What do you think?
Rate this book
Daughters of England #3
The Witch from the Sea
Book by Carr, Philippa
320 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 1975
80 people are currently reading
520 people want to read
About the author
Philippa Carr
100 books247 followersEleanor Alice Burford, Mrs. George Percival Hibbert was a British author of about 200 historical novels, most of them under the pen name Jean Plaidy which had sold 14 million copies by the time of her death. She chose to use various names because of the differences in subject matter between her books; the best-known, apart from Plaidy, are Victoria Holt (56 million) and Philippa Carr (3 million). Lesser known were the novels Hibbert published under her maiden name Eleanor Burford, or the pseudonyms of Elbur Ford, Kathleen Kellow, Anna Percival and Ellalice Tate. Many of her readers under one penname never suspected her other identities.
-Wikipedia
-Wikipedia
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
August 4, 2021
I found "The Witch from the Sea" better than the first book in the series but not as good as the second one. The pace is fast in this novel, sometimes too much so, as suddenly a character I thought was, for example, aged four is now described as a 10-year-old. But this is preferable to a story that drags its feet.
I admire how the author manages to keep the narrative flow active despite a change of first-person narrator at about the halfway point. This sort of thing doesn't always work, owing to the reader having identified with the main character for most of the book, only to have what had been a lesser character thrust into the spotlight.
Must admit to liking the original narrating character (Linnet) better than the second one (Tamsyn), plus I enjoyed the first half of the story much more than the final part. That's not to say I felt it went downhill, but rather it lost some appeal to me.
Whether this author is writing as Carr, Plaidy, or Holt, she's always good at creating suspense and mystery. What invariably lets her down in my mind is that, after creating an engaging build-up, her delivery of the climax or of a/the final or fatal confrontation tends to fall flat or is underplayed/underdeveloped in some way.
This happens a couple of times in "The Witch from the Sea". I won't state exactly the parts I mean in case I create any spoilers, so will just mention that in the second part of the book Tamsyn is in fear of her life. The author builds-up Tamsyn's anxiety superbly, leading up to what *should've* been a dramatic confrontation, yet when the moment arrives with all it's potential, it falls flat as a pancake. It left me thinking, "Is that it?" Another scene near the end also has great potential for being better than it turns out.
Because of the above points I have to rate this otherwise enjoyable tale four stars instead of five.
I admire how the author manages to keep the narrative flow active despite a change of first-person narrator at about the halfway point. This sort of thing doesn't always work, owing to the reader having identified with the main character for most of the book, only to have what had been a lesser character thrust into the spotlight.
Must admit to liking the original narrating character (Linnet) better than the second one (Tamsyn), plus I enjoyed the first half of the story much more than the final part. That's not to say I felt it went downhill, but rather it lost some appeal to me.
Whether this author is writing as Carr, Plaidy, or Holt, she's always good at creating suspense and mystery. What invariably lets her down in my mind is that, after creating an engaging build-up, her delivery of the climax or of a/the final or fatal confrontation tends to fall flat or is underplayed/underdeveloped in some way.
This happens a couple of times in "The Witch from the Sea". I won't state exactly the parts I mean in case I create any spoilers, so will just mention that in the second part of the book Tamsyn is in fear of her life. The author builds-up Tamsyn's anxiety superbly, leading up to what *should've* been a dramatic confrontation, yet when the moment arrives with all it's potential, it falls flat as a pancake. It left me thinking, "Is that it?" Another scene near the end also has great potential for being better than it turns out.
Because of the above points I have to rate this otherwise enjoyable tale four stars instead of five.
June 8, 2016
I loved every page of this book! I couldn't put it down! And, it was written by one of my all-time favorite authors!!!
January 23, 2023
Another great one in the series and very Gothic. Takes some sad turns as do the others but in ways one may not expect. Hibbert (Carr) does a great job in sketching out engaging characters and making you care about what happens to them.
Notable because ... (major plot point revealed behind the spoiler cover)
**Major Spoiler - do not read farther if you don't want to know*!!!!
Notable because ... (major plot point revealed behind the spoiler cover)
**Major Spoiler - do not read farther if you don't want to know*!!!!
December 28, 2017
Unusual Story of Treachery and Love
The third in the Daughters of England series, this one is set in the 16th century, beginning in 1588 with the defeat of the Spanish Armada. It’s the story of Linnet Pennlyon, daughter of a famous sea captain who is loyal to Queen Elizabeth. Linnet thinks she’ll marry a gentle dreamer, Fennimore Landor, who forms a trading partnership with her father. But once Colum Casvellyn, lord of Castle Paling, sees her, he makes plans to have her, drugging her to seduce her. Forced to marry him, Linnet accepts her life at Castle Paling and the man she married despite the terrible truth she learns about his business.
One day a pregnant woman washes ashore from a shipwreck. They name her Maria as she has no memory. She is an odd woman, thought strikingly beautiful. The servants call her a witch since she arrived on Halloween. Maria is an intriguing figure, acting like the mistress of the castle. Unsurprisingly, Colum is attracted to her dark beauty and Linnet is frightened for her safety.
Written in the first person, half way through the book, we switch from Linnet’s head to her daughter Tamsyn’s, which, I confess, was a bit jarring. Still both “heroines” were worthy characters.
Carr (aka Victoria Holt) is a master at creating and sustaining suspense and she does so well in this story, first with Linnet and then Tamsyn, each living in fear of the witch from the sea. The tale definitely has a Gothic feel (haunted castle, mysterious witch, strange goings on, etc.). Colum, as a “hero”, is an enigmatic figure and really more of a villain.
It’s long at nearly 400 pages and it feels long. Still, it’s a story that will draw you in. For the Gothic romance lovers it’s a worthy story and it does have a happy ending though it’s rather abrupt.
The third in the Daughters of England series, this one is set in the 16th century, beginning in 1588 with the defeat of the Spanish Armada. It’s the story of Linnet Pennlyon, daughter of a famous sea captain who is loyal to Queen Elizabeth. Linnet thinks she’ll marry a gentle dreamer, Fennimore Landor, who forms a trading partnership with her father. But once Colum Casvellyn, lord of Castle Paling, sees her, he makes plans to have her, drugging her to seduce her. Forced to marry him, Linnet accepts her life at Castle Paling and the man she married despite the terrible truth she learns about his business.
One day a pregnant woman washes ashore from a shipwreck. They name her Maria as she has no memory. She is an odd woman, thought strikingly beautiful. The servants call her a witch since she arrived on Halloween. Maria is an intriguing figure, acting like the mistress of the castle. Unsurprisingly, Colum is attracted to her dark beauty and Linnet is frightened for her safety.
Written in the first person, half way through the book, we switch from Linnet’s head to her daughter Tamsyn’s, which, I confess, was a bit jarring. Still both “heroines” were worthy characters.
Carr (aka Victoria Holt) is a master at creating and sustaining suspense and she does so well in this story, first with Linnet and then Tamsyn, each living in fear of the witch from the sea. The tale definitely has a Gothic feel (haunted castle, mysterious witch, strange goings on, etc.). Colum, as a “hero”, is an enigmatic figure and really more of a villain.
It’s long at nearly 400 pages and it feels long. Still, it’s a story that will draw you in. For the Gothic romance lovers it’s a worthy story and it does have a happy ending though it’s rather abrupt.
August 21, 2014
This is the second of a series. I didn't like the first one I read and I don't like this one either. It's very, very long and very, very tedious. I read half of it and that probably says far too much about me.
Read
March 26, 2025Van de liefste oma 💙👼🏻
December 29, 2015
This is really a 3.5. I enjoyed reading it and it kept me reading but I was frustrated with this book for several reasons. One it switched characters halfway through the book. It needed to do this but I was not expecting it and it upset me. Second The first main character made a horrible choice and I just wanted to yell at her. I don't want to say what it is and ruin the book but nowadays people are put in jail for what happened to her and she seemed to think it was ok. I have read many Victoria Holt novels but not many of her books as Philippa Carr. I saw a few of the same elements in this book but it was generally much different from her Victoria Holt books. I do look forward to reading more.
May 6, 2008
Carr has such an engaging writing style. I read a few of her works... more as Victoria Holt when I was younger, so I wanted to try some of these as well. It's set in the 16th century, and is a gothic mystery/romance. :)
Well, so far, the female protagonist has been drugged and raped by the mysterious Colum and is now in a quandry. Boy, these novels would never pass the feminist smell test these days! Yeesh.
Well, so far, the female protagonist has been drugged and raped by the mysterious Colum and is now in a quandry. Boy, these novels would never pass the feminist smell test these days! Yeesh.
January 16, 2009
I wanted to read a book about a witch. This wasn't what I wanted. I didn't much care for the storyline, but I finished it, which gives it 2 stars.
July 12, 2024
Well that was an abrupt ending!
April 12, 2012
I was looking for a quick, light and easy read and that's exactly what I got, so I have no reason to complain. I didn't connect with any of the characters, it's not original or anything special and it's not a story that'll stay with me for a very long time. Actual rating 1,5 stars.
The story takes place at the end of the 16th and the beginning of the 17th century in England. The war against the Spanish, brutal murders, looting and witch hunts are as much a part of daily life as eating and drinking. Real man are brutal, violent, dominant, the master of their house/castle and women are only to obey and produce many sons. I'm surely glad I didn't live in that era.
It's all about Linnet, an innocent young girl, that is raped and forced to marry her rapist, because she is pregnant. Her husband is one of the worst kind and when she finds out how he makes his living it's too late. She wants to leave, but he doesn't allow her to take their children with her, so she is forced to stay and hide his secrets. The Witch of the Sea shows up at Halloween and is out for revenge. Linnet dies a mysterious death and only after many years her only daughter finds out that it was murder which puts her in great danger.
From the beginning until the death of Linnet it was predictable,but okay. With the first mention of Devil's Teeth I knew what was going on. The last 100 pages were a kind of boring.
The story takes place at the end of the 16th and the beginning of the 17th century in England. The war against the Spanish, brutal murders, looting and witch hunts are as much a part of daily life as eating and drinking. Real man are brutal, violent, dominant, the master of their house/castle and women are only to obey and produce many sons. I'm surely glad I didn't live in that era.
It's all about Linnet, an innocent young girl, that is raped and forced to marry her rapist, because she is pregnant. Her husband is one of the worst kind and when she finds out how he makes his living it's too late. She wants to leave, but he doesn't allow her to take their children with her, so she is forced to stay and hide his secrets. The Witch of the Sea shows up at Halloween and is out for revenge. Linnet dies a mysterious death and only after many years her only daughter finds out that it was murder which puts her in great danger.
From the beginning until the death of Linnet it was predictable,but okay. With the first mention of Devil's Teeth I knew what was going on. The last 100 pages were a kind of boring.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
off-tbr-and-into-wpb
March 6, 2014Read By: Marie McCarthy
Genre: Historical Fiction
Publisher: ISIS Audio Books
Series: Daughters of England
Series No: 03
Abridged: No
The Third book in the Daughters of England Series
blurb - Although somewhat formulaic, these books still have the power to keep the reader turning the pages. This one is set in Elizabethan England and tells the story of a young woman, Linnet Pennlyon, who is on the brink of becoming betrothed to one man, only to find herself forced to marry another, the rakish Colum Casvellyn, when circumstances intervene to change her fate.
Her passionate relationship with her husband changes over time, when Linnet discovers some secrets about her husband that she would have been better off not knowing. Moreover, when a stunningly beautiful stranger is cast upon the shores of the their castle, Linnet's life is never again the same. It is then left to her daughter, Tamsyn, to set to right what once went wrong.
Genre: Historical Fiction
Publisher: ISIS Audio Books
Series: Daughters of England
Series No: 03
Abridged: No
The Third book in the Daughters of England Series
blurb - Although somewhat formulaic, these books still have the power to keep the reader turning the pages. This one is set in Elizabethan England and tells the story of a young woman, Linnet Pennlyon, who is on the brink of becoming betrothed to one man, only to find herself forced to marry another, the rakish Colum Casvellyn, when circumstances intervene to change her fate.
Her passionate relationship with her husband changes over time, when Linnet discovers some secrets about her husband that she would have been better off not knowing. Moreover, when a stunningly beautiful stranger is cast upon the shores of the their castle, Linnet's life is never again the same. It is then left to her daughter, Tamsyn, to set to right what once went wrong.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 22, 2017
This book was slow for me until about midway into it. Then it just took off and I could not put it down. It is in two parts. Linnet/Tamsyn. Linnet is a young woman who gets raped and then she is forced to marry the rapist. She ends up falling in love with him. After marrying him, she finds out that he has a dark side and many dangerous secrets. While he appears to truly love Linnet, he makes it no secret that as long as she pleases him, there will be no other woman. While out walking on the beach one day, Linnet finds a beautiful woman that has washed up on the shore. She is injured and Linnet has her taken to the castle to care for her. She is so beautiful and mysterious the servants soon begin to whisper that she is a witch. Linnet begins to fear that her husband will be bewitched by her beauty. The second part focuses on Linnet's daughter Tamysn. I will not explain anymore, not to give away any spoilers.
March 4, 2013
Philippa Carr book The Witch from the Sea is an interesting book.
It’s the third book from the series Daughters of England. As with all series you expect some similar story lines, some similar occurrences, but the third book verifies that all her books could very easily be different.
In this third book, there are actually two main characters, two daughters of England. And as in the previous books, the story is very compelling and full of surprises.
Although there were times when the husband and best friend/sister really made me angry, it was still interesting to read. And if you have read the previous books, there are some really sad parts in this book too.
Wonderful book.
It’s the third book from the series Daughters of England. As with all series you expect some similar story lines, some similar occurrences, but the third book verifies that all her books could very easily be different.
In this third book, there are actually two main characters, two daughters of England. And as in the previous books, the story is very compelling and full of surprises.
Although there were times when the husband and best friend/sister really made me angry, it was still interesting to read. And if you have read the previous books, there are some really sad parts in this book too.
Wonderful book.
January 25, 2013
I am re-reading these books in order (When I can find them in order. I do own quite a few of these, but not all.) I enjoyed them very much when I was younger, and although I still remember some of the story lines, it is fun to read them again. However, this wasn't one of my favorites because it is a stretch to me to see how she could be happy with this man. You do need to read even the ones like this though, because otherwise there are gaps in the long story line of Philippa Carr. All of the books fit together.
August 21, 2014
This DOE novel is a bit different from its predecessors because of its much darker, more Gothic feel. I'm sure the witch aspect of the story has nothing to do with that ;).
We meet Linnet Pennlyon when she's older and of marriageable age (of course) and we see her life change dramatically when she meets Colum Casvellyn (her future husband). We're also introduced to her daughter, Tamsyn, and hear a bit of her story as a young girl and woman as well. This book is full of twists and turns that I didn't expect and I'm just as excited to start on the fourth book in this series!
We meet Linnet Pennlyon when she's older and of marriageable age (of course) and we see her life change dramatically when she meets Colum Casvellyn (her future husband). We're also introduced to her daughter, Tamsyn, and hear a bit of her story as a young girl and woman as well. This book is full of twists and turns that I didn't expect and I'm just as excited to start on the fourth book in this series!
November 8, 2009
The only reason I finished this book is because it was the source of the 'y' in my name. My mom got "Tamsin" from The Return of the Native, and loved it, and the only worthwhile thing we got from this book was "Tamsyn". It's a very dark book, and I wouldn't recommend it to anyone. It is very spellbinding, hard to put down. Mom told me she didn't like it very much. Oh well, we've all read a few books like this, haven't we?
February 11, 2013
Der Stil dieses Buches ist eine Katastrophe. Da gibt es kein "Show" (also Zeigen von Gefühlen und Geschehnissen) sondern nur "Tell" (also Erzählen jeder Einzelheit von Emotionen und langweiligen Handlungssträngen. Linnets Naivität wird nur von ihren kindischen, romantischen Emotionen für den abgebrühten, brutalen Colum übertroffen. Dieses Buch kann ich wirklich nicht weiterempfehlen.
Fazit: der totale Reinfall!
Fazit: der totale Reinfall!
Read
December 25, 2015***************SPOILERS*****************************
I don't like the idea of someone remaining with a rapist but I generally enjoy this author's works. I will say though it was a very interesting choice from a literary standpoint to have the narrator die halfway through and have the story picked up by a different person. I actually used that in a project for my history class in high school that reminded me very much of how this book was done.
I don't like the idea of someone remaining with a rapist but I generally enjoy this author's works. I will say though it was a very interesting choice from a literary standpoint to have the narrator die halfway through and have the story picked up by a different person. I actually used that in a project for my history class in high school that reminded me very much of how this book was done.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 13, 2014
Part of a series of mother to daughter generations stories telling the history of England from Henry VIII to WW II. Fabulous to read them all in order. Each one is a gem; each is surprising and well written.
This one was eerie and as the title suggests, a little mysterious. Great sense of place in the castle on the rocky cliffs.
This one was eerie and as the title suggests, a little mysterious. Great sense of place in the castle on the rocky cliffs.
Read
June 8, 2016this book is not a happy ever after book. I usually find the hero has some redeeming quality but not in this story. I was upset with the heroine and her choices. But I did find myself looking for the next book at the library since would not buy the series. 2 stars.
June 22, 2011
book three of the philippa carr series.
August 30, 2011
Darkly compelling in spells and starts, but not an overall success in maintaining my interest, this novel is a fair addition to any gothic lit. bookshelf.
Want to read
August 4, 2012I registered a book at BookCrossing.com!
http://www.BookCrossing.com/journal/7333960
http://www.BookCrossing.com/journal/7333960
Read
September 11, 2016Rather weak. Not up to the first two in the series.
November 14, 2014
found it a bit plodding by the end. may not be reading any more of these
Read
September 19, 2018I'm having a hard time deciding how many stars to rate this book. It is decidedly vulgar, and some of the main characters are such villainous creatures. However, the story was so well-written, and I kinda enjoyed the reading experience.
The story is like a cross between Wuthering Heights and some whodunit mystery. The main guy is a zillion times worse than Heathcliff, yet . Or maybe he is. 🤨 And the real culprit, well,
I don't understand why a woman would choose to stay with a man who (immensely) satisfies her physically, yet scares the crap out of her and doesn't let her feel safe emotionally or mentally. Like, what the heck? Girls, I think this book was written as a warning for us. Although I'm sure that many of us would have the head not to .
No matter how alluring he is, no matter how he satisfies the senses, no matter anything, stay away from such people and trust your heart. Your heart will lead you to where you will be safe and loved, in all aspects. It will lead you to people like Fennimore Landor.
I was glad that the next generation is alright, just like in Wuthering Heights, and although at first I was scared for Melanie II, I realized that it was going to be okay. Do you know why? Because you never inherit genes from only one parent. You always inherit them from both, so if your father is wicked but your mother is a good soul, then you turn out alright. Flawed, but alright.
Honestly, the guy reminded me of Tracy Belmanoir from The Black Moth, and you know how much I hated that guy. Well, this one is even worse, so I can't describe how I loathe and despise him and wish he suffered some more.
Well, that's about it. No, wait a moment. I plan on using this book as a starter for my fireplace when the weather gets a tad bit colder. And I'm dead serious. 😊 Now that, is the end.
The story is like a cross between Wuthering Heights and some whodunit mystery. The main guy is a zillion times worse than Heathcliff, yet . Or maybe he is. 🤨 And the real culprit, well,
I don't understand why a woman would choose to stay with a man who (immensely) satisfies her physically, yet scares the crap out of her and doesn't let her feel safe emotionally or mentally. Like, what the heck? Girls, I think this book was written as a warning for us. Although I'm sure that many of us would have the head not to .
No matter how alluring he is, no matter how he satisfies the senses, no matter anything, stay away from such people and trust your heart. Your heart will lead you to where you will be safe and loved, in all aspects. It will lead you to people like Fennimore Landor.
I was glad that the next generation is alright, just like in Wuthering Heights, and although at first I was scared for Melanie II, I realized that it was going to be okay. Do you know why? Because you never inherit genes from only one parent. You always inherit them from both, so if your father is wicked but your mother is a good soul, then you turn out alright. Flawed, but alright.
Honestly, the guy reminded me of Tracy Belmanoir from The Black Moth, and you know how much I hated that guy. Well, this one is even worse, so I can't describe how I loathe and despise him and wish he suffered some more.
Well, that's about it. No, wait a moment. I plan on using this book as a starter for my fireplace when the weather gets a tad bit colder. And I'm dead serious. 😊 Now that, is the end.
January 23, 2022
Dopo una prima parte che mi aveva fatto credere che l'autrice fosse impazzita, la seconda ha avuto diversi momenti in cui sono stata con il cuore in gola, temendo per la protagonista.
Inizia anche ad avere un tono un più più maturo, dove prima le morti erano funzionali al "bene" della protagonista o al suo lieto fine, qui ci sono morti a causa della cattiveria di altri, non solo perché è un paese in guerra costante - anzi, la nascita della Compagnia delle Indie nella visione di alcuni personaggi, avrebbe portato pace all'Inghilterra.
Ho anche di nuovo voglia di sapere come va avanti, anche se ormai mi sono arresa al fatto di non sapere niente di Roberto [e quindi fino a prova contraria, per me è riuscito ad arrivare in Spagna e riprendersi il suo posto u.u], così come non sappiamo più niente di un sacco di personaggi che sembrano essere spariti, complichi le distanze insormontabili all'epoca e la visione ristretta data dall'essere, praticamente, un diario scritto di volta in volta da una figlia diversa.
Inizia anche ad avere un tono un più più maturo, dove prima le morti erano funzionali al "bene" della protagonista o al suo lieto fine, qui ci sono morti a causa della cattiveria di altri, non solo perché è un paese in guerra costante - anzi, la nascita della Compagnia delle Indie nella visione di alcuni personaggi, avrebbe portato pace all'Inghilterra.
Ho anche di nuovo voglia di sapere come va avanti, anche se ormai mi sono arresa al fatto di non sapere niente di Roberto [e quindi fino a prova contraria, per me è riuscito ad arrivare in Spagna e riprendersi il suo posto u.u], così come non sappiamo più niente di un sacco di personaggi che sembrano essere spariti, complichi le distanze insormontabili all'epoca e la visione ristretta data dall'essere, praticamente, un diario scritto di volta in volta da una figlia diversa.
March 8, 2018
This book picks up with the 1600s story of Linnet and her mother going to meet a possible husband at his home. Staying st an inn, an arrogant landowner arrives and demands to gave their room. After an ugly scene, they keep the room and mame their way to the suitor. On the way back, the landowner pretends to save Linnet from road bandits, and takes he to his castle where he drugs and rapes her and she becomes pregnant. He persuades her to marry him to save her name.
So begins another tale around tyrant men imposing their will on female victims, with a counter weave of lords and ladies, pirates, and the religious struggles of the monarchs in power. This is another odd story of women being victimized by wealthy men. After the 3rd one of these formula books, it's time for a break. Here in 2018, it seems we have the same themes of rich men controlling women in a religious controlled cluster-fuck. Some things never change!
So begins another tale around tyrant men imposing their will on female victims, with a counter weave of lords and ladies, pirates, and the religious struggles of the monarchs in power. This is another odd story of women being victimized by wealthy men. After the 3rd one of these formula books, it's time for a break. Here in 2018, it seems we have the same themes of rich men controlling women in a religious controlled cluster-fuck. Some things never change!
February 6, 2018
I first read this when I was 18 and could remember nothing about it except the names of two of the characters, so I approached it as if it were a first time reading. What became clear to me is how our reading tastes change over the years.
I feel it is very a good example of gothic fiction with all the key elements in place: the haunted castle, the gloomy and suspicious atmosphere, the supernatural happenings, females in danger and under threat with, in this case, just a whisper of romance. I say this because the true male heroes of the story were painted as wimpish and referred to as such by at least one of the other characters. The key male character had no redeeming features whatsoever and there was nothing at all to make us see him as in the least attractive. He was pure evil.
I feel it is very a good example of gothic fiction with all the key elements in place: the haunted castle, the gloomy and suspicious atmosphere, the supernatural happenings, females in danger and under threat with, in this case, just a whisper of romance. I say this because the true male heroes of the story were painted as wimpish and referred to as such by at least one of the other characters. The key male character had no redeeming features whatsoever and there was nothing at all to make us see him as in the least attractive. He was pure evil.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews