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The Surfman
When 27-year-old Julia Remy arrives at a cottage on Plum Island, Massachusetts, she's excited to begin her summer vacation. But when she almost drowns, her vacation turns into a nightmare. If not for the mysterious man who rescued her, she'd be dead. At the hospital, her father and friends tell her that she actually did drown and was brought back to life. And--they inform her--there was no mysterious man on the beach.
Convinced that she hallucinated the rescue, she returns to Plum Island and discovers a new, disturbing reality waiting for her there. She can see the past--the year 1911--taking place simultaneously with the present. When she becomes caught up in the lives of those long-dead, and falls in love with the man who rescued her, she wants to be with him again--at any cost.
Summer Wilson is also the author of the five-star rated novel, The Solstice Night.
Convinced that she hallucinated the rescue, she returns to Plum Island and discovers a new, disturbing reality waiting for her there. She can see the past--the year 1911--taking place simultaneously with the present. When she becomes caught up in the lives of those long-dead, and falls in love with the man who rescued her, she wants to be with him again--at any cost.
Summer Wilson is also the author of the five-star rated novel, The Solstice Night.
353 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 19, 2024
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8 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
July 5, 2024
A Great Story
I really enjoyed reading this book. I enjoyed the time travel and the detail given to the character and her motivation for traveling back through time. I would’ve preferred the ending to provide more closure.
I really enjoyed reading this book. I enjoyed the time travel and the detail given to the character and her motivation for traveling back through time. I would’ve preferred the ending to provide more closure.
January 26, 2025
This book captivated me from the first chapter to the last. The way the story wove time travel into the main character’s life was nothing short of brilliant. Time travel is one of my favorite themes, but the unique way it was explored here—both as a narrative device and as a means of deepening the characters’ motivations—felt fresh and clever. It wasn’t just a plot mechanic; it was integral to the emotional weight of the story.
The historical richness was also a highlight. I found myself utterly engrossed in the detailed accounts of the surfmen and their role in history. The bravery of these men, who eventually became part of the U.S. Coast Guard, added a layer of depth to the story. Learning about Plum Island, both in modern times and in 1911, was fascinating. The descriptions of its beauty and energy were so vivid, I felt like I was standing there alongside the characters. (Note: this comes particularly from my point of view as a European, who knows nothing about the history or the places featured here).
Julia and Russell’s romance, spanning across time, was compelling. I couldn’t help but root for them to find a way to be together despite the immense obstacles. The love story intertwined with the historical elements, making it impossible to separate one from the other. It felt organic and genuine, not just a backdrop to the plot but a driving force in itself.
My only complaint—and it’s a small one in the grand scheme of things—was that I wished for a bit more extensive ending. While the conclusion was satisfying and fit the tone of the story, I would have loved to see a bit more of Julia and Russell’s life after the fact. It would have been wonderful to witness how their experiences shaped them as individuals and as a couple, along the road. That said, the journey itself was so rewarding that it more than made up for this minor wish.
Overall, this was an enchanting and unforgettable read. It combined history, romance, and a touch of the fantastical in a way that felt seamless and profound. For anyone who loves time travel stories or rich historical fiction, this book is an absolute must-read. I highly recommend it!
The historical richness was also a highlight. I found myself utterly engrossed in the detailed accounts of the surfmen and their role in history. The bravery of these men, who eventually became part of the U.S. Coast Guard, added a layer of depth to the story. Learning about Plum Island, both in modern times and in 1911, was fascinating. The descriptions of its beauty and energy were so vivid, I felt like I was standing there alongside the characters. (Note: this comes particularly from my point of view as a European, who knows nothing about the history or the places featured here).
Julia and Russell’s romance, spanning across time, was compelling. I couldn’t help but root for them to find a way to be together despite the immense obstacles. The love story intertwined with the historical elements, making it impossible to separate one from the other. It felt organic and genuine, not just a backdrop to the plot but a driving force in itself.
My only complaint—and it’s a small one in the grand scheme of things—was that I wished for a bit more extensive ending. While the conclusion was satisfying and fit the tone of the story, I would have loved to see a bit more of Julia and Russell’s life after the fact. It would have been wonderful to witness how their experiences shaped them as individuals and as a couple, along the road. That said, the journey itself was so rewarding that it more than made up for this minor wish.
Overall, this was an enchanting and unforgettable read. It combined history, romance, and a touch of the fantastical in a way that felt seamless and profound. For anyone who loves time travel stories or rich historical fiction, this book is an absolute must-read. I highly recommend it!
July 20, 2024
Great Read!
I enjoyed this book as the locations in the story line take place where I live! I enjoyed the story line about Surfmen.
I enjoyed this book as the locations in the story line take place where I live! I enjoyed the story line about Surfmen.
September 19, 2024
This really deserves 4.5*. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I couldn't put it down, and had to find out how Julia and Russell's love story ended.
November 7, 2024
Great Read
Once I started, I couldn’t put it down. A fun time travel read with tons of history on a little known subject. Highly recommend.
Once I started, I couldn’t put it down. A fun time travel read with tons of history on a little known subject. Highly recommend.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews