Where the Heart Meets the Sea

by Kimbra Drake

An emotionally rich love story with themes of lost and found family in a stunning Norwegian island setting.

Twenty-nine-year-old Ella Nilsen has never known her parents—or even how her mother died. Raised by her emotionally distant Norwegian grandmother, Hilda, Ella has long accepted that the topic of her parents is off-limits. When Hilda passes away, Ella is shocked to find that her inheritance includes a summer cottage perched above the sea in a place called Lyngør, a remote island in Norway. To sell it, she’ll have to visit the cottage and take stock of what’s there—and maybe Lyngør holds the key to her mother’s mysterious passing, if she can get the locals to talk.

For as long as he can remember, Leif Arnesen, a thirty-four-year-old boatbuilder in Lyngør, has carried grief and shame from his father’s death, an accident that upended their small community. When Ella breezes into Lyngør looking for answers, her very presence stirs up old ghosts and earns her the villagers’ suspicions. As sparks begin to fly between Leif and Ella and their relationship blossoms quickly, everything Leif knows to be true threatens to capsize.

Perfect for fans of Jennifer Probst’s Our Italian Summer and set amid the rough and wild beauty of the Norwegian archipelagoes, Kimbra Drake’s Where the Heart Meets the Sea asks what happens when we’re forced to rewrite the stories that have defined our lives—and what we do with the next chapters.

Genres: Romance, Fiction, Contemporary, Womens Fiction, Mystery, Contemporary Romance, Summer Reads

322 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 20, 2026

Reviews

[Literary Redhead · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautifully written heartfelt love story between Ella and Leif set on a remote island in Norway -- a place about which I've read so little but am now inexorably drawn because of this stunning book. Highly recommended for fans of exquisite romance tales who also love when "place" in a story is as important as its characters.

[Karen’s Library · Rating 4 out of 5]

Where the Heart Meets the Sea is a beautiful story set in a small village by the sea in Norway.

Ella, an American from Boulder, CO, sets off to Lyngør to sell the cottage she had inherited from her Norwegian grandmother who raised her.

While there, Ella befriends the locals, including Leif, a local boatbuilder. While there, Ella uncovers the tragic story of her mother and the mystery of her mother’s passing which her grandmother never spoke of.

This book was a deep dive into the Norwegian culture and land and I found it absolutely stunning. The setting is a character in itself and although the land is so beautiful, it could be very deadly with the storms that would sweep through the sea.

I adored all of the characters, but especially Leif, and the slow build of he and Ella’s romance. Typically, romances are not my preferred genre, but Kimbra sucked me right in with the setting, the mystery, and the twists.

I’m so happy I read this and I look forward to what this debut author writes next!

*Thanks so much to the author for the gifted eARC!*

[dianas_books_cars_coffee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was absolutely fantastic! A swoon-worthy romance that took me to a remote island in Norway and had me feeling all the feels.

Ella Nielson travels to Norway from Colorado to learn about her past after her grandmother passes away. Her grandmother, who raised her, never spoke about Ella's mother or her homeland of Norway but left her a sea cottage on Lyngør. Ella hopes to sell the cottage quickly and learn about the mother she never knew while she's there. But when she meets Leif Arneson, the beautiful local boat builder, she may just have to extend her stay a bit.

This book was exceptionally captivating, from its descriptive writing to its complex characters. I really felt like I was in Lyngør with Ella. It was definitely more than just a romance. There were family secrets to unveil, drama with the locals, and even some danger. I loved the references to Norse mythology, the sense of adventure, and the found family. A truly immersive, heartfelt, entertaining read that I enjoyed SO much! I would HIGHLY recommend adding this debut to your TBR🩷

[Saltygalreads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ella travels to Lyngor, Norway to see the cottage property left to her by her maternal grandmother, who raised her after her mother's death. Hilda, Ella's grandmother, was prickly and strict, finding it difficult to show emotion or affection. She also refused to discuss Ella's mother and her death, or who her father was. Thus Ella arrives in Lyngor, determined to sell the cottage and its contents while also finding answers about her unknown past. Leif, a talented and creative young boat-builder and artist in Lyngor, was raised by Erik, his father's best friend, after his father died in a boating accident years ago. When Ella and Leif meet, sparks fly, but can they overcome the scars of their past to see a future together?

In a nutshell, a charming romance which will transport you to another country. I enjoyed the depiction of the Scandinavian characters - having Danish relations in the family I will say that the mannerisms and speech rang true to me. It was quite easy to visualize the landscape from the author's descriptions as well, which gives the reader a mini literary vacation. It feels like Leif falls somewhat too quickly to be completely believable, but then I guess we have all known people who met and got married quickly so it isn't completely illogical.

If you enjoy a closed door romance set in a beautiful locale then this one is for you! Thank you to the author for providing a copy to read and review.

[Jane White · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the moment you meet Ella, as she arrives at the remote island of Lyngør in Norway, she charms you with her artsy and quirky ways.
This story is enchanting, full of romance, intrigue, mystery, and real-life challenges in a stunning setting on the coast of Norway. Ella only intends to sell her grandmother's cottage and get back to her life in Boulder but Lyngør and its inhabitants and the mystery about her mother's death all converge to ultimately change Ella's mind. Meeting Leif, a local boatbuilder with his own tragedy in his past, doesn't hurt either though his friends try to dissuade him from getting to know Ella better.
This book was a delightful read and Kimbra's ability to invoke such a strong sense of place and the people who live there make it a book to remember. The romance doesn't hurt either - and though it may seem quick in the beginning, it feels authentic and real, especially after some missteps, challenges and a near-death experience.
I recommend it for people who love being immersed in a different culture and setting, and enjoy characters who are real and full of foibles and contradictions but transcend them to forge a new life.
Thank you to Kimbra Drake for providing a copy for me to read and review. All opinions are my own.

[Danielle B · Rating 5 out of 5]

WHERE THE HEART MEETS THE SEA took me on a trip to Norway, a place that I have never been. So this was a great start for me and it only got better from there! A nice romance genre with some family drama included. I thought it was excellent and I hope you will as well!

Many thanks to Kimbra Drake for my gifted copy.

This review will be shared to my Instagram account (@coffee.break.book.reviews) in the future.

[Gianna Guido · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Bleecker street books for the early copy of this book.

This book transported me to the most beautiful place with turquoise water, beautiful cottages and shops and friendly people. It made me want to jump into the pages and take a stroll through the island or take a little boat out to sea.

The love story here was so sweet. I really loved Leif. He was so sweet and romantic with his acts of service for Ella. I love how he spoke to her and treated her so lovingly.

I also loved Ella’s character. She was strong and witty. She knew what she wanted and was determined to find it. I loved her quirks and how she found the beauty in everything even after her rough childhood with her Mormor.

The whole mystery of the book was just tragic. It was so sad and so heartbreaking for all of the people involved but it all led to a happy ending that left me satisfied.

I struggled to read this only because it was in the third person so it took me longer to read but I did enjoy it. It was a nice story.

[Renée | apuzzledbooklover · Rating 4 out of 5]

When her grandmother passes, Ella returns to Norway, where she learns that she’s inherited a cottage. There she finds clues to what may have happened to her mother, who died when she was very young.

Leif Arnesan has carried grief and shame for years due to his father’s death in a boating accident. The people of Lyngør are tight-knit and don’t take kindly to outsiders coming in and asking a lot of questions. But Ella really wants to know the truth of what happened to her mother.

I especially enjoyed learning about Norwegian life and the customs. The islands sound absolutely beautiful.

Read this for |
•Family heritage
•Norse mythology
•Romance
•Secrets and deception
•Norwegian culture
•Tense moments

My ancestors come from Denmark, so I enjoyed reading a book set in this area of the world.

Thank you to the author for the complimentary e-arc in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to NetGalley as well. 3.75/5 stars

[thebeespot72 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Are you looking for a Small Town Romance set in Norway with found-family themes? Look no more! When the Heart Meets the Sea by Kimbra Drake has all of that and more!

The way Author Kimbra Drake describes Norway in When the Heart Meets the Sea makes me feel like I'm there myself, along with Ellie. And dear Ellie, discovering what she could about the parents she never knew was quite the adventure she took on.

Described as perfect for fans of Jennifer Probst’s Our Italian Summer, I can see the similar vibes it gives, having read some of this author's books. The romance weaves in slowly alongside the mystery as Ellie learns more about her family, and through her efforts, she reveals her own inner journey as she heals.

Thank you to Kate Rocks Book Tours and Author Kimbra Drake for the gifted e-copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Priscila · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have loved this book so much, this is my first time reading this author and she had me captivated from the beginning! The descriptions of Lyngør and the ambience, the family secrets that will be revealed, the lovely main character Ella trying to achieve her dreams and ambitions, the nice people from Norway, and everything in between.

I like the characters developments and their relationships, the new found family, new love, new adventures to be had. I even learned some new words, that really helped to feel like you were there in this beautiful and cozy place.

I'd like to thank Kimbra for sending me the ebook before it was released, I truly enjoyed it. I was given the ARC by the author in exchange for an honest review.

[Steven Joseph · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kimbra Drake’s Where the Heart Meets the Sea is a deeply moving and gorgeously written novel that blends romance, mystery, and self-discovery in a setting as evocative as its characters are unforgettable. Set in the remote island village of Lyngør, Norway, the story follows Ella Nilsen, a 29-year-old fashion designer from Boulder, Colorado, who inherits a seaside cottage from her estranged Norwegian grandmother. What begins as a practical trip to sell the property quickly becomes a transformative quest to uncover long-buried family secrets and redefine her sense of home.

Drake’s prose is lush and immersive, painting the Norwegian landscape with vivid sensory detail—salt air, heather-covered hills, and the ever-present sea become characters in their own right. The novel’s emotional depth is anchored in Ella’s journey: her grief over her mother’s mysterious death, her fear of water, and her longing for connection. These themes are explored with nuance and compassion, never veering into melodrama. The romance between Ella and Leif Arnesen, a local boatbuilder haunted by his own family tragedy, is tender and slow-burning. Their chemistry is palpable, but what makes their relationship compelling is its emotional honesty. Both characters are wounded, both are searching, and their bond grows not just through attraction but through shared vulnerability and mutual respect.

Drake excels at weaving together multiple threads—Norwegian folklore, artistic inspiration, community dynamics, and the tension between locals and outsiders. The supporting cast, especially Mia, Inger, and Erik, are well-drawn and complex, each contributing to the novel’s exploration of belonging and forgiveness.

The novel’s structure—alternating perspectives between Ella and Leif—adds richness and intimacy, allowing readers to inhabit both characters’ inner worlds. The pacing is deliberate but never slow, with revelations and emotional turning points unfolding organically.

[Linda Zagon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kimbra Drake, the Author of “Where the Heart Meets the Sea” has written a captivating and heartfelt novel. In this well written novel, the author describes the scenery, the setting, the story, and the colorful and dramatic characters. I love Kimbra Drake’s descriptions of Norway, the cottages, the sea, and how everything appeals to the senses. I also enjoyed the description of the various art describing nature and custom. The characters are complex, and complicated. The female protagonist Ella Nilsen has never met her parents. Her grandmother raised her in America. Ella has just opened a boutique and has rent to pay. When her Norwegian grandmother passes away, she finds out that she has inherited a cottage in Lyngor, Norway set by the sea. Ella’s grandmother would not talk much about her parents, and was secretive about this cottage. Ella is determined to sell the cottage, and go back home. As Ella is going through the cottage, she finds artwork from her mother and pictures. It seems Ella’s mother was very talented and what happened is a mystery that Ella is determined to find more information about. Ella does have a fear of the sea, and has a vest, and wears an amethyst for good luck.

Ella does meet other people from the area. Some of the people are not welcoming to her. Leif Arnesen is a boat builder and extremely creative as well. Leif ’s father was in an accident at sea, and was supposedly drunk at the time. Leif starts to help Ella, and shows her around. The two of them are attracted to one another. Leif helps Ella with her mystery to unlock the timeline of the past. They start to find secrets, betrayals, and danger. I highly recommend this memorable and thought-provoking book. There are twists and turns, and surprises.

[Norma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kimbra Drake's Where the Heart Meets the Sea drops you onto the rocky shores of Lyngør, a car-free archipelago off the southern coast of Norway, and refuses to let you leave until you've felt the salt air on your skin and the weight of unspoken history in your chest.
Twenty-nine-year-old Ella Nilsen has never known her parents. Raised by a grandmother who answered every question about the past with silence, she's built a life as a textile artist in Boulder, Colorado, threading together the only kind of continuity available to her. When that grandmother dies and leaves her a summer cottage perched above the Norwegian sea, Ella's plan is simple: fly over, sell it, save her struggling boutique. In and out.
The archipelago has other ideas.
What Ella finds isn't just a cottage but an archive, her mother's artwork, a community that watches her with suspicion, and questions that have been waiting decades for someone to finally ask them. At the center of this unwelcoming welcome stands Leif Arnesen, a local boatbuilder carrying his own inherited burden: a father who died in a boating accident that the village has never forgiven or forgotten.
Drake, who lived in Lyngør herself, writes the setting with the kind of intimacy that only comes from genuine experience. The "toffee-eyed seals," the "heather-carpeted rocks," the way the absence of cars forces every interaction to unfold at the pace of water and tide, these aren't backdrop details. They're the heartbeat of the narrative. In a genre often saturated with Tuscan sunsets, the choice of this rugged, isolated corner of Norway feels bracingly original.
What elevates this beyond a standard "inheritance romance" is how Drake handles the theme of legacy. Ella doesn't just inherit property; she inherits trauma, silence, and talent she never knew ran in her blood. Leif doesn't just carry grief; he carries a story the community tells about his family, one he's never been allowed to rewrite. Watching these two people, both artists in their own right, help each other excavate the truth is genuinely moving.
The romance unfolds as a slow burn, rooted in something more durable than instant attraction: the recognition of a kindred wound. For readers who want their love stories earned rather than declared, this delivers.
A note for those who come primarily for plot: the mystery of what really happened in the past propels the narrative with enough twists to keep pages turning. But the real suspense is emotional. Will Ella learn to stop wearing the metaphorical safety vest she's brought to every corner of her life? Will Leif allow himself to be seen as something other than his father's son?
For those who read to feel a place, to sink into atmosphere and emerge changed, this novel brings the best kinds of feels.
Drake has written a love letter to the liminal, to shorelines and secrets, to the space between what we inherit and what we choose. The ending is satisfying and warm, a promise kept.
If you're looking for your next armchair escape, make it this wild, windswept archipelago. Just don't expect to leave unchanged.

[Kathleen Rodgers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Where the Heart Meets the Sea, a new novel by Kimbra Drake, is set in the early 1990s in the scenic village of Lyngør, located on a remote island off the southeast coast or Norway.

Flavored with Norse mythology, this entertaining story is full of mystery and romance, danger and adventure, with characters so real you feel like you know them. Readers who remember life before cellphones and the internet will appreciate times when a character might need to borrow a neighbor’s phone.

At the heart of this story is Ella, a gifted designer and artist from Boulder, Colorado, who comes to Lyngør to sell a cottage she inherited but has never stepped foot in until now. Why is Ella afraid of the water, and why didn’t her Norwegian grandmother who raised her tell her about the cottage the locals call Ring Point? But even more importantly, why did Ella’s grandmother keep so many secrets from Ella about her mom?

And then there’s Leif, the local boatbuilder with an artistic flair and his own questions about his father’s tragic death when Leif was a young boy. Leif is an easygoing guy who is popular among the locals. When Ella and Leif meet, there’s a mutual attraction that goes deeper than romance. But there’s the sense that others in the village want to keep them apart and send Ella packing for Boulder.

Normally a slow reader, I found myself reading at an accelerated pace through much of this story as I was desperate to find out what happened next. What are the long held secrets that keep swirling and tossing Ella and Leif about? Written in tight prose and told in third person viewpoint that shifts between Ella and Leif, this is a real page turner with dialogue that rings true.

The last few chapters pulled at every emotion as I felt like I was Ella and Leif caught in a terrifying situation. Will they meet the same fate as others or will the truth finally come out and save them?

My ancestors on my mother’s side immigrated from Norway long ago. I’ve never been there physically, but I felt like I was there the whole time I was reading this novel. The author is skilled at creating a strong sense of place and characters who live on in your mind and heart long after the story has ended. This is an excellent read.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Where the Heart Meets the Sea

A novel by Kimbra Drake

If you have ever had the wish to go boldly into unknown territory, where mystery, romance and adventure await you, Kimbra Drake’s Where the Heart Meets the Sea, might just fit the bill.

Ella Nilsen, from Boulder, Colorado, travels to the remote island of Lyngor to sell her newly inherited summer cottage, Ringpynten. Hilda, her Norwegian grandmother, never mentioned owning such a beautiful place- but like so many other secrets, it only became known after her grandmother’s death. Ella had always wondered so many things about her mother, but the only thing that she was told was that she died when Ella was born. Ella hopes that perhaps there will be some on the island who knew her mother and can tell her more about the woman she never knew.

Upon her arrival to Lyngor, Ella meets several of the small island residents. While some of the islanders are warm and helpful, others are more reluctant in welcoming a stranger. Leif Arnesen, a thirty-four-year-old boat builder, is among the welcoming and shares his knowledge and expertise of the island. Ella and Leif develop a strong friendship that quickly progresses into something more.

From the opening page, I was drawn into this story. It felt like stepping into a different world of wild beauty and Nordic tradition. The element of the sea is a character in itself, shaping the livelihoods of the characters and events that unfold. I liked the uncomplicated writing style of the author and how the story moves along with natural dialogue, revealing the various personalities.

I also loved Ella’s strength and determination: she has specific goals and confidence in her own abilities. She also recognizes Leif’s artistic talent and encourages him to trust in his creative aspirations.

Reading Kimbra Drake’s, Where the Heart Meets the Sea, was well spent time for me, providing a mixture of romance and mystery with a rich story that lingers a while, long after the last page is turned.

[Sue - Recos and Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

The novel tells the story of Ella who was raised in the States by her exceedingly grumpy Norwegian grandmother after the death of her mother. Their relationship is quite contentious. Ella’s endless questions about her mother and father are met with silence and stubborn refusal to give any information. It’s only with the passing of her grandmother that Ella discovers she has inherited a cottage on a remote island in Norway. Perhaps a visit to to Lyngor is Ella’s chance to meet with locals and discover the truth about her heritage.

Once she arrives, Ella quickly realizes the locals aren’t thrilled about her presence. They see her curiosity as a disruption to old wounds best left buried. The exception is Leif, an orphan with his own history of loss. Their connection is immediate, and together they begin to piece together the story of Ellas mother, Sara.

The author beautifully transports readers into life on a remote Norwegian island, where boats replace cars and everyone knows your story. The setting feels deeply authentic, enriched with cultural details that show just how well the author understands this part of the world. Having visited Norway last year, I was completely absorbed with the vivid descriptions making me feel as if I were back among the fjords again. The pacing is steady, with just enough clues dropped to keep the mystery unfolding naturally. While I guessed a few facts, the ending tied things together in a satisfying way.

This was one of those happy Bookstagram discoveries I might have otherwise overlooked. It’s a heartfelt story about identity, love and belonging, written with warmth and a sense of place that lingers long after you close the book. The storytelling was so strong that I will now be keeping an eye out for whatever this author writes next.

I rate this a 4.5 upgraded to 5
Thank you to NetGalley for providing this advance copy.

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars
This book can be categorized as a Romance or Literary Fiction, but it also has a bit of intrigue which I loved. The main character is Ella Nilsen who was raised by her grandmother in Colorado. After her grandmother's death, Ella unexpectedly inherits Hilda's summer college on a remote island in Norway. She visits the island of Lyngor to prepare to sell the cottage and spread her grandmother's ashes, but she is also hoping to get information about her mother who she never knew and her grandmother wouldn't discuss. The people of Lyngor don't want to discuss her mother either, but Ella won't give up. However, those old secrets could destroy her relationship with boatbuilder Leif Arnesen and her chance for a new life.

This is such a beautifully written book! The language is poetic with beautiful descriptions of the setting, which plays such a big part in the book. Stories from Norwegian folklore are seamlessly incorporated throughout the story. These details enhance the story without interrupting the pace.

In addition, the memorable characters are vividly described in such a way that their personalities come to life. There are chapters from both Ella and Leif's points-of-view, so we get to know both of them equally well. There is so much chemistry between the two when they are together. Ella and Leif are interesting, good people but as in life, not all the characters are as likable. Some of the characters cause real problems for Ella as well as her growing romance with Leif. The stakes and the drama build as the story continues, and more than one secret comes to light before the satisfying ending. I enjoyed the book while I was reading it and have found that it's also a story that has stayed with me since I've finished it.

I received an advance copy of the book from the author, but my review is voluntary and unbiased.

[Bee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wasn’t sure what to expect with When the Heart Meets the Sea. However, it called to me as a book that has a character who was grieving the recent loss of a parental figure and with me still in the mire that is grief; I wondered if I’d resonate with her emotions.

The author’s writing brings this setting of the story, the island of Lyngør to life in such a beautiful and vivid manner so you feel like you’ve set onto this Norwegian isle alongside the main character as she begins her journey. Having never read anything by this author before I was intrigued as I say, and as I read well into the early hours of the morning wondering what secrets were hidden not just for Ella, our main protagonist, but perhaps for more of the residents of Lyngør. As with any places that are steeped with legend or myth, this remote and idyllic Norwegian isle has kept its secrets probably since the coves, rock formations and other natural monuments were first named.

I loved this book, and am so glad I got an opportunity to read it because it was so much more than a girl discovering her past, and in part her present, the author gave us a story of loss, of secrets long kept that can forever change a person even if they weren’t a part of it. There’s also a found family, and romance too which was so sweet and made me hope they’d get a happy ever after. The storytelling is perfectly done in such a manner that you as the reader feel as though you’re either alongside the cast of characters or unintentionally peeking in on them and sometimes learning secrets. It felt as though the many threads so many of them carry weave back together into Ella’s sense of self makes sense and she’s freed from the shadows of the past.

I only wish I could have actually stepped onto that shore - perhaps not in bad weather and experienced the beauty of this small and relatively untouched and wild area of Norway because it sounds like heaven to be somewhere so quiet in comparison to where I live.

[Christine Whitehead · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was completely mezmerized by Kimbra Drake’s book “Where the Heart Meets the Sea!"” The characters that were likable were truly likable and the obstacles that Ella, the main character, faced felt threatening, mysterious, and real. One of my favorite things is to see people evolve over the course of a book and that happened beautifully in this book in a gratifying way.

The main conflict for Ella is that her mother died when she was very young and her grandmother, who raised her, told her almost nothing about her mother or how it happened. Upon her grandmother’s death, Ella is forced to visit her grandmother’s original home on a Norwegian island to spread her ashes. While there, Ella learns that her grandmother in fact owns a very valuable property on the island despite living her life in very modest circumstances as she was raising Ella and never having mentioned this fact. While there, Ella plans to put the house on the market and then immediately head back home to develop her design company – that is, until she meets the handsome Nordic god named Leif. It becomes very clear as soon as Ella arrives that many local people don’t want her there and she has no idea why. The hostile games begin!

I have to add that the Norwegian village is a character unto itself as is the sea both of which are gorgeous, sinister, and holders of secrets. I loved the way the story rolled out describing Norwegian foods, customs, holidays. If you want to immerse yourself in a story that has a mystery, romance, a beautiful, intriguing locale, and characters whom you will love spending time with, pick this book up. You won’t regret it, and you won’t want to put it down once you start. Highly recommend!

[Karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ella Nilsen is only twenty nine when her Mormor Hilda (grandmother) dies. Having grown up in Boulder, Colorado Hilda did everything she could to take care of Ella, orphaned since she was a baby. Hilda spoke very little of her daughter Sara (who died in childbirth) and literally divulged nothing regarding Ella’s biological father. Broken hearted Hilda began a new life in America and erased their entire past. Hilda’s last request upon her death was for her ashes be placed in Lyngor, Norway where she bequeathed Ella a summer home she never knew existed. As an artist and fashion designer, Ella was in the midst of opening her own shop when she took off two weeks to travel to Norway and follow Hilda’s wishes. Even though they hadn’t always gotten along, Ella was very curious about her Norwegian family history that has been buried away on this little island. Immediately after arriving Ella is befriended by Mia who has been the caretaker and rental agent for the cottage and Leif, who is a handy man boatbuilder and looks like a mythical Norweigan god. Naturally, sparks immediately fly! Although the locals are reluctant to speak about the past and tragic accident that took Leif’s own father’s life, Ella slowly uncovers the details of Sara and what happened on that tragic day. The setting was absolutely beautiful and I loved the characters — all in all a wonderful story. The writing was average and I think thats probably a combination of editing and experience, especially as the end had a hard time winding up. That being said, I thoroughly enjoyed this novel and would definitely try another from this author!

[aishareadsnrambles · Rating 3 out of 5]

REVIEW
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

STORYLINE :
The family secrets storyline was okay and I liked it. The grandma who was harsh and traumatised and kept the secrets of the mother from the daughter was s nice storyline and I liked how Ella worked hard to find out about her mother and what happened to her.
But, I hated the love story between Ella and Leif. I didn't feel any chemistry between them and it happened way too fast. They had already fallen for each other in 14 days, so unrealistic! I would have preferred it if the romance was light.

CHARACTERS:
The characters were okay on their own; We have Ella who traveled from America to Norway to find out more about her family and tie up some loose ends. She's a talented fashion designer.
The MMC, Leif a superstitious boat builder. He was okay too.
However, I didn't like them together.
The side characters were okay too

WRITING STYLE:
It was really okay, I had no issues with it. I liked that there was an immediate translation for the Norwegian words.

SETTINGS:
My favourite part of the book and the main reason I requested this book. This is the first book I'll ever read set in Norway and it was amazing to visit the country. I loved the author's description of the small town, the food and other things. It was really good.
The book was also set in 1992.

OVERALL:
The book was okay. I liked the Norwegian settingand I'm ready to read more books set in Norway

[Laurie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ella Nilsen is a 29 year old artistic free spirited soul living in Boulder, CO. When her grandmother dies and leaves her the family cottage in Lingor, Norway, Ella must temporarily leave her dreams in Boulder behind, and travel to Norway to hopefully sell the cottage. Ella was raised by her grandmother, who refused to tell her anything about her mother or what happened to her, other than they lived in Norway at one time and her mother died in childbirth.

Leif Arnesan is a boat builder and craftsman in Lingor. Raised by his dad’s best friend Erik, he knows the local story of how his dad was drunk and driving a boat that caused several people’s deaths, including his own.

Ella arrives in Lingor, she and Leif strike up a cautious friendship. Ella is terrified of the water, due to her grandmother’s constant tirade of how dangerous the water can be and she should never be close to it. Leif patiently tries to show Ella the beauty in the water, and encourages her to trust him and it. Slowly, she begins to think of the people in this small community as her family.

Not everyone is welcoming - there are those who want to see her go back to the States. When she discovers secrets about her past, she’s caught between wanting to know the truth, and fearing hurting those in her new-found community.

Family drama against the beauty of Norway - I really enjoyed this novel! Thanks to the NetGalley, Bleecker Books, and the author for an ARC; all opinions are my own.

[ReadThisAndSteep · Rating 5 out of 5]

Set on a remote Norwegian island, this romance with a side of mystery and dashes of Norwegian folklore sweeps you away while remaining grounded in heartfelt emotion and engaging writing.

Atmospheric and immersive, I felt transported to Norway and loved the vivid descriptions of the island, its food, culture, and folklore. The place is a character in itself, and world-building is fantastic. The folklore is not only interesting but also adds layers of richness to the setting and reflects various aspects of the plot. The island comes alive, serving as a beautiful and haunting backdrop for this story, with themes of self-discovery, love, and found family.

Primarily character-driven, we get the dual perspectives of MCs Ella and Leif, who are both well-developed characters. Their romance develops gradually as they divulge past struggles and uncover a shared history between their families that reveals secrets, making their connection feel genuine rather than surface-level. Pasts are confronted, grief is explored, and the story becomes emotional and reflective at times, though the book's overall tone is hopeful and heartwarming.

The love story and mystery are blended in a balanced way, with twists and turns and a satisfying ending. This book will appeal to fans of women's fiction and romance reads with a strong sense of place.

Thank you to the publisher and author for the gifted review copy, all opinions are my own.

[☾arina⭐︎ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Surprisingly, I was more intrigued by the mystery of her family than by the romance. I wanted to know why everyone was ignoring her and treating her with indifference. Ella wants to know what happened to her mother because the things her grandmother has told her don’t make sense, but no one wants to talk.

The romance was sweet. Leif hates change, while she embraces it. Something about her makes him question whether change maybe isn’t so bad and whether he’s willing to change his mind because of how she makes him feel. I did wish he had stood his ground when it came to Charlotte, the girl he's been hooking up with before he met Ella. I didn't like her being all over him while Ella was right there, and he didn't do more about it to discourage her.

There were a few things that bothered me. The way some people acted toward Ella felt uncalled for. Just being there, she was treated poorly, and that didn’t justify their silence or their treatment of her. Although I liked the romance, her falling in love with Leif in two weeks felt too quick. I would have wanted their romance to expand over a longer period of time and have them really get to know each other better. Lastly, the writing toward the end started to get choppy. The sentence structures felt too stiff and awkward.

I enjoyed Ella’s journey of discovery and forgiveness.

Thank you NetGalley and Bleecker Street Books for the ARC.

[Jacqui · Rating 5 out of 5]

A romance set in Norway was right up my alley, so when I saw other reviews raving about this story, I knew I had to check it out. I'm part Norwegian, so it was fun to discover more about Norway along with the main character. I've also been to Norway and speak Norwegian, so it was a really enjoyable read.

After her grandmother dies, Ella inherits her house in Norway. Her Norwegian grandma raised her in America after her mother died when she was young. She has always been emotionally distant, telling her little about Norway or about her mother. So when she returns to Norway, in a small town in Lyngor, to sell the house, it's a chance for her to learn more about her roots, as well as about her mother. There she meets Lief, a boat builder, being raised by his father's best friend Erik. Both

This was a beautifully told story with two engaging characters. Ella was an artistic clothes designer. She loved all things art, designing, photography, and creating clothes. She also played the guitar and sang. Lief was a boat builder who loved whittling and creating designs for the boats he worked on with Erik, the man who raised him. He was staid and steady and liked things comfortable and known. He introduced him to some of the neighbors so she could ask questions and try to get to know more about her mother. I loved that the author weaved in the Norwegian and Viking mythology into the story, and about life on the island. I'm looking forward to reading more by this author.

Thanks to @bleekerstreet @netgalley for this arc.

[Ruth Setton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished Where the Heart Meets the Sea by Kimbra Drake, and I'm still basking in its gentle glow. This is the kind of novel that feels like a warm embrace on a cold day—beautifully written, emotionally layered, and impossible to put down.
The story follows 29-year-old Ella Nilsen as she travels to a remote Norwegian island to sell her late grandmother's seaside cottage. What begins as a practical trip quickly becomes a profound personal reckoning. As Ella uncovers long-buried family secrets about her mother and grandmother, she also opens her heart to unexpected love and a sense of belonging she never knew she was missing. The Norwegian setting is vividly rendered—the rugged coast, the quiet island community, the ever-present sea—making it feel like a character in its own right.
Drake excels at blending romance with themes of legacy, grief, and self-reinvention. Ella's growth feels authentic and earned, and the revelations about her family's past are handled with sensitivity and grace. The romance is tender and swoon-worthy without overshadowing the deeper emotional core. By the end, I felt like I'd rewritten a piece of my own story alongside Ella—reminded that sometimes the truths we uncover can set us free rather than break us.
If you're looking for a captivating read that mixes women's fiction, romance, and family mystery with stunning atmosphere and hope, this is it!

[Patty · Rating 3 out of 5]

When Ella's grandmother (Mormor in Norwegian) died, she left Ella her home in Norway. Ella had never been to Norway, and she never knew her mother, who she was told died in childbirth. It's a very strange and disconcerting feeling for Ella to enter the family home, discovering items from her grandmother and mother and not knowing much history.

Early on she meets Leif, a boat mechanic and craftsman. Their shared love of crafts, music and strangely, they wear the same necklace brings them together, and Leif agrees to help Ella find more about her mother. Ella encounters resistance to her search from many people in the small village, jealousy from a former lover of Leif's and a dangerous prank from a village woman who felt threatened by Ella. All in all, Ella is convinced that she should sell the home and get back to Boulder and her store.

I loved the scenery in this story, the description of the ocean, the town and the surrounding areas is vivid and life-like. The very real fears that Ella had of the ocean is a bit of foreshadowing explained by warnings she heard growing up from her grandmother. The secrets she discovers threaten to change the lives of some people, including herself. I thought it was a well-written book.

Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book, but my opinions are my own.

[Samantha Rodriguez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Kimbra Drake and Love Books Tours for the opportunity to read and review this book!

Brb, packing my bags to go to the Norwegian coast now because oh my goodness!!! Kimbra’s descriptive writing really has the ability to make a place jump off the pages and come to life. I got so lost in this story that I felt like I was actually there. It was like it was a place I could just hop on a plane and go right back to, which is the best way to lose yourself in a story.

The actual story itself was simply beautiful. Kimbra writes with so much emotion that you can feel it. You can relate to Ella, even if her exact experience doesn’t apply to you. The loss of the person who raised you, the secrets only a family could hold, and so many questions! I love that the majority of this book takes place in a small town. It really makes Lyngor feel cozy, even if the townsfolk know more than they are willing to let on. Poor Leif is a character who carries a lot of grief, and you can feel that through Kimbra’s writing. I really enjoyed seeing the romance between him and Ella blossom while the secrets started to reveal themselves. Overall, this was a very heartfelt and emotionally charged romance that really made me reflect on some times in my personal life, and for me, that makes it stand out as a really good read.

[Country Mama · Rating 5 out of 5]

Where the Heart Meets the Sea by Kimbra Drake is a love story that takes place in Norway. Ella is our FMC who is 29 and raised by Hilda, her grandmother who doesn't really do emotions at all. As the book opens Hilda passes on and her granddaughter is left a small cottage in Norway called Ringpynten. It's picturesque and something that Ella never knew that Hilda owned. Hilda never talked to Ella about her parents nor anything in Norway, which she now owned a piece of, with a note to sell the cottage as it was worth a lot of money by her grandmother. The weirdness continues as Ella finds clues that something was going on with her grandmother who was an artist, maybe... and then enters Lief. I love the Norwegian heritage in this book as I myself know a little about North myths and legends as my husband's family heritage is from Norway. I liked Mia, who owns the grocery store on Lyngor. She is sweet and loves American culture, which makes her relatable to an American reader. I really liked this story as there is a romance and also Ella trying to find out more about her parents and heritage. I love the ending where everything works out and Ella finds out who her family really is. I recommend this story to fans of Norwegian culture, history, and also a good love story!

[K.J. Micciche · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kimbra Drake's Where the Heart Meets the Sea is a gorgeous debut novel that transports the reader to Lyngor, Norway, circa 1992. Ella Nilsen travels to Lyngor from the States with a dual purpose: to scatter the ashes of her late grandmother, Mormor, and sell her old cottage - a clapboard, cliffside charmer called Ringpynten. However, she realizes quickly that she knows very little about how to manage life in Lyngor - and she knows even less about her own family. Ella's mother, Sara, died during childbirth, resulting in Mormor's decision to trade her life in Norway for a clean slate in the US where she wasn't reminded of her daughter at every turn. Ella's return to Lyngor unearths a Pandora's box of secrets involving the entire cast of characters in the small town -- including Leif Armesen, local boat repairman turned love interest.
This dynamic, heartfelt coming-of-age debut mixes family drama with romance in a setting that sparkles with nostalgia. It's the kind of story that gently draws in the reader, each page a soft reminder of a time close enough to remember but distant enough to long for.