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A House Between Sea and Sky
In 1920s California, two people in need of healing find strange refuge in a house with a mind of its own in an enthralling fantasy by the author of A Thousand Recipes for Revenge.
Grieving Hollywood writer Fayette Wynne arrives in Carmel-by-the-Sea in 1926 to finish her latest project in peace. All alone, save for the preternatural sourdough starter her family has nurtured for years, Fayette is also resentful. The proven healing powers of the bread made with her starter were insufficient to save her beloved mother. For Fayette, it’s time to try and push past the pain and anger and move on.
Then, during a violent storm, Fayette saves rising star Rex Hallstrom during a moment of crisis. Their shelter: a peculiar cliffside house, its door flung open as if beckoning them. Sentient, curious, and lonely, it recognizes in Fayette a unique magic even older than its own.
In the days that follow, as a friendship grows between Fayette and Rex, they discover local legends surrounding the isolated house: It appeared in the span of a single night, its cursed origins said to be Hell itself. But for two souls who need to move forward, it provides unexpected comfort and hope. In fact, Fayette and Rex have never felt more alive. Neither has the house, whose mysteries are unending and whose wicked history may be too powerful to ignore.
Grieving Hollywood writer Fayette Wynne arrives in Carmel-by-the-Sea in 1926 to finish her latest project in peace. All alone, save for the preternatural sourdough starter her family has nurtured for years, Fayette is also resentful. The proven healing powers of the bread made with her starter were insufficient to save her beloved mother. For Fayette, it’s time to try and push past the pain and anger and move on.
Then, during a violent storm, Fayette saves rising star Rex Hallstrom during a moment of crisis. Their shelter: a peculiar cliffside house, its door flung open as if beckoning them. Sentient, curious, and lonely, it recognizes in Fayette a unique magic even older than its own.
In the days that follow, as a friendship grows between Fayette and Rex, they discover local legends surrounding the isolated house: It appeared in the span of a single night, its cursed origins said to be Hell itself. But for two souls who need to move forward, it provides unexpected comfort and hope. In fact, Fayette and Rex have never felt more alive. Neither has the house, whose mysteries are unending and whose wicked history may be too powerful to ignore.
303 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 2025
About the author
Beth Cato
136 books711 followersBeth Cato hails from Hanford, California, but currently writes and bakes cookies in Red Wing, Minnesota. She usually has one or two cats in close orbit. A 2015 Nebula finalist, she is the author of the cozy mystery CHEDDAR LUCK NEXT TIME as well as fantasy like A THOUSAND RECIPES FOR REVENGE. Her short stories can be found in publications ranging from Beneath Ceaseless Skies to Uncanny Magazine. In 2019 and 2022, she won the Rhysling Award for short speculative poetry. Her website BethCato.com includes not only a vast bibliography, but a treasure trove of recipes for delectable goodies. Find her on BlueSky as @BethCato and Instagram as @catocatsandcheese.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 534 reviews
November 25, 2025
Thank you Netgalley and Brilliance Publishing/ Brilliance Audio for an ALC of this book!
This book is like a handheld himalayan salt lamp. The whole aura of this book is just really Zen and relaxing. From the beautiful cover to the whimsical, borderline lyrical story in between While confirming carbs are magical this book stands tall as an all around great example of comfort food for the soul.
I'm not always the biggest fan of books where the house has a point of view however this house i absolutely loved.
If you're feeling like you need a hug or a spirit lifter, this would be an excellent book to pick up!
Until next time,
Hades
🩵
This book is like a handheld himalayan salt lamp. The whole aura of this book is just really Zen and relaxing. From the beautiful cover to the whimsical, borderline lyrical story in between While confirming carbs are magical this book stands tall as an all around great example of comfort food for the soul.
I'm not always the biggest fan of books where the house has a point of view however this house i absolutely loved.
If you're feeling like you need a hug or a spirit lifter, this would be an excellent book to pick up!
Until next time,
Hades
🩵
August 26, 2025
DNF @ 53%
I wasn’t going to rate or review this book since I only made it halfway through it. But for that exact reason, I think I’m entitled to voice my opinion on A House Between Sea and Sky.
I really wanted to love this book. The writing is lovely and there were pieces of the story I appreciated but it really was not the book for me.
My biggest struggle was the pacing. It’s painfully slow. Like, nothing actually happens until at least 53%. And honestly, I don’t even know if anything does actually happen after that because that was, again, when I decided to stop reading it. I don’t mind a leisurely build but this was a bit much even for me.
The characters didn’t help much either. They came across one-dimensional, contradictory and a little too unrealistic for me to care about. The one character I actually found interesting was the house itself. But the chapters in which we were offered a few glimpses of its personality were short and repetitive. They were not enough to make me push myself through the rest of the book.
I did enjoy that the FMC is an older woman (45!!) who builds a sweet friendship with the MMC. But even then I couldn’t connect to her. She felt impulsive without reason and more frustrating than endearing.
The setting is supposed to take place in the 1920s but it didn’t feel relatable to that time period at all. It read like a mashup of different eras which made it hard to immerse myself in the world.
A thank you to the author, the publisher and NetGalley for providing me a copy of the book in exchange for an unbiased and honest review.
I wasn’t going to rate or review this book since I only made it halfway through it. But for that exact reason, I think I’m entitled to voice my opinion on A House Between Sea and Sky.
I really wanted to love this book. The writing is lovely and there were pieces of the story I appreciated but it really was not the book for me.
My biggest struggle was the pacing. It’s painfully slow. Like, nothing actually happens until at least 53%. And honestly, I don’t even know if anything does actually happen after that because that was, again, when I decided to stop reading it. I don’t mind a leisurely build but this was a bit much even for me.
The characters didn’t help much either. They came across one-dimensional, contradictory and a little too unrealistic for me to care about. The one character I actually found interesting was the house itself. But the chapters in which we were offered a few glimpses of its personality were short and repetitive. They were not enough to make me push myself through the rest of the book.
I did enjoy that the FMC is an older woman (45!!) who builds a sweet friendship with the MMC. But even then I couldn’t connect to her. She felt impulsive without reason and more frustrating than endearing.
The setting is supposed to take place in the 1920s but it didn’t feel relatable to that time period at all. It read like a mashup of different eras which made it hard to immerse myself in the world.
A thank you to the author, the publisher and NetGalley for providing me a copy of the book in exchange for an unbiased and honest review.
June 17, 2025
⋆⁺₊⋆ ☀︎5 stars for house and mother. I demand a spin off with these two.☀︎ ⋆⁺₊⋆
⁺₊⋆ ARC courtesy of NetGalley⋆⁺₊
~A House Between Sea and Sky~ was odd in the best possible way. I never (let me repeat louder, so the void can hear, - NEVER) thought a house would be my favorite character in a book, but I would defend this cutie-pa-tootie with my life. Don’t even test me on this. An incredibly sweet, mysterious, and quite addicting read. I love the idea of objects being magically sentient and Cato’s storytelling was just what I needed right now. A lot of joy was experienced while reading this, and I’m so happy to exist with all these quirky characters.
⁺₊⋆ ARC courtesy of NetGalley⋆⁺₊
~A House Between Sea and Sky~ was odd in the best possible way. I never (let me repeat louder, so the void can hear, - NEVER) thought a house would be my favorite character in a book, but I would defend this cutie-pa-tootie with my life. Don’t even test me on this. An incredibly sweet, mysterious, and quite addicting read. I love the idea of objects being magically sentient and Cato’s storytelling was just what I needed right now. A lot of joy was experienced while reading this, and I’m so happy to exist with all these quirky characters.
September 26, 2025
Clever, quirky, and ultimately soothing. This is the welcoming and relaxing sort of book so many people need right now. Of course Cato would deliver it.
September 25, 2025
Charming fantasy
Enchanting story about a magical and mysterious house that ipens its doors to those who need it and rejects those whose motives are questionable. I love the element of Russian tales. Well done!
Enchanting story about a magical and mysterious house that ipens its doors to those who need it and rejects those whose motives are questionable. I love the element of Russian tales. Well done!
October 5, 2025
This book is charming. A tale of love among friends, the book is so positive. Written in a light way, it is a well-handled, warm story.
August 19, 2025
3.5 stars
read it for house and mother!!
the plot had a lot going on, there were side stories left and right and i really would love to dive into each of them in more depth. here's my bid for this to become the start of some interconnected standalone books where we get to follow the various characters lives either before or after the events of house between because i just do not feel like we got spend enough time with any one of them. the loving friendship that develops throughout the book is the best part, even though it is slightly overshadowed by the fantasy elements of the story.
the "people" - which includes a sentient house, and a sourdough with personality and maybe even a bit of attitude, were delightful in each their own ways. even the initially questionable and far fetched characters. the prose is where i got a little bogged down, the book takes place in the 1920s and some of the period appropriate language took a while to get used to during the read. but about 1/3 of the way through, it got easier to the point of not being noticeable anymore.
but if for nothing else, read this one for house and for mother.
thanks to netgalley and 47north for providing me early access to read this book!
read it for house and mother!!
the plot had a lot going on, there were side stories left and right and i really would love to dive into each of them in more depth. here's my bid for this to become the start of some interconnected standalone books where we get to follow the various characters lives either before or after the events of house between because i just do not feel like we got spend enough time with any one of them. the loving friendship that develops throughout the book is the best part, even though it is slightly overshadowed by the fantasy elements of the story.
the "people" - which includes a sentient house, and a sourdough with personality and maybe even a bit of attitude, were delightful in each their own ways. even the initially questionable and far fetched characters. the prose is where i got a little bogged down, the book takes place in the 1920s and some of the period appropriate language took a while to get used to during the read. but about 1/3 of the way through, it got easier to the point of not being noticeable anymore.
but if for nothing else, read this one for house and for mother.
thanks to netgalley and 47north for providing me early access to read this book!
September 26, 2025
Sweet Magical Realism
This book was fantastic. It’s like getting a hug from your Kindle. It’s set in 1920s California. Fayette is a wonderful FMC working for a Hollywood studio creating screenplays. She escapes to Carmel and rents from a woman with a husband suffering from WWI trauma. She brings along Mother, her trusty family sourdough starter. While there, she meets a Hollywood star, Rex, and a house that is a snarky golden retriever.
The research done in the book to touch on real events while also Russian folklore is well done. The found family during a time people were forced to hide their true selves was poignant.
There was a little slowness of the plot in parts and some meandering in the plot but this is a character study and not an action packed adventure novel. If you like found family, magical realism, healing journeys, and sourdough bread, this book is for you!
Who’s a good house? You are! Yes you are.
This book was fantastic. It’s like getting a hug from your Kindle. It’s set in 1920s California. Fayette is a wonderful FMC working for a Hollywood studio creating screenplays. She escapes to Carmel and rents from a woman with a husband suffering from WWI trauma. She brings along Mother, her trusty family sourdough starter. While there, she meets a Hollywood star, Rex, and a house that is a snarky golden retriever.
The research done in the book to touch on real events while also Russian folklore is well done. The found family during a time people were forced to hide their true selves was poignant.
There was a little slowness of the plot in parts and some meandering in the plot but this is a character study and not an action packed adventure novel. If you like found family, magical realism, healing journeys, and sourdough bread, this book is for you!
Who’s a good house? You are! Yes you are.
September 18, 2025
I absolutely adored this book. I love stories that include folklore. Especially Baba Yaga. Anything witchy or paranormal almost always gets added to my TBR. I’ll definitely have to read more of her work.
September 16, 2025
Magical realism isn’t always my go to, but this book was lovely. Cato does a fantastic job breathing life into every character, giving them depth and heart each in their own way. A poignant portrayal of the different ways we process grief, healing, and love that binds us to our humanity.
October 10, 2025
What did I just read?! The way this author swung for the fences with every trope and twist she could pack into a short novel, just to end up in the dugout. I kept reading just to see how this finished, which honestly gave me a good laugh - it was just as wild as the rest of the book, I was not disappointed.
*Spoiler: What do you get when you mix a magical sourdough starter, a suicidal film star, the reincarnation of Princess Anastasia, an unexpected lavender marriage proposal, and a magical door through which Agatha Christie walks? A House Between Sea and Sky
*Spoiler: What do you get when you mix a magical sourdough starter, a suicidal film star, the reincarnation of Princess Anastasia, an unexpected lavender marriage proposal, and a magical door through which Agatha Christie walks? A House Between Sea and Sky
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 31, 2025
A beautiful and enchanting tale full of wonderful characters and vivid magical realism. Heartwarming and rich. I adored the character of House so very much. This was very much like reading a T.J. Klune book- fans of his should rush to pick this up.
thank you to NetGalley, the author Beth Cato, and Brilliance Publishing for my ARC of this audiobook.
thank you to NetGalley, the author Beth Cato, and Brilliance Publishing for my ARC of this audiobook.
March 22, 2026
A quirky magical realism story. Quite wonderful, full of love and wonderful characters - the best of which are the house and Mother. You'll recognise the house almost immediately if you've read any Russian folk tales, despite the books setting of 1920s America.
I just loved this book, and I'd love more of Mother and the house, too!
I just loved this book, and I'd love more of Mother and the house, too!
October 15, 2025
Compared to what I usually read this was so relaxing and refreshing. I have only ever read one other story that had parts told from the perspective of the house, and I have to admit it's quirky but I like it. I think some of the house chapters were my absolute favorite especially as far as narration goes.
I received a copy in exchange for my honest review.
I received a copy in exchange for my honest review.
February 16, 2026
You definitely need to be a fan of magical realism for this book to land well!
I really enjoyed Fayette as the FMC and felt she was likeable and well written. The pacing of the story felt a bit mismatched with the start being very slow and then at about 50%/60% in, everything happening at once, with a lot of side stories all descending into the main plot, and trying to cram loads in at once.... I think if the pacing had been more balanced throughout, and the author hadn't been trying to pull in memorable historical figures that didn't really need to exist in this world (the original characters were pretty good already and didn't need 'big names' overshadowing them) I probably would have rated this 4 stars.
Overall though, an enjoyable, easy read, with good fantasy/fairytale elements thrown in. Enjoyed the quirkiness of both House and Mother!
I really enjoyed Fayette as the FMC and felt she was likeable and well written. The pacing of the story felt a bit mismatched with the start being very slow and then at about 50%/60% in, everything happening at once, with a lot of side stories all descending into the main plot, and trying to cram loads in at once.... I think if the pacing had been more balanced throughout, and the author hadn't been trying to pull in memorable historical figures that didn't really need to exist in this world (the original characters were pretty good already and didn't need 'big names' overshadowing them) I probably would have rated this 4 stars.
Overall though, an enjoyable, easy read, with good fantasy/fairytale elements thrown in. Enjoyed the quirkiness of both House and Mother!
April 29, 2025
✨2.5 stars✨
Firstly, thank you to NetGalley and 47North for the ARC of this book.
Going into this book, the premise of a magic sourdough starter and a strong female lead character was what drew me to read this story. It seemed whimsical and suspenseful.
It started off engaging as I got to know Fayette, Mrs. Fitz, and Rex. I do have to note that the character development of Fayette and Rex was especially strong, and I enjoyed following their journey.
However, as the plot progressed, I found that certain elements became unclear, with a few narrative gaps that left me feeling a bit lost. While I understand it’s a work of fiction, the portrayal of the 1920s setting didn’t always feel authentic or fully grounded in the era.
Additionally, some of the supporting characters felt underdeveloped, which made it harder to connect with them. Overall, the idea behind the story was cute and fun, but parts of the execution felt a bit muddy. It had potential, but I was left wanting a bit more cohesion and depth.
Firstly, thank you to NetGalley and 47North for the ARC of this book.
Going into this book, the premise of a magic sourdough starter and a strong female lead character was what drew me to read this story. It seemed whimsical and suspenseful.
It started off engaging as I got to know Fayette, Mrs. Fitz, and Rex. I do have to note that the character development of Fayette and Rex was especially strong, and I enjoyed following their journey.
However, as the plot progressed, I found that certain elements became unclear, with a few narrative gaps that left me feeling a bit lost. While I understand it’s a work of fiction, the portrayal of the 1920s setting didn’t always feel authentic or fully grounded in the era.
Additionally, some of the supporting characters felt underdeveloped, which made it harder to connect with them. Overall, the idea behind the story was cute and fun, but parts of the execution felt a bit muddy. It had potential, but I was left wanting a bit more cohesion and depth.
April 5, 2026
I feel like this book had a really strong concept and pulled it off beautifully at times. However, I think it would have made a brilliant short story, rather than a novel. The pacing both raced and dragged, and there was so much going on thematically that I think could have been scaled back and just focus on a couple of themes and do it really well.
I also really don’t understand why one of the characters was revealed to be a famous historical figure near the end - this felt so jarring?
I also really don’t understand why one of the characters was revealed to be a famous historical figure near the end - this felt so jarring?
July 20, 2025
3.5 stars...first off thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for this eARC of the book. I've read Beth Cato's other series and enjoyed this one just as much. It was a fun read. It's set in the 1920's and features one of my favorite places in California to visit near the ocean(carmel). It's got magic, sentient houses,Witches, LGBTQIA+ representation, Hollywood references, magic sourdough starters and a stinky psychic. It references Baba Yaga as well. It was a little slow but all in all a good read. I would recommend it if you enjoy a good historical fantasy/fiction story.
December 22, 2025
Magical Realism with a Russian Fairy Tale Twist
Beth Cato’s, “A House Between Sea and Sky,” is a prohibition-era tale set in Carmel by the Sea featuring Hollywood stars and workers caught-up in the pressures of studio drama and morality clauses notorious in the day. This is a surprisingly sweet story of unexpected friendships; the characters quick camaraderie; the exploration of life’s deepest challenges, as well as the sharing of nourishment from miraculously healing, healthy, heavenly sourdough bread ~ all set in a most memorable locale ~ an ancient Russian flying house that’s unexpectedly roosted upon the breakers of the Pacific Ocean on a beautiful craggy islet across from California’s central shoreline.
Beth Cato’s, “A House Between Sea and Sky,” is a prohibition-era tale set in Carmel by the Sea featuring Hollywood stars and workers caught-up in the pressures of studio drama and morality clauses notorious in the day. This is a surprisingly sweet story of unexpected friendships; the characters quick camaraderie; the exploration of life’s deepest challenges, as well as the sharing of nourishment from miraculously healing, healthy, heavenly sourdough bread ~ all set in a most memorable locale ~ an ancient Russian flying house that’s unexpectedly roosted upon the breakers of the Pacific Ocean on a beautiful craggy islet across from California’s central shoreline.
February 4, 2026
Overall enjoyed the book, felt like the ending was rushed
October 2, 2025
Stupid. I hated it.
October 6, 2025
So slow. So very slow. A very convenient plot with very little surprise. But the bones were enchanting enough to keep me in it.
October 21, 2025
4.25⭐️. This book would not be for everyone because of the supernatural aspects but it was a really excellent read.
October 25, 2025
I found the time setting curious. It felt like an older story by 100 years. It’s difficult for me to critique this because magical realism isn’t my cup of tea. I felt the book was a little longer than it needed to be.
I liked the characters and the independent Fayette. I had to look a couple words up because the word screenwriter was replaced by what must be an older term.
I read a book for Russian Folktales and this certainly seems as though it belongs in that genre.
I liked the characters and the independent Fayette. I had to look a couple words up because the word screenwriter was replaced by what must be an older term.
I read a book for Russian Folktales and this certainly seems as though it belongs in that genre.
October 29, 2025
2.5 rounded up.
This was a cute little story. It incorporates magical realism, folk tales, historical fiction, and spooky stuff. I liked the protagonists (a plucky woman script writer, a dashing young movie star with a secret, and a lost Baba Yaga house) and enjoyed their interactions. The novel was imaginative and easy to read although it definitely felt more like a YA novel than I was expecting.
This was a cute little story. It incorporates magical realism, folk tales, historical fiction, and spooky stuff. I liked the protagonists (a plucky woman script writer, a dashing young movie star with a secret, and a lost Baba Yaga house) and enjoyed their interactions. The novel was imaginative and easy to read although it definitely felt more like a YA novel than I was expecting.
February 7, 2026
Strange and enjoyable
It took a little while to get into the story, but I did npt expect the twists and turns that followed.
It took a little while to get into the story, but I did npt expect the twists and turns that followed.
September 24, 2025
Overall, really enjoyed this story. Carmel is a wonderful place. Likes how she used so many different ideas of magic to tell the tale.
April 11, 2026
I can’t believe I let this beautiful book languish in my TBR Kindle borrows for so long. It’s quirky, imaginative, and a rollicking good time. I love a good found family story and a sentient house.
If I had any critiques— I think the title could be improved to show this book’s true magic. I read somewhere what the house’s secret was before I started. I think it was easier to understand what was going on with that knowledge, so maybe stronger hints to its identity earlier?
If I had any critiques— I think the title could be improved to show this book’s true magic. I read somewhere what the house’s secret was before I started. I think it was easier to understand what was going on with that knowledge, so maybe stronger hints to its identity earlier?
September 14, 2025
It's the roaring 20s and the movie industry is making magic on the silver screen, but an older magic, not dependent on camera tricks, still exists for those with the eyes to see it. Anyone familiar with Russian folklore will immediately recognize the strange little hut that has planted itself on a cliffside near Carmel, California. It's resident witch dead, the house awaits a new mistress. But the chosen witch replacement is reluctant to take charge. Lonely for companionship, the sentient house admits two strangers, one of whom is the caretaker for a different sort of magic, based on healing, kindness, and love.
This is a charming tale of transformation, not only of the house but of the humans who interact with it. I love the way the author throws out enough subtle clues, that the reader is often aware of underlying truths before the story characters catch on. Caution: it's a hard book to put down, and then is over too soon.
This is a charming tale of transformation, not only of the house but of the humans who interact with it. I love the way the author throws out enough subtle clues, that the reader is often aware of underlying truths before the story characters catch on. Caution: it's a hard book to put down, and then is over too soon.
January 11, 2026
If you're a Baba Yaga fan, this book is for you.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 534 reviews