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Carolina Heirlooms #3
The Sea Keeper's Daughters
Wingate's third Carolina book follows the highly reviewed, The Prayer Box and The Story Keeper as well as related three novellas.
From modern-day Roanoke Island to the sweeping backdrop of North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountains and Roosevelt’s WPA folklore writers, past and present intertwine to create an unexpected destiny. . .
Restaurant owner Whitney Monroe is desperate to save her business from a hostile takeover. The inheritance of a decaying Gilded Age hotel on North Carolina’s Outer Banks may provide just the ray of hope she needs. But things at The Excelsior are more complicated than they seem. Whitney’s estranged stepfather is entrenched on the third floor, and the downstairs tenants are determined to save the historic building. Searching through years of stored family heirlooms may be Whitney’s only hope of quick cash, but will the discovery of an old necklace and a depression-era love story change everything
From modern-day Roanoke Island to the sweeping backdrop of North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountains and Roosevelt’s WPA folklore writers, past and present intertwine to create an unexpected destiny. . .
Restaurant owner Whitney Monroe is desperate to save her business from a hostile takeover. The inheritance of a decaying Gilded Age hotel on North Carolina’s Outer Banks may provide just the ray of hope she needs. But things at The Excelsior are more complicated than they seem. Whitney’s estranged stepfather is entrenched on the third floor, and the downstairs tenants are determined to save the historic building. Searching through years of stored family heirlooms may be Whitney’s only hope of quick cash, but will the discovery of an old necklace and a depression-era love story change everything
400 pages, Paperback
First published September 1, 2015
1299 people are currently reading
10540 people want to read
About the author
Lisa Wingate
57 books13.3k followersLisa Wingate is the author of the #1 New York Times bestseller Before We Were Yours, which remained on the bestseller list for over two years. Her award-winning works have been selected for state and community One Book reads, have been published in over forty languages, and have appeared on bestseller lists worldwide. The group Americans for More Civility, a kindness watchdog organization, selected Lisa and six others as recipients of the National Civics Award, which celebrates public figures who work to promote greater kindness and civility in American life. She lives in Texas and Colorado with her family and her deceptively cute little teddy bear of a dog, Huckleberry. Find her at www.lisawingate.com, on Facebook at LisaWingateAuthorPage, or on Instagram @author_lisa_wingate
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,062 reviews
March 14, 2019
The Sea Keepers Daughters is the third book in the Carolina series and it's the first one I have read. The book can be read as a stand-alone, at least, I think so since I found this one to be perfectly fine to read even though I haven't read the previous two books.
Here is the blurb from the book: From modern-day Roanoke Island to the sweeping backdrop of North Carolina's Blue Ridge Mountains and Roosevelt's WPA folklore writers, past and present intertwine to create an unexpected destiny...
I found it so beautifully written that I just had to add it to my review even though I ordinarily don't do that, but it summarizes the book so well. I was quite captivated both by the blurb and the cover of the book, and I'm happy to say that the book was just as good as I hoped it to be.
I have found that I prefer romance book when the romance is incorporated into the story and not romance as the main genre. As long as the romance part doesn't take the central stage is it fine and this book manages to convey an interesting story and integrate the romance part without making me mentally roll my eyes.
Whitney trying to save her restaurant and at the same time finding letters from her grandmother's sister. Whitney never knew her grandmother had a sister so she is very surprised to learn that fact. As the story progress, we get to follow Whitney trying to find something among all the family heirlooms that will save her business, but we also get to know her grandmother's sister Alice through the letters she discovers. She learns that Alice traveled the Blue Ridge Mountains as part of the Federal Writers' Folklore Project.
I admit that I was taken by surprise how engaged in the story I would become and how the ending would make me feel. This was just a truly beautifully written story and I'm quite eager to get my hands on the two previous books in this series.
I received this copy from Tyndale House Publishers, Inc through Edelweiss in return for an honest review! Thank you!
Here is the blurb from the book: From modern-day Roanoke Island to the sweeping backdrop of North Carolina's Blue Ridge Mountains and Roosevelt's WPA folklore writers, past and present intertwine to create an unexpected destiny...
I found it so beautifully written that I just had to add it to my review even though I ordinarily don't do that, but it summarizes the book so well. I was quite captivated both by the blurb and the cover of the book, and I'm happy to say that the book was just as good as I hoped it to be.
I have found that I prefer romance book when the romance is incorporated into the story and not romance as the main genre. As long as the romance part doesn't take the central stage is it fine and this book manages to convey an interesting story and integrate the romance part without making me mentally roll my eyes.
Whitney trying to save her restaurant and at the same time finding letters from her grandmother's sister. Whitney never knew her grandmother had a sister so she is very surprised to learn that fact. As the story progress, we get to follow Whitney trying to find something among all the family heirlooms that will save her business, but we also get to know her grandmother's sister Alice through the letters she discovers. She learns that Alice traveled the Blue Ridge Mountains as part of the Federal Writers' Folklore Project.
I admit that I was taken by surprise how engaged in the story I would become and how the ending would make me feel. This was just a truly beautifully written story and I'm quite eager to get my hands on the two previous books in this series.
I received this copy from Tyndale House Publishers, Inc through Edelweiss in return for an honest review! Thank you!
June 1, 2022
The Sea Keepers Daughter by Lisa Wingate was about two cousins in financial straights. They are close to losing their restaurant when one cousin has to travel to North Carolina to care for her step father and determine what to do with property she didn’t know was hers. They didn’t quit or give up. They were determined to win and come out ahead.
I enjoyed this book. It is the 3rd in the series. Could have been shorter and my least fav of the 3. My mind wondered and I zoned out in places. Over all it was a 3.5 -4 🌟
I enjoyed this book. It is the 3rd in the series. Could have been shorter and my least fav of the 3. My mind wondered and I zoned out in places. Over all it was a 3.5 -4 🌟
June 5, 2022
Sept. 2020 Book Club Pick by LF
I read the LP edition from the library.
It starts slow but really pulls together during the last third. It is worth sticking with it.
Frankly i think this story is worth the read just for the one theme of racism alone. But there are many other themes and good lessons to be learned.
Dual time line: contemporary and Depression era (Appalachian part of VA).
Settings: Michigan .. but mainly Outer Banks & Roanoke Island.
Whitney and Clyde were angsty main characters for me .. but the author makes it all work.
Upon reflection this is a 4.5 star rating but i
am bumping it up.
I read the LP edition from the library.
It starts slow but really pulls together during the last third. It is worth sticking with it.
Frankly i think this story is worth the read just for the one theme of racism alone. But there are many other themes and good lessons to be learned.
Dual time line: contemporary and Depression era (Appalachian part of VA).
Settings: Michigan .. but mainly Outer Banks & Roanoke Island.
Whitney and Clyde were angsty main characters for me .. but the author makes it all work.
Upon reflection this is a 4.5 star rating but i
am bumping it up.
February 25, 2015
I was privileged to read an early copy. Once again, Wingate knocks it out of the park. It's a real page turner and a book where you'll get totally involved with the characters. And you'll catch up with some of the characters from The Prayer Box and The Story Keeper. Definitely, I recommend you put on your To Be Read list.
It's releasing September 1, and is available for pre-order now, I see.
It's releasing September 1, and is available for pre-order now, I see.
December 31, 2015
Maybe only 2.5. This book follows a familiar formula -- strong-minded independent woman thrown into crisis must travel to a scenic, historic locale to unravel a mystery and confront her own demons. She is tempted by two men and needs to choose from the "easy" solution or the right thing to do. Seriously predictable and, to quote a friend, "annoying."
What elevates this though, are the intriguing details about the New Deal Federal Writers Project. The back-story is what kept me turning page despite the from-a-can plot line.
What elevates this though, are the intriguing details about the New Deal Federal Writers Project. The back-story is what kept me turning page despite the from-a-can plot line.
July 18, 2017
Let's say this: I am a book-devourer. If it takes me almost 4 weeks to read a not-crazy-long book, there's probably a problem with the book. (Or me. I'll acknowledge that)
The problem with this book is there was way too much going on. The main character's restaurant! Her stepfather! Her stepfathers kids! Her hotel! Her grandmother! Her long-lost great aunt! Her love interests!
And I didn't care enough.
The problem with this book is there was way too much going on. The main character's restaurant! Her stepfather! Her stepfathers kids! Her hotel! Her grandmother! Her long-lost great aunt! Her love interests!
And I didn't care enough.
July 7, 2018
A perfect summer beach read. Except I was missing the beach
July 29, 2020
A touching conclusion to this trilogy. I love stories about people who overcome dire circumstances, and this is just that.
October 18, 2017
Set in idyllic coastal North Carolina’s Outer Banks, master storyteller, Lisa Wingate brings her captivating, beautiful Carolina Series, full circle with #3, THE SEA KEEPER’S DAUGHTERS – a multi-generational journey, from past to present – of history, family, and renewal.
As the book opens Whitney is struggling with her restaurant, fighting local politics, codes, and all sorts of things to stall her progress. She needs money. She also needs to protect the others she's involved.
She receives a call regarding her stepfather, Clyde from the Outer Banks. He is in the hospital, after falling and being trapped for four days. She feels she is safe enough returning home.
There is a backstory here, how he waived the will in their faces. It is time to go back, as her mom had begged her to go through her grandmother’s things years earlier. He is selfish, possessive, and mean. When her mother died, she left Whitney the hotel, with stipulations her husband could remain living here.
What will she do, go back and find heirlooms? What will she find? Sell them and put the money into her restaurant? What will she do with Clyde? Her family came from money and Whitney still has things left to her, if she can get through Clyde. What if he has sold everything? She hopes he will move into a nursing home or with his son. She has to keep a business head, and not be sentimental.
The hotel Excelsior, an old grand hotel—a place which holds her grandmother’s treasures from an era of wealth. From Michigan to the coast of North Carolina – seventeen hours away. She decides she will go and Denise says she will hold down the fort but warns her to be careful, as she has no idea what she will be walking into. Why would Clyde want to remain here? Her mother would be upset at the poor condition, she finds. She has to keep a business head, and not be sentimental.
Memories start flooding back, upon return. If she knew when the end was coming, things said or done, would have been different with her mother. As she goes through her family history, she discovers letters, secrets, a gripping dark family mystery, and a necklace as well as other heirlooms. Treasures of the past, things which could change her future.
What a journey! So sad to see the series end, as having read all the books, you become invested in the characters, their lives, and their dreams.
Lisa writes beautifully, a storyteller which transports you to time and place---bridging the gap between past and present, with treasures, memories and heartwarming tales. From contemporary to historic-- and everything in between, for a remarkable story; an addictive series, keeping you coming back for the next.
Wingate skillfully uses flawed characters, circumstances, and struggles to make their lives stronger, richer, and fuller. Inspiring—one of compassion, faith, forgiveness, and empowerment!
Highly recommend this entire series. You cannot stop with one. Start from the first, and read them all (do not miss any of the novellas in between). Assured to warm your heart and soul with lots of quotes to keep you bookmarking throughout. Rich in history, charm, and character!
Nothing better than old historic hotels (as enjoy working with them as a consultant), reminiscent of exciting and turbulent eras; always fascinating stories from prior owners, the property, as well as guests. A North Carolina native, I always enjoy revisiting familiar places and landmarks.
A special thank you to Tyndale and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
JDCMustReadBooks
As the book opens Whitney is struggling with her restaurant, fighting local politics, codes, and all sorts of things to stall her progress. She needs money. She also needs to protect the others she's involved.
She receives a call regarding her stepfather, Clyde from the Outer Banks. He is in the hospital, after falling and being trapped for four days. She feels she is safe enough returning home.
There is a backstory here, how he waived the will in their faces. It is time to go back, as her mom had begged her to go through her grandmother’s things years earlier. He is selfish, possessive, and mean. When her mother died, she left Whitney the hotel, with stipulations her husband could remain living here.
What will she do, go back and find heirlooms? What will she find? Sell them and put the money into her restaurant? What will she do with Clyde? Her family came from money and Whitney still has things left to her, if she can get through Clyde. What if he has sold everything? She hopes he will move into a nursing home or with his son. She has to keep a business head, and not be sentimental.
The hotel Excelsior, an old grand hotel—a place which holds her grandmother’s treasures from an era of wealth. From Michigan to the coast of North Carolina – seventeen hours away. She decides she will go and Denise says she will hold down the fort but warns her to be careful, as she has no idea what she will be walking into. Why would Clyde want to remain here? Her mother would be upset at the poor condition, she finds. She has to keep a business head, and not be sentimental.
Memories start flooding back, upon return. If she knew when the end was coming, things said or done, would have been different with her mother. As she goes through her family history, she discovers letters, secrets, a gripping dark family mystery, and a necklace as well as other heirlooms. Treasures of the past, things which could change her future.
What a journey! So sad to see the series end, as having read all the books, you become invested in the characters, their lives, and their dreams.
Lisa writes beautifully, a storyteller which transports you to time and place---bridging the gap between past and present, with treasures, memories and heartwarming tales. From contemporary to historic-- and everything in between, for a remarkable story; an addictive series, keeping you coming back for the next.
Wingate skillfully uses flawed characters, circumstances, and struggles to make their lives stronger, richer, and fuller. Inspiring—one of compassion, faith, forgiveness, and empowerment!
Highly recommend this entire series. You cannot stop with one. Start from the first, and read them all (do not miss any of the novellas in between). Assured to warm your heart and soul with lots of quotes to keep you bookmarking throughout. Rich in history, charm, and character!
Nothing better than old historic hotels (as enjoy working with them as a consultant), reminiscent of exciting and turbulent eras; always fascinating stories from prior owners, the property, as well as guests. A North Carolina native, I always enjoy revisiting familiar places and landmarks.
A special thank you to Tyndale and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
JDCMustReadBooks
January 1, 2018
Lisa Wingate has become one of my favorite authors that I've recently discovered. I didn't read this series in order, or even read the books one after the other, but it's definitely one of my favorites.
In The Sea Keeper's Daughters, Whitney travels to Roanoke Island to do what needs to be done with a hotel that has been left to her. After receiving a call about her stepfather, who occupies the converted third floor of the hotel, it's clear that he can't continue by himself. Then there's a matter of the second floor, used as storage throughout the years, layers of both useless leftovers from the hotel's glory days, as well as items of historical and sentimental value. Add to that business owners whose shops grace the first floor and Whitney has her hands full with trying to figure out what to do, and her livelihood back in Michigan could depend on the items she finds there.
I connected on an emotional level to Whitney's character. She's very independent, but also vulnerable, still reeling from her mother's death years before and fighting a legal battle over her restaurant in Michigan. The tug between practical and sentimental is easy to relate to, and something that many have to face at some point in life. Whitney, as well as the secondary characters, just feel so genuine and real.
The historical narrative, told through letters written by Alice, Whitney's great aunt, is completely engrossing. The details about Alice’s travels in Blue Ridge Mountains as part of Roosevelt's Federal Writer’s Project and the people she encountered there captured my heart and imagination. The way that Wingate ties everything together – the mystery of the “Story Keeper” necklaces, the origin of the Melungeon people, as well as how it connected to the lost colony of Roanoke, while fictional, feels like a worthy account of a people that were often maligned and oppressed.
Like I said, I didn’t read these in order. I read The Story Keeper first, which I loved, then The Prayer Box, then finally The Sea Keeper’s Daughters. I also read the novellas that came between, albeit a bit out of order. The novellas aren’t really necessary to the main plots of the novels, however, if you enjoy Wingate’s writing and/or novellas, give them a read. I also recommend reading The Story Keeper prior to reading The Sea Keeper’s Daughters. In my opinion, those stories were a bit more tightly connected than The Prayer Box, although she does bring everything full circle, since Tandi appears in TSKD as well.
I highly recommend this entire series, especially for readers that enjoy layered, generational, past-meets-present tales.
In The Sea Keeper's Daughters, Whitney travels to Roanoke Island to do what needs to be done with a hotel that has been left to her. After receiving a call about her stepfather, who occupies the converted third floor of the hotel, it's clear that he can't continue by himself. Then there's a matter of the second floor, used as storage throughout the years, layers of both useless leftovers from the hotel's glory days, as well as items of historical and sentimental value. Add to that business owners whose shops grace the first floor and Whitney has her hands full with trying to figure out what to do, and her livelihood back in Michigan could depend on the items she finds there.
I connected on an emotional level to Whitney's character. She's very independent, but also vulnerable, still reeling from her mother's death years before and fighting a legal battle over her restaurant in Michigan. The tug between practical and sentimental is easy to relate to, and something that many have to face at some point in life. Whitney, as well as the secondary characters, just feel so genuine and real.
The historical narrative, told through letters written by Alice, Whitney's great aunt, is completely engrossing. The details about Alice’s travels in Blue Ridge Mountains as part of Roosevelt's Federal Writer’s Project and the people she encountered there captured my heart and imagination. The way that Wingate ties everything together – the mystery of the “Story Keeper” necklaces, the origin of the Melungeon people, as well as how it connected to the lost colony of Roanoke, while fictional, feels like a worthy account of a people that were often maligned and oppressed.
Like I said, I didn’t read these in order. I read The Story Keeper first, which I loved, then The Prayer Box, then finally The Sea Keeper’s Daughters. I also read the novellas that came between, albeit a bit out of order. The novellas aren’t really necessary to the main plots of the novels, however, if you enjoy Wingate’s writing and/or novellas, give them a read. I also recommend reading The Story Keeper prior to reading The Sea Keeper’s Daughters. In my opinion, those stories were a bit more tightly connected than The Prayer Box, although she does bring everything full circle, since Tandi appears in TSKD as well.
I highly recommend this entire series, especially for readers that enjoy layered, generational, past-meets-present tales.
July 8, 2015
I received this book for free through Netgalley.
Wow! This book is part of a series, and I had not yet read any of the authors other books; however, this book was perfect as a stand alone, and I did not have any issues following along. Wingate writes highly readable prose. Some scenes (like the squirrel attack, which was funny!) were a little lengthy/wordy, but all the other pluses of the book more than made up for that for me. The characters were well developed and likeable, the story had a great flow, there was suspense that kept me eager to read more, and I loved the Manteo and mountains of North Carolina setting (being from NC). Wingate left me wanting to read all her books now. I highly recommend this book for people who enjoy a clean romance with a twist of suspense and history on the side in a very readable style.
Wow! This book is part of a series, and I had not yet read any of the authors other books; however, this book was perfect as a stand alone, and I did not have any issues following along. Wingate writes highly readable prose. Some scenes (like the squirrel attack, which was funny!) were a little lengthy/wordy, but all the other pluses of the book more than made up for that for me. The characters were well developed and likeable, the story had a great flow, there was suspense that kept me eager to read more, and I loved the Manteo and mountains of North Carolina setting (being from NC). Wingate left me wanting to read all her books now. I highly recommend this book for people who enjoy a clean romance with a twist of suspense and history on the side in a very readable style.
June 24, 2020
The third installment of Wingate’s Carolina Heirlooms series is a stellar multi-layered tale. The author’s ability to turn a beautifully resonant phrase is apparent throughout this amazing story. Once you pick up this gorgeous novel, you won’t put it down until its heartwarming conclusion.
Whitney Monroe has been chasing her dreams of owning and running restaurants for years. She has hit some snags on her latest venture, and now she receives word that her stepfather Clyde, who forbade Whitney from entering the building her mother owned after her mother’s death, is quite ill. Whitney must return to the Outer Banks to decide what to do with Clyde, and she must try to sell some items to help with financial problems. She discovers some old letters, written in the ‘30s by her grandmother’s sister, that relate an amazing tale of travel and discovery.
Whitney Monroe has been chasing her dreams of owning and running restaurants for years. She has hit some snags on her latest venture, and now she receives word that her stepfather Clyde, who forbade Whitney from entering the building her mother owned after her mother’s death, is quite ill. Whitney must return to the Outer Banks to decide what to do with Clyde, and she must try to sell some items to help with financial problems. She discovers some old letters, written in the ‘30s by her grandmother’s sister, that relate an amazing tale of travel and discovery.
September 5, 2022
This is realistic fiction at its finest. The way Mrs. Wingate weaves in such tangible heartbreak and regrets yet keeps a thin thread of hope for the characters to tug on along the way is superb.
The stepfather/stepdaughter story was incredible. I liked that even though the guy was rough around the edges, there was clear and undeniable love deep below the surface just longing to burst forth. The journey toward closing the chasm that stood between them was so heartwarming and worth every heartrending moment along the way.
Speaking of heartrending, every backstory in this book fit that bill. I loved it!
There was a rich faith thread that featured trusting God through one’s daily life. This made my heart melt in a very good way.
The seashell shop made an appearance! That’s always fun.
Another fun thing was the quirky squirrel thread. It was lighthearted and added some extra charm to this book.
The cover is not my favorite of Mrs. Wingate’s books, but I could overlook that for the story, which I rather enjoyed.
Content: alcohol, replacement expletives, suicide mentioned, crude term, replacement profanity, crude sexual terms, teen substance abuse, derogatory term, teens “staying together” in the same house (sleeping arrangements not given), unwed pregnancy
The stepfather/stepdaughter story was incredible. I liked that even though the guy was rough around the edges, there was clear and undeniable love deep below the surface just longing to burst forth. The journey toward closing the chasm that stood between them was so heartwarming and worth every heartrending moment along the way.
Speaking of heartrending, every backstory in this book fit that bill. I loved it!
There was a rich faith thread that featured trusting God through one’s daily life. This made my heart melt in a very good way.
The seashell shop made an appearance! That’s always fun.
Another fun thing was the quirky squirrel thread. It was lighthearted and added some extra charm to this book.
The cover is not my favorite of Mrs. Wingate’s books, but I could overlook that for the story, which I rather enjoyed.
Content: alcohol, replacement expletives, suicide mentioned, crude term, replacement profanity, crude sexual terms, teen substance abuse, derogatory term, teens “staying together” in the same house (sleeping arrangements not given), unwed pregnancy
August 31, 2015
Such am exquisite book! The two threads went well together though the letters didn't capture my attention nearly as much as the modern day one and I confess, I skimmed at times. It all intertwined together though so read carefully :)
April 18, 2023
Audible Plus13 hours 34 min. Narrated by Kate Forbes( A)
This was a delightfully clean book! I most enjoyed the mystery that involved the beautifully written letters of the daughter who interviewed the folk of the mountains of NC during the depression. I had forgotten that I had read this book's precursor, "The Story Keeper" in 2021.
Characters learn to deal with the effects of a lack of honesty by parents, suicide, drug use, and racism in this book.
This was a delightfully clean book! I most enjoyed the mystery that involved the beautifully written letters of the daughter who interviewed the folk of the mountains of NC during the depression. I had forgotten that I had read this book's precursor, "The Story Keeper" in 2021.
Characters learn to deal with the effects of a lack of honesty by parents, suicide, drug use, and racism in this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 12, 2015
3.5 stars...Not sure to round up or down on the "official" star rating
This was my first experience reading a Lisa Wingate book. The cover on this one is beautiful and drew my interest initially. I didn't realize I was jumping in at book 3 of a trilogy. I think it read fine as a stand alone with no background. A few times I was confused by the characters but not sure if reading the others would've helped or not.
Overall, I had a good reading experience with this one. It's a dual time line story with the past being told through old letters. Our main present day character, Whitney, is a bit tough to warm to. I never felt close to her. I did like Mark, her love interest and the young surfer Joel. Alice, the letter writer, is easier to get to know and her story is more interesting overall. Able & Tom are also good characters. There are a lot of loose ends in both stories, and not all are tied up or explained. That was a bit disappointing, I have to admit.
The parts about the Melungeon people were fascinating--I've somehow never heard of them. I'd love to know even more about them and their stories and heritage. I liked also just the history in general in the book. Pondering over what Grandmother Benoit's life was like and the prejudices etc of the people living at that time. LW did a great job with that.
I also think more time could've been devoted to describing the setting. Place names are 'dropped' quite often but adequate descriptions of such are lacking.
I would read more of writing and would love to see some of the unfinished edges fleshed out in a novella!
**Many thanks to NetGalley and Tyndale Publishers for providing a copy for review purposes**
This was my first experience reading a Lisa Wingate book. The cover on this one is beautiful and drew my interest initially. I didn't realize I was jumping in at book 3 of a trilogy. I think it read fine as a stand alone with no background. A few times I was confused by the characters but not sure if reading the others would've helped or not.
Overall, I had a good reading experience with this one. It's a dual time line story with the past being told through old letters. Our main present day character, Whitney, is a bit tough to warm to. I never felt close to her. I did like Mark, her love interest and the young surfer Joel. Alice, the letter writer, is easier to get to know and her story is more interesting overall. Able & Tom are also good characters. There are a lot of loose ends in both stories, and not all are tied up or explained. That was a bit disappointing, I have to admit.
The parts about the Melungeon people were fascinating--I've somehow never heard of them. I'd love to know even more about them and their stories and heritage. I liked also just the history in general in the book. Pondering over what Grandmother Benoit's life was like and the prejudices etc of the people living at that time. LW did a great job with that.
I also think more time could've been devoted to describing the setting. Place names are 'dropped' quite often but adequate descriptions of such are lacking.
I would read more of writing and would love to see some of the unfinished edges fleshed out in a novella!
**Many thanks to NetGalley and Tyndale Publishers for providing a copy for review purposes**
June 23, 2024
4.6/5 Stars 🌟
"Had I not come here, had my life remained in all the familiar rhythms, I would never have found this calling that gives me new hope.
How sad, I think now, to live an entire life blinded by the ordinary, when the path to the extraordinary waits just beyond the well-meaning prisons of our own making."
That sums up the spiritual awakening that I got from reading this. I loved it! It answered so many questions for where I've been personally in life. I don't know how I keep reading Lisa Wingate's books just when I need the stories they tell. Another golden one ✨️
This the story of Whitney Monroe. The owner of a restaurant in danger of sinking and taking Whitney's whole world with it. Whitney must travel back to both a physical place and take the mental trip to a time filled with heartache that she's built walls to keep out.
A story full of grief, forgiveness, challenging questions, and an amazing cast of characters, The Sea Keeper's Daughters is the amazing last book in the Carolina Heirlooms series and I'm recommending it to everyone- especially those who love historical, dual timeline ,epitheticals, with deeply woven Christian themes, hard issues, lyrical writing, and tearjerkers. Oh right, and there's some light romance 😂
As a stand by warning, gather all your annotating tools if you've got them. There are so many amazing quotes in this book. I don't annotate, myself, but I wanted to highlight almost everything.
I must also mention that if you want to read this series, it is my personal suggestion that you read it in order. Or at least save this book for last. This one might spoil the endings of the other two OR make you curious about reading them. You don't HAVE to read them in order, they aren't specifically tied to follow each other in a narrative that spoils out of order, but I found that reading book 3 last was all the more satisfying since it felt like one big showing of how much we'd gathered. It was a whole journey and some mysteries suddenly clicked- Okay, just read them in order, okay? It's worth it!
I'll also tell you to push through the incredibly meaty descriptions in the beginning. I'm not a fan of how Lisa Wingate usually begins her stories so far 😅 I'd be bias not to include the major info dump and sensory overload in the first chapters. It leads to an amazing story, okay? This is the only part that I did not enjoy.
As for what I did enjoy:
I've stuck with this series from the beginning and I have to say, seeing all this history that we've discovered coming together piece by piece makes me feel like I'm part of some great big treasure hunt.
The letters are awesome, again! I always end up loving the second timeline sooo much. This one is no different. I love reading about the setting back then, ironically 😅
A story like this- writing like Lisa Wingate's just wakes something in one's soul:
"If Satan has toeholds that allow him to claw and climb from the underworld to this one, they lie in our failure to see ourselves in others."
"How can God allow such abominations to flourish unchecked in this world?
The answer came in question, Ruby.
God, in reply, asked,' How can you?'"
There is such an importance in doing what we can, where God calls us. He gives us such authority as His children, and this is no accusation, but why don't we ever do even the smallest things that we're able? I felt such a calling in those words, such a declaration of power. "How can you?" Feels like the question that stirs up such bravery in that very same authority. I felt like answering back, "You're right. Show me, God. Use me!"
Also I'm all tears watching Clyde and Whitney bond as she lets go of anger, blame, and resentment. I simply love Clyde, by the way. Everytime he opens his mouth to say anything like, "I remember..." I'm immediately wrapped. He isn't telling fairytales, most of it is hard to read emotionally, but the tales of reality woven into fiction are my favourite kind. Behind every face there is a story, especially behind many of those who are rough around the edges. People don't just end up the way they are without their own lore. My dad was an old dad and I loved when he'd tell us about his history.
There's also a theme regarding racism that is so raw. My country isn't even 60 years old as I read this. Our first president only died a few years back. Generations still have some mark on them from colonialism, so it's amazing to see the stories of the past being brought to life. I never thought about how individual stories could make a difference. We mostly only ever hear the big ones. This is beautiful. Scary, horrific, but amazing.
And Joel and all this amazing awareness being raised for Youth at Risk is huge. Where I live, they provide free education, but it's not enough. I feel like there is no safe place for children even younger than Joel, too. I wish this were real. I wish it existed in my country and I could help those I know even more to have a chance at a brighter future...
This book raised questions in my mind and dove deeper into reality than anything. I loved it! I LOVE Lisa Wingate and I will be reading more from her in the future 😁
⚠️Content Warnings ⚠️ : Suicide trigger warning! The main character has some suicidal thoughts and has suffered a suicide in her family. Themes of Racism, relating back to Klu Klux Klan. Some drug related activities.
"Had I not come here, had my life remained in all the familiar rhythms, I would never have found this calling that gives me new hope.
How sad, I think now, to live an entire life blinded by the ordinary, when the path to the extraordinary waits just beyond the well-meaning prisons of our own making."
That sums up the spiritual awakening that I got from reading this. I loved it! It answered so many questions for where I've been personally in life. I don't know how I keep reading Lisa Wingate's books just when I need the stories they tell. Another golden one ✨️
This the story of Whitney Monroe. The owner of a restaurant in danger of sinking and taking Whitney's whole world with it. Whitney must travel back to both a physical place and take the mental trip to a time filled with heartache that she's built walls to keep out.
A story full of grief, forgiveness, challenging questions, and an amazing cast of characters, The Sea Keeper's Daughters is the amazing last book in the Carolina Heirlooms series and I'm recommending it to everyone- especially those who love historical, dual timeline ,epitheticals, with deeply woven Christian themes, hard issues, lyrical writing, and tearjerkers. Oh right, and there's some light romance 😂
As a stand by warning, gather all your annotating tools if you've got them. There are so many amazing quotes in this book. I don't annotate, myself, but I wanted to highlight almost everything.
I must also mention that if you want to read this series, it is my personal suggestion that you read it in order. Or at least save this book for last. This one might spoil the endings of the other two OR make you curious about reading them. You don't HAVE to read them in order, they aren't specifically tied to follow each other in a narrative that spoils out of order, but I found that reading book 3 last was all the more satisfying since it felt like one big showing of how much we'd gathered. It was a whole journey and some mysteries suddenly clicked- Okay, just read them in order, okay? It's worth it!
I'll also tell you to push through the incredibly meaty descriptions in the beginning. I'm not a fan of how Lisa Wingate usually begins her stories so far 😅 I'd be bias not to include the major info dump and sensory overload in the first chapters. It leads to an amazing story, okay? This is the only part that I did not enjoy.
As for what I did enjoy:
I've stuck with this series from the beginning and I have to say, seeing all this history that we've discovered coming together piece by piece makes me feel like I'm part of some great big treasure hunt.
The letters are awesome, again! I always end up loving the second timeline sooo much. This one is no different. I love reading about the setting back then, ironically 😅
A story like this- writing like Lisa Wingate's just wakes something in one's soul:
"If Satan has toeholds that allow him to claw and climb from the underworld to this one, they lie in our failure to see ourselves in others."
"How can God allow such abominations to flourish unchecked in this world?
The answer came in question, Ruby.
God, in reply, asked,' How can you?'"
There is such an importance in doing what we can, where God calls us. He gives us such authority as His children, and this is no accusation, but why don't we ever do even the smallest things that we're able? I felt such a calling in those words, such a declaration of power. "How can you?" Feels like the question that stirs up such bravery in that very same authority. I felt like answering back, "You're right. Show me, God. Use me!"
Also I'm all tears watching Clyde and Whitney bond as she lets go of anger, blame, and resentment. I simply love Clyde, by the way. Everytime he opens his mouth to say anything like, "I remember..." I'm immediately wrapped. He isn't telling fairytales, most of it is hard to read emotionally, but the tales of reality woven into fiction are my favourite kind. Behind every face there is a story, especially behind many of those who are rough around the edges. People don't just end up the way they are without their own lore. My dad was an old dad and I loved when he'd tell us about his history.
There's also a theme regarding racism that is so raw. My country isn't even 60 years old as I read this. Our first president only died a few years back. Generations still have some mark on them from colonialism, so it's amazing to see the stories of the past being brought to life. I never thought about how individual stories could make a difference. We mostly only ever hear the big ones. This is beautiful. Scary, horrific, but amazing.
And Joel and all this amazing awareness being raised for Youth at Risk is huge. Where I live, they provide free education, but it's not enough. I feel like there is no safe place for children even younger than Joel, too. I wish this were real. I wish it existed in my country and I could help those I know even more to have a chance at a brighter future...
This book raised questions in my mind and dove deeper into reality than anything. I loved it! I LOVE Lisa Wingate and I will be reading more from her in the future 😁
⚠️Content Warnings ⚠️ : Suicide trigger warning! The main character has some suicidal thoughts and has suffered a suicide in her family. Themes of Racism, relating back to Klu Klux Klan. Some drug related activities.
June 16, 2015
A STELLAR READ that I stayed up to finish in one night.
Whitney is an independent Michigan restaurant owner, whose father committed suicide when Whitney was a child, and whose mother died from cancer only a few years previously. When Whitney receives word that her elderly, estranged, step-father who lives in the Outer Banks of North Carolina has a medical emergency, she travels to North Carolina to check on him, and to evaluate the vintage "Excelsior" (waterfront property) that she will inherit when he passes away.
As a young girl, Whitney had spent many summers at the Excelsior, under the critical instruction of her paternal grandmother, Ziltha Benoit, of southern high society. Now, as her grandmother is gone and her mother and father are both dead, she longs to learn about her family--particularly about the high society members of her family. After finding three important treasures squirelled away in the Excelsior, she finds and reads numerous letters written to her grandmother Ziltha by Ziltha's twin sister: a relative that Whitney had never known about.
The letters provide important clues to the meaning of the items she found at the Excelsior, and after she eventually publishes the letters (which the writer had requested) Whitney uncovers startling facts that she never anticipated about the dynamics in her own family.
There are just enough characters to make the book interesting, and not too many to confuse the reader. The book is well-written; the plot and characters are believable, and the historical letters are very interesting. Bonus: its a PG -13 rated book, with no inappropriate material. I anticipated that there would be a plot twist at the end of the book, but I didn't see the one that materialized. Very well done.
Disclosure: I was randomly selected from among numerous GoodReads readers to receive an advance copy of this book; I have read it and this is my honest evaluation. I have no connection with this author or publisher and have received nothing from anyone in consideration for publishing this review.
Whitney is an independent Michigan restaurant owner, whose father committed suicide when Whitney was a child, and whose mother died from cancer only a few years previously. When Whitney receives word that her elderly, estranged, step-father who lives in the Outer Banks of North Carolina has a medical emergency, she travels to North Carolina to check on him, and to evaluate the vintage "Excelsior" (waterfront property) that she will inherit when he passes away.
As a young girl, Whitney had spent many summers at the Excelsior, under the critical instruction of her paternal grandmother, Ziltha Benoit, of southern high society. Now, as her grandmother is gone and her mother and father are both dead, she longs to learn about her family--particularly about the high society members of her family. After finding three important treasures squirelled away in the Excelsior, she finds and reads numerous letters written to her grandmother Ziltha by Ziltha's twin sister: a relative that Whitney had never known about.
The letters provide important clues to the meaning of the items she found at the Excelsior, and after she eventually publishes the letters (which the writer had requested) Whitney uncovers startling facts that she never anticipated about the dynamics in her own family.
There are just enough characters to make the book interesting, and not too many to confuse the reader. The book is well-written; the plot and characters are believable, and the historical letters are very interesting. Bonus: its a PG -13 rated book, with no inappropriate material. I anticipated that there would be a plot twist at the end of the book, but I didn't see the one that materialized. Very well done.
Disclosure: I was randomly selected from among numerous GoodReads readers to receive an advance copy of this book; I have read it and this is my honest evaluation. I have no connection with this author or publisher and have received nothing from anyone in consideration for publishing this review.
September 11, 2015
A shroud of mystery surrounds the mystic tri-racial Melungeons, thought by many to have descended from the historic "lost colony" of coastal North Carolina; making their elusive residence high in the Blue Ridge mountains and avoiding civilization, being the objects of cruel misconceptions and brutal treatment. Who would have the courage to trace their story, when it appears that their story might be safer kept untold?
Whitney Monroe is desperate, her once promising career in the restaurant business is on thin ice, having been intimidated by local Michigan residents who are resisting the high end competition that her eatery represents. As if life could not get any more complicated, she receives word that her estranged stepfather is in the hospital, miles away on Hatteras Island. Travelling to the Outer Banks of North Carolina takes Whitney on a much different journey that she could have ever anticipated, especially when she begins to unearth family heirlooms with a connection to history that tangles her in a web of controversy over historical properties and personal preferences. Will her fear of love destroy everything that she is beginning to hold dear or will she trust the Keeper of the sea to ordain her steps as of one of His daughters; free to embrace a very promising future?
This novel is filled to over flowing with gems of inspiration and encouragement, not to mention the fascinating historical back story; connecting the narrative with the Federal Writers Program that was initiated by Eleanor Roosevelt during years of economic depression. "The Sea Keeper's Daughters" is the kind of book that belongs on every shelf!
I am grateful to the publisher who provided me with an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
Whitney Monroe is desperate, her once promising career in the restaurant business is on thin ice, having been intimidated by local Michigan residents who are resisting the high end competition that her eatery represents. As if life could not get any more complicated, she receives word that her estranged stepfather is in the hospital, miles away on Hatteras Island. Travelling to the Outer Banks of North Carolina takes Whitney on a much different journey that she could have ever anticipated, especially when she begins to unearth family heirlooms with a connection to history that tangles her in a web of controversy over historical properties and personal preferences. Will her fear of love destroy everything that she is beginning to hold dear or will she trust the Keeper of the sea to ordain her steps as of one of His daughters; free to embrace a very promising future?
This novel is filled to over flowing with gems of inspiration and encouragement, not to mention the fascinating historical back story; connecting the narrative with the Federal Writers Program that was initiated by Eleanor Roosevelt during years of economic depression. "The Sea Keeper's Daughters" is the kind of book that belongs on every shelf!
I am grateful to the publisher who provided me with an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
November 9, 2015
There are moments and events of our lives that shape the person we become. For Whitney, it was the suicide of her father and the loss of her mother to cancer that have left her fearful of close relationships. When she is called back to North Carolina to care for her stepfather, with whom she has butted heads far too many times, she also must confront her memories. Trying to save the restaurants she owns with her cousin in Michigan, she scours the old hotel for pieces of value to turn into some quick cash. What she discovers is letters, torn and scattered, giving a written account of the peoples of the Smokey Mountains authored by her Great Aunt Alice, whom she knew nothing about. Alice was part of the Works Progress Administration to record the history of various areas of the U.S. Here we learn of Melungeons and others living in the Appalachia area during the Great Depression. From Alice's letters, Whitney learns valuable lessons for her own life, and realizes she must let go of the past and embrace the future. Another wonderful addition in the Carolina Heirlooms Series.
January 2, 2017
I gave this lovely book 5 stars because it is well written. It combines the N.C. Outer Banks with the Blue Ridge Mountains in totally different eras. The mountains tell the folklore of Roosevelt's era, the Outer Banks- family history There are artifacts and old letters involved and secrets kept and eventually revealed.
It's a deeply woven family story about saving what is important and learning to forgive. It's about making new friends, falling in love and accomplishing your dreams in ways you never expected.
This was my first book by the author. I will definitely read her other books. A totally enjoyable book.
It's a deeply woven family story about saving what is important and learning to forgive. It's about making new friends, falling in love and accomplishing your dreams in ways you never expected.
This was my first book by the author. I will definitely read her other books. A totally enjoyable book.
November 22, 2020
This book is WAY TOO Hallmark Channel - complete with handsome good guy, handsome bad guy, old guy who needs to be won over, young guy who needs to be saved, villain who's after the heroine's livelihood, dead mother who visits in dreams, alienated sisters with secrets, AND an old hotel which can save all of the above (except the dead mother). It is simply not worthy of Wingate. The only reason that I gave it two stars (instead of one) is that there is some historically interesting information about the Federal Works Projects and the peoples of the North Carolina hills.
August 3, 2017
Often there's no rhyme or reason as to why I choose a book. The Sea Keepers Daughter just sounded like an interesting title. No clue why. However, sometimes as I'm reading along in a book, I realize something sounds familiar; a character or two I may have seen in another story, or a topic is brought up that I've read in another book. This was the case here. The Melungeon people were in a different book, and Sandy's Seashell Shop, Benoit Estate, and The Story Keeper surprisingly was mentioned. At this I had to investigate what these all had in common. Apparently they were all in books by Lisa Wingate I hadn't realized I had read, nor aware had any connection to each other. Apparently I had read the second book in the Carolina Chronicles, The Story Keeper, two years ago, and the first book The Prayer Box, a year ago, and without even knowing it, I was currently reading the third and final in the series.
The Sea Keeper's Daughters
Timeframe: Present day, and 1936 (in letters)
Locale: Excelsior Hotel, Manteo, NC, and various NC locations (in the letters)
Main characters: Whitney: restaurant owner in Michigan, and now proprietor of the Excelsior Hotel, NC
Mark, owner of a surf shop on first floor of hotel
Joel, young surf shop employee
Clyde, step-father
Ziltha Ruby, Whitney's deceased grandmother
Alice, great aunt Whitney never knew about, twin to Ziltha
Able, Melungeon girl
All three books of this series had one thing in common, a present day story, and some writings that refer to another time which bring us into the past. In this book the past comes through letters by Alice, the twin sister of Whitney's grandmother.
Several characters start off not liking each other at all, but the task of learning the mystery of the letters brings them all together throughout the course of the book. Understanding and forgiveness occur when you learn each other's stories, and you become aware that assumptions hurt possible relationships.
FYI: Melungeons are referred to as Sea Keepers, which is half of the explanation for the title. The rest of it doesn't come until the very end.
The Sea Keeper's Daughters
Timeframe: Present day, and 1936 (in letters)
Locale: Excelsior Hotel, Manteo, NC, and various NC locations (in the letters)
Main characters: Whitney: restaurant owner in Michigan, and now proprietor of the Excelsior Hotel, NC
Mark, owner of a surf shop on first floor of hotel
Joel, young surf shop employee
Clyde, step-father
Ziltha Ruby, Whitney's deceased grandmother
Alice, great aunt Whitney never knew about, twin to Ziltha
Able, Melungeon girl
All three books of this series had one thing in common, a present day story, and some writings that refer to another time which bring us into the past. In this book the past comes through letters by Alice, the twin sister of Whitney's grandmother.
Several characters start off not liking each other at all, but the task of learning the mystery of the letters brings them all together throughout the course of the book. Understanding and forgiveness occur when you learn each other's stories, and you become aware that assumptions hurt possible relationships.
FYI: Melungeons are referred to as Sea Keepers, which is half of the explanation for the title. The rest of it doesn't come until the very end.
August 26, 2015
Is is possible for a reader to dwell in a story, to become so caught up in it’s telling that it’s as if you are living the life of the main character? This is how I feel when I read Lisa Wingate’s work. Her latest novel, The Sea Keeper’s Daughters is a thought provoking story about overcoming an unthinkable past through the powerful and redeeming work of love. You will want to buy it, dwell in it, and then add it to your collection of favorite books. It has certainly earned a spot on my #Bestof2015 book list.
Perhaps the single biggest reason I chose this book was because I had read The Story Keeper. Both books share Wingate’s multidimensional storytelling, laden with emotionally charged scenes. I personally enjoy how the author interjects well timed and well executed humor to break up the more tension-filled moments. This enables her readers to both laugh and cry in one sitting.
The Sea Keeper’s Daughters is A Carolina Heirlooms Novel (part of a series). However, a reader could pick up this book and not be left floundering, because of the author’s ability to make tie-in’s without completely retelling what has previously transpired. In fact, the main character, Whitney Monroe has an ample amount of her own baggage to unpack over the course of the book. My heart went out to Whitney as she wrestled with grief, responded in anger as a means of self-preservation, and eventually learned to trust again. So many people today long to be accepted and loved for who they are--for them especially this story will be profoundly moving.
If I keep writing I fear I may give away too much, so let me conclude by saying The Sea Keeper’s Daughters by Lisa Wingate is a book worth staying up late and losing sleep over. Pre-order your copy today or purchase it when it becomes available from Tyndale House on September 8th, 2015.
5-stars
**I received this book for free as a member of the Tyndale Blog Network. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Perhaps the single biggest reason I chose this book was because I had read The Story Keeper. Both books share Wingate’s multidimensional storytelling, laden with emotionally charged scenes. I personally enjoy how the author interjects well timed and well executed humor to break up the more tension-filled moments. This enables her readers to both laugh and cry in one sitting.
The Sea Keeper’s Daughters is A Carolina Heirlooms Novel (part of a series). However, a reader could pick up this book and not be left floundering, because of the author’s ability to make tie-in’s without completely retelling what has previously transpired. In fact, the main character, Whitney Monroe has an ample amount of her own baggage to unpack over the course of the book. My heart went out to Whitney as she wrestled with grief, responded in anger as a means of self-preservation, and eventually learned to trust again. So many people today long to be accepted and loved for who they are--for them especially this story will be profoundly moving.
If I keep writing I fear I may give away too much, so let me conclude by saying The Sea Keeper’s Daughters by Lisa Wingate is a book worth staying up late and losing sleep over. Pre-order your copy today or purchase it when it becomes available from Tyndale House on September 8th, 2015.
5-stars
**I received this book for free as a member of the Tyndale Blog Network. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
September 8, 2015
From modern-day Roanoke Island to the sweeping backdrop of North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountains and Roosevelt’s WPA folklore writers, past and present intertwine to create an unexpected destiny.
Restaurant owner Whitney Monroe is desperate to save her business from a hostile takeover. The inheritance of a decaying Gilded Age hotel on North Carolina’s Outer Banks may provide just the ray of hope she needs. But things at the Excelsior are more complicated than they seem. Whitney’s estranged stepfather is entrenched on the third floor, and the downstairs tenants are determined to save the historic building. Searching through years of stored family heirlooms may be Whitney’s only hope of quick cash, but will the discovery of an old necklace and a Depression-era love story change everything?
I just could not get into this book for some reason. Maybe my mood was all wrong... I don't know. I was really disappointed in myself because I usually really like her books! I was having a hard time relating to Whitney and all the angst she goes through in this book. I felt like there were a lot of loose threads in the book and not all of them are resolved. However, unlike the last Lisa Wingate book I read, this one does have some romance and I liked the ending better. You find out in the last chapter what happens with Whitney and Mark; what happens to the Excelsior; what happens with Whitney's two restaurants; and also what happened to the people in the secondary story. And there is a surprise twist that I really liked. :)
*Thanks to Tyndale House Publishers and Netgalley for the complimentary copy of this book for review purposes. All opinions stated are my own.*
Restaurant owner Whitney Monroe is desperate to save her business from a hostile takeover. The inheritance of a decaying Gilded Age hotel on North Carolina’s Outer Banks may provide just the ray of hope she needs. But things at the Excelsior are more complicated than they seem. Whitney’s estranged stepfather is entrenched on the third floor, and the downstairs tenants are determined to save the historic building. Searching through years of stored family heirlooms may be Whitney’s only hope of quick cash, but will the discovery of an old necklace and a Depression-era love story change everything?
I just could not get into this book for some reason. Maybe my mood was all wrong... I don't know. I was really disappointed in myself because I usually really like her books! I was having a hard time relating to Whitney and all the angst she goes through in this book. I felt like there were a lot of loose threads in the book and not all of them are resolved. However, unlike the last Lisa Wingate book I read, this one does have some romance and I liked the ending better. You find out in the last chapter what happens with Whitney and Mark; what happens to the Excelsior; what happens with Whitney's two restaurants; and also what happened to the people in the secondary story. And there is a surprise twist that I really liked. :)
*Thanks to Tyndale House Publishers and Netgalley for the complimentary copy of this book for review purposes. All opinions stated are my own.*
October 3, 2015
As the story drew to a close, I had to keep reminding myself it wasn't ACTUAL history. Although, maybe it was--at least a little. During a presentation on her book tour, I heard Lisa talk about the research she did into the Federal Writer's Project and how she included some writings almost verbatim. THIS is how I want my history. Told through a beautiful story that twines the past with the present and reminds us that we come from a rich and varied past. Whitney wasn't my absolute favorite heroine, but she was so very REAL. By the end of the story I saw how Whitney might be about to grow into my favorite heroine. And isn't that what we all want to be? The best version of ourselves possible. Good story. Good message.
September 22, 2020
This final book of The Carolina Heirlooms series finishes the series as strongly as it was begun by The Prayer Box. The way the story weaves the tiny little strings of the previous stories together is so subtle and yet so satisfying. The book itself describes it as full circle and it truly is.
Thomas and Alice's story -- and their role in collecting and preserving the story of Rand and Sarra was both captivating and moving. I think the way that Lisa Wingate can exist in two narratives simultaneously just kind of leaves me in awe. This series of books has been like reading a magical mix of historical fiction woven together with some romance and fairy dust -- and I have been transfixed. I loved these books, and will continue to search out more to read by Lisa Wingate.
Thomas and Alice's story -- and their role in collecting and preserving the story of Rand and Sarra was both captivating and moving. I think the way that Lisa Wingate can exist in two narratives simultaneously just kind of leaves me in awe. This series of books has been like reading a magical mix of historical fiction woven together with some romance and fairy dust -- and I have been transfixed. I loved these books, and will continue to search out more to read by Lisa Wingate.
May 21, 2021
Lisa Wingate is phenomenal author, but this was not her best. Out of the many characters in this book, only one was even the slightest bit interesting or had any personality.
I found the storyline inconsistent, scattered, and at times, just plain random. Too many loose ends left unresolved at the end of the novel. There was a good idea here, but Wingate needed another 400 pages to breed depth into all the characters and storylines she introduced to the readers during The Sea Keeper's Daughters.
I found the storyline inconsistent, scattered, and at times, just plain random. Too many loose ends left unresolved at the end of the novel. There was a good idea here, but Wingate needed another 400 pages to breed depth into all the characters and storylines she introduced to the readers during The Sea Keeper's Daughters.
December 18, 2015
I think I would rate this book a 3.5. I loved the historical information about North Carolina and The Federal Writers Project. I didn't love the present day story.
May 20, 2025
Although the book was filled with information on The Federal Writers .The story moved very slow..
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