Where the Heart Meets the Sea: A Novel

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

318 pages, Paperback

Expected publication 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.

[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.

[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🩷

[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.

[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.

[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.

[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.

[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!

[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.

[Michele Kwasniewski]

WHERE THE HEART MEETS THE SEA by Kimbra Drake is a sheer delight to read and explores the idea that sometimes home is a place you’ve never been before

It is a tale of family, loss and rethinking one’s dreams when life presents one with alternatives that have never been imagined.

At a crossroads, twenty-nine-year-old Ella Nilsen, alone in the world after the death of her grandmother, journeys to Norway to sell her grandmother’s home in order to finance her future back in America.

I loved the paralleled stories of Ella and her love Nordic love interest Lief. The unfolding of their relationship draws you in. The enduring trauma of loss and its power to forge the future is a prominent theme and the author deftly weaves page-turning story in which you’re left wondering if the promise of new love is enough to compel Ella and Lief to consider altering their respective ideas of what their futures should be.

With breathtaking descriptions of the Norwegian islands, a cast of quirky characters, a glimpse of coastal village life and some very relatable themes, this book was a page turner that I didn’t want to end.

If you're looking for a book that gives you travel, love self-discovery and chasing dreams, you won't be disappointed when you read WHERE THE HEART MEETS THE SEA.

[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.

[Kaelee Dewit · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ella Nilsen is forced to face her past after her mormor, who raised her, passes away and leaves her a cottage on a remote island in Norway. Ella travels to Norway, hoping to find answers to the many questions her grandmother refused to answer. As Ella comes to know and fall in love with Lief, she begins to wonder if she can leave her life in Colorado, start fresh in Norway, and find the answers she so desperately longs for.

I had high hopes for this book, and somehow it didn’t meet my expectations at all. I loved the idea of reading a romance set in Norway. The cottage by the sea felt so cozy, and the small, tight-knit community that pulls together intrigues me and usually offers more opportunities for deep relationships. Unfortunately, this novel fell flat for me. The writing came across as more telling rather than showing; I love descriptions that make me feel as though I’m in the story, and this didn’t do that for me. I also didn’t connect with the characters. Every one of them felt flat and lacking to me, and some were just downright awful people. This one was a swing and a miss for me.

2.5 Stars rounded up to 3

Minimal 🌶️

[David Carriere · Rating 5 out of 5]

Where the Heart Meets the Sea is a sweeping, emotionally layered novel set against the striking, wind-carved beauty of Norway’s Lyngør islands. Kimbra Drake crafts a story rich in atmosphere and tension, blending family mystery, grief, romance, and the slow unearthing of truths long buried beneath a small community’s silence.

Ella Nilsen, raised without answers to her past, travels to Lyngør after her grandmother’s death a journey that opens old wounds for the locals and sets the stage for her connection with Leif Arnesen, a boatbuilder still shadowed by his own family tragedy. Their chemistry is immediate yet complicated, fueled by grief, suspicion, and a shared longing to understand who they are without the stories they’ve inherited.

With vivid, cinematic scenes of rugged coastlines, a tight knit island community, and secrets drifting beneath every encounter, this novel offers readers both an immersive escape and an emotional reckoning. Fans of heartfelt, atmospheric love stories will find this book deeply compelling.

[Mitzi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read WHERE THE HEART MEETS THE SEA by Kimbra Drake and was completely swept away by the setting. The remote Norwegian island feels wild and beautiful, and it creates the perfect backdrop for a story filled with romance, mystery, and the kind of found family that slowly envelops you.

I loved following Ella as she travels to Lyngør to sort through her grandmother’s past and ends up uncovering pieces of her own story. Her connection with Leif is sweet and steady, and I enjoyed the way their relationship grows while some locals welcome her and others keep their distance. The mix of secrets, gentle reveals, and the moments of genuine care she does receive made the story feel warm even when the topics were heavy.

This is an emotionally rich love story with a wonderful sense of place and characters you want to stay with a little longer. I really enjoyed it and would happily read more set in this beautiful world.

I received a complimentary copy of this book, and all opinions are entirely my own.

[Sylvia · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Ella Nielsen's difficult grandmother dies and leaves her a summer cottage in a remote island in Norway, she sets out there to sell it and learn more about her mother who died in her infancy. She soon meets an artistic boatbuilder, Leif Arnesen, who has secrets of his own. Sparks fly, but the locals are suspicious of the free-spirited American "tourist" who has landed in their midst, and Ella must contend with acts of sabotage and vandalism while digging up her past.

Kimbra Drake has crafted a wonderful novel that works on so many levels--a swoon worthy romance between two engaging characters, a deeply researched novel that brings remote seaside 1990s Norway to life, and an intriguing mystery that unspools in a steady and satisfying way. All the characters are richly portrayed and come alive on the page, and it is clear that the author has a deep connection and love for this corner of the world. Highly recommend this beautifully written story.

[Leslie Rasmussen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Where the Heart Meets the Sea by Kimbra Drake is a beautifully written, heart-stirring novel that made me want to book a trip to the Norwegian islands of Lyngør immediately. Ella Nilson is a layered and complicated protagonist who travels to Norway not only to settle her late grandmother’s affairs but also to uncover the family secrets her grandmother guarded tightly. Each character in the novel felt authentic and had emotional depth. Ms. Drake’s descriptions of Norwegian customs, cuisine, and coastal scenery are beautifully detailed, not to mention educational and enchanting. The relationships Ella builds with the locals and her connection with Leif keep the story moving with anticipation. I couldn’t put the book down, and the twist at the end was surprising and beyond satisfying. Where the Heart Meets the Sea is a must-read for anyone who loves journeys of self-discovery that stay with you long after you close the book.

[Mike · Rating 5 out of 5]

Start with a rustic setting whose unfamiliar climes pitch promises of romance against threats of danger. Populate it with a cast of unique, colorful characters, all of whom have personal and family histories they either share or hide. Add a star-crossed yet resilient pair of would-be lovers: A heroine at once strong yet vulnerable. A haunted hero yearning to break free from his past. Put it all into a page-turning, well-written, suspenseful plot where the twists never stop coming. Finish with a gut-wrenching climax and a powerful denouement. At the end, a total winner of a novel couched in elegant, descriptive prose with realistic dialogue.

Kimbra Drake’s WHERE THE HEART MEETS THE SEA is not only a novel to be read, but a compelling story to be experienced and felt.

[Mary M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

A captivating and heartfelt novel, wonderfully written. Kimbra Drake’s debut book “Where the Heart Meets the Sea” blends a love story with aspects of mystery. It is set in the most beautiful Norwegian Island of Lyngør, where her descriptions of the whitewashed cottages and sea greatly appeal to the senses.
Having been raised by her aloof grandmother in America, the female protagonist Ella has long accepted that the topic of her parents are forbidden. However, she is determined to unlock the mysteries of the past, when she visits the remote island in Norway, following the passing of her grandmother and inheriting her cottage.
A most highly recommend and unforgettable book, with many twists and turns, and surprises.

[Laura Botten · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Ella Nilsen's grandmother dies, the 29-year-old "hippie chick" finds herself hitting pause on her life in Colorado to visit her family's cottage on a Norwegian island, where she plans to settle the estate and find the answers to her questions about how her mother died. Upon meeting the attractive Lief, Ella finds reasons to extend her stay. But with the locals staying tight-lipped around Ella the "tourist," Ella's quest to learn more about her mother isn't as simple as she'd hoped. Anonymous threats and violent storms on the sea threaten to keep the truth from Ella, but with Lief by her side, the answers are closer than she'd imagined. Readers will get swept up in the romance and dangers of life on the Norwegian sea.

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

I try not to give 5* too often. But I think this book deserves it. A few of the books I read prior to this one, I had to force myself to finish them. But this one I didn’t want to put down. I like characters that seem real and a captivating story. I feel this book has both. It was different- not just a love story but a search for Ella’s past. And a look into her future. She lived in Colorado with her grandmother. Her grandmother wasn’t the easiest person to live with but then she dies. And leaves Ella a small island in Norway. I’ve read a lot of books in my life but I don’t think I’ve ever read a book about Norway - how interesting it sounds. I will recommend this book. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read an advance copy for my honest review.

[DM Frech · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this story! It's so well written, with attention to detail that feels like you're living this journey with Ella, Leif and all others. Every time I put the book down I couldn't wait to get back to it. Kimbra Drakes use of language is remarkable, including fine details about Norway that get peppered throughout the story, making this not only an intriguing tale but an excellent insight into Norwegian culture.

Also I loved the drama interspersed throughout the book, at times my heart raced to find out what was going to happen next. This novel is written so well one hardly notices time, it really makes you feel attached to the characters and their life. This is a fantastic tale I highly recommend.

[Gina123live.Ca · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so happy to receive an advanced copy of Where the Heart Meets the Sea by new author Kimbra Drake

Set against the stunning backdrop of Norway, this beautifully written debut tells the story of Ella Nielsen, a woman rediscovering herself after loss. Kimbra’s storytelling is rich with emotion and atmosphere you can almost feel the chill of the Nordic sea and the warmth of Ella’s healing journey. I love books that intertwine love, family and the quest for happiness.
Where the Heart Meets the Sea does it perfectly.

Congratulations Kimbra Drake on this heartfelt and unforgettable debut! Fabulously well done!

[Mark Wisniewski · Rating 5 out of 5]

From Where the Heart Meets the Sea's first word on, Kimbra Drake's alluringly detailed prose grabs you by the hand, tugs you further into it quietly yet firmly, flies you to Norway, and then treats you with page-turning exchanges between two lonely lovers whose budding--and soon enough blossomed--desires fill you with a familiar yet often surprising tension between lovers' needs for human connection and their quests to know possibly gruesome truths. If you're into mysteries about gnawing deaths in families and about how smart, independent people can fall hard for each other, be assured that Drake delivers the goods. ~Mark Wish

[Jackie Tury · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved everything about Kimbra Drake’s debut novel Where the Heart Meets the Sea! It was a pleasure to read and I am grateful for the advanced copy. I definitely recommend it! The author beautifully weaves together romance, mystery and a touch of history. You can feel the love for the characters as well as for the idyllic Norwegian island of Lyngor. I enjoyed watching Ella and Leif’s love story unfold as they uncovered family mysteries and discovered their connection. Where the Heart Meets the Sea belongs on your must read list!

[Breanna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Being introduced to the country of Norway was lovely! I have not read many books set there, and this was a perfect way to spark my interest in this country. Leif and Ella’s story is one of heartbreak and beauty all wrapped into one. Meeting their friends, and seeing the story of generations unfold in this book left me feeling like I was hearing the story from an old friend about how their family came to be. I very much enjoyed the writing style and character development. A light read, with an emotional punch! Check it out!

Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to review this book!

[Kavita Hildenbrand · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just finished reading Where the Heart Meets the Sea by Kimbra Drake! A beautifully written novel! The Norwegian island setting is beautifully realized and feels essential to the story rather than just a backdrop. What stayed with me most was the emotional honesty of the characters—the way grief, love, and long-held silence shape their choices. This is a thoughtful, immersive novel that unfolds at its own pace and lingers after you finish. It was a beautiful, earthy story and a heartwarming read!

[Kathryn Copeland · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a lovely book. The story, the unique characters, the Norwegian countryside and culture combined with love, tragedy, beauty, heartbreak, secrets and a most authentic supporting cast kept me turning pages for 2 days. I finally stopped guessing and let Kimbra Drake's skill and craft lead me through the ending as I held my breath and rode wave after wave of excitement and calm. I look forward to her next novel.