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Of Shells and Serendipity: Victorians at the Beach
A sea Love at first sight
Elspeth “Elsie” Abercrombie is a dutiful daughter—to a point. Although her mother tries to persuade her to marry a local man, Elsie prefers to study biology, especially marine animals.
Dr. Magnus MacPherson is a physician at the University of Edinburgh Medical School, and comes to St. Andrews to teach at the medical school there for the summer term. He originally planned to return home to the Isle of Skye to establish a sanatorium until a sea change a chance encounter with Miss Abercrombie and it’s love at first sight.
Can Elsie and Magnus reconcile their dreams and ambitions and find a love as deep and enduring as the constant sea?
Of Shells and Serendipity is a standalone novella in the Victorians at the Beach series, where seaside meets sweet romance.
Elspeth “Elsie” Abercrombie is a dutiful daughter—to a point. Although her mother tries to persuade her to marry a local man, Elsie prefers to study biology, especially marine animals.
Dr. Magnus MacPherson is a physician at the University of Edinburgh Medical School, and comes to St. Andrews to teach at the medical school there for the summer term. He originally planned to return home to the Isle of Skye to establish a sanatorium until a sea change a chance encounter with Miss Abercrombie and it’s love at first sight.
Can Elsie and Magnus reconcile their dreams and ambitions and find a love as deep and enduring as the constant sea?
Of Shells and Serendipity is a standalone novella in the Victorians at the Beach series, where seaside meets sweet romance.
150 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 30, 2025
2 people are currently reading
15 people want to read
About the author
Karen M. Edwards
4 books6 followersKaren M. Edwards loves words. As a youth she liked to read the dictionary and requested The Complete Works of William Shakespeare for her 16th birthday. As a family historian/genealogist she loves researching and visiting historical sites, especially where her ancestors lived. It is only natural with that background that she loves reading and writing historical novels. Even her garden is historical with herbs and antique roses. But she’s kept in the present by her family of four children and six grandchildren.
Traveling is in her blood. She now lives in northern Utah though she was born in Edinburgh, Scotland, and lived in various places in the UK. Her father was in the Royal Air Force (RAF) and the family joined him to his post in Gibraltar. She also worked for a travel agent in Lugano, Switzerland for a year. She spent many vacations in various countries in Europe, and has now visited several places in the USA. These experiences help fuel ideas for stories.
Karen worked for Brigham Young University for about 30 years, working as administrative assistants/secretary in various departments. She has a BA in English and an MA in rhetoric. After receiving her MA, she taught first-year writing part-time. As a widow with four children and working full-time, she didn’t take up writing novels until she retired.
To learn more about the background to this story, visit her website: https://www.karenmedwards.com
Traveling is in her blood. She now lives in northern Utah though she was born in Edinburgh, Scotland, and lived in various places in the UK. Her father was in the Royal Air Force (RAF) and the family joined him to his post in Gibraltar. She also worked for a travel agent in Lugano, Switzerland for a year. She spent many vacations in various countries in Europe, and has now visited several places in the USA. These experiences help fuel ideas for stories.
Karen worked for Brigham Young University for about 30 years, working as administrative assistants/secretary in various departments. She has a BA in English and an MA in rhetoric. After receiving her MA, she taught first-year writing part-time. As a widow with four children and working full-time, she didn’t take up writing novels until she retired.
To learn more about the background to this story, visit her website: https://www.karenmedwards.com
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
July 25, 2025
Another sweet story in the Victorians at the Beach, multi-author series. This was my first time reading a book by Karen M. Edwards. Her characters and storyline were very sweet and delightful. I enjoyed the setting and the Scottish accents *sigh* and the wit, banter and sweet love story!
Elsie was fun to watch step more and more into her own self as the story progressed. She was torn between understanding her mother's emotions and not wanting to be stuck in a life her mother chose for her that would not make her happy. I loved watching her realize that she wouldn't be happy in that life and wanted to choose for herself.
Magnus is very charismatic and compassionate. Their interactions, as well as his interactions with others, definitely made him a very likable character! One you will be cheering on in his decision to befriend and fall in love with Elsie.
Sweet and swoony love story with a sweet side story happening as well. You'll enjoy your time reading this novella and come away smiling and happy!
Content: Clean.
I received a copy from the author. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.
Happy Reading!!!
Elsie was fun to watch step more and more into her own self as the story progressed. She was torn between understanding her mother's emotions and not wanting to be stuck in a life her mother chose for her that would not make her happy. I loved watching her realize that she wouldn't be happy in that life and wanted to choose for herself.
Magnus is very charismatic and compassionate. Their interactions, as well as his interactions with others, definitely made him a very likable character! One you will be cheering on in his decision to befriend and fall in love with Elsie.
Sweet and swoony love story with a sweet side story happening as well. You'll enjoy your time reading this novella and come away smiling and happy!
Content: Clean.
I received a copy from the author. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.
Happy Reading!!!
July 30, 2025
I love that this book is set in Scotland 🏴. The Scottish brouge adds such a subtle charm to the book! Plus all the sunset descriptions 😍!
I don't know how they do it, but the hooks in the three out of five books in this series that I've read knock others out of the park- with a golf ball to the shells, and a red-headed sternutation, indeed 🤣...
If I already hadn't been - Meeta & Dinesh would have pulled me in hook, line, & sinker. They add such another wonderful layer of interest and intrigue that pulls your heart into the story. I felt so sorry for them and was cheering them on til the end 🫶. Sigh, I am so happy for them.
Elise was a lovely FMC- so kind and caring. I loved that Magnus willingly kept being roped into her plans, and him being another Doctor MMC was a plus! He was so sweet, and I love that he supported Elsie in her dreams and helped her realize that lightening others' loads was not wasted time and worth more than one she could imagine.
CW: Whiskey (once), A lot of inward dwelling on touches and feelings, semi-described kiss
Personally, the romance in this book in the series was my least favorite because there was so much focus on it, but it is still a clean read, and the rest of the book makes up for it.
My Rating/ Age Recommendation:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4 Stars/ 20+ - M (Married)
Love Historical Fiction set Scotland and Summer Sunsets... then this might be the book for you 😉.
I received a complimentary ARC, but all opinions expressed are my own.
I don't know how they do it, but the hooks in the three out of five books in this series that I've read knock others out of the park- with a golf ball to the shells, and a red-headed sternutation, indeed 🤣...
If I already hadn't been - Meeta & Dinesh would have pulled me in hook, line, & sinker. They add such another wonderful layer of interest and intrigue that pulls your heart into the story. I felt so sorry for them and was cheering them on til the end 🫶. Sigh, I am so happy for them.
Elise was a lovely FMC- so kind and caring. I loved that Magnus willingly kept being roped into her plans, and him being another Doctor MMC was a plus! He was so sweet, and I love that he supported Elsie in her dreams and helped her realize that lightening others' loads was not wasted time and worth more than one she could imagine.
CW: Whiskey (once), A lot of inward dwelling on touches and feelings, semi-described kiss
Personally, the romance in this book in the series was my least favorite because there was so much focus on it, but it is still a clean read, and the rest of the book makes up for it.
My Rating/ Age Recommendation:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4 Stars/ 20+ - M (Married)
Love Historical Fiction set Scotland and Summer Sunsets... then this might be the book for you 😉.
I received a complimentary ARC, but all opinions expressed are my own.
August 17, 2025
I felt such a deep connection with the characters—they pulled me in right from the start! The instant spark between them was electric, and I loved how Magnus immediately recognized and appreciated Elspeth's fiery spirit. They truly complement each other, sharing similar interests that brought them closer together in such a delightful way. The setting was enchanting, too!
Magnus supports her dream of pursuing higher education and opening an aquarium. Elspeth is such a kind-hearted and selfless individual, always looking for ways to uplift those in need.
On the flip side, Magnus has his own noble ambitions, wanting to establish a sanitarium for men returning from the Crimean War. His medical background gives him a unique perspective on the struggles these veterans faced.
Both of these main characters possess hearts that are as sweet as they are helpful, making their journey together even more heartwarming. I truly enjoyed every moment spent with them!
I relished the experience of learning new Scottish phrases and found myself eager to incorporate them into my everyday life.
“As John Knox said, ‘Let no day slip over without some comfort received from the Word of God.’”
Magnus supports her dream of pursuing higher education and opening an aquarium. Elspeth is such a kind-hearted and selfless individual, always looking for ways to uplift those in need.
On the flip side, Magnus has his own noble ambitions, wanting to establish a sanitarium for men returning from the Crimean War. His medical background gives him a unique perspective on the struggles these veterans faced.
Both of these main characters possess hearts that are as sweet as they are helpful, making their journey together even more heartwarming. I truly enjoyed every moment spent with them!
I relished the experience of learning new Scottish phrases and found myself eager to incorporate them into my everyday life.
“As John Knox said, ‘Let no day slip over without some comfort received from the Word of God.’”
July 25, 2025
What a ride!! This was a great addition to this wonderful series. The interactions between Elsie and Magnus were great and I was definitely on the edge of my seat hoping that a Happily Ever After was coming.
Their interactions with the rest of the characters were really fun to read and I definitely found a character or two to dislike from the very beginning.
I received an advance copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Their interactions with the rest of the characters were really fun to read and I definitely found a character or two to dislike from the very beginning.
I received an advance copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 2, 2025
*I received an Advanced Reader Copy in exchange for my honest thoughts!*
3.5! This was a sweet story! It had all the bones of a unique and immersive Scottish victorian romance. There was so much of the Scots dialect that it had that little spark of whimsy. The final 2 chapters were the most exciting! Fun characters with meaningful backstories and ambitions.
Perhaps this is because it was limited to a 130-page novella, but I would’ve loved more depth into the emotions of the main characters. To experience their heartache with them, rather than simply reading about it. I was logically invested in their plights and followed that toward the resolution, but I would have loved to feel more emotionally invested—even in exchange for some of the context/backstory. I needed a little more depth of feeling to capture the sympathy, empathy and real motivation to cheer them on throughout the story. There was so much information that, again, I think it would’ve been well suited to a full-length novel. All the connections and interwoven story elements just didn’t have quite enough time to feel as natural or well-paced. Great structure, dynamic plot and characters though!
3.5! This was a sweet story! It had all the bones of a unique and immersive Scottish victorian romance. There was so much of the Scots dialect that it had that little spark of whimsy. The final 2 chapters were the most exciting! Fun characters with meaningful backstories and ambitions.
Perhaps this is because it was limited to a 130-page novella, but I would’ve loved more depth into the emotions of the main characters. To experience their heartache with them, rather than simply reading about it. I was logically invested in their plights and followed that toward the resolution, but I would have loved to feel more emotionally invested—even in exchange for some of the context/backstory. I needed a little more depth of feeling to capture the sympathy, empathy and real motivation to cheer them on throughout the story. There was so much information that, again, I think it would’ve been well suited to a full-length novel. All the connections and interwoven story elements just didn’t have quite enough time to feel as natural or well-paced. Great structure, dynamic plot and characters though!
July 31, 2025
I loved the Scottish setting! It's always fun when I learn something new while reading historical fiction, and this book had so much!
July 29, 2025
Elspeth Abercrombie wants to pursue a higher education, which really wasn’t much of an option for her. When visiting professor and doctor Magnus MacPherson happens to come across her as she is collecting shells, he can’t help but be intrigued by her fiery personality. She’s not afraid to stand up for what she believes in and not give into what is expected of her. I love that Magnus supports her dreams to continue her academic aspiration and opening an aquarium. Elspeth has such a generous and giving heart and looks for ways to help those less fortunate. I really enjoyed getting to know her.
Magnus has dreams too in wanting to open a sanitarium for men returning from the Crimean War. His medical experience in the field gives him the insight into what those veterans saw while they were fighting. I found myself really hoping he would be able to raise the funds for his project.
I loved the Scottish words and sayings as well as the mention of the western islands. She even mentioned Colonsay, my husband’s ancestral home! Having these elements in the story made me feel that I was a part of the story.
I recommend reading this story it if you like clean romance, characters who dare to dream, and a happy ending. This is part of the Victorians at the Beach series, but it can be read as a standalone. I received a copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
Magnus has dreams too in wanting to open a sanitarium for men returning from the Crimean War. His medical experience in the field gives him the insight into what those veterans saw while they were fighting. I found myself really hoping he would be able to raise the funds for his project.
I loved the Scottish words and sayings as well as the mention of the western islands. She even mentioned Colonsay, my husband’s ancestral home! Having these elements in the story made me feel that I was a part of the story.
I recommend reading this story it if you like clean romance, characters who dare to dream, and a happy ending. This is part of the Victorians at the Beach series, but it can be read as a standalone. I received a copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
July 23, 2025
Genre: Historical Romance, Victorian Romance, Sweet Romance, Proper Romance, Kissing Only Romance
Spice Level: Kissing
OF SHELLS AND SERENDIPITY captures the essence of Victorians at the beach, and the Scottish dialect is spot on.
In the biography, I learned the author is from the UK—which explains why the dialect is so perfect. It is written with just enough for flavor, and it's easy to understand.
Elsie is determined to gain an education (in biology, specific to the wonders of the ocean), but her mother is just as set at her marrying the boy next door.
Mangus, a doctor comes to teach at the local school, arrives and upsets both his and Elsie's world, especially since his plan is to return to his childhood home and create a hospital for other veterans.
As a veteran who served in Afghanistan, Mangus is treated differently because of his scared face.
The subplot of an Afghan woman and her child separated from their English husband/father brought up many interesting points: racism, ongoing effects of war, charity, refugees, kindness, not jumping to judgements. I thought this was particularly poignant for our time now.
This book is perfect for fans of historical novels and romances.
I highly recommend it for a fun and easy read.
Happy reading!
Spice Level: Kissing
OF SHELLS AND SERENDIPITY captures the essence of Victorians at the beach, and the Scottish dialect is spot on.
In the biography, I learned the author is from the UK—which explains why the dialect is so perfect. It is written with just enough for flavor, and it's easy to understand.
Elsie is determined to gain an education (in biology, specific to the wonders of the ocean), but her mother is just as set at her marrying the boy next door.
Mangus, a doctor comes to teach at the local school, arrives and upsets both his and Elsie's world, especially since his plan is to return to his childhood home and create a hospital for other veterans.
As a veteran who served in Afghanistan, Mangus is treated differently because of his scared face.
The subplot of an Afghan woman and her child separated from their English husband/father brought up many interesting points: racism, ongoing effects of war, charity, refugees, kindness, not jumping to judgements. I thought this was particularly poignant for our time now.
This book is perfect for fans of historical novels and romances.
I highly recommend it for a fun and easy read.
Happy reading!
July 26, 2025
Sweet and beautiful romance that overcomes differences of experience and of goals in life
Set in a Victorian Scotland, the prose is peppered with delightful cues to the city of St. Andrews which add to the atmosphere. The prose is comfortable and easy to read. The dialogues are wonderful, and the romance that blossoms between the main characters is a delight to observe.
As Elsie and Magnus learn to see God’s hand in their friendship, they also learn misunderstandings and assumptions could wound hearts worse than physical ones. As they see the value in more than academic ambitions, they open their hearts to love.
However, the novella also raises such issues as calling, women in the world of academia, hardships in life, and disparity in status.
This is my first foray into the author’s work but I find it quite enjoyable.
The author’s note as well as the glossary at the end of the book is a well of bit and pieces that give a better understanding into the story. Great addition!
Possible triggers: PTSD, amnesia, wounds
I had a privilege to read an advanced copy and absolutely loved it! All opinions expressed are my own.
Set in a Victorian Scotland, the prose is peppered with delightful cues to the city of St. Andrews which add to the atmosphere. The prose is comfortable and easy to read. The dialogues are wonderful, and the romance that blossoms between the main characters is a delight to observe.
As Elsie and Magnus learn to see God’s hand in their friendship, they also learn misunderstandings and assumptions could wound hearts worse than physical ones. As they see the value in more than academic ambitions, they open their hearts to love.
However, the novella also raises such issues as calling, women in the world of academia, hardships in life, and disparity in status.
This is my first foray into the author’s work but I find it quite enjoyable.
The author’s note as well as the glossary at the end of the book is a well of bit and pieces that give a better understanding into the story. Great addition!
Possible triggers: PTSD, amnesia, wounds
I had a privilege to read an advanced copy and absolutely loved it! All opinions expressed are my own.
July 31, 2025
I want to start by saying I received an ARC of this book. This is a clean Victorian romance book and part of the series Victorians at the Beach. The main characters are Magnus and Elsie. When they first meet Elsie doesn’t want anything to do with him. Along the way they run into each other more and spend time together. Unfortunately, Elsie’s mom has her mind set on Elsie marrying a different guy. Will they fall in love? If they do will she go against her mom’s wishes? Magnus sets out to find a missing friend of his during all of this. Will Magnus and Elsie find his friend? Will they reunite him with his wife and son? I loved Magnus and Elsie together. I loved both of them from the beginning. I loved how Elsie wasn’t afraid to stand up for herself and others. Magnus was the perfect gentleman. There were some side characters I was not crazy about. Thankfully, the author put a glossary at the back of the book because I didn’t understand half of the words. Overall, I enjoyed this book.
August 7, 2025
Magnus and Elsie (aka Elspbeth) were amazing together!
So many good similarities between A Little Princess and Outlander 🥰🥰🥰
I also love the Scottish, Indian and Afghani cultures represented in this ARC book!
Also, ELSIE’s PA! 🥰🥰 I love him! Protect him at all costs!
Best quotes:💜 “Tha gaol agam ort cuideachd, cridhe mo chridhe. I love you too, heart of my heart.”
💜 “You cannot measure your influence by the number of kind acts you do, but showing people you care is sufficient for them to feel their burdens lighten, and that is worth everything.”
💜 ““Aye, and even more important, they can read the Bible better. As John Knox said, ‘Let no day slip over without some comfort received from the Word of God.”
So many good similarities between A Little Princess and Outlander 🥰🥰🥰
I also love the Scottish, Indian and Afghani cultures represented in this ARC book!
Also, ELSIE’s PA! 🥰🥰 I love him! Protect him at all costs!
Best quotes:💜 “Tha gaol agam ort cuideachd, cridhe mo chridhe. I love you too, heart of my heart.”
💜 “You cannot measure your influence by the number of kind acts you do, but showing people you care is sufficient for them to feel their burdens lighten, and that is worth everything.”
💜 ““Aye, and even more important, they can read the Bible better. As John Knox said, ‘Let no day slip over without some comfort received from the Word of God.”
July 30, 2025
A sweet and clean Scottish Victorian romance!
Elsie is an intelligent and independent young woman intent on furthering her education in marine biology.
Magnus is a doctor who served as a medic in the war and now wants to open a sanatorium to help soldiers who struggle with PTSD.
When these two meet it is love at first sight and the only thing standing in the way is Elsie’s mother and her intended betrothed (whom Elsie cannot stand).
This was a very sweet story with heart-of-gold MCs!
Thank you to the author for including me on her ARC team! I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Elsie is an intelligent and independent young woman intent on furthering her education in marine biology.
Magnus is a doctor who served as a medic in the war and now wants to open a sanatorium to help soldiers who struggle with PTSD.
When these two meet it is love at first sight and the only thing standing in the way is Elsie’s mother and her intended betrothed (whom Elsie cannot stand).
This was a very sweet story with heart-of-gold MCs!
Thank you to the author for including me on her ARC team! I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
July 27, 2025
This is a delightful and sweet novella. It manages to stay light and entertaining throughout while touching on some more serious issues such as academic bigotry, racism and sexism. The Scottish setting is very atmospheric and well portrayed.
I received an ARC and voluntarily leave an honest review.
I received an ARC and voluntarily leave an honest review.
August 5, 2025
Scottish historical romance set at the beach. She's an aspiring scholar, he's a doctor home from the war. They're obviously perfect together but her family has other plans for her life.
It's fun, surprising, and has so many small, lovely moments between characters.
It's fun, surprising, and has so many small, lovely moments between characters.
August 1, 2025
I really liked the setting and the storyline.
November 13, 2025
Cute story, with warmth and a real sense of place. I enjoyed the addition of Scots and Gaelic words, for which the author included a definition and pronunciation chart at the end.
August 3, 2025
Another sweet romance. I loved this line: “My hand, my heart, my all,” she said and squeezed his hand. “Now get up off the floor.”
I also wanted to punch Duncan myself. The jerk.
Edit: Forgot to add that I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I also wanted to punch Duncan myself. The jerk.
Edit: Forgot to add that I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews