merit here. There could be an exploration of her work and why the man she falls in love with in cannot have a relationship.
Part two: progress the story forward after the grief that has befallen her. She’s now free but must deal with grief.
Part three: she evolves and can build a relationship.
Overall rating 3 stars.
There is a lot to unpack with this book. I feel three stars is very generous in this instance. I would not recommend this book.
To describe this book in a nutshell would be a puzzle that was smooshed together to make it fit, when in fact, it was glaringly mismatched with a lot of loose pieces.
The book simply does not flow in one direction. There is a lot of jumping around. Having flashbacks from past to present did not help, only making things more confusing.
Making matters worse for the storyline was towards the end throwing conflict at the main character to see what was going to stick. There appeared to be big info dumps as the character went back to the past which did not really enhance the story in my opinion.
I wasn’t sure if this was a romance or not. The romance between a childhood sweetheart and the main character was practically nonexistent until the end which was disappointing and leaving the reader feeling the romance was forced to fill the pages. It missed an opportunity to weave through the romance.
The main character lacks agency and strength. I felt Melody was kind of weak and her story was not compelling enough after the first part of the story. It was hard to cheer for her or see her actually evolve or overcome obstacles. It fell flat for me. I think because the character is being hit with so much conflict but not actually dealing with it made it hard to make it to the end of the book.
There was no need for her cousin in the book who although was at a loose end also was more of a stronger character.
To improve the story I would suggest part one: forget about past and present chapters. The idea of Melody taking care of Milo, her disabled brother to stand on its own. The idea has merit here. There could be an exploration of her work and why the man she falls in love with in cannot have a relationship.
Part two: progress the story forward after the grief that has befallen her. She’s now free but must deal with grief.
Part three: she evolves and can build a relationship.
January 23, 2024
This story of second chances is about a middle-aged woman who lives by the sea, and has for years, in a house filled with memories, and a terrific amount of stuff.
Melody has lived in her house since her birth, and had a loving mother and father. They were not well off, but managed, purchasing a house along the beach. There was a small group of houses here, and the family gained several wonderfl friendships. She also had a wealthy aunt and uncle and cousin, Jules, who visited occasionally, and the girls grew to love one another like sisters.
When her brother was born and diagnosed with cerebral palsy, Melody's mother insisted on caring for him at home, rather than send him to an institution. The stress of knowing he had a disabled son was too much for Melody's father, and he left the family. Melody was left grieving, and never really recovered. To help her brother cope, Melody began collecting interesting flotsam from the beach, and used these to tell her brother fantastic stories. And rather than disposing of these items, Melody made interesting collections of objects, and displayed them for her brother, who grew increasingly unable to move as he grew older.
A neighbour's boy helped with her brother. Melody developed a crush on this boy, though never told him.
The years passed, and Melody and Jules grew apart, and the neighbourhood changed, with the land the small neighbourhood was in was purchased for redevelopment, and Melody and her heighbours are all evicted, leaving Melody bereft.
Jules comes for a visit, and there is friction and disagreements, and eventually Meoldy reveals family secrets, which results in a gradual warming between the two women, as well as many changes occurring in Melody's life.
The relationships that were damaged or broken were mended, as I fully expected them to be, but the how is what kept me reading. The author treats her characters kindly in this warm, gentle novel, even while she is dealing with heavy subject matter: parental abandonment, disability, illegitimacy, gentrification and grief.
Thank you to Netgalley and to Aria & Aries for this ARC in exchange for my review.
Melody has lived in her house since her birth, and had a loving mother and father. They were not well off, but managed, purchasing a house along the beach. There was a small group of houses here, and the family gained several wonderfl friendships. She also had a wealthy aunt and uncle and cousin, Jules, who visited occasionally, and the girls grew to love one another like sisters.
When her brother was born and diagnosed with cerebral palsy, Melody's mother insisted on caring for him at home, rather than send him to an institution. The stress of knowing he had a disabled son was too much for Melody's father, and he left the family. Melody was left grieving, and never really recovered. To help her brother cope, Melody began collecting interesting flotsam from the beach, and used these to tell her brother fantastic stories. And rather than disposing of these items, Melody made interesting collections of objects, and displayed them for her brother, who grew increasingly unable to move as he grew older.
A neighbour's boy helped with her brother. Melody developed a crush on this boy, though never told him.
The years passed, and Melody and Jules grew apart, and the neighbourhood changed, with the land the small neighbourhood was in was purchased for redevelopment, and Melody and her heighbours are all evicted, leaving Melody bereft.
Jules comes for a visit, and there is friction and disagreements, and eventually Meoldy reveals family secrets, which results in a gradual warming between the two women, as well as many changes occurring in Melody's life.
The relationships that were damaged or broken were mended, as I fully expected them to be, but the how is what kept me reading. The author treats her characters kindly in this warm, gentle novel, even while she is dealing with heavy subject matter: parental abandonment, disability, illegitimacy, gentrification and grief.
Thank you to Netgalley and to Aria & Aries for this ARC in exchange for my review.
September 15, 2023
I loved Every Shade of Happy so when Amy At aria fiction emailed me to let me know Phyllida had a new book out I jumped at the chance to read it.
The Storyteller by the Sea is a beautifully written tale of love, loss and hope. Melody is a character to fall in love with - she has lost so much yet finds comfort in her home and surroundings at the seaside and I felt her every emotion as she had to deal with losing everything she holds dear. The memories she holds were brilliant threads of the story and as we learnt more of her childhood and earlier years her character opened up before us. Heart wrenching at times this story is also filled with hope and I loved it.
The Storyteller by the Sea is a beautifully written tale of love, loss and hope. Melody is a character to fall in love with - she has lost so much yet finds comfort in her home and surroundings at the seaside and I felt her every emotion as she had to deal with losing everything she holds dear. The memories she holds were brilliant threads of the story and as we learnt more of her childhood and earlier years her character opened up before us. Heart wrenching at times this story is also filled with hope and I loved it.
September 27, 2023
The synopsis of this story called to me and I was looking forward to reading it. However, it did not appeal to me. There were a lot of back-and-forth flashbacks that made it difficult to follow. The characters were not well developed and did not have me invested in their lives or the story itself.
Thank you to NetGalley and Aria for my advanced review copy. All opinions and thoughts are my own.
For more reviews, please visit my blog at: https://www.msladybugsbookreviews.com/. Over 1000 reviews posted!
Thank you to NetGalley and Aria for my advanced review copy. All opinions and thoughts are my own.
For more reviews, please visit my blog at: https://www.msladybugsbookreviews.com/. Over 1000 reviews posted!
November 14, 2023
Brilliant! I couldn’t put it down!
August 28, 2023
This is a sweet tale with unexpected disclosures of hidden secrets. It is a tale about love, the love of parents, of siblings, of family but also the love of a place, in this case the idyllic sounding Shelly with its bungalows and community living by the sea.
Melody is in her thirties and has always lived by the sea where she collects flotsam and jetsam and weaves sea stories from her finds. But now her home is under threat from developers and she is at a turning point in her life.
I took a while to get into this story which is over written at the beginning with too many descriptions crowding in. Gradually, I found a reading rhythm and became hooked, wanting to know how the plot would evolve.
I recommend this novel for those who like a love story and it is a good holiday read. I read a copy provided by NetGalley and tge publishers but my views are my own.
Melody is in her thirties and has always lived by the sea where she collects flotsam and jetsam and weaves sea stories from her finds. But now her home is under threat from developers and she is at a turning point in her life.
I took a while to get into this story which is over written at the beginning with too many descriptions crowding in. Gradually, I found a reading rhythm and became hooked, wanting to know how the plot would evolve.
I recommend this novel for those who like a love story and it is a good holiday read. I read a copy provided by NetGalley and tge publishers but my views are my own.
September 4, 2023
Melody lives in a little cottage by the sea with her mum and disabled younger brother. The highlight of the tear is each summer, when her cousin comes to stay for six weeks. Her idyllic childhood however, is tainted by a secret buried deep within their family.
Now left on her own, Melody is facing the prospect of losing her home and having to get rid of all the “clutter” with its associated memories. Told with a dual timeline which alternates elements of Melody’s childhood with her as an adult, the secret is gradually revealed.
This is a story in which not much happens, but it is told in such a gentle and unassuming way that you can’t help but be drawn into the story and begin to feel something for the character of Melody, who has sacrificed so much for the sake of her family. A truly charming book.
I received a free copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Now left on her own, Melody is facing the prospect of losing her home and having to get rid of all the “clutter” with its associated memories. Told with a dual timeline which alternates elements of Melody’s childhood with her as an adult, the secret is gradually revealed.
This is a story in which not much happens, but it is told in such a gentle and unassuming way that you can’t help but be drawn into the story and begin to feel something for the character of Melody, who has sacrificed so much for the sake of her family. A truly charming book.
I received a free copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
November 11, 2023
I live reading a book that has had no hype and a little known author but changes everything once read. This book is so beautifully written, with characters that captured my heart. Melody lives in Exmouth, England, by the sea, with her mother, Flora, and disabled brother, Milo. The story is told over time periods through Melody’s life, her relationship with her cousin Juliana, her love of her neighbors in Exmouth who are being evicted to build modern skyscrapers, her love for living by the sea. Melody is best described by the author, as the “music of the sea in her soul.” I highly recommend this gem of a book. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.
August 24, 2023
A family split by outdated conventions. Melody Wilder is happy with her life on the Devon coast, though grieving for her mother and disabled brother. She loves beachcombing and working at her local pub. Then her peaceful life is thrown into turmoil. Confusing at first due to the story flitting between different times and narrators, but worth persevering with. Heart-warming and poignant.
July 8, 2023
It was an interesting book. It’s set mostly in the 80’s with some flashbacks. It’s a story of endurance and loss. It’s also a story of starting over and opening up oneself to the possibilities. It’s a good book.
September 11, 2023
This story made me smile and think. The risk of losing everything you always knew, the loss of the beauty, the sense of community and family.
There's a lot going on this story and I enjoyed it
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine
There's a lot going on this story and I enjoyed it
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine
June 9, 2023
A very poetic, very British novel full of love of the ocean about loss, pain and not being able to let go. Sometimes the way to a new start and to a new love is very long.
July 3, 2024
This was a lovely story of loss, family, and community. It is the story of Melody, a young woman who lived in a small village by the sea in Exmouth, UK. She lived with her mum, Flora, father, Daniel, and her younger brother, Milo. They didn't have much, but the family was very loving, especially toward Milo who was disabled and his health deteriorated in the book. Daniel was not able to cope with it all and left the family. We also meet Flora's sister Isobel, her husband, Gordon and their daughter Juliana. They bring Juliana every summer to visit and Melody and Juliana become fast friends and help in supporting Milo.
The book is a dual timeline and over time we find out about the loss of Flora and then Milo and how Melody copes with both by collecting sea treasures and making up stories to bring back to her cottage. Over the years, Juliana and Melody become more distant and Juliana marries. But one day, Juliana visits Melody and they learn things about each other and learn to help each other again.
There are secrets about Melody and her family. It all comes out as Melody and the other members of her community must deal with losing their homes to development. There is also a secret love interest for Melody.
So, lot going on here. Overall enjoyable read, but it did drag a bit in a couple of parts. The writer did describe the lovely Devon coast very well and I really felt like I was there. Recommended!!
The book is a dual timeline and over time we find out about the loss of Flora and then Milo and how Melody copes with both by collecting sea treasures and making up stories to bring back to her cottage. Over the years, Juliana and Melody become more distant and Juliana marries. But one day, Juliana visits Melody and they learn things about each other and learn to help each other again.
There are secrets about Melody and her family. It all comes out as Melody and the other members of her community must deal with losing their homes to development. There is also a secret love interest for Melody.
So, lot going on here. Overall enjoyable read, but it did drag a bit in a couple of parts. The writer did describe the lovely Devon coast very well and I really felt like I was there. Recommended!!
January 7, 2024
A gentle story of love and family
This is a very tender book..The relationships are not always peaceful but love wins the day.
It is also a gentle reflection on times past when the pace was slower and people had more time for each other. They also were subject to different social mores which sometimes took away their choices. Some of the characters in this book are victims of that lack of choice.
Many of us will have fond memories of seaside holidays when life was simpler and not everything was captured on film or shared on social media. As the plot unfolds you will question which is the best way.
The central character, Melody, is quite extraordinary. She has to live with a colossal secret until one day she can't keep it in any more. Hers is a life of sacrifice, following in the footsteps of her mother.
Told between different decades which eventually bump into each other, the emphasis is on relationships. Sometimes it is a bit slow but at all times there is a wonderful undercurrent of love, for each other, and for their environment.
Something different to read as a cleanser from fast paced thrillers.
This is a very tender book..The relationships are not always peaceful but love wins the day.
It is also a gentle reflection on times past when the pace was slower and people had more time for each other. They also were subject to different social mores which sometimes took away their choices. Some of the characters in this book are victims of that lack of choice.
Many of us will have fond memories of seaside holidays when life was simpler and not everything was captured on film or shared on social media. As the plot unfolds you will question which is the best way.
The central character, Melody, is quite extraordinary. She has to live with a colossal secret until one day she can't keep it in any more. Hers is a life of sacrifice, following in the footsteps of her mother.
Told between different decades which eventually bump into each other, the emphasis is on relationships. Sometimes it is a bit slow but at all times there is a wonderful undercurrent of love, for each other, and for their environment.
Something different to read as a cleanser from fast paced thrillers.
January 28, 2024
A very different but beautiful
This was and is a hard book to review. I had to step away and think about it. The story encompasses so many things. It is about love of all kinds from family to friendships and love for your surroundings and finally between two people. The book makes us wonder exactly what happy ending are all about. Are they possible, can we really make them happen with our behaviour? Can acceptance make a difference?
Beautifully written the book was a journey of emotions and questions, lots of questions.
This was and is a hard book to review. I had to step away and think about it. The story encompasses so many things. It is about love of all kinds from family to friendships and love for your surroundings and finally between two people. The book makes us wonder exactly what happy ending are all about. Are they possible, can we really make them happen with our behaviour? Can acceptance make a difference?
Beautifully written the book was a journey of emotions and questions, lots of questions.
May 31, 2025
Lovely story full of unique explanations in the wording wording and an interesting characters.
Melody spends her days combing the beach for unwanted items and weaves stories about each item for her brother Milo.
Back to Soindrift her weathered little bungalow overlooking the sea.
Everything changes with a secret from her mother when she dies. She has few friends but has neighbours and her cousin Juliana cones and visits every summer
Enjoyable read with good story plot. Read in one sitting.
Melody spends her days combing the beach for unwanted items and weaves stories about each item for her brother Milo.
Back to Soindrift her weathered little bungalow overlooking the sea.
Everything changes with a secret from her mother when she dies. She has few friends but has neighbours and her cousin Juliana cones and visits every summer
Enjoyable read with good story plot. Read in one sitting.
May 21, 2023
I was drawn to the colourful cover, and the title and description intrigued me.
This was a delight to read. It was lovely and summery - in fact, reading it was just like taking a trip to the seaside, and that setting came very much to life while I was reading, with some beautiful imagery. It was also a very heartwarming story to read, though it did have me tearful in places.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for a free copy to review.
This was a delight to read. It was lovely and summery - in fact, reading it was just like taking a trip to the seaside, and that setting came very much to life while I was reading, with some beautiful imagery. It was also a very heartwarming story to read, though it did have me tearful in places.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for a free copy to review.
August 15, 2023
*5 Stars*
Copy kindly received via NetGalley for an honest review.
A very interesting read with great characters. Melody went through a lot of good and bad in her life. She had the determination to do things her way and I liked how things worked out for her. I liked the ending. Would recommend.
Copy kindly received via NetGalley for an honest review.
A very interesting read with great characters. Melody went through a lot of good and bad in her life. She had the determination to do things her way and I liked how things worked out for her. I liked the ending. Would recommend.
November 28, 2023
Family
This is about a family in a small seaside community where all the locals are friendly and look out for each other but for one lass her world changes when she has a visit from her uncle that leaves her shell shocked and he asks she not tell her cousin or her aunt that she knows the truth about her parentage..
This is about a family in a small seaside community where all the locals are friendly and look out for each other but for one lass her world changes when she has a visit from her uncle that leaves her shell shocked and he asks she not tell her cousin or her aunt that she knows the truth about her parentage..
January 22, 2024
The secret that this novel is built around just didn't work for me, which made it hard to buy in. Still, it was a sweet and uplifting book to listen to while I was recovering from surgery, and I enjoyed the seaside setting.
July 22, 2023
What a lovely, lovely story. I fell in love with all the characters and it was beautifully written from start to finish.
September 17, 2023
Looking forward to going to the Beach Pub in Exmouth to buy my copy this Thursday 21st September as Cork Pages will be there with copies to buy along with the author, Phyllida Shrimpton, signing them
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