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The Winter Sea
Di Morrissey, Australia's favourite author, returns with the spellbinding story of a family secret spanning generations.
Escaping an unhappy marriage and an unsatisfactory job, Cassie Holloway moves to the little NSW coastal town of Whitby Point.
Here she meets the Aquino family, whose fishing business was founded by their ancestor, Giuseppe, an immigrant Italian, some ninety years before. Life for Cassie on the south coast is sweet as she sets up a successful restaurant and falls in love with Giuseppe's great grandson Michael.
But when the family patriarch dies a devastating family secret is revealed which threatens to destroy her dreams. Cassie's future happiness now rests with her quest for the truth.
Escaping an unhappy marriage and an unsatisfactory job, Cassie Holloway moves to the little NSW coastal town of Whitby Point.
Here she meets the Aquino family, whose fishing business was founded by their ancestor, Giuseppe, an immigrant Italian, some ninety years before. Life for Cassie on the south coast is sweet as she sets up a successful restaurant and falls in love with Giuseppe's great grandson Michael.
But when the family patriarch dies a devastating family secret is revealed which threatens to destroy her dreams. Cassie's future happiness now rests with her quest for the truth.
416 pages, Paperback
First published October 22, 2013
88 people are currently reading
1235 people want to read
About the author
Di Morrissey
77 books381 followersDi Morrissey (born 18 March 1943 in Wingham, New South Wales) is one of Australia's most popular female novelists. She grew up in the remote surrounds of Pittwater, north of Sydney, Australia.
Growing up she counted famous Australian actor Chips Rafferty as a close mentor and friend who helped provide for her and her mother after the death of her father as a child, sending them overseas to California to live with family.
In her later years, Di went on to become a journalist on London's Fleet Street, and worked for CBS in Honolulu, where she lived with her husband who was in the foreign service, and even had a small role in the series Hawaii Five-0, a guest role in season three, episode seven, 1970 starring as 'Alicia Anderson'.
After moving back to Australia, Di published her first book 'Heart of the Dreaming' which instantly became a bestseller. Since then Di has published another 17 bestsellers, her latest being 'The Silent Country'.
Growing up she counted famous Australian actor Chips Rafferty as a close mentor and friend who helped provide for her and her mother after the death of her father as a child, sending them overseas to California to live with family.
In her later years, Di went on to become a journalist on London's Fleet Street, and worked for CBS in Honolulu, where she lived with her husband who was in the foreign service, and even had a small role in the series Hawaii Five-0, a guest role in season three, episode seven, 1970 starring as 'Alicia Anderson'.
After moving back to Australia, Di published her first book 'Heart of the Dreaming' which instantly became a bestseller. Since then Di has published another 17 bestsellers, her latest being 'The Silent Country'.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 158 reviews
April 30, 2015
"Secrets, silent, stony sit in the dark palaces of both our hearts: secrets weary of their tyranny: tyrants willing to be dethroned."
----James Joyce
Di Morrissey, one of Australia's most popular female novelists and a best-selling author, pens her new novel, The Winter Sea that follows an Italian family's journey surrounding their fishing business through three generations in Australia and admist of all the family drama and secrets, there lies a beautiful love story.
Synopsis:
Escaping an unhappy marriage and an unsatisfactory job, Cassie Holloway moves to the little Australian coastal town of Whitby Point. There she meets the Aquino family, whose fishing business was founded by their ancestor, Giuseppe, an Italian immigrant, some ninety years before. Life for Cassie on the south west coast is sweet as she sets up a successful restaurant and falls in love with Giuseppe's great grandson Michael. But when the family patriarch dies, a devastating family secret is revealed which threatens to destroy her dreams. Cassie's future happiness now rests with her quest for the truth.
After the war and after losing his first love, Giuseppe d’Aquino decides to leave his home in the Aeolian Islands off the Italian coast. He takes a ship to America to make money and support his family but somehow his fate lands him up on Australia, where with the help of a popular fisherman, Frank Sullivan, he starts his own fishing business. 50 years down the line, we meet, Cassie, a recently divorced lawyer from Sydney who comes to Whitby Point to get away from all the battle with her cheating husband, and this is where she meets the famous Aquino family. But when the head of the Aquino family leaves a quarter of millions to Cassie in his will, the whole family turns against her. Buried deep under decades old of family secrets and scandals there lies the truth behind such an act, and Cassie will make sure to swim deeper into the ocean of lies and secrets. And apart from that drama, Cassie sets up her own restaurant in the Whitby Point and falls in love with another member of the Aquino family.
This is a heart-touching and engrossing story set in the Australian picturesque backdrop of lakes and mountains that will allure you to your fullest desire. And while I was reading the book, I was easily transported to this enchanting Australian island through Morrissey's eloquent words. Well, all I can say is that, Di Morrissey have captured both the island on the Italian coast and the Whitby Point quite strikingly and vividly.
The characters are pretty fantastic and are strikingly developed that draw enough realism from our everyday lives. The most striking and impressionable characters are Cassie and Giuseppe- one Australian and the other, Italian, but both of them are projected as someone who is very determined, strong and loving.
The author's writing style is really articulate and she have layered her plot with enough emotions to make us contemplate with the past and the present of the characters and their demeanor. I loved how the author have blended two different cultures and their overview so smoothly without much animosity. There is a mystery surrounding Cassie's sudden inheritance which kept me glued to the core of the story.
There is not much romance between Cassie and Michael admist of all that family drama, and whenever their chemistry is portrayed on the plot, there was lot of either drama or mystery about which we cared about more, rather than the romance.
Overall, it's a poignant yet enlightening family story that kept me engaged till the very last page.
Verdict: A must read for all contemporary and historical fiction lovers!
Courtesy: Thanks to the author, Di Morrissey's publicist from Pan Macmillan, for giving me an opportunity to read and review her book.
----James Joyce
Di Morrissey, one of Australia's most popular female novelists and a best-selling author, pens her new novel, The Winter Sea that follows an Italian family's journey surrounding their fishing business through three generations in Australia and admist of all the family drama and secrets, there lies a beautiful love story.
Synopsis:
Escaping an unhappy marriage and an unsatisfactory job, Cassie Holloway moves to the little Australian coastal town of Whitby Point. There she meets the Aquino family, whose fishing business was founded by their ancestor, Giuseppe, an Italian immigrant, some ninety years before. Life for Cassie on the south west coast is sweet as she sets up a successful restaurant and falls in love with Giuseppe's great grandson Michael. But when the family patriarch dies, a devastating family secret is revealed which threatens to destroy her dreams. Cassie's future happiness now rests with her quest for the truth.
After the war and after losing his first love, Giuseppe d’Aquino decides to leave his home in the Aeolian Islands off the Italian coast. He takes a ship to America to make money and support his family but somehow his fate lands him up on Australia, where with the help of a popular fisherman, Frank Sullivan, he starts his own fishing business. 50 years down the line, we meet, Cassie, a recently divorced lawyer from Sydney who comes to Whitby Point to get away from all the battle with her cheating husband, and this is where she meets the famous Aquino family. But when the head of the Aquino family leaves a quarter of millions to Cassie in his will, the whole family turns against her. Buried deep under decades old of family secrets and scandals there lies the truth behind such an act, and Cassie will make sure to swim deeper into the ocean of lies and secrets. And apart from that drama, Cassie sets up her own restaurant in the Whitby Point and falls in love with another member of the Aquino family.
This is a heart-touching and engrossing story set in the Australian picturesque backdrop of lakes and mountains that will allure you to your fullest desire. And while I was reading the book, I was easily transported to this enchanting Australian island through Morrissey's eloquent words. Well, all I can say is that, Di Morrissey have captured both the island on the Italian coast and the Whitby Point quite strikingly and vividly.
The characters are pretty fantastic and are strikingly developed that draw enough realism from our everyday lives. The most striking and impressionable characters are Cassie and Giuseppe- one Australian and the other, Italian, but both of them are projected as someone who is very determined, strong and loving.
The author's writing style is really articulate and she have layered her plot with enough emotions to make us contemplate with the past and the present of the characters and their demeanor. I loved how the author have blended two different cultures and their overview so smoothly without much animosity. There is a mystery surrounding Cassie's sudden inheritance which kept me glued to the core of the story.
There is not much romance between Cassie and Michael admist of all that family drama, and whenever their chemistry is portrayed on the plot, there was lot of either drama or mystery about which we cared about more, rather than the romance.
Overall, it's a poignant yet enlightening family story that kept me engaged till the very last page.
Verdict: A must read for all contemporary and historical fiction lovers!
Courtesy: Thanks to the author, Di Morrissey's publicist from Pan Macmillan, for giving me an opportunity to read and review her book.
June 30, 2014
Giuseppe d’Aquino left his beloved home in the Aeolian Islands off the coast of Italy as a young man. He had been born there, had grown up with his family of fishermen and been through the Great War. With his family and much of the villagers so terribly poor, he decided to head for America to make a new life; the money he would be able to send his family would help them immensely. But his plans were thwarted when he missed the ship heading to America – the cargo ship Ricconigi was next out of Naples so his destination became Australia.
Giuseppe’s arrival in Sydney was exciting; as he made his way, learning all he could and working hard, his future in the fishing industry was destined to be a success. As Joe (his Australian name) moved to Whitby Point south of Sydney, married and subsequently was blessed by three sons, he became a well-respected member of the community. But the family had a series of life changing tragedies in their future…
Ninety years later, Cassandra Holloway finally realized how unsatisfactory her life had become. Leaving Sydney and heading to Whitby Point on the suggestion of her mother, she felt she needed to take some time to come to terms with her decisions. As Cassie fell in love with the beauty of the coastal town, she decided to stretch her wings and rented a dilapidated boatshed for a six month period. Her dreams for the future were looking bright – her friendship with the local vet, Michael Phillips and her new best friend, puppy Bill were also making her happy.
Suddenly Cassie’s happiness was shattered. Nothing made sense; the long ago past was something she knew nothing about. All she knew was that she needed to find the truth – her future depended on it. Would Cassie’s quest for answers bring the results she was after? Or would it make everything a whole lot worse? The dark secrets of the past were threatening to overwhelm her…
I thoroughly enjoyed this novel by Aussie author Di Morrissey. A wonderful, gritty and suspenseful tale, full of emotion and deep familial love. Set in the early 1900s as well as the current day, the history of the d’Aquino family and Giuseppe’s early life was such that I felt like I was there with them. The Australia of the 1920s when he arrived as an immigrant was fascinating; the NSW coastal towns of today beautifully described. I have no hesitation in recommending The Winter Sea highly.
With thanks to TRR and the publisher for my copy to read and review.
Giuseppe’s arrival in Sydney was exciting; as he made his way, learning all he could and working hard, his future in the fishing industry was destined to be a success. As Joe (his Australian name) moved to Whitby Point south of Sydney, married and subsequently was blessed by three sons, he became a well-respected member of the community. But the family had a series of life changing tragedies in their future…
Ninety years later, Cassandra Holloway finally realized how unsatisfactory her life had become. Leaving Sydney and heading to Whitby Point on the suggestion of her mother, she felt she needed to take some time to come to terms with her decisions. As Cassie fell in love with the beauty of the coastal town, she decided to stretch her wings and rented a dilapidated boatshed for a six month period. Her dreams for the future were looking bright – her friendship with the local vet, Michael Phillips and her new best friend, puppy Bill were also making her happy.
Suddenly Cassie’s happiness was shattered. Nothing made sense; the long ago past was something she knew nothing about. All she knew was that she needed to find the truth – her future depended on it. Would Cassie’s quest for answers bring the results she was after? Or would it make everything a whole lot worse? The dark secrets of the past were threatening to overwhelm her…
I thoroughly enjoyed this novel by Aussie author Di Morrissey. A wonderful, gritty and suspenseful tale, full of emotion and deep familial love. Set in the early 1900s as well as the current day, the history of the d’Aquino family and Giuseppe’s early life was such that I felt like I was there with them. The Australia of the 1920s when he arrived as an immigrant was fascinating; the NSW coastal towns of today beautifully described. I have no hesitation in recommending The Winter Sea highly.
With thanks to TRR and the publisher for my copy to read and review.
April 8, 2021
I enjoyed listening to The Winter Sea written by Di Morrissey and read by Kate Hood. The Aquino family saga covers over one hundred years, starting in Italy and ending in Australia. Giuseppe "Joe" was my favourite character. From boyhood to old age, he was intelligent, hardworking and kind to everyone.
4 stars
4 stars
July 11, 2014
The Winter Sea by Di Morrissey
A nice easy read, not too taxing. It gives a lot of insight into the Italian migration to Australia prior to WW2 and their valuable input into the fishing industry here, as well as their motives for the need to migrate.
This is my first venture into the Di Morrissey realms and for the most part I enjoyed the nice easy flow of the story, though if I had one small criticism it would be the occasional sense that the story was being related as if to a child in a classroom or as if preaching to the converted. It felt at times to be a little like a sales pitch.
Otherwise it was an easy to follow, imaginative and enjoyable story, which held me captive to the very end.
A good relaxing read.
3.5★s
January 3, 2015
I was given a copy of this book through Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.
I did not enjoy this author's writing style. Advancing the plot using dialogue with constant repetition of events was odd and left the characters sounding wooden. I felt like I was reading someone's high school book report on Italian fisherman and their migration to Australia post WW1.
The book's historical opening transforms into a mediocre love story with a stereotypical cast, a predictable plot with a telegraphed twist and the feel of a tourist brochure for the South Coast of Australia.
I won't be reading more work by this author.
I did not enjoy this author's writing style. Advancing the plot using dialogue with constant repetition of events was odd and left the characters sounding wooden. I felt like I was reading someone's high school book report on Italian fisherman and their migration to Australia post WW1.
The book's historical opening transforms into a mediocre love story with a stereotypical cast, a predictable plot with a telegraphed twist and the feel of a tourist brochure for the South Coast of Australia.
I won't be reading more work by this author.
July 27, 2025
4.5 ⭐️s
I love it when books are set in an area close to me. Whitby Point is a fictional town in Di Morrissey’s Winter Sea, it evokes the atmosphere of Ulladulla, a beautiful NSW setting. Hubby and I have driven down the coast from Wollongong numerous times to enjoy the gorgeous scenery along the coastal road.
This is a striking story about the Italian immigrants who made an impact on the Australian culture; especially the cuisine and their incredible influence on the South Coast.
It always fascinates me to read about the history of the Italian or any migrants from European countries as I was one from Germany.
It was also fun and interesting to read about their fishing lives.
I must point out some scenes will make you cry.
A touching, tender-hearted, wonderful book.
Audiobook via BorrowBox
Published by: Bolinda audio
Read by Kate Hood
Duration: 13 hrs, 38 min. 1.25x Speed
I love it when books are set in an area close to me. Whitby Point is a fictional town in Di Morrissey’s Winter Sea, it evokes the atmosphere of Ulladulla, a beautiful NSW setting. Hubby and I have driven down the coast from Wollongong numerous times to enjoy the gorgeous scenery along the coastal road.
This is a striking story about the Italian immigrants who made an impact on the Australian culture; especially the cuisine and their incredible influence on the South Coast.
It always fascinates me to read about the history of the Italian or any migrants from European countries as I was one from Germany.
It was also fun and interesting to read about their fishing lives.
I must point out some scenes will make you cry.
A touching, tender-hearted, wonderful book.
Audiobook via BorrowBox
Published by: Bolinda audio
Read by Kate Hood
Duration: 13 hrs, 38 min. 1.25x Speed
December 24, 2014
Original review can be found at http://kristineandterri.blogspot.ca/2...
3.5 stars
I received an advanced readers copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!
This book tells two stories, one from the past and one in the present, that share a long buried connection. I really enjoy this type of story and trying to figure out what the connection or mystery may be.
The story begins in the past with Giuseppe (Joe) as he grows up in a poor little Italian fishing village. As he grows, he dreams of something more and decides to go to America to make money to send home to his family. A series of events occur that has him missing his passage to America and he ends up heading to Australia instead. It is his hope to break into the fishing industry and find work to support himself and his family back home.
Next we learn about Cassie (in the present) as she starts over after leaving her husband and job. She retreats to Whitby Point as she tries to figure out what she wants out of life. It is while here that a budding relationship begins with the great grandson of Giuseppe and she is introduced to the Aquino family. Just as things are starting to take shape in her life, she receives shocking news that threatens to unravel the happiness that she has just started to enjoy.
Morrissey pens the countryside and the fishing industry in a very thorough and descriptive light. She obviously knows a lot about these two things or has really done her research. I could easily picture the landscape and I was pulling in fish along with the Aquino family.
I adored Giuseppe's story. In fact, I was a little annoyed when it changed to Cassie's story because I wanted to know more about his life. If I were rating the book on his story alone it would be a solid 4 stars. I had a few issues with Cassie and the present day story. It started out really slow and it was long winded. I feel like half the pages could have been cut out to make it more effective. The dialogue was often choppy and awkward. If I were rating the book on her story alone it would only get 3 stars. It did improve towards the end but it took a long time to get there.
In the end I enjoyed the story and I am glad that I had the opportunity to read it.
3.5 stars
I received an advanced readers copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!
This book tells two stories, one from the past and one in the present, that share a long buried connection. I really enjoy this type of story and trying to figure out what the connection or mystery may be.
The story begins in the past with Giuseppe (Joe) as he grows up in a poor little Italian fishing village. As he grows, he dreams of something more and decides to go to America to make money to send home to his family. A series of events occur that has him missing his passage to America and he ends up heading to Australia instead. It is his hope to break into the fishing industry and find work to support himself and his family back home.
Next we learn about Cassie (in the present) as she starts over after leaving her husband and job. She retreats to Whitby Point as she tries to figure out what she wants out of life. It is while here that a budding relationship begins with the great grandson of Giuseppe and she is introduced to the Aquino family. Just as things are starting to take shape in her life, she receives shocking news that threatens to unravel the happiness that she has just started to enjoy.
Morrissey pens the countryside and the fishing industry in a very thorough and descriptive light. She obviously knows a lot about these two things or has really done her research. I could easily picture the landscape and I was pulling in fish along with the Aquino family.
I adored Giuseppe's story. In fact, I was a little annoyed when it changed to Cassie's story because I wanted to know more about his life. If I were rating the book on his story alone it would be a solid 4 stars. I had a few issues with Cassie and the present day story. It started out really slow and it was long winded. I feel like half the pages could have been cut out to make it more effective. The dialogue was often choppy and awkward. If I were rating the book on her story alone it would only get 3 stars. It did improve towards the end but it took a long time to get there.
In the end I enjoyed the story and I am glad that I had the opportunity to read it.
June 21, 2018
3.5**** This was my first Di Morrissey book and one of my first audio books, perhaps not the best combination, I think I'd have enjoyed it that bit more had I read it myself, the narrators take on Cassie and the way she made her speak was not my idea of how someone who used to be a lawyer would speak, she made her sound whiney and stupid, but overall the story was well done. I enjoyed the dual timeline and the mystery that came up 3/4 of the way through and how it all tied together. The past timeline with Joe (Giuseppe), was a really great storyline and I enjoyed his journey and where it took him along with the highs and heartache. I will be reading more of Di Morrissey, but I think I'll do the reading myself.
August 19, 2014
Interesting back story about migration. I enjoyed this first part of the book, but it went downhill when she came forward to modern times. The dialogue was terrible - pat, too nice and like a high school student would write. The plot was simplistic and the 'twist' was seen a mile away.
OK if you want something very light, but otherwise give it a miss.
OK if you want something very light, but otherwise give it a miss.
June 19, 2022
I breezed through this novel and will always admire the early emigration period and why people leave their ancestral homelands and take up residence in lands with different laws, customs, language and values. There were so many different aspects to this story of the early pioneers, how they became successful and highly regarded ethnic groups, high achievers and the many difficulties to be overcome, most of them by hard work through the years and of course like all families the skeletons in the cupboard.
April 16, 2023
This wasn’t a terrible book but also wasn’t my cup of tea. The story followed along an Italian family who lived a life fishing and providing for their family. There is some family drama that gets uncovered when someone passes away and leaves money.
I read this on audio book and found my heart wasn’t completely in it. The story just plotted along with not a lot to captivate you.
I read this on audio book and found my heart wasn’t completely in it. The story just plotted along with not a lot to captivate you.
July 19, 2019
An easy audiobook listen... entertaining story. The text would have benefited from editing though... too many he said/she said and over explanations, as if the reader was a child.
Read
August 24, 2024Pending.
January 24, 2025
Great book from start to finish 👏 it has everything 👍
April 16, 2023
A great holiday read. Loved following the story that originated with Giuseppe emigrating to Australia. So beautifully written by Di Morrissey.
November 25, 2014
I won a copy of the book through the First Reads giveaway program.
This book was not good. At all.
1. It was too long, it could have done with a serious edit and shaved down 100 pages.
2. I didn't like the author's writing style; she has a tendency to describe expositions in long dialogues by each character and shows, rather than tell.
3. The characters are hilariously cliched. Sometimes, I felt I was watching a bad movie on Lifetime. Actually, no, that's not true. Watching a bad movie is more fun. Our cast of characters include the lovely divorcee who reassesses her life, the douchebag ex-husband, the quirky and friendly island inhabitants, the new guy in her life who seems to be made for her, the ideal job that falls right into her lap, how easily everything falls into place once she 'changes' her life.
4. The title makes no sense.
5. The twist is not a twist. I guessed it right from the start.
The book had some interesting information; that's why I gave it one star. I never knew about the Italian emigration to Australia and learning a little about the lives of fishermen was also not what I would usually read but informative, not only because I love to eat fish.
I will not read anything more from this author.
This book was not good. At all.
1. It was too long, it could have done with a serious edit and shaved down 100 pages.
2. I didn't like the author's writing style; she has a tendency to describe expositions in long dialogues by each character and shows, rather than tell.
3. The characters are hilariously cliched. Sometimes, I felt I was watching a bad movie on Lifetime. Actually, no, that's not true. Watching a bad movie is more fun. Our cast of characters include the lovely divorcee who reassesses her life, the douchebag ex-husband, the quirky and friendly island inhabitants, the new guy in her life who seems to be made for her, the ideal job that falls right into her lap, how easily everything falls into place once she 'changes' her life.
4. The title makes no sense.
5. The twist is not a twist. I guessed it right from the start.
The book had some interesting information; that's why I gave it one star. I never knew about the Italian emigration to Australia and learning a little about the lives of fishermen was also not what I would usually read but informative, not only because I love to eat fish.
I will not read anything more from this author.
November 21, 2014
This is a beautifully written and captivating novel that will not let you put it down until the last page has been read. This story begins many years ago and allows the reader to become acquainted with the family at the heart of the book before moving to the present.
Through multiple years and generations, this story bends and weaves around the D'aquino family as well as a main character that you can't help but love for her personality and passion for life.
This is a book that I found it easy to get lost in and didn't want to put down. It has been a long time since I got so involved in the lives and world of characters that I forgot about my own, but the break was appreciated.
This author has a certain talent for painting pictures with words and allowing you to really get a sense of the character's intentions and emotions. If you are looking for a book with a quick pace and a lot of action, this will not be your thing, but if you enjoy generational family tales with secrets, amazing writing and a lot of heart, this will be perfect for you.
Simply put, it is a wonderful book.
This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher and was provided through Netgalley. All opinions are my own.
Through multiple years and generations, this story bends and weaves around the D'aquino family as well as a main character that you can't help but love for her personality and passion for life.
This is a book that I found it easy to get lost in and didn't want to put down. It has been a long time since I got so involved in the lives and world of characters that I forgot about my own, but the break was appreciated.
This author has a certain talent for painting pictures with words and allowing you to really get a sense of the character's intentions and emotions. If you are looking for a book with a quick pace and a lot of action, this will not be your thing, but if you enjoy generational family tales with secrets, amazing writing and a lot of heart, this will be perfect for you.
Simply put, it is a wonderful book.
This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher and was provided through Netgalley. All opinions are my own.
October 23, 2014
I got a free copy of this book from Netgalley. It is set in Italy and Australia, and has two parallel stories that end up linking up in a surprising way. Joe immigrates from an island in Sicily to Australia soon after WWI, and tries to make a life for himself as a fisherman. In contemporary Australia, Cassie moves from Sidney to a fishing village to escape a crappy marriage and a job she hates. The writing is clear and simple. The characters are somewhat unidimensional -- with a few exceptions, most them are nice and well intentioned and unusually helpful to Joe and Cassie. The story almost reads like a fable or fairy tale. This descriptions of the The Winter Sea makes it sound a bit dull and uninteresting. And it isn't the kind of book I would normally read or like, but I really enjoyed it as I read it. A bit like candy. I couldn't help rooting for Joe and Cassie. I enjoyed the setting. And trying to figure out the link between the two stories kept me reading. Candy is good every now and then...
January 29, 2014
The Winter Sea by Di Morrissey starts off in a fishing village off the coast in the islands of Italy.
It then takes you to a fishing village and small coastal town on the south coast of NSW called Whitby Point in Australia to a boatshed found on the beach which in turn becomes and is transformed into someone's holiday home and with more dreams and aspirations and guidance becomes a successful seafood restaurant aptly named "The Blue Boatshed".
If you like tales of the sea and fishing & finding boatsheds along the beach which are an icon on some beaches...then this book is definitely for you!
It's beautifully illustrated at the start of each chapter.
It's about finding your own dreams and way in life & delving into your family's past and finding that some things may astound you!
I loved this book...about the simple things in life & how happiness is found in the smallest of things and life's treasures which are full of many surprises.
I highly recommend this book.
It then takes you to a fishing village and small coastal town on the south coast of NSW called Whitby Point in Australia to a boatshed found on the beach which in turn becomes and is transformed into someone's holiday home and with more dreams and aspirations and guidance becomes a successful seafood restaurant aptly named "The Blue Boatshed".
If you like tales of the sea and fishing & finding boatsheds along the beach which are an icon on some beaches...then this book is definitely for you!
It's beautifully illustrated at the start of each chapter.
It's about finding your own dreams and way in life & delving into your family's past and finding that some things may astound you!
I loved this book...about the simple things in life & how happiness is found in the smallest of things and life's treasures which are full of many surprises.
I highly recommend this book.
March 27, 2014
Hmmmm, well I hadn't read any of Di Morrissey before and this one was lent with glowing recommendations as being "unputdownable" but I was left feeling that I may not seek out too many more by this author.
As the rating says, it was OK, and I liked it enough to finish it, but the characters & storyline were predictable and a bit annoying. I enjoyed the interwoven tale of how the young Guiseppe Aquino came to Australia and his early history, much more than the modern part of the tale of his ancestors.
While I like happy endings, it was all a bit too neat & tidy in the conclusion - not a lot of meat.
As the rating says, it was OK, and I liked it enough to finish it, but the characters & storyline were predictable and a bit annoying. I enjoyed the interwoven tale of how the young Guiseppe Aquino came to Australia and his early history, much more than the modern part of the tale of his ancestors.
While I like happy endings, it was all a bit too neat & tidy in the conclusion - not a lot of meat.
September 11, 2015
This is my first Di Morrissey read and I found it an easy and enjoyable one. As I grew up on the south coast of NSW it was great to hear all those familiar place names again. The flow of the story was good enough for me to want to find out what actually happened to the characters and I'm pleased to say I didn't pick the result, so I'd definitely recommend this book.
January 26, 2014
I have read most of Di Morrissey'sbooks and I thought this one was going to disappoint me. It didn't. Reading the history of the Aquino family and the fishing at Whitby Bay and how this relates to Cassie going through a divorce is true Di Morrissey. It amazes me how the relationships through the history interrelate to Cassie's present problems.
March 15, 2014
One of my mother's favourite authors but not mine. I find her writing style irritating and her characters too perfect. However, her books seem to be well researched. In The Winter Sea, I learnt a lot about Italian immigrants to Australia and how involved they were with the fishing industry. This is an Ok read.
May 11, 2015
This was a coincidence novel I enjoyed reading. It was a quick read which was relaxing. I found this to be a bit like some of Sidney Sheldon's books. I will look for other books by this author.
October 20, 2015
Ugh, the jacket states this is one of Australia's most loved and prolific authors. Poor Australia.
March 29, 2016
Oh Di what a superb read.....one of the best books I have read with just the right amount of mystery.....food and to top it off set in an area not too far away from me!
September 18, 2017
The book starts with Giuseppe, an immigrant Italian, who comes to Australia seeking a better life. On the trip over he meets Bridie who is also travelling to Australia to be married. They become firm friends but lose contact on arrival. Giuseppe goes on to becomes a main player in the fishing industry in the North Coast of NSW and is very successful. One a trip to Sydney he runs into Bridie again and discovers that life has not been as successful for her.
Fast forward 90 years later and we meet Cassie. Cassie has moved to the NSW south coast escaping her marriage. She adopts a dog and it is getting him checked up that she meets Giuseppe’s great-grandson Michael, the local vet. Life is looking better for Cassie but when Michael's uncle dies a secret is revealed that has Michael's family upset and threatens her new life.
I really like this one of Di Morrissey. It is more like a 4.5. I have lived in a small country town and I found it a bit unrealistic that everyone would forgive and forget so easily. It doesn't happen like that.
Despite that I really like this one of Di Morrissey. I recommend it.
Fast forward 90 years later and we meet Cassie. Cassie has moved to the NSW south coast escaping her marriage. She adopts a dog and it is getting him checked up that she meets Giuseppe’s great-grandson Michael, the local vet. Life is looking better for Cassie but when Michael's uncle dies a secret is revealed that has Michael's family upset and threatens her new life.
I really like this one of Di Morrissey. It is more like a 4.5. I have lived in a small country town and I found it a bit unrealistic that everyone would forgive and forget so easily. It doesn't happen like that.
Despite that I really like this one of Di Morrissey. I recommend it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 18, 2017
This was the first book by Di Morrissey that I have read and I quite enjoyed it. The writing style was very simplistic and the dialogue at times seemed a little stiff, but the book was an easy read. I did, however, struggle to get through the first 100 pages of the book as it was all about the background history of an Italian family and I was itching to start reading about the main character in modern Australia, but it got there eventually, and as I progressed through the story, I realised how that first part fitted in with the rest of the book. The characters were likeable and the plot was a little predictable but I did enjoy the surprise twist near the end. It was interesting reading about the migration of the Italians to Australia and also about the fishing industry, but I was mostly enchanted by the setting of much of the story on the NSW South Coast. I absolutely love this part of Australia and it was great to read about places I have been to. I would be interested in reading more books by this author.
March 5, 2019
J'ai découvert cette auteure par ce livre et je vais assurément lire d'autres oeuvres écrites par elle car j'aime son style d'écriture. Cette histoire est une belle histoire d'amour qui débute dans les années 20 et ce fut intéressant d'apprendre un peu d'histoire sur les immigrants irlandais et italiens en Australie au début du siècle, de même que sur l'industrie de la pêche dans ces années-là et son évolution. Ce fut aussi plaisant de lire comment Joe a bâti une dynastie de pêche en partant de rien dans son pays d'accueil. L'intrigue sur l'événement qui relie les descendants des familles Aquino et Sullivan est bien developpée et j'ai aimé lire comment la vie de chacun a évolué au fil des ans. J'ai aussi beaucoup apprécié l'histoire de Cassie, comment elle s'est sortie d'une situation malheureuse pour se rebâtir une vie heureuse tant personnelle que professionnelle, comme quoi il est souvent indiqué de suivre son instinct. Finalement je trouve que l'histoire se termine sur une bonne note et boucle bien la boucle de toute l'histoire.
July 26, 2018
Interesting: there are two books by the same title; the "other" book is by author Susanna Kearsley.
This review is for The Winter Sea, by Di Morrissey.
Ms. Morrissey is an accomplished author; in this book, she has written a historically descriptive story about Sydney, Australia and its nearby seaside villages. The story involves a young Italian immigrant fisherman, who was sponsored by his village in Italy to go to America, and "make his fortune" there, in the hopes that he will eventually assist the families back in Italy. But, by a twist of fate, he misses the boat and ends up on a freighter, going to Australia. Also on the freighter is a young Irish immigrant, who is on her way to Australia to marry her Irish fiance. Of course, they meet and become fast friends (he more focused on love); but at the end of the journey, part ways. Fate will have them come back together in a few years time, after the demise of their first spouses. This is where the jist of the story comes together: the co-mingling of the two families, her Irish son, and his 3 Aussie-Italian sons. The intriguing part of the story takes place some 60+ years later, when two of the grandchildren meet, not knowing that they are related (although not blood relatives). The story holds a sense of history, mystery, romance, and sea lore; I enjoyed the book, and will look for other books by this author.
This review is for The Winter Sea, by Di Morrissey.
Ms. Morrissey is an accomplished author; in this book, she has written a historically descriptive story about Sydney, Australia and its nearby seaside villages. The story involves a young Italian immigrant fisherman, who was sponsored by his village in Italy to go to America, and "make his fortune" there, in the hopes that he will eventually assist the families back in Italy. But, by a twist of fate, he misses the boat and ends up on a freighter, going to Australia. Also on the freighter is a young Irish immigrant, who is on her way to Australia to marry her Irish fiance. Of course, they meet and become fast friends (he more focused on love); but at the end of the journey, part ways. Fate will have them come back together in a few years time, after the demise of their first spouses. This is where the jist of the story comes together: the co-mingling of the two families, her Irish son, and his 3 Aussie-Italian sons. The intriguing part of the story takes place some 60+ years later, when two of the grandchildren meet, not knowing that they are related (although not blood relatives). The story holds a sense of history, mystery, romance, and sea lore; I enjoyed the book, and will look for other books by this author.
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