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The Old Mermaid's Tale: A Novel of the Great Lakes
(Novel - 132k words. Love Story, Coming-of-Age, Historical - Paperback or eBook) In 1960 when Clair Wagner's friends are showing off their new bikinis at the local swimming hole and planning weddings, Clair is plotting her escape from her rural farm-community life. She is headed for college on the shores of Lake Erie with plans for the future and dreams of a "handsome sailor with the constellations of the Northern Seas in his eyes".
Into her life comes Pio, a beautiful Italian fisherman, who longs for a life of adventure on the Great Lakes under the aurora borealis. Clair soon meets Gary, the dashing son of a wealthy shipping magnate, who introduces her to Canal Street on the waterfront where she encounters The Old Mermaid Inn, a tavern that, as Gary tells her, "deserves its reputation".
But The Old Mermaid Inn, with its giant painting of a seductive mermaid, is home to some fascinating people including Tessie, the owner and original mermaid, and the intriguing Baptiste, a Breton mariner injured in a shipwreck, who earns his living as a musician.
With Pio, Clair discovers passion, with Gary she gains entry into the world of the commercial waterfront, and with Baptiste she discovers all-consuming love. But as her relationship with Baptiste grows she discovers he is far more complex and mysterious than she could imagine. He has secrets and his secrets will alter her life forever.
Into her life comes Pio, a beautiful Italian fisherman, who longs for a life of adventure on the Great Lakes under the aurora borealis. Clair soon meets Gary, the dashing son of a wealthy shipping magnate, who introduces her to Canal Street on the waterfront where she encounters The Old Mermaid Inn, a tavern that, as Gary tells her, "deserves its reputation".
But The Old Mermaid Inn, with its giant painting of a seductive mermaid, is home to some fascinating people including Tessie, the owner and original mermaid, and the intriguing Baptiste, a Breton mariner injured in a shipwreck, who earns his living as a musician.
With Pio, Clair discovers passion, with Gary she gains entry into the world of the commercial waterfront, and with Baptiste she discovers all-consuming love. But as her relationship with Baptiste grows she discovers he is far more complex and mysterious than she could imagine. He has secrets and his secrets will alter her life forever.
312 pages, Paperback
First published July 1, 2007
9 people are currently reading
594 people want to read
About the author
Kathleen Valentine
48 books118 followersFrom the Allegheny Mountains where she grew up, to the Gloucester seaport where she now lives and writes, Kathleen Valentine loves nothing more than listening to the stories that people tell while sitting on front porches, gathered around kitchen tables, or swapped in coffee shops and taverns. Her collection of legends, folklore, and tall tales are woven into her fiction. The award-winning author of novels, novellas, & short story collections, as well as books of knitting patterns, & a cookbook/memoir about growing up Pennsylvania Dutch, Valentine has been listed as an Amazon Top Selling Author in Horror, Mystery/Suspense, Cooking, and Knitting. As a writer her primary interest is delving into the psychology of her characters. Her stories are sometimes mysterious, sometimes funny, usually romantic, and frequently frightening. Her characters range from lost children and grumpy old folks, to mysterious men and women who are not to be trifled with. She lives in Gloucester, Massachusetts, America's oldest seaport.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
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January 17, 2009I can't rate it because I wrote it................
January 10, 2015
This is the sort of quiet book that sneaks up on a person. Going into reading it I actually thought it would end up in my dnf pile, but there was something that kept me reading. I'm not sure if it was the innocence of the time period or maybe Claire herself, but whatever I'm glad I kept reading.
I was pissed with how things turned out with Pio, hated that he took the easy way out. But once Batiste showed up I was all Pio who? You wouldn't think that Batiste and Claire would work, but there was something magical about them as a couple that seemed to make them both strive to be better. I hated how things ended between them even as I loved reading about the present and Claire looking back at things. I loved that she had such a tangible reminder and that Batiste was held in such high regard. I even loved that Claire sought out Pio and gave him one last chance, letting me imagine their HEA in my head.
I was pissed with how things turned out with Pio, hated that he took the easy way out. But once Batiste showed up I was all Pio who? You wouldn't think that Batiste and Claire would work, but there was something magical about them as a couple that seemed to make them both strive to be better. I hated how things ended between them even as I loved reading about the present and Claire looking back at things. I loved that she had such a tangible reminder and that Batiste was held in such high regard. I even loved that Claire sought out Pio and gave him one last chance, letting me imagine their HEA in my head.
September 23, 2011
This book has to be one of the best love story's I have ever read.
Kathleen has a magical skill of making her characters real, believable and true. Although fictional, she has the ability to make them reach out of the pages and touch us.
It was beautifully written and it reached out into the depths of my soul.
What a wonderful story that will stay with me always.
I highly recommend this book!!!
Kathleen has a magical skill of making her characters real, believable and true. Although fictional, she has the ability to make them reach out of the pages and touch us.
It was beautifully written and it reached out into the depths of my soul.
What a wonderful story that will stay with me always.
I highly recommend this book!!!
February 6, 2014
I can't believe I enjoyed this book as much as I did since I do not usually like "romance novels", but this was no simple and superficial love story. The author is a gifted storyteller, creating characters and locations that come to life on the pages. It was beautifully written and the characters will be with me for some time to come. I look forward to reading more from this very talented writer.
September 13, 2011
This was such a wonderful story. This book made me laugh and cry and just didn't want this book to end. I was actually surprised by the ending but would not of wanted it to end any other way.
May 11, 2013
I just finished The Old Mermaid's Tale I give is 5++++++ stars. The writing was incredible, I loved every character, I didn't want it to end. It is now one of my favorite books of all time.
February 3, 2012
I have read several short stories by Kathleen Valentine, and I have enjoyed all of them. This is the first full length novel of hers that I have read, though. When an author is successful as a short story writer, I always wonder whether they can sustain that level of writing in a full length book. It is with great joy that I found that Kathleen Valentine is a wonderful success at both. In fact, this book will definitely be on my top books read in 2012 list. I was discussing the book with a friend, and we both agreed that this is not your typical romance book. In fact, we both felt that it is not really a romance book at all, but is instead a captivating love story. Being one of the best love stories that I have ever read, I cannot imagine a lot of other books overcoming it.
The characters in this book are superbly developed. Each one has a uniqueness that draws you into their lives and sweeps you along the story line. In fact, I cannot even pick out a favorite character from the book as I loved each and every one of them. The book is set in the 1960's along Lake Erie and focuses on one city where the majority of the residents are connected to the Great Lakes maritime trade. With the combination of her wonderful characters and the beautifully written prose in the book, Ms. Valentine not only makes her love story compelling, but makes the world of these people come alive for the reader. Here are a couple of my favorite quotes:
"You can write down your dreams, make pictures of stars but that does not preserve the magic. Nothing captures those gorgeous glimmers of eternity. Yet love, like dreams and starlight, returns again and again in defiance of fears and foolishness"
"Perhaps, I think, it is our longing, and our willingness to see beauty in the most humble of places, that makes us so irresistible to God. "
I am now a steadfast fan of Ms. Valentine and look forward to reading more from her. If they are all as good as this one, I am certainly in for a treat.
The characters in this book are superbly developed. Each one has a uniqueness that draws you into their lives and sweeps you along the story line. In fact, I cannot even pick out a favorite character from the book as I loved each and every one of them. The book is set in the 1960's along Lake Erie and focuses on one city where the majority of the residents are connected to the Great Lakes maritime trade. With the combination of her wonderful characters and the beautifully written prose in the book, Ms. Valentine not only makes her love story compelling, but makes the world of these people come alive for the reader. Here are a couple of my favorite quotes:
"You can write down your dreams, make pictures of stars but that does not preserve the magic. Nothing captures those gorgeous glimmers of eternity. Yet love, like dreams and starlight, returns again and again in defiance of fears and foolishness"
"Perhaps, I think, it is our longing, and our willingness to see beauty in the most humble of places, that makes us so irresistible to God. "
I am now a steadfast fan of Ms. Valentine and look forward to reading more from her. If they are all as good as this one, I am certainly in for a treat.
June 5, 2011
I have to be honest with the reader of this review. I had received this book as part of a package deal with the author's other book, Each Angel Burns, which I had been dying to read...and def. lived up to its' promise. I went into this book with a bit more trepidation as the description of the book didn't tickle my fancy in the least and I was concerned that I would be giving it a poor review.
Every so often, I am shocked about my reactions to a book. This book was a wonderful example of a MATURE, coming of age book that was written with a poignancy that with the age of the main character didn't come off as shallow, stupid or superficial and best yet, I didn't feel like I had dropped a couple of IQ points with often sticky, sweet, cutsey literature that women are forced to endure in reading books about women's issues, particularly with the age of the main character (late teens-early twenties)
This is def. an author I will be seeking out. Her writing has def. hit me with an enjoyment of drinking a fine glass of wine.
Every so often, I am shocked about my reactions to a book. This book was a wonderful example of a MATURE, coming of age book that was written with a poignancy that with the age of the main character didn't come off as shallow, stupid or superficial and best yet, I didn't feel like I had dropped a couple of IQ points with often sticky, sweet, cutsey literature that women are forced to endure in reading books about women's issues, particularly with the age of the main character (late teens-early twenties)
This is def. an author I will be seeking out. Her writing has def. hit me with an enjoyment of drinking a fine glass of wine.
December 6, 2008
Beautiful and Lyrical
I was totally captivated by Clair Wagner, the storyteller of Valentine's lyrical novel, The Old Mermaid's Tale.
The story is set in a 1960's Lake Erie town. It's Clair's coming-of-age tale mixed with two love stories: Clair and Baptiste sandwiched between Clair and Pio.
Valentine sprinkles her book with delicious folklore tidbits: Baptiste's Breton sea-lore, Lake Erie seamen tales, and tales and folk music from the early sixties. The setting evokes memories of the unique life of each town before chain stores and hotels took over.
The characters are full-bodied. Sal, Baptiste, Tessie, Pio: they all deserve their own books. Valentine teased me with glimpses of their lives outside of the confines of this tale, and she left me with a longing to know more.
I was afraid that this would be too much of a "girly" book for me, but I thoroughly enjoyed it, and was sorry when I finished it. I'm looking forward to more tales from Valentine.
I was totally captivated by Clair Wagner, the storyteller of Valentine's lyrical novel, The Old Mermaid's Tale.
The story is set in a 1960's Lake Erie town. It's Clair's coming-of-age tale mixed with two love stories: Clair and Baptiste sandwiched between Clair and Pio.
Valentine sprinkles her book with delicious folklore tidbits: Baptiste's Breton sea-lore, Lake Erie seamen tales, and tales and folk music from the early sixties. The setting evokes memories of the unique life of each town before chain stores and hotels took over.
The characters are full-bodied. Sal, Baptiste, Tessie, Pio: they all deserve their own books. Valentine teased me with glimpses of their lives outside of the confines of this tale, and she left me with a longing to know more.
I was afraid that this would be too much of a "girly" book for me, but I thoroughly enjoyed it, and was sorry when I finished it. I'm looking forward to more tales from Valentine.
June 20, 2011
Beautiful writing! This story went more slowly for me than is my usual, but I really enjoyed it! I really felt the emotion of the characters, and believe me there was plenty to feel! I didn't agree with all of the choices Clair made... which is natural considering I personally identified most with her mother. I'm a small town "good girl" who is content to live a normal, simple life. I greatly admired Clair's courage and innate kindness. I also loved reading all the stories and legends scattered throughout. It was like listening to the tall tales in my own family, about the time when...
Thanks to Kathleen, from whom I won this book in an L&L contest. It was a pleasure reading it!
Thanks to Kathleen, from whom I won this book in an L&L contest. It was a pleasure reading it!
August 11, 2011
Sometimes a book you think you're not going to like will give you a shock and you become totally engrossed it.
The Old Mermaid's Tale was that for me. Although I think it's considered a romance novel I see it more as a coming of age story. It takes place in the early 60's around Western PA and although it is basically a love a story it's not the least bit sappy or silly. This is one of those books that I will be urging everyone to read.
The Old Mermaid's Tale was that for me. Although I think it's considered a romance novel I see it more as a coming of age story. It takes place in the early 60's around Western PA and although it is basically a love a story it's not the least bit sappy or silly. This is one of those books that I will be urging everyone to read.
March 29, 2011
I have a Nook Color ereader. Embossed on its cover is this quote from Sir Christopher Wren, “Choose an author as you choose a friend.” I first learned about Kathleen Valentine when I came across her website. From the site, I got a sense of the kind of person she is, kind, talented, and energetic. I also noticed that she and I share some of the same interests. Upon looking over her collection of authored books, I was drawn to The Old Mermaid’s Tale. I remembered the quote on the cover of my Nook, and knew that I would like to read a book from this author who seems like she would be a very nice friend to have. And I was not disappointed.
The Old Mermaid’s Tale is the beautifully written story of a young woman whose heart and mind are continually drawn to the mysterious, fanciful, and possibly dangerous waterfront in the town near her college. On the days she visits town, she hovers at the seedy edge of its darker parts, not daring to step into that mystique, all the while yearning for it, yearning to know what life is all about in that part of town. Little does she know how closely she will become tied to it, and how it will end up shaping her own life.
This is an artfully drawn and beautifully written character-driven novel, and what characters there are! The mark of a good novel shows when all of its inhabitants feel utterly real, and there is a believable depth behind each one, and this is a good novel. Each character has his or her own history, own knowledge, and it’s easy to forget that they are all drawn by the same hand. Kathleen Valentine has crafted a story of life’s discoveries, love, loss, and redemption that is at times sensuous, at times poignant, and always satisfying.
While reading this book, I was in the middle of processing several ounces of raw sheep’s fleece, getting it ready to spin into yarn. When it came to choosing colors for dyeing, I was inspired by the voluptuous mermaid painted on a building in her book. I used greens, blues and purples. I’m about to begin the spinning stage and have decided to name the resultant yarn, Mermaid’s Tail. Kathleen is a knitter, so I know she’ll appreciate that.
The Old Mermaid’s Tale is the beautifully written story of a young woman whose heart and mind are continually drawn to the mysterious, fanciful, and possibly dangerous waterfront in the town near her college. On the days she visits town, she hovers at the seedy edge of its darker parts, not daring to step into that mystique, all the while yearning for it, yearning to know what life is all about in that part of town. Little does she know how closely she will become tied to it, and how it will end up shaping her own life.
This is an artfully drawn and beautifully written character-driven novel, and what characters there are! The mark of a good novel shows when all of its inhabitants feel utterly real, and there is a believable depth behind each one, and this is a good novel. Each character has his or her own history, own knowledge, and it’s easy to forget that they are all drawn by the same hand. Kathleen Valentine has crafted a story of life’s discoveries, love, loss, and redemption that is at times sensuous, at times poignant, and always satisfying.
While reading this book, I was in the middle of processing several ounces of raw sheep’s fleece, getting it ready to spin into yarn. When it came to choosing colors for dyeing, I was inspired by the voluptuous mermaid painted on a building in her book. I used greens, blues and purples. I’m about to begin the spinning stage and have decided to name the resultant yarn, Mermaid’s Tail. Kathleen is a knitter, so I know she’ll appreciate that.
August 13, 2016
This is the first book I've read by this author and definitely won't be the last.
Where to begin... WOW!
This was such a good book that I don't know where to begin with a review. I'm almost at a loss for words. But it was such a good book. A wonderful story of love, laughter, love, tears, friendships forever and new beginnings. It had it all plus emotions that I would not have any idea how to write.
I absolutely LOVED this story from start to the very last word.
Claire was a small town farmer's daughter who was a romantic at heart. She went away to college and met new people that will stay with you forever. When she met Pio I thought wow, he's perfect for her. But that was not meant to be. In comes this drop dead gorgeous somewhat older man who stole her heart from the first. Their love was nothing short of magical. He was such a lost soul and through Claire's eyes he learned beauty, love, trust and much more that made him want to do better. His music was his life and it is like you can hear it while reading. Everything seemed to pull you in and make you a part of this awesome place. To me it was just a perfect story from start to finish. Although I was so sad that Claire and Baptiste went separate ways their love was still strong and true. It was magical....
I had so many emotions reading this book and loved it all. I will most definitely be reading more by this author. It's another 5 star book for me and I'm so glad. I hate to read anything less.
Where to begin... WOW!
This was such a good book that I don't know where to begin with a review. I'm almost at a loss for words. But it was such a good book. A wonderful story of love, laughter, love, tears, friendships forever and new beginnings. It had it all plus emotions that I would not have any idea how to write.
I absolutely LOVED this story from start to the very last word.
Claire was a small town farmer's daughter who was a romantic at heart. She went away to college and met new people that will stay with you forever. When she met Pio I thought wow, he's perfect for her. But that was not meant to be. In comes this drop dead gorgeous somewhat older man who stole her heart from the first. Their love was nothing short of magical. He was such a lost soul and through Claire's eyes he learned beauty, love, trust and much more that made him want to do better. His music was his life and it is like you can hear it while reading. Everything seemed to pull you in and make you a part of this awesome place. To me it was just a perfect story from start to finish. Although I was so sad that Claire and Baptiste went separate ways their love was still strong and true. It was magical....
I had so many emotions reading this book and loved it all. I will most definitely be reading more by this author. It's another 5 star book for me and I'm so glad. I hate to read anything less.
November 10, 2010
I loved this book and found myself in tears in several places. It is a beautiful romance about a young woman who leaves home to go to college hoping to meet the man of her dreams and she does, actually three men of her dreams but all of them come with complications. Pio, Clair's first love, is a fisherman who has big dreams of his own and they take him away from her. Gary, her second love, is every woman's dream come true, but he has personal problems he needs to work out and their relationship ends. Alone and heartbroken Clair meets Baptiste, a musician who plays in a waterfront dive, who is intelligent, romantic but who has secrets. Their love story is one of the most beautiful, heart-breaking, redemptive stories I ever read.
The story is set in a waterfront town on Lake Erie and is full of folklore, sea legends, and ghost stories that just sucked me right in. I loved most of the other characters too, especially Dante, Pio's beautiful but tragic younger brother and Tessie, the salty, rowdy "old mermaid" who tells Clair her "tale" in the final chapters of the book.
The ending is just beautiful. Clair is such an interesting heroine. Sometimes she is so sweet and other times she is the opposite (she actually slugs one of the characters.) If you like a book that makes you laugh and cry, this is it.
The story is set in a waterfront town on Lake Erie and is full of folklore, sea legends, and ghost stories that just sucked me right in. I loved most of the other characters too, especially Dante, Pio's beautiful but tragic younger brother and Tessie, the salty, rowdy "old mermaid" who tells Clair her "tale" in the final chapters of the book.
The ending is just beautiful. Clair is such an interesting heroine. Sometimes she is so sweet and other times she is the opposite (she actually slugs one of the characters.) If you like a book that makes you laugh and cry, this is it.
March 9, 2013
Kathleen Valentine has an amazing gift as an author. She is able to transport you as the reader to your destination in this book & take you on a journey of lives connected by the sea. As I read The Old Mermaid's Tale, I felt that I knew Clair, Gia, Rosie, Sal, Gary, Baptiste. I walked with them into the local taverns. My heart ached with theirs when they were crippled with loss and heartache. I preach that I am not a romance reader. I may have to wave my white flag, if this is how its done! Beautifully and masterfully written, this novel was very romantic; and also very real. Clair learned about love and passion. Her soul was transformed. I was right beside her--happy for her; challenged with her; confused when she was by what she should do or feel. I could go on and on. This is a 5 star book! I loved every page!
April 7, 2012
This book is so beautiful that I'm a little bit speechless.
The language soars. It is rich and melodic and evocative. There are very strong characters and I really related to Clair and her romantic wanderlust. I enjoyed seeing the world through her eyes because everything glowed with magic.
The title and the cover threw me off a bit. I was expecting it to take place in the 1700s and be far removed from reality. Actually it takes place in the 1960s and calls forth startling detail of the area as well as the emotions of the characters. I found it to be realistic, believable, but with a dash of romanticism sharpening the whole beautiful world.
This is the best book I've read in recent memory. I highly recommend it.
The language soars. It is rich and melodic and evocative. There are very strong characters and I really related to Clair and her romantic wanderlust. I enjoyed seeing the world through her eyes because everything glowed with magic.
The title and the cover threw me off a bit. I was expecting it to take place in the 1700s and be far removed from reality. Actually it takes place in the 1960s and calls forth startling detail of the area as well as the emotions of the characters. I found it to be realistic, believable, but with a dash of romanticism sharpening the whole beautiful world.
This is the best book I've read in recent memory. I highly recommend it.
September 3, 2011
This book was graciously provided for review purposes.
The Old Mermaid's Tale is beautiful. Set in the 1960s, the story revolves around a young girl named Clair who is torn between two loves. I am not usually a romantic genre fan but this story had the right elements of romance to keep you reading and the story featured such wonderful characters. Although, the story was set in the 1960s, the characters could very well be living today -- living, breathing, and loving. This novel was a breath of fresh air.
December 14, 2011
This is a romance story, taking place in the 60's. I'm not usually one for romance
but Kathleen painted such glorious characters and scenery it just swept you along.
Everyone looks back on their teens and twenties and recalls the favorite coffee shop
you gabbed with your friends at, or the beach you hung out on...and you always go back
and its changed and you remember exactly how it was back then. This book will make you
look back on those places and people who formed your life. It was a great book. I will
look at what else she has written.
but Kathleen painted such glorious characters and scenery it just swept you along.
Everyone looks back on their teens and twenties and recalls the favorite coffee shop
you gabbed with your friends at, or the beach you hung out on...and you always go back
and its changed and you remember exactly how it was back then. This book will make you
look back on those places and people who formed your life. It was a great book. I will
look at what else she has written.
December 16, 2011
A nice read. It is interesting to read about the characters' mysterious lives. Everyone has a personal story that makes them who they are and the decisions they make. Although the book is about Clair, I enjoyed reading about the characters around her more. This book is about a fascinating unfolding of events in people lives in a town by the Great Lakes.
March 1, 2013
This book was not what I expected. It took me back to my teenage years, where I was as much a romantic as Clair. Unfortunately, I wasn't brave enough to choose the romantic and fantastical path! ;). But oh, this book made me smile, and cry. The words, the emotions, the feelings..... all beautifully written. Loved it.
December 29, 2011
The characters in this book dragged me in and kept me there. The author's use of language was vivid and this book that created pictures in my mind. It broke my heart and I still would recommend it!
June 2, 2012
This is the first indie book I've rated 5 stars. A beautiful story, beautifully written. Coming of age. Insightful. Wonderful real characters and setting. A must read for mainstream fiction lovers. This one will seep into your soul and stay with you.
January 3, 2012
I closed out 2011 with this one and it was a great way to end the year. The story of Clair's journey as a young woman in the 1960's is so detailed you feel like you are there. Lots of interesting characters and locations - all in all a great read.
January 19, 2012
This is a great novel about growing up, learning to love, and learning to let go.
January 23, 2013
A very satisfying book. Interesting back ground and great characters. RECOMMEND!!
April 26, 2013
Simply a beautiful read. This will definitely go into my classic favorites column to reread someday. Just gorgeous.
February 6, 2012
A rich, absorbing tale of love and work and how the two commingle - a wonderful read.
November 21, 2012
Loved this story. Tear jerker at the end.
January 10, 2013
Beautiful but heartbreaking.
August 4, 2019
A quiet, engaging coming of age tale set in the great lakes. I really cared about the characters and it was a lovely story.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews