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The House Between Tides
An atmospheric debut novel about a woman who discovers the century-old remains of a murder victim on her family’s Scottish estate, plunging her into an investigation of its mysterious former occupants.
Following the death of her last living relative, Hetty Deveraux leaves London and her strained relationship behind for Muirlan, her ancestral home in Scotland’s Outer Hebrides. She intends to renovate the ruinous house into a hotel, but the shocking discovery of human remains brings her ambitious restoration plans to an abrupt halt before they even begin. Few physical clues are left to identify the body, but one thing is certain: this person did not die a natural death.
Hungry for answers, Hetty discovers that Muirlan was once the refuge of her distant relative Theo Blake, the acclaimed painter and naturalist who brought his new bride, Beatrice, there in 1910. Yet ancient gossip and a handful of leads reveal that their marriage was far from perfect; Beatrice eventually vanished from the island, never to return, and Theo withdrew from society, his paintings becoming increasingly dark and disturbing.
What happened between them has remained a mystery, but as Hetty listens to the locals and studies the masterful paintings produced by Theo during his short-lived marriage, she uncovers secrets that still reverberate through the small island community—and will lead her to the identity of the long-hidden body.
Following the death of her last living relative, Hetty Deveraux leaves London and her strained relationship behind for Muirlan, her ancestral home in Scotland’s Outer Hebrides. She intends to renovate the ruinous house into a hotel, but the shocking discovery of human remains brings her ambitious restoration plans to an abrupt halt before they even begin. Few physical clues are left to identify the body, but one thing is certain: this person did not die a natural death.
Hungry for answers, Hetty discovers that Muirlan was once the refuge of her distant relative Theo Blake, the acclaimed painter and naturalist who brought his new bride, Beatrice, there in 1910. Yet ancient gossip and a handful of leads reveal that their marriage was far from perfect; Beatrice eventually vanished from the island, never to return, and Theo withdrew from society, his paintings becoming increasingly dark and disturbing.
What happened between them has remained a mystery, but as Hetty listens to the locals and studies the masterful paintings produced by Theo during his short-lived marriage, she uncovers secrets that still reverberate through the small island community—and will lead her to the identity of the long-hidden body.
387 pages, Paperback
First published March 24, 2014
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12011 people want to read
About the author
Sarah Maine
9 books431 followersSarah Maine was born in England and emigrated to Canada with her family at the age of ten. A small northern Ontario community was home for the next two years before the family moved south, and Sarah went to high school in Toronto. She returned to England to study archaeology, stayed on to do research and work, married there and has two sons.
Books were always important. She grew up on a diet of Arthur Ransome and Robert Louis Stevenson but also the classics, Jane Austen and the Brontés and, of course, Daphne du Maurier - but now enjoys a wide range of contemporary fiction.
She has publlished three books - The House between Tides, Beyond the Wild River and Women of the Dunes and is currently working on her fourth, set partly in New Zealand.
Books were always important. She grew up on a diet of Arthur Ransome and Robert Louis Stevenson but also the classics, Jane Austen and the Brontés and, of course, Daphne du Maurier - but now enjoys a wide range of contemporary fiction.
She has publlished three books - The House between Tides, Beyond the Wild River and Women of the Dunes and is currently working on her fourth, set partly in New Zealand.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,048 reviews
June 18, 2023
Harriet hat ein altes Herrenhaus auf einer abgelegenen Insel der schottischen Hebriden geerbt. Als sie sich "Bhalla House" ansehen möchte, erlebt sie eine Überraschung. Das alte Haus ist verfallen; es ist nur noch eine Ruine. Trotzdem überlegt sie, aus dem alten Haus ein Hotel zu machen. Doch zunächst hat sie ganz andere Sorgen, denn unter den Bodendielen des alten Hauses wird ein Skelett gefunden...
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Mein Leseeindruck:
Ich mag alte Familiengeheimnisse und Geschichten, die sowohl in der Gegenwart als auch in der Vergangenheit spielen. Der Klappentext dieses Buches hat mich daher sofort sehr angesprochen.
Erzählt wird die Geschichte von Harriet in der Gegenwart, die das alte Herrenhaus erbt. Dann führt uns die Autorin immer mal wieder zurück in die Vergangenheit ins Jahr 1910. Hier beziehen gerade der Maler Theo und seine frischgebackene Ehefrau Beatrice das Herrenhaus.
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Beide Erzählstränge haben mir gut gefallen, und ich mochte sowohl den Schreibstil der Autorin als auch das Setting. Trotzdem konnte mich das Buch allerdings nicht so sehr fesseln, wie ich es mir erhofft hatte. Ich kann nicht genau sagen, woran das liegt, aber ich habe weder zu Harriet, noch zu Beatrice einen wirklichen Zugang gefunden. Die Figuren haben mich nicht vollständig überzeugt bzw. in ihren Bann ziehen können. Ich habe nicht mit ihnen gefühlt. Da hat mir einfach das gewisse Etwas gefehlt.
Streckenweise war die Geschichte für mich auch etwas langatmig. Ich habe das Buch zwar gerne gelesen, aber manchmal hätte ich mir etwas mehr Handlung bzw. Spannung gewünscht.
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Zusammenfassend kann ich sagen, dass "Die gestohlenen Stunden" von Sarah Maine ein gutes und unterhaltsames Buch ist, es aber noch ein bisschen Luft nach oben gibt.
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Mein Leseeindruck:
Ich mag alte Familiengeheimnisse und Geschichten, die sowohl in der Gegenwart als auch in der Vergangenheit spielen. Der Klappentext dieses Buches hat mich daher sofort sehr angesprochen.
Erzählt wird die Geschichte von Harriet in der Gegenwart, die das alte Herrenhaus erbt. Dann führt uns die Autorin immer mal wieder zurück in die Vergangenheit ins Jahr 1910. Hier beziehen gerade der Maler Theo und seine frischgebackene Ehefrau Beatrice das Herrenhaus.
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Beide Erzählstränge haben mir gut gefallen, und ich mochte sowohl den Schreibstil der Autorin als auch das Setting. Trotzdem konnte mich das Buch allerdings nicht so sehr fesseln, wie ich es mir erhofft hatte. Ich kann nicht genau sagen, woran das liegt, aber ich habe weder zu Harriet, noch zu Beatrice einen wirklichen Zugang gefunden. Die Figuren haben mich nicht vollständig überzeugt bzw. in ihren Bann ziehen können. Ich habe nicht mit ihnen gefühlt. Da hat mir einfach das gewisse Etwas gefehlt.
Streckenweise war die Geschichte für mich auch etwas langatmig. Ich habe das Buch zwar gerne gelesen, aber manchmal hätte ich mir etwas mehr Handlung bzw. Spannung gewünscht.
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Zusammenfassend kann ich sagen, dass "Die gestohlenen Stunden" von Sarah Maine ein gutes und unterhaltsames Buch ist, es aber noch ein bisschen Luft nach oben gibt.
August 10, 2016
3.5 Hetty, the last of her bloodline inherits Muirlan House on Scotland's Outer Hebrides. She has plans to repair and turn it into a fashionable hotel with golf course. The house though would take a fortune to repair and when a young architect with ties to the island finds bones under one of the floors a mystery begins. Whose bones are these and how did they get there?
Dual storylines, time periods, from the present back to 1910 when a painter, Hetty's ancestor brings his new wife to Muirlan. This is a very atmospheric book, beautifully and written with an ethereal air. Wonderful descriptions of birds, landscape, the sea and the people, some who have lived in the crofts on the property for generations. Which is bone of dissension as many of these people were displaced during the building of the big house, which the locals consider a rich mans whimsy. Some great characters, tension, suspense, also a love triangle, wonderful paintings with a story of their own, has a little of everything but it all works awfully well together. This is one of those stories that totally encompass the reader, and I liked that most of the story was told by the perspective of 1910 and the people who inhabited that time. Just good old atmospheric story telling with a modern twist. Sometimes things in the past don't work out the way they should but bear fruit in the future. A good book to snooker down with during a thunderstorm.
ARC from Netgalley.
Dual storylines, time periods, from the present back to 1910 when a painter, Hetty's ancestor brings his new wife to Muirlan. This is a very atmospheric book, beautifully and written with an ethereal air. Wonderful descriptions of birds, landscape, the sea and the people, some who have lived in the crofts on the property for generations. Which is bone of dissension as many of these people were displaced during the building of the big house, which the locals consider a rich mans whimsy. Some great characters, tension, suspense, also a love triangle, wonderful paintings with a story of their own, has a little of everything but it all works awfully well together. This is one of those stories that totally encompass the reader, and I liked that most of the story was told by the perspective of 1910 and the people who inhabited that time. Just good old atmospheric story telling with a modern twist. Sometimes things in the past don't work out the way they should but bear fruit in the future. A good book to snooker down with during a thunderstorm.
ARC from Netgalley.
August 15, 2016
The setting of the crumbling mansion in the Outer Hebrides is portrayed well. A place that is accessible only when it is low tide makes for an atmospheric feel. Some of the descriptive writing is beautiful. I liked the character of Beatrice the story set in 1910, but was not as enamoured as the story in 2010 as I found Hetty to be largely a passive character. The secrets that the house has buried I thought were fairly predictable, despite a few hints trying to focus attention another way. At times I got annoyed with the time and point of view changes.
This was an enjoyable read, yet my review is tempered with a couple of reservations. One was that the idea of dual time lines of stories and the inherited mansion in a remote place seems to have been done to death. I have read a couple recently and I admit that could have affected my appreciation for this book. The second is the theme of the tortured artist which also seems to be overworked. I think these two aspects prevented me from engaging more fully with this story. It too similar to some others read recently and that has coloured my opinion. But I found it a bit slow. Consequently it didn’t compel me to pick it back up and so it took me a while to read it. But maybe be that is more to do with me, than the author’s work and the quality of the book. So if you like books with isolated settings, dual timelines and a house and family with secrets, you should enjoy this. I will be interested to read this author’s next book.
This was an enjoyable read, yet my review is tempered with a couple of reservations. One was that the idea of dual time lines of stories and the inherited mansion in a remote place seems to have been done to death. I have read a couple recently and I admit that could have affected my appreciation for this book. The second is the theme of the tortured artist which also seems to be overworked. I think these two aspects prevented me from engaging more fully with this story. It too similar to some others read recently and that has coloured my opinion. But I found it a bit slow. Consequently it didn’t compel me to pick it back up and so it took me a while to read it. But maybe be that is more to do with me, than the author’s work and the quality of the book. So if you like books with isolated settings, dual timelines and a house and family with secrets, you should enjoy this. I will be interested to read this author’s next book.
July 4, 2016
3 stars--I liked the book.
This is one of those dual timeline novels, with family secrets galore and someone in the present trying to determine what happened in the past. I enjoy this genre, and think readers who like Kate Morton, etc., will enjoy this book. The Scotland setting is lovely, and characterization is vivid.
I would have given this four stars except the main character in the present-day chapters, Hetty, was the biggest doormat of all time. Bland and spineless, Hetty does nothing but listen to one man's opinion after another, never making her own decisions or choices. Even at the end, when supposedly she grows a backbone, she's just substituting a different man's opinion. Annoying!
Still, I'll likely read the author's next book; this mix of mystery and historical fiction is one of my favorite genres.
I received this review copy from the publisher on NetGalley. Thanks for the opportunity to read and review; I appreciate it!
This is one of those dual timeline novels, with family secrets galore and someone in the present trying to determine what happened in the past. I enjoy this genre, and think readers who like Kate Morton, etc., will enjoy this book. The Scotland setting is lovely, and characterization is vivid.
I would have given this four stars except the main character in the present-day chapters, Hetty, was the biggest doormat of all time. Bland and spineless, Hetty does nothing but listen to one man's opinion after another, never making her own decisions or choices. Even at the end, when supposedly she grows a backbone, she's just substituting a different man's opinion. Annoying!
Still, I'll likely read the author's next book; this mix of mystery and historical fiction is one of my favorite genres.
I received this review copy from the publisher on NetGalley. Thanks for the opportunity to read and review; I appreciate it!
June 7, 2021
There is a plot convention that you will all be familiar with, the dual timeline, past and present, the present characters having some reason to be attempting to unfold the story of those in the past. I confess, when it is done well, it is a device I obviously enjoy. I usually find myself wrapped up in the characters of the past, however, with little interest in those of the present. Sarah Maine was able to keep me involved in both time frames with almost equal interest, so that I did not feel resentment when the story set in 1910 segued to the story in 2014.
Again, in hardly a new plot line, Hetty Deveraux, a Londoner, has lost her parents and thus inherited a crumbling estate in Scotland, which once belonged to a distant relative, renowned painter, Theo Blake. In the process of surveying to see what can be done with rebuilding the house, bones are found on the premises-- old bones buried under flooring, an obvious indication of murder. That Sarah Maine makes this feel like a fresh storyline is another almost miraculous achievement.
There are handsome, brooding men and women who are trying to establish their independence; and there is a very nice subplot regarding the responsibilities of people to the land and natural preservation. This is done without being heavy-handed and fits itself with perfection into both time frames. The atmosphere is haunting, as the house is set on an island that can be accessed across the strand only at low tides, and Maine is skilled in her descriptions and mood creation. She is able to make the setting both an ideal and gloomily isolated, so that the house and its surroundings seem to take on and reflect the characters moods and feelings.
It was serendipity that I happened to be reading this book right now. It wasn’t what I intended, but the electricity failed, making the ebooks I had planned inaccessible, and this was the top book on a stack of “real” books I hadn’t gotten to yet. I am happy the power had its glitch. I enjoyed this break and having the freedom to just sink into a story and get lost for a few hours of pure enjoyment.
Again, in hardly a new plot line, Hetty Deveraux, a Londoner, has lost her parents and thus inherited a crumbling estate in Scotland, which once belonged to a distant relative, renowned painter, Theo Blake. In the process of surveying to see what can be done with rebuilding the house, bones are found on the premises-- old bones buried under flooring, an obvious indication of murder. That Sarah Maine makes this feel like a fresh storyline is another almost miraculous achievement.
There are handsome, brooding men and women who are trying to establish their independence; and there is a very nice subplot regarding the responsibilities of people to the land and natural preservation. This is done without being heavy-handed and fits itself with perfection into both time frames. The atmosphere is haunting, as the house is set on an island that can be accessed across the strand only at low tides, and Maine is skilled in her descriptions and mood creation. She is able to make the setting both an ideal and gloomily isolated, so that the house and its surroundings seem to take on and reflect the characters moods and feelings.
It was serendipity that I happened to be reading this book right now. It wasn’t what I intended, but the electricity failed, making the ebooks I had planned inaccessible, and this was the top book on a stack of “real” books I hadn’t gotten to yet. I am happy the power had its glitch. I enjoyed this break and having the freedom to just sink into a story and get lost for a few hours of pure enjoyment.
November 4, 2016
I couldn't put this book down. It was atmospheric, had that gothic feel to it, & throughout, I felt the isolation that Beatrice felt. It one of those books that I get lost in, not because so much is happening but because of the wonderful storytelling.
August 2, 2016
THE HOUSE OF TIDES drew me in with its eerie crumbling mansion complete with a mysterious skeleton hidden inside. The story is set in the Outer Hebrides of Scotland, and the land upon which Muirlan House sits is only accessible when the tides are out. The author created a wonderfully creepy Gothic atmosphere with this tumbledown house and isolated location.
The story alternates between different time periods - 2010, when Hetty inherits the house, and at the turn of the last century, when artist Theo Blake lived there with his young wife, Beatrice. While the murder mystery was intriguing, I had a hard time clicking with the characters, especially Hetty, who acted like a meek doormat a lot of the time. Beatrice was my favorite by far, she had spirit, though all the talk about Theo's bird obsession slowed the pace down.
This book is a nice mix of quiet mystery/suspense, romance, and historical fiction. A bit slow in parts, but still kept me curious about the ending. 3.5 stars.
Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
The story alternates between different time periods - 2010, when Hetty inherits the house, and at the turn of the last century, when artist Theo Blake lived there with his young wife, Beatrice. While the murder mystery was intriguing, I had a hard time clicking with the characters, especially Hetty, who acted like a meek doormat a lot of the time. Beatrice was my favorite by far, she had spirit, though all the talk about Theo's bird obsession slowed the pace down.
This book is a nice mix of quiet mystery/suspense, romance, and historical fiction. A bit slow in parts, but still kept me curious about the ending. 3.5 stars.
Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
July 19, 2016
The Western Isles off mainland Scotland is the locale for Muirlan House a crumbling Gothic- like mansion inherited by Hetty Deveraux. Hetty is the last surviving relative of Emily Blake, sister of Theo Blake, chief resident, painter, bird cataloguer and mad man who drowned himself in 1912.
Hetty visits Muirlan House to assess the potential of turning the manse into a hotel. It will be a fresh start since she is reeling from the death of her parents and trying to escape a smothering, overprotective boyfriend. Island local James Cameron, a contractor has evaluated Muirlan House determining that the structure is unsound. Shockingly, he unearths a cracked skull, an empty eye socket, and a locket with the initials BJS secreted beneath the floorboards of the mansion's decaying conservatory. A crime of long standing must now be solved. Additionally, the stage is set for a battle between the locals who wish to conserve the refuge of wild beauty which is replete with croft houses, cottages and small harbors. Hetty is determined to restore Muirlan House and possibly embellish this new hotel with the addition of golf courses and wildlife shooting excursions.
Recounted in the alternating voices of Beatrice, Theo Blake's bride in 1910 and Hetty, the last Blake descendant in 2010, an unsettling story emerges. Hetty tries to evoke Theo's painting genius, Beatrice's isolation and the lives of the tenants on an island where the ebb and flow of tides dictate the lives of the dwellers. Hetty visits the landscapes defining Theo's paintings, reads old letters and views old photographs delving into her ancestry and that of the islanders. A history of love, passion and betrayal mimic the stark beauty and violent storms that occur on the remote island.
Sarah Maine has created an historical novel that merits comparison to Daphne du Maurier's atmospheric writing. Maine's descriptive style transports one to the unspoiled Outer Hebrides. An excellent debut novel.
Thank you Freight Books and Net Galley for the opportunity to read and review The House Between Tides.
Hetty visits Muirlan House to assess the potential of turning the manse into a hotel. It will be a fresh start since she is reeling from the death of her parents and trying to escape a smothering, overprotective boyfriend. Island local James Cameron, a contractor has evaluated Muirlan House determining that the structure is unsound. Shockingly, he unearths a cracked skull, an empty eye socket, and a locket with the initials BJS secreted beneath the floorboards of the mansion's decaying conservatory. A crime of long standing must now be solved. Additionally, the stage is set for a battle between the locals who wish to conserve the refuge of wild beauty which is replete with croft houses, cottages and small harbors. Hetty is determined to restore Muirlan House and possibly embellish this new hotel with the addition of golf courses and wildlife shooting excursions.
Recounted in the alternating voices of Beatrice, Theo Blake's bride in 1910 and Hetty, the last Blake descendant in 2010, an unsettling story emerges. Hetty tries to evoke Theo's painting genius, Beatrice's isolation and the lives of the tenants on an island where the ebb and flow of tides dictate the lives of the dwellers. Hetty visits the landscapes defining Theo's paintings, reads old letters and views old photographs delving into her ancestry and that of the islanders. A history of love, passion and betrayal mimic the stark beauty and violent storms that occur on the remote island.
Sarah Maine has created an historical novel that merits comparison to Daphne du Maurier's atmospheric writing. Maine's descriptive style transports one to the unspoiled Outer Hebrides. An excellent debut novel.
Thank you Freight Books and Net Galley for the opportunity to read and review The House Between Tides.
August 7, 2019
There was a lot a really liked about this book, not least the Hebridean setting which was captured extremely well and made me want to jump on the next ferry from Skye! It was set in two different timelines of 1910/11 and 2010 and I thought that the difficulties of the varying times were dealt with well. I liked a lot of the characters in particular Beatrice from 1910 and Hetty from 2010. Even the characters who were quite odious (Giles from 2010 in particular and some of the rich, entitled reactionaries from 1910 who shot anything that moved) were easy to picture even if the desire to wring their entitled necks was the overriding emotion they provoked! They were ‘self indulgent despots’ who were ‘living a fantasy’. Yeah well, we could all name a few of those I dare say.
It was very well written and the story unfolded with ease but ultimately I felt the story was too protracted and it became obvious what was going to happen. However, I will definitely read more by Sarah Maine
It was very well written and the story unfolded with ease but ultimately I felt the story was too protracted and it became obvious what was going to happen. However, I will definitely read more by Sarah Maine
February 13, 2017
From 1910 to 2010, The Isle of Skye, inherited castles, and human bones.
THE HOUSE BETWEEN TIDES takes us back to 1910 when Theo and Beatrice Blake spent their summers in Muirlan House in the Outer Hebrides of Scotland and then to present day when Hetty inherits the ruins of the house with hopes of turning it into a hotel.
Theo and Beatrice Blake didn't do too much to make Muirlan House a home so when Hetty arrived to see her inheritance many years later, she was taken by surprise to see it in ruins and more surprised to find bones buried under the rotting floorboards.
THE HOUSE BETWEEN TIDES was a lovely read for me especially because of the setting. I enjoyed going back and forth in time to see how the characters lived then and how they lived now.
The characters themselves were interesting because of the jobs they had on the estate in 1910 and present-day Hetty who really had no clue how to live in this remote area with peat as the heating source, the constant rain, and having to be mindful of the tides.
The connection Hetty had to her ancestral family was not very strong, but strong and interesting enough to want to find things out about the family's history. And what a history it is. All she has for information, though, are photographs, paintings, a few letters, and the ruins of Muirlan House. Will these bits of evidence reveal the answers to whose bones were found as well as the mystery of who Theo Blake was and what his connection is to the girl in his earlier photos?
THE HOUSE BETWEEN TIDES is a very captivating read. The detailed, marvelous descriptions of the life and the setting are wonderful. You could just feel yourself at the social gatherings, feel the rain, feel the tension between characters, and feel the dreariness of the landscape.
If you enjoy traveling back and forth in time, mysteries, finding old letters, love affairs, and figuring out family connections, you will love THE HOUSE BETWEEN TIDES.
We also can’t forget that alluring, eerie, pull-you-in cover. It definitely sets the stage for the book.
ENJOY if you read THE HOUSE BETWEEN TIDES. A marvelous summer read or any-time-of-the-year read. 5/5
This book was given to me free of charge and without compensation by the publisher in return for an honest review.
THE HOUSE BETWEEN TIDES takes us back to 1910 when Theo and Beatrice Blake spent their summers in Muirlan House in the Outer Hebrides of Scotland and then to present day when Hetty inherits the ruins of the house with hopes of turning it into a hotel.
Theo and Beatrice Blake didn't do too much to make Muirlan House a home so when Hetty arrived to see her inheritance many years later, she was taken by surprise to see it in ruins and more surprised to find bones buried under the rotting floorboards.
THE HOUSE BETWEEN TIDES was a lovely read for me especially because of the setting. I enjoyed going back and forth in time to see how the characters lived then and how they lived now.
The characters themselves were interesting because of the jobs they had on the estate in 1910 and present-day Hetty who really had no clue how to live in this remote area with peat as the heating source, the constant rain, and having to be mindful of the tides.
The connection Hetty had to her ancestral family was not very strong, but strong and interesting enough to want to find things out about the family's history. And what a history it is. All she has for information, though, are photographs, paintings, a few letters, and the ruins of Muirlan House. Will these bits of evidence reveal the answers to whose bones were found as well as the mystery of who Theo Blake was and what his connection is to the girl in his earlier photos?
THE HOUSE BETWEEN TIDES is a very captivating read. The detailed, marvelous descriptions of the life and the setting are wonderful. You could just feel yourself at the social gatherings, feel the rain, feel the tension between characters, and feel the dreariness of the landscape.
If you enjoy traveling back and forth in time, mysteries, finding old letters, love affairs, and figuring out family connections, you will love THE HOUSE BETWEEN TIDES.
We also can’t forget that alluring, eerie, pull-you-in cover. It definitely sets the stage for the book.
ENJOY if you read THE HOUSE BETWEEN TIDES. A marvelous summer read or any-time-of-the-year read. 5/5
This book was given to me free of charge and without compensation by the publisher in return for an honest review.
June 27, 2019
The House Between Tides is one of those books that I have wanted to read for a long time, I just never got the time for it. But, I've decided to go through my ARC's and read the ones that I've been meaning to read. And, I started with this one.
The House Between Tides title, description, and cover captured my imagination. The discovery of a hidden body that's been buried for decades is not the start Hetty had counted on when she arrives at the old house she has inherited. And, her restoration plan seems to fall to pieces too. However, she can't help being fascinated by whom the body could be and bit by bit will she discover deep dark buried secrets...
The book's story takes place both during 1910 and 2010 and I found both timelines fascinating to read about. Sarah Maine has written a captivating tale about forbidden love, regrets and how memories can consume one's life. Some secrets are perhaps not that surprising, but all and all was this book quite intriguing. The only drawback was that now and then did I feel a bit impatient with the story, not bored, I just wanted the characters to get some things to grip, like Hetty telling Giles off or Beatrice realizing why Theo was so obsessed with Cameron (which was pretty obvious why). I loved the scenery of the book. I could really picture the island and its wildlife.
But, the ending was perfect, tragic, but at the same time uplifting and I'm looking forward to reading more from Sarah Maine in the future.
I want to thank the publisher for providing me with a free copy through Edelweiss for an honest review.
The House Between Tides title, description, and cover captured my imagination. The discovery of a hidden body that's been buried for decades is not the start Hetty had counted on when she arrives at the old house she has inherited. And, her restoration plan seems to fall to pieces too. However, she can't help being fascinated by whom the body could be and bit by bit will she discover deep dark buried secrets...
The book's story takes place both during 1910 and 2010 and I found both timelines fascinating to read about. Sarah Maine has written a captivating tale about forbidden love, regrets and how memories can consume one's life. Some secrets are perhaps not that surprising, but all and all was this book quite intriguing. The only drawback was that now and then did I feel a bit impatient with the story, not bored, I just wanted the characters to get some things to grip, like Hetty telling Giles off or Beatrice realizing why Theo was so obsessed with Cameron (which was pretty obvious why). I loved the scenery of the book. I could really picture the island and its wildlife.
But, the ending was perfect, tragic, but at the same time uplifting and I'm looking forward to reading more from Sarah Maine in the future.
I want to thank the publisher for providing me with a free copy through Edelweiss for an honest review.
February 22, 2017
I wanted to like this. Badly.
I didn't.
I kept waiting for the book to improve, or maybe just for ANYTHING at all to happen, but alas, what we have here is one of the worst faux-gothic novels I've encountered in quite some time.
I'm surprised anyone even attempted to pass this off as gothic. It's a slow build, sure, but that's got more to do with the fact that it's a draggy, boring plot than it does with structured gothic story-building. And most importantly, it is completely devoid of that delightful creep; that macabre sense of "something is very wrong here, but I'm not quite sure what," that makes gothic horror (when it's well-executed) pretty much one of the best things out there.
So...to characters. Theo is a horrid excuse for a person. Cameron is a twit. And Hetty and James are so dull and two-dimensional that I imagine they'd disappear if turned sideways. I liked Beatrice and found her story interesting, but she couldn't save this mess by herself.
Going back to Hetty...the modern segments of this were laughably terrible and contrived, but the worst part was that they had no real, legitimizing connection to what was happening in the past. The tie between Hetty and Beatrice is both technically thin and figuratively unrealized. I don't think it would have been hard to forge a more compelling connection between the two women. We see this style of narrative and character connection successfully executed pretty frequently in other novels.
Add ridiculous coincidences, a complete lack of suspense, and a lot of dead birds to the above, and you get one of the worst novels I've endured in recent memory.
I didn't.
I kept waiting for the book to improve, or maybe just for ANYTHING at all to happen, but alas, what we have here is one of the worst faux-gothic novels I've encountered in quite some time.
I'm surprised anyone even attempted to pass this off as gothic. It's a slow build, sure, but that's got more to do with the fact that it's a draggy, boring plot than it does with structured gothic story-building. And most importantly, it is completely devoid of that delightful creep; that macabre sense of "something is very wrong here, but I'm not quite sure what," that makes gothic horror (when it's well-executed) pretty much one of the best things out there.
So...to characters. Theo is a horrid excuse for a person. Cameron is a twit. And Hetty and James are so dull and two-dimensional that I imagine they'd disappear if turned sideways. I liked Beatrice and found her story interesting, but she couldn't save this mess by herself.
Going back to Hetty...the modern segments of this were laughably terrible and contrived, but the worst part was that they had no real, legitimizing connection to what was happening in the past. The tie between Hetty and Beatrice is both technically thin and figuratively unrealized. I don't think it would have been hard to forge a more compelling connection between the two women. We see this style of narrative and character connection successfully executed pretty frequently in other novels.
Add ridiculous coincidences, a complete lack of suspense, and a lot of dead birds to the above, and you get one of the worst novels I've endured in recent memory.
July 6, 2016
This book is being compared to Rebecca and books by Kate Morton and it is somewhat. It is set in beautiful Scotland in the Outer Hebrides and is about a house. The house's access is controlled by the tides and is quite isolated. It's owned by famed artist, Theo Blake, and where he brings his young wife, Beatrice after their marriage in 1910.
The story fluctuates between Beatrice and Hetty who inherits it 2010. The house and estate are run by the Cameron/Forbes family who tend it with care. The stories of their family and the Blakes intertwine throughout the story. The scenery sounds gorgeous and I love the descriptions of the birds that inhabit the island.
Everything is likable until you get to the character of Hetty, who has to be the most passive woman in Scotland. Prodded by her boyfriend, Giles, she is looking into turning the house into a grand hotel with a golf course. The problem is that when she visits the house and it is crumbling. It is estimated that it will take over a million dollars to fix it. Does that discourage Giles? No. He lines up an obnoxious real estate development firm to line up investors. As Hetty learns more about the Island and the inhabitants, she decides she wants to keep the land pristine. Does she say anything? No. She just let Giles steamroll her again and again. I wanted to shake her by the shoulders.
The book is slow in places and, at times, I was looking more forward to finishing the book than finding out what happens. That's not the sign of a great book but it is a pleasant one.
The story fluctuates between Beatrice and Hetty who inherits it 2010. The house and estate are run by the Cameron/Forbes family who tend it with care. The stories of their family and the Blakes intertwine throughout the story. The scenery sounds gorgeous and I love the descriptions of the birds that inhabit the island.
Everything is likable until you get to the character of Hetty, who has to be the most passive woman in Scotland. Prodded by her boyfriend, Giles, she is looking into turning the house into a grand hotel with a golf course. The problem is that when she visits the house and it is crumbling. It is estimated that it will take over a million dollars to fix it. Does that discourage Giles? No. He lines up an obnoxious real estate development firm to line up investors. As Hetty learns more about the Island and the inhabitants, she decides she wants to keep the land pristine. Does she say anything? No. She just let Giles steamroll her again and again. I wanted to shake her by the shoulders.
The book is slow in places and, at times, I was looking more forward to finishing the book than finding out what happens. That's not the sign of a great book but it is a pleasant one.
September 6, 2016
*Kindly received and ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review*
These are one of those rare gem-like books you found in Netgalley. This was such an amazing book, beautifully written, cleverly suspenseful and brilliantly put together.
There wasn't a word I skipped in this one and I loved every single thing about this one. This is one of those book where the thrill and suspense is crafted in just perfect.
The story was intriguing. I loved how they kept jumping between the two times. Generally I hate those types but I loved this. I loved how both the times were equally satisfying. The story was bittersweet and has managed to leave a beautiful memory in me. I ached along side Beatrice for her story was too beautiful.
What really haunted me was the way it was executed. There was a part of me knowing the ending but then again it left me shocked. I never thought it was that person who was killed. The best thing for me was the gradual build up of the two romances. The romance between
Like I said the ending was bittersweet and very satisfying. I wouldn't have thought of a better way to end it. Also may I take a second to congratulate Ms. Maine on the wonderful debut novel? It was an amazing one. I hope she writes more awesome thrillers.
I also saw the many has written that it is a lot like Rebecca. I always wanted to read Rebecca but never got the chance too but now I'm more than intrigued for it too.
These are one of those rare gem-like books you found in Netgalley. This was such an amazing book, beautifully written, cleverly suspenseful and brilliantly put together.
There wasn't a word I skipped in this one and I loved every single thing about this one. This is one of those book where the thrill and suspense is crafted in just perfect.
The story was intriguing. I loved how they kept jumping between the two times. Generally I hate those types but I loved this. I loved how both the times were equally satisfying. The story was bittersweet and has managed to leave a beautiful memory in me. I ached along side Beatrice for her story was too beautiful.
What really haunted me was the way it was executed. There was a part of me knowing the ending but then again it left me shocked. I never thought it was that person who was killed. The best thing for me was the gradual build up of the two romances. The romance between
Like I said the ending was bittersweet and very satisfying. I wouldn't have thought of a better way to end it. Also may I take a second to congratulate Ms. Maine on the wonderful debut novel? It was an amazing one. I hope she writes more awesome thrillers.
I also saw the many has written that it is a lot like Rebecca. I always wanted to read Rebecca but never got the chance too but now I'm more than intrigued for it too.
May 13, 2016
Sarah Maine fabulously crafts a story feeding the reader tiny morsels at time. The first portion of this book is spent setting the scene in Scotland’s Outer Hebrides as Hetty Devereaux arrives to inspect the family ancestral home she has inherited. Orphaned and hopeful to start a hotel in the manor, she discovers the crumbling home is isolated, not easily accessed, and possessing a century old corpse. Flashback to the home's occupants in 1910, Theo Blake and his new bride, Beatrice. Escaping Edinburgh for the summer, Theo is to paint and take in the birding. Beatrice, eager to please her new husband, embraces her surroundings and befriends Cameron Forbes, the property manager's son. Beatrice soon discovers her husband has secrets of his own, strong feudal ideas, and when he is determined to possess something;does so with singleminded determination.
The story unfolds as Hetty seeks to discover more information about her distant relative, artist Theo Blake and his wife, along with their possible connection to the woman's corpse found in the house. She also has to make a decision regarding the crumbling manor. Locals do not want her hotel, the idea of a Blake returning to assert property rights on the crofters, and perhaps even Hetty herself. Flashbacks to the summer of 1910 and 1911 occur revealing the secrets of the couple, the house, and the paintings of Theo Blake. As Hetty pieces together the intricate puzzle of Theo Blake, the house, and the lovely Beatrice; she discovers that her legacy in the Outer Hebrides will be a significant one and she must choose wisely.
This is a book that will completely absorb your attention. The descriptions of the Outer Hebrides, the wild life, and people that live there are rich, rugged, and thorough. Maine sets a scene and you will feel as if you can smell the salty sea air, feel the cold wet sand in your toes, and have the raw breezes move your hair. The storms, the tides, the peat, the kelp, the sea birds, the grasses, the crofters' homes, all are included in Maine's meticulous attention to detail. It's one I will recommend.
Thank you Netgalley and Atria books for allowing me to read this book in exchange for my honest review.
May 21, 2020
Not really my jam, unfortunately.
February 22, 2019
This story is set in dual time lines exactly one hundred years apart, in 1910 and 2010. The chapters that deal with the past are definitely the best part of the book.
Hetty in the present day is almost a nonentity pushed around by her annoying boyfriend. She meets James in Scotland and he comes across as an arrogant bully. I couldn't take to them at all.
So why the five stars?
For the wonderful, lyrical and descriptive writing!
I could hear the sea thundering up the beach on the island, the screeching of the birds and the howling wind swirling around the ruin of the old house. It was depicted as a mystical almost mythical place and I wanted to be there.
The past story was excellent and Beatrice, the main character, was well written. It was interesting watching her life unfolding, in ways she had never imagined. The mystery was done very well.
This is a book to be read slowly and savored.
It has everything, happiness, tears, sadness and regret and a dollop of annoyance from the present story. However, I didn't let this put me off and I thoroughly enjoyed the read. I'll definitely be buying her other novels.
Hetty in the present day is almost a nonentity pushed around by her annoying boyfriend. She meets James in Scotland and he comes across as an arrogant bully. I couldn't take to them at all.
So why the five stars?
For the wonderful, lyrical and descriptive writing!
I could hear the sea thundering up the beach on the island, the screeching of the birds and the howling wind swirling around the ruin of the old house. It was depicted as a mystical almost mythical place and I wanted to be there.
The past story was excellent and Beatrice, the main character, was well written. It was interesting watching her life unfolding, in ways she had never imagined. The mystery was done very well.
This is a book to be read slowly and savored.
It has everything, happiness, tears, sadness and regret and a dollop of annoyance from the present story. However, I didn't let this put me off and I thoroughly enjoyed the read. I'll definitely be buying her other novels.
August 31, 2017
2.5 stars
The Outer Hebrides setting was excellent, everything else ranged between meh and somewhat interesting.
The 2010 storyline was a chore to get through, mainly because of insipid Hettie, she was completely unlikeable and had no spine whatsoever or brain for that matter. She was a mouse who could barely speak up for herself, she let everyone constantly undermine her and treat her like an idiot. And her tragic backstory was totally boring, I wanted to skim over all her chapters.
The 1910 storyline was far more interesting, Beatrice was a much more engaging character. And the Theo/Cameron stuff was at least somewhat entertaining, unlike boring Hettie and insufferable, idealistic, smug, condescending James.
The Outer Hebrides setting was excellent, everything else ranged between meh and somewhat interesting.
The 2010 storyline was a chore to get through, mainly because of insipid Hettie, she was completely unlikeable and had no spine whatsoever or brain for that matter. She was a mouse who could barely speak up for herself, she let everyone constantly undermine her and treat her like an idiot. And her tragic backstory was totally boring, I wanted to skim over all her chapters.
The 1910 storyline was far more interesting, Beatrice was a much more engaging character. And the Theo/Cameron stuff was at least somewhat entertaining, unlike boring Hettie and insufferable, idealistic, smug, condescending James.
September 28, 2018
The author has created a beautiful and dramatic setting to this story where the reader is transported to the West Coast of Scotland with it’s blustering cold winds and fierce seas. A past and present day story, 1910 and 2010, a family saga that on the surface seems that it could be fairly straight forward, however the author introduces a buried skeleton relatively early in the story that surfaces when building inspections are taking place on the crumbling Blake mansion that Hetty in 2010 to her surprise has inherited this part of the world along with crofts and tenants from earlier than 1910. Theo Blake’s father a self made man claimed the land and built the mansion to entertain the gentry in hunting pursuits etc. Hetty is out of her depth, still in mourning and feeling totally alone having just buried both parents and her grandmother. For most of the read she is buffeted about like the Scottish winds by the male friend and acquaintances, all present day like personalities, noisy, self opinionated and totally insensitive to her situation as well as the residents of her inherited property who understandably are suspicious of city people and anxious to maintain their lives in situ. Hetty is keen to restore the crumbling mansion but the force butting against her ideas is local identity James Cameron. The discovery of the bones puts all plans on hold until a forensic analysis has been completed. 1910 Beatrice marries the artist Theo Blake after a very brief courting. An older man, a well established artist and with his inherited wealth, Beatrice is in awe and feels assured that her life will not lack for anything. That is until the move to Theo’s father’s retreat mansion that is situated in this isolated part of Scotland where movement to and from dependant on the weather and tides. In a short time Beatrice becomes aware of her husband’s change in personality, his moods and his obsession with Cameron Forbes the son of the estate’s manager. Beatrice imagines that there is a sexual tension between her husband and Cameron, however it isn’t until the end of this complex story that the truth of the Blake family is revealed. The locket found and the bones, it maybe assumed are of Beatrice but this does not match any local knowledge from the small settlement. This book is well constructed, the parallel stories are easy to follow, all the characters are memorable, the twists and turns keep the story flowing until right at the end when all is revealed.
December 3, 2022
I really liked this novel, I never got bored reading it.
It's a mix of mystery and historical romance with two timelines, both set in Scotland. In the first we're in 2010 and Hetty, a young woman, arrived to Muirlan House, a house she inherited from her grandmother Emily Blake and that once belonged to Emily's brother Theo Blake, a famous painter.
Under the house it's been made a discovery: unknown bones of someone who got killed. But who, and by whom?
In the second storyline we turn back in time to 1910, when Theo arrived to Muirlan House with his wife Beatrice during the summer that would have changed their life forever.
The beginning is slow, but then it becomes absolutely gripping. Sarah Maine has been compared to Daphne Du Maurier for her atmospheric writing that haunts every page.
It's a mix of mystery and historical romance with two timelines, both set in Scotland. In the first we're in 2010 and Hetty, a young woman, arrived to Muirlan House, a house she inherited from her grandmother Emily Blake and that once belonged to Emily's brother Theo Blake, a famous painter.
Under the house it's been made a discovery: unknown bones of someone who got killed. But who, and by whom?
In the second storyline we turn back in time to 1910, when Theo arrived to Muirlan House with his wife Beatrice during the summer that would have changed their life forever.
The beginning is slow, but then it becomes absolutely gripping. Sarah Maine has been compared to Daphne Du Maurier for her atmospheric writing that haunts every page.
August 3, 2016
Reminiscent of the Gothics of the 1970s, THE HOUSE BETWEEN TIDES by Sarah Maine takes the reader on a stimulating stroll through two time periods, igniting the senses with a classic mysterious aura. The moodiness of the location easily placed my mind on holiday in the past while unraveling the mystery in the present.
For more book reviews, plus travel, garden and food topics with photos, visit The Zest Quest, my pursuit of a zestful life.
It took me a month to read this book due to my hectic life, but I’m so glad I savored it. THE HOUSE BETWEEN TIDES was a respite, the calm that soothed my personal storm. I relished the words and breathed in the atmosphere while anticipating the quirky characters and the darkness descending very slowly over their lives.
As with most classic Gothic romances, the house becomes a character – a watching, listening entity, keeping its secrets until the end. In 2010, Harriet “Hetty” Deveraux inherits Muirlan House in the Outer Hebrides of Scotland. Anxious to get started on her renovation ideas, as well as running from the stifling binds of her current boyfriend, Hetty visits her recently acquired estate without warning to the caregivers or her boyfriend. The locals aren’t very enthusiastic about renovating Muirlan House as a hotel. Hetty is determined to find out why they’re reluctant, as well as whether she can afford to recondition what seems to be in ruin.
When human remains are found under the floorboards of the house by contractor James Cameron, Hetty begins to wonder if her project will survive the stigma of a possible murder. James Cameron is also a mystery begging to be solved. Is he friend or foe?
Meanwhile, the reader is taken back to 1910 when the original owner, famous artist Theo Blake, returns to his home with a new wife. Beatrice met Theo at a gallery showcasing his paintings and he fell for her immediately. Anxious to show Beatrice his inspiration, Theo takes her to his sanctuary along the coast where he works on his bird illustrations and personal collection. Hoping to be inspired to paint again, Theo traipses off alone with his easel, leaving Beatrice to find her own entertainment. Beatrice walks the land and becomes acquainted with the locals. She gradually becomes alarmed by Theo’s seeming obsession with Cameron Forbes, a young man who helps him catalog his birds and manuscripts.
Throughout their stay in the country, Theo insists that Beatrice play hostess to his relatives and business associates. Their parties and activities are fun to witness, showcasing what life was like for the landowners of this time period in comparison to those who serve them. Political unrest exists, adding to the mystery. Beatrice and Theo’s lifestyle is often unnerving because it’s so relaxed, when all I sometimes wanted to know was what was going to happen to lead us to why or how the bones ended up under the floorboards.
Theo and Beatrice’s houseguests are often ridiculous and over-the-top, which enhances the authenticity of the time period when women weren’t quite in control of their lives. I was ready to pack the guests’ bags more than once just for Beatrice’s sanity. I really loved her as a main character and rooted for her to find happiness.
Back in present day, Hetty is discovering her own joy. Will she be brave enough to follow her dream, jumping into unpredictability, and leave the naysayers behind her? Or will she take the safe route to a satisfactory but more controlled life?
Even though this story takes place partly in the present, it will entertain historical lovers most significantly. More historical fiction with a touch of romance and mystery, this novel will appeal to a wide audience, but I especially enjoyed the detail of the birds and mammals along the coast. It also has many of the favorable attributes of a well-planned historical saga where the characters break society’s rules and their lives unravel because of their actions.
Author Sarah Maine has a gift for writing a scene in which the reader can imagine themselves there in person. Ms. Maine also creates a coastal background alive with controversy, especially appealing to nature lovers. I can’t wait for BEYOND THE WILD RIVER, Sarah Maine’s next historical novel set in North America which will release in 2017. I’m highly intrigued by her talent and this next location ignites my curiosity even more.
Review by Dorine, courtesy of Romance Junkies and The Zest Quest. Digital ARC provided by the publisher through NetGalley for an honest review.
For more book reviews, plus travel, garden and food topics with photos, visit The Zest Quest, my pursuit of a zestful life.
It took me a month to read this book due to my hectic life, but I’m so glad I savored it. THE HOUSE BETWEEN TIDES was a respite, the calm that soothed my personal storm. I relished the words and breathed in the atmosphere while anticipating the quirky characters and the darkness descending very slowly over their lives.
As with most classic Gothic romances, the house becomes a character – a watching, listening entity, keeping its secrets until the end. In 2010, Harriet “Hetty” Deveraux inherits Muirlan House in the Outer Hebrides of Scotland. Anxious to get started on her renovation ideas, as well as running from the stifling binds of her current boyfriend, Hetty visits her recently acquired estate without warning to the caregivers or her boyfriend. The locals aren’t very enthusiastic about renovating Muirlan House as a hotel. Hetty is determined to find out why they’re reluctant, as well as whether she can afford to recondition what seems to be in ruin.
When human remains are found under the floorboards of the house by contractor James Cameron, Hetty begins to wonder if her project will survive the stigma of a possible murder. James Cameron is also a mystery begging to be solved. Is he friend or foe?
Meanwhile, the reader is taken back to 1910 when the original owner, famous artist Theo Blake, returns to his home with a new wife. Beatrice met Theo at a gallery showcasing his paintings and he fell for her immediately. Anxious to show Beatrice his inspiration, Theo takes her to his sanctuary along the coast where he works on his bird illustrations and personal collection. Hoping to be inspired to paint again, Theo traipses off alone with his easel, leaving Beatrice to find her own entertainment. Beatrice walks the land and becomes acquainted with the locals. She gradually becomes alarmed by Theo’s seeming obsession with Cameron Forbes, a young man who helps him catalog his birds and manuscripts.
Throughout their stay in the country, Theo insists that Beatrice play hostess to his relatives and business associates. Their parties and activities are fun to witness, showcasing what life was like for the landowners of this time period in comparison to those who serve them. Political unrest exists, adding to the mystery. Beatrice and Theo’s lifestyle is often unnerving because it’s so relaxed, when all I sometimes wanted to know was what was going to happen to lead us to why or how the bones ended up under the floorboards.
Theo and Beatrice’s houseguests are often ridiculous and over-the-top, which enhances the authenticity of the time period when women weren’t quite in control of their lives. I was ready to pack the guests’ bags more than once just for Beatrice’s sanity. I really loved her as a main character and rooted for her to find happiness.
Back in present day, Hetty is discovering her own joy. Will she be brave enough to follow her dream, jumping into unpredictability, and leave the naysayers behind her? Or will she take the safe route to a satisfactory but more controlled life?
Even though this story takes place partly in the present, it will entertain historical lovers most significantly. More historical fiction with a touch of romance and mystery, this novel will appeal to a wide audience, but I especially enjoyed the detail of the birds and mammals along the coast. It also has many of the favorable attributes of a well-planned historical saga where the characters break society’s rules and their lives unravel because of their actions.
Author Sarah Maine has a gift for writing a scene in which the reader can imagine themselves there in person. Ms. Maine also creates a coastal background alive with controversy, especially appealing to nature lovers. I can’t wait for BEYOND THE WILD RIVER, Sarah Maine’s next historical novel set in North America which will release in 2017. I’m highly intrigued by her talent and this next location ignites my curiosity even more.
Review by Dorine, courtesy of Romance Junkies and The Zest Quest. Digital ARC provided by the publisher through NetGalley for an honest review.
November 15, 2018
When a novel includes a crumbling estate, an inheritance, a mystery and a dark secret then I've got to read it and The House Between Tides by Sarah Maine has it all.
Set in Scotland, the landscape is truly the main character in this novel. It's wild and atmospheric and you can almost feel the wind in your hair, lick the salt spray from your lips and hear the squawk of the birds in the air.
Unfolding in dual time frames, we learn the present story from Hetty Deveraux (2010) and the past from Beatrice in the early 1900s.
I preferred the chapters from Beatrice's point of view, as I found Hetty to be a real push over. I was often frustrated by her actions and was desperate for her to make a stand but it works for the novel.
The mystery unfolded at a steady pace, but it wasn't a big surprise at the end. I would have preferred a little less focus on Blake's artwork and less about his passion for bird collecting, but all in all, The House Between Tides is a solid debut for Sarah Maine.
Readers who enjoy Kate Morton's novels will feel at home with Sarah Maine.
* Copy courtesy of Allen & Unwin *
Set in Scotland, the landscape is truly the main character in this novel. It's wild and atmospheric and you can almost feel the wind in your hair, lick the salt spray from your lips and hear the squawk of the birds in the air.
Unfolding in dual time frames, we learn the present story from Hetty Deveraux (2010) and the past from Beatrice in the early 1900s.
I preferred the chapters from Beatrice's point of view, as I found Hetty to be a real push over. I was often frustrated by her actions and was desperate for her to make a stand but it works for the novel.
The mystery unfolded at a steady pace, but it wasn't a big surprise at the end. I would have preferred a little less focus on Blake's artwork and less about his passion for bird collecting, but all in all, The House Between Tides is a solid debut for Sarah Maine.
Readers who enjoy Kate Morton's novels will feel at home with Sarah Maine.
* Copy courtesy of Allen & Unwin *
November 20, 2016
British author, Sarah Maine, delivers an atmospheric mysterious and suspenseful debut, THE HOUSE BETWEEN TIDES —a compelling mix of historic, Gothic and contemporary. A mystery of two women a century apart.
From 1889 (Theo), 1910 (Beatrice) - 1945 to present, 2010, (Hetty) a woman returns to an inherited home and discovers a hidden secret.
A crumbling mansion, an estate in Scotland’s Outer Hebrides. With the intentions of renovating and selling it as a hotel. Hetty begins her journey.
However, the old house, has secrets, history, and a sordid past. Harriet Deveraux (Hetty) sets out to unravel the secrets and mystery surrounding it’s former owners, Beatrice Blake and her husband Theo, a famous painter (also with a hidden life).
The Muirlan House. It was huge. Much larger than Hetty had been expecting. A sign, danger, unsafe, deep out. Private property. She could not wait to see the inside. The place was now hers. An abandoned house. She knew nothing of restoring houses or running a hotel.
The island as her grandmother had described, on the edge of the world. She had been warned. The lawyer acting has her grandmother’s executor had told her the place had been empty for many years and would need work. A nightmare! Some called it a “death trap.”
Local assessor James Cameron finds a skeleton beneath the floorboards. There were bones. A corpse. An oval locket on a gold chain. A woman.
In 1910, Beatrice Blake, a young bride, and her husband, a painter, Theo Blake, travel from Edinburgh to Theo’s estate on Muirlan island, the remote Muirlan House. He had a deep bond with the place and inspiration for many of his early paintings. Their marriage does not last. Betrayal.
Theo had brought her here to his dream world, eager to share it but his passion had turned aside. Inward, excluding her, darkening to something she could not understand and she had become lost.
Alternating between timelines, between 1920 and 2010, with copyeditor, Hetty Deveraux, arriving from London to the Muirlan House.
Grief. Her parent’s death. An accident, but sudden and violent, and now three years later. Loss. A failed takeoff, a crash just beyond the runway. Then her grandmother’s death two months previously from dementia. She felt like she had been sleepwalking ever since.
Hetty had never had the sense of belonging. Her father’s job with the foreign office had meant that home was not a place, but a transient. Her childhood had been spent flying back and forth from boarding school.
An old crime with dark shadows lurking over Hetty’s new start.
Theo Blake was something of a recluse, with his last twenty years alone in the house, letting it fall apart around him. It was always said the Blakes left the island together, although she never returned.
Since inheriting the house, Hetty had been trying to learn more about the mysterious Theodore Blake. While his artistic achievements were well-documented, there was little written about his personal life and his later reclusive years were unrecorded except for the fact that he had drowned as an old man while crossing Muirlan Strand.
Maine takes us back to the history of young Beatrice, her family and meeting Theo Blake, the strikingly handsome man. Thereafter a mystery. What drove the couple apart? A connection.
Mystical, moody and dark. Mysterious and intriguing. Richly psychological, the author weaves secrets from both past and present with an evocative setting and story, both haunting and romantic.
For fans of Miranda Beverly-Whittemore, Karen White, Sarah Jio, and Kate Morton!
I also purchased the audiobook, narrated by Justine Eyre for a captivating performance. Looking forward to more by the author.
A special thank you to Atria Books and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
JDCMustReadBooks
From 1889 (Theo), 1910 (Beatrice) - 1945 to present, 2010, (Hetty) a woman returns to an inherited home and discovers a hidden secret.
A crumbling mansion, an estate in Scotland’s Outer Hebrides. With the intentions of renovating and selling it as a hotel. Hetty begins her journey.
However, the old house, has secrets, history, and a sordid past. Harriet Deveraux (Hetty) sets out to unravel the secrets and mystery surrounding it’s former owners, Beatrice Blake and her husband Theo, a famous painter (also with a hidden life).
The Muirlan House. It was huge. Much larger than Hetty had been expecting. A sign, danger, unsafe, deep out. Private property. She could not wait to see the inside. The place was now hers. An abandoned house. She knew nothing of restoring houses or running a hotel.
The island as her grandmother had described, on the edge of the world. She had been warned. The lawyer acting has her grandmother’s executor had told her the place had been empty for many years and would need work. A nightmare! Some called it a “death trap.”
Local assessor James Cameron finds a skeleton beneath the floorboards. There were bones. A corpse. An oval locket on a gold chain. A woman.
In 1910, Beatrice Blake, a young bride, and her husband, a painter, Theo Blake, travel from Edinburgh to Theo’s estate on Muirlan island, the remote Muirlan House. He had a deep bond with the place and inspiration for many of his early paintings. Their marriage does not last. Betrayal.
Theo had brought her here to his dream world, eager to share it but his passion had turned aside. Inward, excluding her, darkening to something she could not understand and she had become lost.
Alternating between timelines, between 1920 and 2010, with copyeditor, Hetty Deveraux, arriving from London to the Muirlan House.
Grief. Her parent’s death. An accident, but sudden and violent, and now three years later. Loss. A failed takeoff, a crash just beyond the runway. Then her grandmother’s death two months previously from dementia. She felt like she had been sleepwalking ever since.
Hetty had never had the sense of belonging. Her father’s job with the foreign office had meant that home was not a place, but a transient. Her childhood had been spent flying back and forth from boarding school.
An old crime with dark shadows lurking over Hetty’s new start.
Theo Blake was something of a recluse, with his last twenty years alone in the house, letting it fall apart around him. It was always said the Blakes left the island together, although she never returned.
Since inheriting the house, Hetty had been trying to learn more about the mysterious Theodore Blake. While his artistic achievements were well-documented, there was little written about his personal life and his later reclusive years were unrecorded except for the fact that he had drowned as an old man while crossing Muirlan Strand.
Maine takes us back to the history of young Beatrice, her family and meeting Theo Blake, the strikingly handsome man. Thereafter a mystery. What drove the couple apart? A connection.
Mystical, moody and dark. Mysterious and intriguing. Richly psychological, the author weaves secrets from both past and present with an evocative setting and story, both haunting and romantic.
For fans of Miranda Beverly-Whittemore, Karen White, Sarah Jio, and Kate Morton!
I also purchased the audiobook, narrated by Justine Eyre for a captivating performance. Looking forward to more by the author.
A special thank you to Atria Books and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
JDCMustReadBooks
April 23, 2016
3.5 stars
The House Between Tides was an interesting read. The story takes place in a variety of time periods which got a little confusing a few times. I really liked the storyline in 2010 with Hetty inheriting Muirlin, her family home in the Scottish Outer Hebrides. The descriptions of that area were wonderful and made me want to visit. I think a map of the house, the additional buildings, and the island would be a great addition to the book so that it would be easier to understand exactly where everything was located. While the story has a mystery, it was pretty easy midway through the book to figure out what happened and who had died. I still enjoyed the story and want to now see that area in person some day. Thanks to the publisher for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The House Between Tides was an interesting read. The story takes place in a variety of time periods which got a little confusing a few times. I really liked the storyline in 2010 with Hetty inheriting Muirlin, her family home in the Scottish Outer Hebrides. The descriptions of that area were wonderful and made me want to visit. I think a map of the house, the additional buildings, and the island would be a great addition to the book so that it would be easier to understand exactly where everything was located. While the story has a mystery, it was pretty easy midway through the book to figure out what happened and who had died. I still enjoyed the story and want to now see that area in person some day. Thanks to the publisher for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
August 21, 2016
The problem with this story is that it was all over the map. There were two star-crossed romances, a Manderley-style house, far too many people dying convenient deaths in order to muddy the waters and advance the narrative, an inexplicably under-investigated dead body, land reform, bird conservation... I finished the book not knowing what the author was trying to accomplish. Several key points were left unaddressed or under-addressed and the author seemed to play fast and loose with some medical and legal facts which added to the confusion. It needed to decide what kind of story it was going to be and then nail that down. It seemed like it was going to be a Gothic novel. For that to work there needed to be more dramatic tension than just switching between time periods. Anyway, I've read better.
Read
August 2, 2017DNF at 20%. Once again I was lured in by the promise of a twisty, dual timeline Kate Morton sort of novel. Unfortunately I had a very hard time connecting with the characters despite the interesting, remote Scottish setting. I had trouble keeping the timelines straight and didn't find the mystery or anyone very compelling. I'm a fan of atmospheric, slow books like this so I have to conclude that this one simply isn't for me.
June 26, 2023
THE GOOD:
Beautiful Scottish seaside setting.
THE BAD:
It's more than the usual amount of confusing to keep the characters straight, especially with the similar names between the two timelines.
Unlikely storyline wherein Beatrice thinks her husband Theo is in love with another man. Very unlikely for 1910.
Major plot holes around the identity of the remains found in the house.
CONCLUSION:
A gothic romance that just doesn't quite get it done for spookiness or suspense.
Beautiful Scottish seaside setting.
THE BAD:
It's more than the usual amount of confusing to keep the characters straight, especially with the similar names between the two timelines.
Unlikely storyline wherein Beatrice thinks her husband Theo is in love with another man. Very unlikely for 1910.
Major plot holes around the identity of the remains found in the house.
CONCLUSION:
A gothic romance that just doesn't quite get it done for spookiness or suspense.
December 10, 2017
“The House Between Tides”, Sarah Maine's 2014 début proved her an excellent storyteller with memorable characters. She crafted plots in which I remained invested. People will enjoy it, if they know it does not entail the tone or even the genre implied by the description. I was pleased to dig into the tantalizing scenario of a woman exploring a house but this was not the case. It is a shell Hetty only explores twice; both times with an island man yelling at her. Yet another author thought readers would accept an ass for a love interest. I could not stand James any more than Giles. In 1910, I eventually like Cameron, as Theo lost favour.
Hetty's Great-Grandma is Emily, sister of famous Scottish island painter, Theo Blake. All she knew is that he had a short-lived marriage. While assessing whether or not the building can be made into a hotel, she finds bones. Sarah subtly portrays real life. Theo was not unkind. Although I doubt a grown-up would boo-hoo over a past flame, we understand that fractured relationships need no explosive cause. My disbelief was lodged the most in the exaggerated idea that Beatrice could only turn to the croft family next door. She had a family in London, Emily and Kit, Theo's brother! A one-hundred year -old mystery can only be investigated insofar as DNA testing, therefore the old story explains what happened. Meanwhile, Hetty ponders the high cost of stabilizing her ancestor's actual house. Would today's generation of islanders and the land, be an authentic enough connection to forge with her heritage?
I docked one star because there is no mysterious atmosphere of exploring a mansion for relics. Another, because the author had us fall in love with rare animals several times but each time, they were murdered. If you had a wife appalled about this, you would not do it. Plot-wise, every outcome was obvious to me. I don't normally fault authors if I clue into them but this many felt cliché. Is this a result of being a big reader, or could Sarah have surprised us? There should have been no mystery to Emily's eventual passing, because Hetty's Grandmother inherited her estate. It came across as a belated desire for another dramatic insert. Lastly, novelists need to stop having characters like James show up everywhere protagonists go. That was cliché but I enjoyed a lot about this novel.
Hetty's Great-Grandma is Emily, sister of famous Scottish island painter, Theo Blake. All she knew is that he had a short-lived marriage. While assessing whether or not the building can be made into a hotel, she finds bones. Sarah subtly portrays real life. Theo was not unkind. Although I doubt a grown-up would boo-hoo over a past flame, we understand that fractured relationships need no explosive cause. My disbelief was lodged the most in the exaggerated idea that Beatrice could only turn to the croft family next door. She had a family in London, Emily and Kit, Theo's brother! A one-hundred year -old mystery can only be investigated insofar as DNA testing, therefore the old story explains what happened. Meanwhile, Hetty ponders the high cost of stabilizing her ancestor's actual house. Would today's generation of islanders and the land, be an authentic enough connection to forge with her heritage?
I docked one star because there is no mysterious atmosphere of exploring a mansion for relics. Another, because the author had us fall in love with rare animals several times but each time, they were murdered. If you had a wife appalled about this, you would not do it. Plot-wise, every outcome was obvious to me. I don't normally fault authors if I clue into them but this many felt cliché. Is this a result of being a big reader, or could Sarah have surprised us? There should have been no mystery to Emily's eventual passing, because Hetty's Grandmother inherited her estate. It came across as a belated desire for another dramatic insert. Lastly, novelists need to stop having characters like James show up everywhere protagonists go. That was cliché but I enjoyed a lot about this novel.
July 8, 2016
Many have already said this, I realise, but The House between Tides by Sarah Maine reminded me very much of Kate Morton's work.
This book started a little slowly for me. I wasn't immediately engaged in either the events of 'now' or those of 1910. I liked both of our main protagonists however: the somewhat down-trodden Hetty; and the coming-into-her-own Beatrice respectively and kept turning the pages eager to learn their stories.
Theo Blake's family built Muirlan House and his father uprooted locals to build his stunning white elephant in the Outer Hebrides. Although his memories of the place are bittersweet, Theo takes his new wife Beatrice there in 1910.
When the book opens however, we're meeting Theo's sister Emily who's taking ownership of the house and boarding it up - entombing it in many ways - in 1945. Where it lies dormant until inherited by Hetty Deveraux over half a century later.
This isn't a riveting read, but it's intriguing. The story unravelling in present day mirrors that of the early 20th century reflecting the debate between: respecting the needs and livelihoods of the local community and the area's wildlife; versus development and desires of the privileged.
Read the full review on my site: http://www.debbish.com/books-literatu...
3.5 stars
This book started a little slowly for me. I wasn't immediately engaged in either the events of 'now' or those of 1910. I liked both of our main protagonists however: the somewhat down-trodden Hetty; and the coming-into-her-own Beatrice respectively and kept turning the pages eager to learn their stories.
Theo Blake's family built Muirlan House and his father uprooted locals to build his stunning white elephant in the Outer Hebrides. Although his memories of the place are bittersweet, Theo takes his new wife Beatrice there in 1910.
When the book opens however, we're meeting Theo's sister Emily who's taking ownership of the house and boarding it up - entombing it in many ways - in 1945. Where it lies dormant until inherited by Hetty Deveraux over half a century later.
This isn't a riveting read, but it's intriguing. The story unravelling in present day mirrors that of the early 20th century reflecting the debate between: respecting the needs and livelihoods of the local community and the area's wildlife; versus development and desires of the privileged.
Read the full review on my site: http://www.debbish.com/books-literatu...
3.5 stars
October 14, 2019
Okay, ich gebe es auf. Gut 50% und es passierte: nichts.
Die einzige Tote wird gleich im ersten Kapitel gefunden. Und es ist mir scheiß egal, wer es ist und warum sie unter den Dielen liegt.
Es scheint auch nicht Ziel dieses Buches zu sein, es heraus zu finden. Eigentlich frage ich mich generell, was das Ziel dieses Buch ist.
Es wird munter zwischen Jetzt und 1910 hin und her gesprungen. Zwischen Hetty und - tja, vergessen wie die andere Schnalle eigentlich heißt, ist auch völlig unwichtig. Die Geschichten der Uschis verlaufen ziemlich gleich - nämlich gleich öde und langweilig. Hin und her gerissen zwischen zwei Männern aus ihrer Zeit. Wobei das schon wieder klingt, als würde etwas passieren. Es passiert nämlich - nichts. Mehr als vor sind hin denken, tun die Damen nicht. Und verwirrt sein. Und denken und denken. Aber alles seeeeehr langsam und ohne Ergebnis.
Klar, wird auf dem Eiland schnell klar, dass sie seit Generationen nur untereinander heiraten und jeder jeden kennt und mit vielen verwandt ist. Es sind Schotten, also auch viel böses Blut.
Die beiden Uschis sind langweiliger als ein paar eingeschlafene Füße. Nein, kein Buch für mich.
Die einzige Tote wird gleich im ersten Kapitel gefunden. Und es ist mir scheiß egal, wer es ist und warum sie unter den Dielen liegt.
Es scheint auch nicht Ziel dieses Buches zu sein, es heraus zu finden. Eigentlich frage ich mich generell, was das Ziel dieses Buch ist.
Es wird munter zwischen Jetzt und 1910 hin und her gesprungen. Zwischen Hetty und - tja, vergessen wie die andere Schnalle eigentlich heißt, ist auch völlig unwichtig. Die Geschichten der Uschis verlaufen ziemlich gleich - nämlich gleich öde und langweilig. Hin und her gerissen zwischen zwei Männern aus ihrer Zeit. Wobei das schon wieder klingt, als würde etwas passieren. Es passiert nämlich - nichts. Mehr als vor sind hin denken, tun die Damen nicht. Und verwirrt sein. Und denken und denken. Aber alles seeeeehr langsam und ohne Ergebnis.
Klar, wird auf dem Eiland schnell klar, dass sie seit Generationen nur untereinander heiraten und jeder jeden kennt und mit vielen verwandt ist. Es sind Schotten, also auch viel böses Blut.
Die beiden Uschis sind langweiliger als ein paar eingeschlafene Füße. Nein, kein Buch für mich.
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