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The Mermaid Collector
More than a century ago, lighthouse keeper Linus Harris left his beloved wife and waded into the ocean with three other men to reunite with their mermaid lovers. The mysterious Mermaid Mutiny of 1888 has become legend for the residents of Cradle Harbor, Maine, honored by the town’s Mermaid Festival every August, when wind chimes are hung from seaside porches to drown out the alluring sound of mermaid song.
For thirty-five-year-old Tess Patterson, the legend is more than folklore; it’s proof of life’s magic. A hopeless romantic who is profoundly connected to the ocean in which she lost her mother, Tess ekes out a living as a wood-carver and longs to find a love as mystical as the sea. But when she’s hired to carve the commemorative mermaid sculpture for the coming festival, a chance to win the town’s elusive acceptance might finally be in her grasp.
For Tom Grace, life’s magic was lost at eighteen, when the death of his parents left him to care for his reckless brother, Dean. Now thirty-five and the new owner of Cradle Harbor’s prized lightkeeper’s house, Tom hopes the quiet town will calm Dean’s self-destructive ways. But when Tom discovers Tess working on her sculpture, an unlikely and passionate affair ignites between them that just might be the stuff of legend itself—even as it brings to the surface a long-buried secret that could tear everything apart.
For thirty-five-year-old Tess Patterson, the legend is more than folklore; it’s proof of life’s magic. A hopeless romantic who is profoundly connected to the ocean in which she lost her mother, Tess ekes out a living as a wood-carver and longs to find a love as mystical as the sea. But when she’s hired to carve the commemorative mermaid sculpture for the coming festival, a chance to win the town’s elusive acceptance might finally be in her grasp.
For Tom Grace, life’s magic was lost at eighteen, when the death of his parents left him to care for his reckless brother, Dean. Now thirty-five and the new owner of Cradle Harbor’s prized lightkeeper’s house, Tom hopes the quiet town will calm Dean’s self-destructive ways. But when Tom discovers Tess working on her sculpture, an unlikely and passionate affair ignites between them that just might be the stuff of legend itself—even as it brings to the surface a long-buried secret that could tear everything apart.
368 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 2012
7 people are currently reading
1905 people want to read
About the author
Erika Marks
18 books219 followersHello, fellow reader! I am the NAL author of women's fiction set by the sea. My fifth novel, THE LAST TREASURE, follows the love triangle between three treasure hunters searching for a mysterious shipwreck on the Outer Banks, and comes ashore on August 2, 2016. I love meeting with book clubs via Skype--so stop by my website to learn how we can set up a chat!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 109 reviews
January 30, 2018
View this review and many more at: 5171 Miles Book Blog.
What could possibly be better for a long, cold weekend than a story about mermaids? Nothing, obviously! The Mermaid Collector was the January book choice in my book club with friends from junior high and high school. Interestingly enough, we’ve all gone our separate ways over the years, but through social media and our love of books, we’ve been able to connect again. This has been a great way to push me out of my comfort zone and read books I wouldn’t likely pick up on my own.
The Mermaid Collector is set on the coast of Maine, near an old lighthouse with a long history. In the 1880’s, the lighthouse keeper waded into the ocean with three other men, determined to be reunited with their mermaid lovers, leaving his wife and young son behind. Ever since, the town of Cradle Harbor, Maine has been captivated by the Mermaid Mutiny. Alternating between the mysterious past and the festive future, the story takes readers along for life and the love of two women – Lydia and Tess. This exciting journey is the perfect read for the cold winter months still upon us.
The main thing I enjoyed about this story was the feel of it! I loved being transported to the beaches of Maine, the legends of the town, and the haunted feel the past brings to the present. The story ended up being more of a Romance than I expected, to my delight. I can’t help for a little bit of a love connection in the stories I read. Overall, the substance of the plot and the mystery of the story was excellent. Through and through, this was a transportive, feel-good read.
While there were several characters in this story, they were all presented at appropriate times within the flow of the story. Usually, with large numbers of characters, I feel overwhelmed and annoyed about keeping the names straight. Luckily, I didn’t experience this feeling at all, thanks to Erika Marks’ organization of the story. The large majority of characters were likable people, easy to read about, and well rounded within the plot.
In the end, I was thankful I was able to get lost in this story for a few hours. My biggest complaint was being unable to see how the title fits into the story. While the mermaid element is the main theme, I wasn’t able to grasp the “collector” in the title. I wasn’t sure the title fits the story in quite the way I expected. I also wish a few things had been tied up more neatly in the end because I still had some minor questions upon finishing. Nonetheless, this was a thoroughly enjoyable, solid 4-star read.
What could possibly be better for a long, cold weekend than a story about mermaids? Nothing, obviously! The Mermaid Collector was the January book choice in my book club with friends from junior high and high school. Interestingly enough, we’ve all gone our separate ways over the years, but through social media and our love of books, we’ve been able to connect again. This has been a great way to push me out of my comfort zone and read books I wouldn’t likely pick up on my own.
The Mermaid Collector is set on the coast of Maine, near an old lighthouse with a long history. In the 1880’s, the lighthouse keeper waded into the ocean with three other men, determined to be reunited with their mermaid lovers, leaving his wife and young son behind. Ever since, the town of Cradle Harbor, Maine has been captivated by the Mermaid Mutiny. Alternating between the mysterious past and the festive future, the story takes readers along for life and the love of two women – Lydia and Tess. This exciting journey is the perfect read for the cold winter months still upon us.
The main thing I enjoyed about this story was the feel of it! I loved being transported to the beaches of Maine, the legends of the town, and the haunted feel the past brings to the present. The story ended up being more of a Romance than I expected, to my delight. I can’t help for a little bit of a love connection in the stories I read. Overall, the substance of the plot and the mystery of the story was excellent. Through and through, this was a transportive, feel-good read.
While there were several characters in this story, they were all presented at appropriate times within the flow of the story. Usually, with large numbers of characters, I feel overwhelmed and annoyed about keeping the names straight. Luckily, I didn’t experience this feeling at all, thanks to Erika Marks’ organization of the story. The large majority of characters were likable people, easy to read about, and well rounded within the plot.
In the end, I was thankful I was able to get lost in this story for a few hours. My biggest complaint was being unable to see how the title fits into the story. While the mermaid element is the main theme, I wasn’t able to grasp the “collector” in the title. I wasn’t sure the title fits the story in quite the way I expected. I also wish a few things had been tied up more neatly in the end because I still had some minor questions upon finishing. Nonetheless, this was a thoroughly enjoyable, solid 4-star read.
September 6, 2012
I'm a fan of books that make me happy. This is one of those. I'm also hopeless about reading the end if I'm not enjoying a book - didn't do that here. It was fun, with just enough twists in the plot to keep the brain busy and I read the book without skipping to the end. At the end of the story, I wanted to have more to read about this lively group of characters.
The Maine setting gave the plot substance and was well-represented.
Have a fun break from all that serious stuff you've been slogging through, read and have fun!
The Maine setting gave the plot substance and was well-represented.
Have a fun break from all that serious stuff you've been slogging through, read and have fun!
November 15, 2012
http://anovelreview.blogspot.com/2012...
Is there a better backdrop for a story than the ocean, beaches, lighthouses and mermaids? I think not! Erika Marks brings to life a story of The Mermaid Mutiny of 1888 to life with Lydia and Linus Harris. Linus is the lighthouse keeper in Cradle Harbor, Maine in 1887. Together they are simply a young couple setting up a home and hoping to start a family. When an unfathomable event occurs---changes everything for this couple and the town.
A century later, the legend of Lydia and Linus lives on and is celebrated with a Mermaid Festival. For Tess Patterson this is a magical time. Tess is a local artist who recently was commissioned to make a mermaid wood carved statue for the town.
Tess is looking for acceptance from the townspeople with their noses in the air. Whereas Tom Grace (new in town) isn't looking to please the community of Cradle Harbor. He just wants a fresh start for himself and younger brother, Dean.
Tom and Tess make the perfect couple, but is their desire to change their pasts going to doom their future?
I LOVED The Mermaid Collector! I had begun reading it the day before my dad passed away and finished it the week after his funeral. As I read the last few chapters, I couldn't put The Mermaid Collector down. Not only was this a fantastically written story, but Marks wrote with such truth. As I read at 3am in the morning tears fell.
Erika Marks did an amazing job of weaving the two stories together. I was completely taken in with Lydia's story. You get tid bits along the way, so you get an idea of how it will end---yet as it draws to a close you want a different ending! I just couldn't accept that was how it was going to end.
As I read about Tess & Tom I just kept wanting them to let go of their past--knowing you hinder your future if you are always looking backwards.
The only thing that could have made this a better read was if I could have read it on a New England beach, with a hot tea, wearing a cable knit sweater with the background sound of waves crashing and the tingling sounds of wind chimes.
An absolute perfect fall read! I highly recommend THE MERMAID COLLECTOR!
Is there a better backdrop for a story than the ocean, beaches, lighthouses and mermaids? I think not! Erika Marks brings to life a story of The Mermaid Mutiny of 1888 to life with Lydia and Linus Harris. Linus is the lighthouse keeper in Cradle Harbor, Maine in 1887. Together they are simply a young couple setting up a home and hoping to start a family. When an unfathomable event occurs---changes everything for this couple and the town.
A century later, the legend of Lydia and Linus lives on and is celebrated with a Mermaid Festival. For Tess Patterson this is a magical time. Tess is a local artist who recently was commissioned to make a mermaid wood carved statue for the town.
Tess is looking for acceptance from the townspeople with their noses in the air. Whereas Tom Grace (new in town) isn't looking to please the community of Cradle Harbor. He just wants a fresh start for himself and younger brother, Dean.
Tom and Tess make the perfect couple, but is their desire to change their pasts going to doom their future?
I LOVED The Mermaid Collector! I had begun reading it the day before my dad passed away and finished it the week after his funeral. As I read the last few chapters, I couldn't put The Mermaid Collector down. Not only was this a fantastically written story, but Marks wrote with such truth. As I read at 3am in the morning tears fell.
Erika Marks did an amazing job of weaving the two stories together. I was completely taken in with Lydia's story. You get tid bits along the way, so you get an idea of how it will end---yet as it draws to a close you want a different ending! I just couldn't accept that was how it was going to end.
As I read about Tess & Tom I just kept wanting them to let go of their past--knowing you hinder your future if you are always looking backwards.
The only thing that could have made this a better read was if I could have read it on a New England beach, with a hot tea, wearing a cable knit sweater with the background sound of waves crashing and the tingling sounds of wind chimes.
An absolute perfect fall read! I highly recommend THE MERMAID COLLECTOR!
November 18, 2012
I enjoyed the epistolary way this novel unfolded: first with a letter from the 1800s, then a snippet from the coastal Maine town’s history book, “The Mermaid Mutiny and More,” and then an email correspondence hinting at a core conflict in the story.
I was immediately drawn into this novel that seamlessly shifted from the present-day story of Tess and Tom (and Dean, Buzz and Beverly), to the historic story with its mermaid legend belonging to Lydia and Linus.
Marks does a wonderful job of drawing subtle parallels between both stories. Both deal with hidden truths (“The truth he knew in his heart would be as firm as a handful of sand to anyone else who tried to hold it.”); the complexity and fierceness of love; and the struggle to overcome adversity. I was particularly drawn to the legendary aspects of the story set in 1887-88 and all of the lore surrounding the disappearance of a group of men at sea, said to have been rescued by mermaids.
While the book may feel like a ‘light read’ with a young couple’s love story at its heart, it is so much more, grappling with the heavy issues of infidelity, mental illness, guilt, life after the death of loved ones, and parent-child love.
And if you loved Marks’s first novel, Little Gale Gumbo, for its savory descriptions, you won’t be disappointed. “Paper bowls of hot blueberry crumble, topped with quickly melting scoops of vanilla frozen custard, lined picnic tables…” one passage reads; the story is interspersed with even more mouth-watering descriptions and beautifully painted scenes of coastal Maine so enchanting you’ll want to gobble up every word.
I was immediately drawn into this novel that seamlessly shifted from the present-day story of Tess and Tom (and Dean, Buzz and Beverly), to the historic story with its mermaid legend belonging to Lydia and Linus.
Marks does a wonderful job of drawing subtle parallels between both stories. Both deal with hidden truths (“The truth he knew in his heart would be as firm as a handful of sand to anyone else who tried to hold it.”); the complexity and fierceness of love; and the struggle to overcome adversity. I was particularly drawn to the legendary aspects of the story set in 1887-88 and all of the lore surrounding the disappearance of a group of men at sea, said to have been rescued by mermaids.
While the book may feel like a ‘light read’ with a young couple’s love story at its heart, it is so much more, grappling with the heavy issues of infidelity, mental illness, guilt, life after the death of loved ones, and parent-child love.
And if you loved Marks’s first novel, Little Gale Gumbo, for its savory descriptions, you won’t be disappointed. “Paper bowls of hot blueberry crumble, topped with quickly melting scoops of vanilla frozen custard, lined picnic tables…” one passage reads; the story is interspersed with even more mouth-watering descriptions and beautifully painted scenes of coastal Maine so enchanting you’ll want to gobble up every word.
February 16, 2015
I received the book for free through Goodreads First Reads
Wow The mermaid Collector was a pleasantly delightful read. The read was light, heartwarming, sad, happy and magical. I managed to finish the book in just a day because I couldn't find myself able to put it down.
I love the way the author did the parallel time difference to show the readers were the mermaid legend originated at that town, it flowed smoothly with the current story line. The characters were interesting, the battles that they fought from losing a death one at an early age, to alcoholism to disorders made their stories unique in their struggles. Dealing with relationship between Tess and Buzz, Tess and the town, and two very different brothers.
The book was written very well, and I loved it. It touched on things and different perspectives. As sad as the Lydia story turned out, i almost ache for more. I will be looking forward to other books written by this author.
Wow The mermaid Collector was a pleasantly delightful read. The read was light, heartwarming, sad, happy and magical. I managed to finish the book in just a day because I couldn't find myself able to put it down.
I love the way the author did the parallel time difference to show the readers were the mermaid legend originated at that town, it flowed smoothly with the current story line. The characters were interesting, the battles that they fought from losing a death one at an early age, to alcoholism to disorders made their stories unique in their struggles. Dealing with relationship between Tess and Buzz, Tess and the town, and two very different brothers.
The book was written very well, and I loved it. It touched on things and different perspectives. As sad as the Lydia story turned out, i almost ache for more. I will be looking forward to other books written by this author.
October 24, 2012
“My dearest Lydie, By the time you find this letter, I will be returned to the sea…” So starts The Mermaid Collector, a mesmerizing book that alternates between the 1887 story of Lydia, Linus, and Angus and the current day story of Tess and Tom. In a captivating voice, Erika Marks weaves these two stories into a wonderfully rich book complete with an intriguing cast of characters whose histories are all tied to Cradle Harbor, Maine. Adding to the book’s charm is how Marks interlaces each story in and around the magical history of the mermaids and the Cradle Harbor Mermaid Festival.
This book is a true page turner, made more so by the beautiful descriptions of the coast of Maine and the mysterious Mermaid Mutiny of 1888. And I was absolutely captivated by the love story of Lydia and Angus. But ultimately this book is so much more: Marks has written a compelling novel about finding courage to confront painful past secrets in order to move forward and live fully in the present.
This book is a true page turner, made more so by the beautiful descriptions of the coast of Maine and the mysterious Mermaid Mutiny of 1888. And I was absolutely captivated by the love story of Lydia and Angus. But ultimately this book is so much more: Marks has written a compelling novel about finding courage to confront painful past secrets in order to move forward and live fully in the present.
October 11, 2012
Such a beautiful story! A story built around a tale of Cradle Harbors lighthouse keeper Linus, his wife Lydia and mermaids. The whole town is still to this day affected in many ways by what is referred to as the Mermaid Mutiny of 1888. The mutiny for Tess is a reminder of the magic of childhood and her mother ; for Tom Grace coming to Cradle harbor is a life changing experience.This book has multiple relationships that are so deftly described you become submerged in this poignant romances, losses and familial trials.I loved this book, though the main charachters are Linus , Lydia, Tess and Tom there is so much more going on ; secondary characters and there story lines all fit together beautifully .
Thank you Penguin books, Ms Marks and goodreads first reads for a wonderful book, my review has in know way been influenced by any of these groups.
Thank you Penguin books, Ms Marks and goodreads first reads for a wonderful book, my review has in know way been influenced by any of these groups.
October 3, 2013
Nooooo! Please Nooooo! This book seemed to have such a good premise. Old New England town history, mermaids, lighthouses, ocean.... But after reading The Secret History I am completely spoiled for good writing. The writing in this novel is honestly pathetic. For example,
"He came up behind her. Tess guided his arms around her waist and leaned into his chest." or "Tess lifted his hand to her lips, kissing the fingers one by one."
But in the Secret History, (which is not a romance btw),
"She closed her eyes, dark-lidded, dark shadows beneath them; she really was older, not the glancing-eyed girl I had fallen in love with but no less beautiful for that; beautiful now in a way that less excited my senses than tore at my very heart.”
― Donna Tartt
Maybe not the best examples but good writing shows us without simply telling us. I can not go on with this one.
"He came up behind her. Tess guided his arms around her waist and leaned into his chest." or "Tess lifted his hand to her lips, kissing the fingers one by one."
But in the Secret History, (which is not a romance btw),
"She closed her eyes, dark-lidded, dark shadows beneath them; she really was older, not the glancing-eyed girl I had fallen in love with but no less beautiful for that; beautiful now in a way that less excited my senses than tore at my very heart.”
― Donna Tartt
Maybe not the best examples but good writing shows us without simply telling us. I can not go on with this one.
June 3, 2013
A quick easy read, this story brings together a likable set of characters in a Maine beach resort town. The town is getting ready to celebrate a legend from the 1800's in which a lightkeeper and three other men leave their families and run together into the sea to be with the Mermaids they fell in love with.
The story is told from several points of view:
Buzz is an old hippy and owner of a small gathering of resort cottages overlooking the sea. Buzz and his step-daughter, Tess, are each dealing with (or not dealing with) the loss of his wife (Tess' mother) in their own way.
Tess is in a one-sided romance with the town golden boy when she meets Tom who has just inherited the lightkeeper's house from Buzz's brother-in-law, Frank.
Tom Grace, straight-laced teacher, never has any fun. He can't afford to let go and enjoy life because he is too busy caring for his alcoholic brother, Dean. Why did Frank, whom Tom never met, leave the lightkeeper's house to Tom and Dean?
Beverly, Frank's former mistress, rents one of the cottages in order to find out more about Frank and his past.
Lydia, wife of Linus, the lightkeeper in the 1880's, can't understand the changes in her husband since his mysterious disappearance at sea for four days. After he and three other men are miraculously returned to their families, they have all changed and become like strangers.
I enjoyed this book more than I thought I would. I thought it would be a sappy romance, but it isn't. Tess is a bit unlikeable at first, but she becomes more human as the story progresses. There were a few unanswered questions. Where was Frank's wife? What went on during that four days when the men were missing at sea, and what happened when they returned to sea?
In spite of these unsolved mysteries, I still liked this book and recommend it as a great summer/ beach read.
Read this book if you...
*like stories that take place on the beach
*like stories with a touch of romance and mystery
The story is told from several points of view:
Buzz is an old hippy and owner of a small gathering of resort cottages overlooking the sea. Buzz and his step-daughter, Tess, are each dealing with (or not dealing with) the loss of his wife (Tess' mother) in their own way.
Tess is in a one-sided romance with the town golden boy when she meets Tom who has just inherited the lightkeeper's house from Buzz's brother-in-law, Frank.
Tom Grace, straight-laced teacher, never has any fun. He can't afford to let go and enjoy life because he is too busy caring for his alcoholic brother, Dean. Why did Frank, whom Tom never met, leave the lightkeeper's house to Tom and Dean?
Beverly, Frank's former mistress, rents one of the cottages in order to find out more about Frank and his past.
Lydia, wife of Linus, the lightkeeper in the 1880's, can't understand the changes in her husband since his mysterious disappearance at sea for four days. After he and three other men are miraculously returned to their families, they have all changed and become like strangers.
I enjoyed this book more than I thought I would. I thought it would be a sappy romance, but it isn't. Tess is a bit unlikeable at first, but she becomes more human as the story progresses. There were a few unanswered questions. Where was Frank's wife? What went on during that four days when the men were missing at sea, and what happened when they returned to sea?
In spite of these unsolved mysteries, I still liked this book and recommend it as a great summer/ beach read.
Read this book if you...
*like stories that take place on the beach
*like stories with a touch of romance and mystery
November 19, 2012
Set in the town of Cradle Harbor, Maine, THE MERMAID COLLECTOR takes place during the Mermaid Festival–the annual ritual remembering the Mermaid Mutiny of 1888, when a group of the town’s men were reportedly lured to sea by the mermaid’s call.
Local outsider and sculptor Tess Patterson wins a contest with her mermaid woodcarving and finds unlikely love with a troubled man caring for his difficult brother. In 1888, a barren fisherman’s wife becomes entangled in a painful scandal that threatens her marriage and her sanity. As the mermaid festival approaches, the mysteries of the present and past are woven together until their final connection and climax.
The multi-period novel is a complex story structure that, when done well, makes an outstanding read. When the stories of the present and the past have equal weight, the characters are equally engaging, and the stories are connected by setting or circumstance, the plot and themes are the richer for it.
Marks has perfectly blended her multi-period narratives, and has created a compelling and satisfying drama. I found myself quickly reading each section because I was so interested in developments in the next. I’m generally drawn to the past in such narratives, but Marks’ present day characters and story were as complete and interesting to me as those in the past.
Marks’ writing style is smooth and immediate, and her descriptions of the coast of Maine made me long to visit. The book moved me to tears from both tragedy and redemption, and I’ll be thinking about it long after I’ve closed its pages.
If you enjoy stories of love, family secrets, and that demonstrate the relationship of the present to history, you will love THE MERMAID COLLECTOR. I can’t wait to read Marks’ next book.
Local outsider and sculptor Tess Patterson wins a contest with her mermaid woodcarving and finds unlikely love with a troubled man caring for his difficult brother. In 1888, a barren fisherman’s wife becomes entangled in a painful scandal that threatens her marriage and her sanity. As the mermaid festival approaches, the mysteries of the present and past are woven together until their final connection and climax.
The multi-period novel is a complex story structure that, when done well, makes an outstanding read. When the stories of the present and the past have equal weight, the characters are equally engaging, and the stories are connected by setting or circumstance, the plot and themes are the richer for it.
Marks has perfectly blended her multi-period narratives, and has created a compelling and satisfying drama. I found myself quickly reading each section because I was so interested in developments in the next. I’m generally drawn to the past in such narratives, but Marks’ present day characters and story were as complete and interesting to me as those in the past.
Marks’ writing style is smooth and immediate, and her descriptions of the coast of Maine made me long to visit. The book moved me to tears from both tragedy and redemption, and I’ll be thinking about it long after I’ve closed its pages.
If you enjoy stories of love, family secrets, and that demonstrate the relationship of the present to history, you will love THE MERMAID COLLECTOR. I can’t wait to read Marks’ next book.
September 28, 2013
I think Marks did a really good job of creating the setting, but I had a really hard time getting into her main female character.
Her main male character was easier to believe, but it was one of those stories where the main 2 people only get together because they have to since its a book. That being said, she had another subplot story line running through that book that was amazingly well done. She really did seem to make the world come alive.
Another part I struggled with on the characterization was she switched point of views-- a lot! I understood what she was trying to do, but I would have rather seen more from one or two main characters instead of the 4 or 5 we met.
Her main male character was easier to believe, but it was one of those stories where the main 2 people only get together because they have to since its a book. That being said, she had another subplot story line running through that book that was amazingly well done. She really did seem to make the world come alive.
Another part I struggled with on the characterization was she switched point of views-- a lot! I understood what she was trying to do, but I would have rather seen more from one or two main characters instead of the 4 or 5 we met.
September 28, 2013
I enjoyed the parallel story lines of the past and present. Being that this book revolves around this "mermaid mutiny," I was left wanting to know more about what happened and who or what was the mermaid collector? Was it an analogy for the town?
The characters were well developed and like able. Each one had their own inner demons they confronted on their own or as a group. Overall, a good read but left me wanting to know more.
The characters were well developed and like able. Each one had their own inner demons they confronted on their own or as a group. Overall, a good read but left me wanting to know more.
April 9, 2013
I tore through this book pretty quickly. I was in the mood for a quick read. This hit the spot. I enjoyed both story lines, but it was a bit too predictable. Especially the 'present' story line. I could've read an entire book about the past 'mermaid' tale.
October 5, 2012
Magical story.
November 1, 2012
This book just became one of my all time favorites. Great story...loved it.
February 11, 2013
Very interesting read, loved the mermaid legend. Good story and characters.
May 5, 2013
Enjoyed this book. Some of the story was predictable, but not as much as I anticipated. I found it a nice light read.
August 16, 2013
I liked the book and felt I wanted to keep reading to see the way things turned out, but I really disliked the character Tess. I was glad for a lot of the book to be about Tom as I liked him more.
November 3, 2012
I have found such a treasure in a new author and her amazing work of literature! Not to mention she is a local author as well. I cannot convey my enthusiasm about this book, but I am going to try as I put my thoughts into this book review. This book was full of history, love, and even a tad bit of mystery. I enjoyed every single aspect about this book and am so hungry for more. I am going to encourage readers now to go and pick up a copy of this book because I cannot wait until I get to the end of this review to do so!
Erika Marks is highly talented as a writer and I say this because she did something successfully that I am usually not a fan of in any book. She paralleled two stories that happened in two completely different time periods and had several different main characters. She did this flawlessly! In one story readers are given present day Cradle Harbor, Maine, and in another story readers are given a story from 1887 that explains the legend of the Mermaid Mutiny and the lives of Linus and Lydia Harris. Essentially we are given two amazing love stories for the price of one! Erika, you are an absolute literary genius!
Linus and Lydia Harris was the young couple that were lighthouse keepers in Cradle Harbor, Maine in 1887 and there story is not one to be missed. The mystery/ghost story that I referred to comes from these two. Their story is raw and emotional and yes, highly eerie, so much that it gave me chills. I loved Lydia and her devotion to her husband even though she had a strong dislike for the sea. She had to love him, right? I loved Lydia’s character the most and I was so drawn to her story. Erika weaves in a beautiful piece of history by including the lives of Linus and Lydia. The story of Cradle Harbor, Maine and the Mermaid Mutiny wouldn’t be the same without them.
Tess Patterson is our heroine in the present day and she also has a strong pull to the lighthouse and the town of Cradle Harbor. I found myself constantly comparing her to Lydia, which I thought to be a good thing. Both Lydia and Tess are and were hopeless romantics just trying to hang on to a love that was destined to go out with the tide. I loved Tess’ artistic and creative side and I especially loved reading about her career as a wood-carver. That type of art just fascinates me. Tess’ story is equally as brilliant as Lydia’s because of the fact that Tess has somewhat of a quarrel with the sea as well. The sea took Tess’ mom, Ruby, years before and she has never quite gotten over it. So many elements made Tess up to be a very relatable and passionate figure.
Can we just talk about the sea? I would love to visit Maine, seeing as I have never been North of New York City. I find the calm, majestic scenes that I sometimes pictured while reading this novel to be so tranquil, but I would also love to hear the cry of the Mermaid song. This story has such a mystery and a pinch of something supernatural involved. I felt like Maine was a perfect setting and the most alluring backdrop for a story about Mermaids who crave the torment of the love thirsty men ashore!
I am in love with this book! I will forever cherish it on my shelf!
***A lot of hugs and warm wishes to Mrs. Erika Marks for my own copy of this book, which she provided to me in exchange for my honest review***
Erika Marks is highly talented as a writer and I say this because she did something successfully that I am usually not a fan of in any book. She paralleled two stories that happened in two completely different time periods and had several different main characters. She did this flawlessly! In one story readers are given present day Cradle Harbor, Maine, and in another story readers are given a story from 1887 that explains the legend of the Mermaid Mutiny and the lives of Linus and Lydia Harris. Essentially we are given two amazing love stories for the price of one! Erika, you are an absolute literary genius!
Linus and Lydia Harris was the young couple that were lighthouse keepers in Cradle Harbor, Maine in 1887 and there story is not one to be missed. The mystery/ghost story that I referred to comes from these two. Their story is raw and emotional and yes, highly eerie, so much that it gave me chills. I loved Lydia and her devotion to her husband even though she had a strong dislike for the sea. She had to love him, right? I loved Lydia’s character the most and I was so drawn to her story. Erika weaves in a beautiful piece of history by including the lives of Linus and Lydia. The story of Cradle Harbor, Maine and the Mermaid Mutiny wouldn’t be the same without them.
Tess Patterson is our heroine in the present day and she also has a strong pull to the lighthouse and the town of Cradle Harbor. I found myself constantly comparing her to Lydia, which I thought to be a good thing. Both Lydia and Tess are and were hopeless romantics just trying to hang on to a love that was destined to go out with the tide. I loved Tess’ artistic and creative side and I especially loved reading about her career as a wood-carver. That type of art just fascinates me. Tess’ story is equally as brilliant as Lydia’s because of the fact that Tess has somewhat of a quarrel with the sea as well. The sea took Tess’ mom, Ruby, years before and she has never quite gotten over it. So many elements made Tess up to be a very relatable and passionate figure.
Can we just talk about the sea? I would love to visit Maine, seeing as I have never been North of New York City. I find the calm, majestic scenes that I sometimes pictured while reading this novel to be so tranquil, but I would also love to hear the cry of the Mermaid song. This story has such a mystery and a pinch of something supernatural involved. I felt like Maine was a perfect setting and the most alluring backdrop for a story about Mermaids who crave the torment of the love thirsty men ashore!
I am in love with this book! I will forever cherish it on my shelf!
***A lot of hugs and warm wishes to Mrs. Erika Marks for my own copy of this book, which she provided to me in exchange for my honest review***
August 31, 2013
The Mermaid Festival draws people from all directions to Cradle Harbor, Maine every August. They dash into the ocean and shop for souvenirs, especially the town’s signature wind chimes, which are meant to drown out mermaids’ siren songs. After all, four men, including the lighthouse keeper had vanished in 1888. It is said that they followed their fishy lovers under the sea. Shortly afterward, the anguished keeper’s wife, Lydia, plunged to her death from the lighthouse.
Over a century later, the mermaid legend has special meaning for Tess Patterson. When Tess was a child her own mother had walked into the ocean, never to return. Now the sculptor is learning to accept the insular little town, and vice versa. Tess finds a kindred spirit in Tom Grace. He and his charming, impulsive younger brother Dean were willed the lighthouse keeper’s house – by the man who had killed their parents and ended Dean’s Olympic hopes in an auto accident. Now Tom must discover if CradleHarbor can become the brothers’ home – while taming Dean’s self-destructive ways.
Erika Marks deftly twines the stories of Tess and Tom, and of the doomed Lydia and her husband Linus in The Mermaid Collector. Both couples must deal with loss and conflicted feelings, and the difficulty of life on the isolated and beautiful Maine coast. I really enjoyed this beautifully-told tale with its flawed, complex cast, and heartily recommend that you try The Mermaid Collector.
Over a century later, the mermaid legend has special meaning for Tess Patterson. When Tess was a child her own mother had walked into the ocean, never to return. Now the sculptor is learning to accept the insular little town, and vice versa. Tess finds a kindred spirit in Tom Grace. He and his charming, impulsive younger brother Dean were willed the lighthouse keeper’s house – by the man who had killed their parents and ended Dean’s Olympic hopes in an auto accident. Now Tom must discover if CradleHarbor can become the brothers’ home – while taming Dean’s self-destructive ways.
Erika Marks deftly twines the stories of Tess and Tom, and of the doomed Lydia and her husband Linus in The Mermaid Collector. Both couples must deal with loss and conflicted feelings, and the difficulty of life on the isolated and beautiful Maine coast. I really enjoyed this beautifully-told tale with its flawed, complex cast, and heartily recommend that you try The Mermaid Collector.
October 27, 2012
What a delightful story. I had just finished a 600 page biography and was definitely in the mood for a more lighthearted, romantic book. The Mermaid Collector was exactly what I was looking for.
The main character, Tess is a hopeless romantic who is still struggling to recover from the death of her mom years earlier.
Tom Grace is the mysterious stranger who has been left the caretaker's lighthouse much to the consternation of the town locals. When these two meet, an unlikely affair begins. However, both Tess and Tom carry secrets that threaten to undue them both.
One of the great things about this book is that it flashes back to 1888 where we learn the intriguing and sad story of the caretaker, Linus and his wife, Lydia. Linus and 3 other men wade into the ocean to be reunited with their mermaid lovers. This mermaid mutiny becomes a legend to the inhabitants of this small coastal community.
And so the story begins with Tess carving a mermaid sculptor for the Mermaid Festival in town...
I loved reading this book and am so excited to see that the author has another book, Little Gale Gumbo. I received this book as part of the Goodreads giveaway program.
The main character, Tess is a hopeless romantic who is still struggling to recover from the death of her mom years earlier.
Tom Grace is the mysterious stranger who has been left the caretaker's lighthouse much to the consternation of the town locals. When these two meet, an unlikely affair begins. However, both Tess and Tom carry secrets that threaten to undue them both.
One of the great things about this book is that it flashes back to 1888 where we learn the intriguing and sad story of the caretaker, Linus and his wife, Lydia. Linus and 3 other men wade into the ocean to be reunited with their mermaid lovers. This mermaid mutiny becomes a legend to the inhabitants of this small coastal community.
And so the story begins with Tess carving a mermaid sculptor for the Mermaid Festival in town...
I loved reading this book and am so excited to see that the author has another book, Little Gale Gumbo. I received this book as part of the Goodreads giveaway program.
October 28, 2012
Before I picked up this book, I was a huge fan of this author already - her first book,
was amazing - such lovely language and the layers of the stories of three women (two sisters and their mother) had me in awe of the author for the entire time I read the book. THE MERMAID COLLECTOR is no different in the way the characters' stories intertwine and intersect, even including the threads of the tragic story that brought about the legend behind the town's annual mermaid festival. Marks seamlessly weaves these stories together, pulling the reader along with her beautiful language, imagery and narrative and even some surprises that are revealed along the way. Every character has their own share of secrets and tragedies and how they all come together in the end makes for a very satisfying and engaging read.
was amazing - such lovely language and the layers of the stories of three women (two sisters and their mother) had me in awe of the author for the entire time I read the book. THE MERMAID COLLECTOR is no different in the way the characters' stories intertwine and intersect, even including the threads of the tragic story that brought about the legend behind the town's annual mermaid festival. Marks seamlessly weaves these stories together, pulling the reader along with her beautiful language, imagery and narrative and even some surprises that are revealed along the way. Every character has their own share of secrets and tragedies and how they all come together in the end makes for a very satisfying and engaging read. 
May 19, 2013
The Mermaid Collector by Erika Marks
Challenges read for: Goodreads, EBook
Book Cover: Lovely and haunting
It took me three days to slog through 30-something pages at the beginning and I thought--uh oh, this may end up in the "unfinished" pile. But something sparked and I really started to enjoy this book.
Set in a lovely seaside town in Maine with a lighthouse and the keeper's cottage as backdrop, we meet some very damaged people. Alcoholism, suicides, death, loss, but also magic, love, hope and forgiveness are the cornerstone of this great read. Erika Marks did a fabulous job of telling us the present day story and weaving it with The Mermaid Mutiny of 1888. I couldn't help but fall for all these characters--Tess and Tom, Lydia and Linus, Dean, Buzz and a host of others--they pulled at my heartstrings.
This would be a great summer read, for who wouldn't love to see a mermaid or two on their sandy beaches--just keep your husbands' close!
Challenges read for: Goodreads, EBook
Book Cover: Lovely and haunting
It took me three days to slog through 30-something pages at the beginning and I thought--uh oh, this may end up in the "unfinished" pile. But something sparked and I really started to enjoy this book.
Set in a lovely seaside town in Maine with a lighthouse and the keeper's cottage as backdrop, we meet some very damaged people. Alcoholism, suicides, death, loss, but also magic, love, hope and forgiveness are the cornerstone of this great read. Erika Marks did a fabulous job of telling us the present day story and weaving it with The Mermaid Mutiny of 1888. I couldn't help but fall for all these characters--Tess and Tom, Lydia and Linus, Dean, Buzz and a host of others--they pulled at my heartstrings.
This would be a great summer read, for who wouldn't love to see a mermaid or two on their sandy beaches--just keep your husbands' close!
October 29, 2013
Set in Maine, this story moves between the 1880s and present day. Beautiful descriptions of Maine, and the story of Lydia in the lighthouse were the highlights. Unfortunately, the author veered between too much of something, and not enough of something else. For example, the characters who suffer from bipolar disorder and alcoholism are caricatures and one-dimensional. The alcoholic young man has terrible language. The young sculptress is angry and predictable. Characters are either nurturing or bristling with anger and disappointment. Then there are characters who seem to be important, but they disappear and aren't heard from again (what happened to Pete? to baby Henry?). The character of Beverly was a puzzle to me and her presence didn't move the plot along or seem to be important in any way.
March 24, 2014
3.5 Anything set by the seaside in a quaint little town especially somewhere like Maine and I'm in! Throw in an intriguing historical element for the back story that keeps creeping up and I hardly want to put it down. My only problem with "The Mermaid Collector" was that I really didn't connect with Tess Patterson which made the present day story a tad uninteresting to me. I just wanted more of Linus and his wife's story. Overall not a bad read. *** Please note I received this book for free from Goodreads First-reads.
November 5, 2012
What a good read! I felt as if I were there in Cradle Harbor experiencing the sand between my toes, salt water on my lips, and the magic of Mermaids in my heart. The author's characters are so likable, and authentic that I was immediately drawn to Tess and her creativity. Has she finally met the a love worthy of her and will Buzz reconnect with Frank's mistress, same time next year. This story line weaves between the present day Mermaid Festival and the 1887's, when the Cradle Harbor mermaid legend began. Marks tells a charming story of love, trust, and the magic of the sea sirens.
March 18, 2013
From the setting, the coast of Maine, to the town's Mermaid mythology, artists, lost souls and those who try to find and protect them, albeit at times against their wishes, I loved everything about this book. I was completely captivated with the story, the characters and the imagery. The experience of reading it was like reading a long evocative poem or a dance or a song that never quite leaves you. Although, it has its sad, tragic moments, it also has so much hope and colour and belief in bright tomorrows. I'm so glad I had the experience of reading The Mermaid Collector.
October 24, 2012
Enjoyed this light read -- lots of history, interesting relationships, and of course a "love" story with a happy ending. I related to the need to let go of things in the past and just let them be what they where. No grudges, blame or other bad feelings to weigh you down, and do not allow you to move forward with happiness we all deserve.
February 10, 2013
I loved this book and the idea behind it. The only thing I had to struggle with were the jumps between the times. One chapter is was in the past, next chapter in the present and suddenly it was in 1887/1888. It took me always a few lines to figure out what time it was and which person. But besides that it was great and I'd recommend it to everyone who likes books about mermaid legends. *wink*
November 15, 2012
The Mermaid Collector delivers a magical and moving escape to the coast of Maine--it was a true pleasure to spend time in the coastal world Marks has created. If you love characters so real they'll make your heart ache, grab this book and dive in! You'll be glad you did.
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