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Seal Island #1
The Selkie Spell
alternate cover edition for B00642RLC8
After months on the run, Tara Moore thinks she’s finally found a place to hide. A windswept Irish island offers solace from the dark past she crossed an ocean to escape. But quiet places have secrets of their own.
When red roses bloom out of season, whispers of a centuries-old curse stir in the village. The locals claim she’s descended from a selkie—a seal-woman who haunts the island, desperate to be set free.
Dominic O’Sullivan, a guarded single father, wants no part of the gossip or the woman at the center of it. But the more time he spends with her, the harder she becomes to resist.
When a dangerous figure from her past arrives, they must all face the truth: Tara’s fate is bound to the selkie’s, and breaking the curse may be the only way to save them both.
After months on the run, Tara Moore thinks she’s finally found a place to hide. A windswept Irish island offers solace from the dark past she crossed an ocean to escape. But quiet places have secrets of their own.
When red roses bloom out of season, whispers of a centuries-old curse stir in the village. The locals claim she’s descended from a selkie—a seal-woman who haunts the island, desperate to be set free.
Dominic O’Sullivan, a guarded single father, wants no part of the gossip or the woman at the center of it. But the more time he spends with her, the harder she becomes to resist.
When a dangerous figure from her past arrives, they must all face the truth: Tara’s fate is bound to the selkie’s, and breaking the curse may be the only way to save them both.
294 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 6, 2011
439 people are currently reading
2235 people want to read
About the author
Sophie Moss
7 books262 followersUSA Today bestselling author Sophie Moss writes magical Irish romances and heartwarming love stories set on the Chesapeake Bay. Drawn to peaceful island settings and the charm of close-knit communities, Sophie sets all her novels in places that feel like home. She grew up in a small, coastal town in Maryland, much like the one featured in her beloved Wind Chime series. She currently lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband, a retired Navy pilot who’s convinced she manifested him in one of her books.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 277 reviews
July 15, 2018
The Selkie Spell didn't leave me spellbound, but it charmed me. While the story wasn't original it still read as unique, and the writing was warm and welcoming.
The novel follows Tara, an American doctor who fakes her death to escape an abusive husband and flees to a remote Irish island. She convinces the very handsome, very suspicious pub owner Dom to hire her as a temporary worker. Of course, temporary is anything but as she soon falls for Dom and his daughter and the quirky islanders and the island itself. They feel right to her. They feel like home. And who couldn't help but be intrigued by legends of Selkies and a spell that can only be lifted when the Selkie's descendent returns to the island? Hmm, I wonder who that descendent could be...
Several reviews have noted that the story and the style of The Selkie Spell is reminiscent of Nora Roberts. I agree in that Moss' writing has a comforting quality, the story is infused with magic and Irish folklore and culture, and the circle of family and friends and neighbors is a key component. But despite the magic and occasional mayhem, Nora's books are still character-driven. For a character-driven story to be successful, you must properly develop the characters. And while I'm not a fan of page after page of internal monologues or extensive use of flashbacks, I'm also not a fan of "dialogue as character development tool". Unfortunately, The Selkie Spell was too driven by dialogue, at times overwhelmingly reliant upon conversation to move the story forward. As a result, I felt somewhat disconnected to the characters and less invested in their emotional journey. But at the end of the day, I was invested in the story.
I could see myself reading more of the series since I have a soft spot for Ireland (I did honeymoon there, after all) and books like warm drinks on cold days.
Read for SBTB July - September 2018 Quarterly Challenge: A book with a connection to water.
The novel follows Tara, an American doctor who fakes her death to escape an abusive husband and flees to a remote Irish island. She convinces the very handsome, very suspicious pub owner Dom to hire her as a temporary worker. Of course, temporary is anything but as she soon falls for Dom and his daughter and the quirky islanders and the island itself. They feel right to her. They feel like home. And who couldn't help but be intrigued by legends of Selkies and a spell that can only be lifted when the Selkie's descendent returns to the island? Hmm, I wonder who that descendent could be...
Several reviews have noted that the story and the style of The Selkie Spell is reminiscent of Nora Roberts. I agree in that Moss' writing has a comforting quality, the story is infused with magic and Irish folklore and culture, and the circle of family and friends and neighbors is a key component. But despite the magic and occasional mayhem, Nora's books are still character-driven. For a character-driven story to be successful, you must properly develop the characters. And while I'm not a fan of page after page of internal monologues or extensive use of flashbacks, I'm also not a fan of "dialogue as character development tool". Unfortunately, The Selkie Spell was too driven by dialogue, at times overwhelmingly reliant upon conversation to move the story forward. As a result, I felt somewhat disconnected to the characters and less invested in their emotional journey. But at the end of the day, I was invested in the story.
I could see myself reading more of the series since I have a soft spot for Ireland (I did honeymoon there, after all) and books like warm drinks on cold days.
Read for SBTB July - September 2018 Quarterly Challenge: A book with a connection to water.
December 30, 2012
I struggled a bit over what rating to give this book (one of the first I've read on my Kindle Fire) and realized that I wish Goodreads offered the ability to give ratings based on a few different criteria. For example, I would give this book 3 or 3.5 stars for concept, probably 1.5 stars for complexity of writing and language, 3 stars for entertainment level and ability to hold my attention (I did finish it, after all), 2 stars if I were being objective (or as objective as possible), and 3 stars if I were considering my personal interest in the Irish setting and folklore. Okay, so maybe that's a bit too many criteria, but you understand my meaning.
I was very excited about the concept of this book as I started reading, because I love the Irish folklore of selkies. The thing that turned me off the most about this book was when it strayed into Harlequin-Romance-style love scenes. It's not easy to write a love/sex scene that's not too over-the-top mushy and unfortunately, this writer did not accomplish it.
Overall, I enjoyed it enough to finish reading and it was an easy read for over the holidays when there were lots of other distractions going on around me. Would I recommend it as worth the time when there are so many other books to be read? Not likely.
I was very excited about the concept of this book as I started reading, because I love the Irish folklore of selkies. The thing that turned me off the most about this book was when it strayed into Harlequin-Romance-style love scenes. It's not easy to write a love/sex scene that's not too over-the-top mushy and unfortunately, this writer did not accomplish it.
Overall, I enjoyed it enough to finish reading and it was an easy read for over the holidays when there were lots of other distractions going on around me. Would I recommend it as worth the time when there are so many other books to be read? Not likely.
January 22, 2012
I've been in a serious reading drought lately. Nothing I've picked up has held my interest. Not because the books were bad, it's just that nothing 'clicked' with me that made me want to stay up all night reading, instead of painting, to finish it. But, the drought is over, this is that book!
I really, really enjoyed this book. The characters felt very real to me, I loved the chemistry between Tara and Dominic, I LOVED the setting (I've always wanted to go to Ireland), and the selkie legend is one of my very favorites. I'm always on the lookout for any book that might have a new twist on it.
I think this book had a perfect blend of fantasy mixed with reality, it's a great urban fantasy. I thought the plot flowed very smoothly, I literally could not put it down and finished it in one day!
I'm very excited to see what Sophie writes next. I have a feeling that I just may have stumbled across the next 'big' author. :))))
I really, really enjoyed this book. The characters felt very real to me, I loved the chemistry between Tara and Dominic, I LOVED the setting (I've always wanted to go to Ireland), and the selkie legend is one of my very favorites. I'm always on the lookout for any book that might have a new twist on it.
I think this book had a perfect blend of fantasy mixed with reality, it's a great urban fantasy. I thought the plot flowed very smoothly, I literally could not put it down and finished it in one day!
I'm very excited to see what Sophie writes next. I have a feeling that I just may have stumbled across the next 'big' author. :))))
November 13, 2011
I just spent the afternoon curled up with The Selkie Spell and could not put it down! The Selkie Spell is a beautifully written novel about a young doctor who moves to a remote Irish island to escape her scary and dangerous past. She doesn't expect to fall in love with the island, or its captivating and sexy pub owner, Dominic O'Sullivan, but she soon finds out that this enchanting island escape holds even more surprises for her than unexpected love. With sweet (and steamy!)romance, a pinch of fairytale magic, and frightening suspense building on each page, this book has it all. Sophie Moss is an amazing debut novelist who took me straight to the gorgeous cliffs of Ireland without having to pay for the plane ticket! Can't wait to read her next book!
June 30, 2012
Meh. There were things about this book that were just bad. My biggest complaints being how the author introduced periphery characters. There was a scene in the pub where several people were speaking but you knew who none of them were. 'blah, blah, blah' said Donal O'Sullivan... Who is Donal O'Sullivan? And why does his opinion matter?
There were also several instances where the POV would change within the same section of a chapter. You would be reading something from Tara's perspective then all the sudden it would be Dom's thoughts. It was confusing and annoying.
YaY! I like Selkies.
There were also several instances where the POV would change within the same section of a chapter. You would be reading something from Tara's perspective then all the sudden it would be Dom's thoughts. It was confusing and annoying.
YaY! I like Selkies.
April 24, 2024
Ireland, selkies and romantic suspense, what's not to love? 5 ⭐
February 21, 2012
The Selkie Spell is a lovely and lyrical Irish romance with a haunting ambience that clings to your heart long after you finish the last page, making you feel as though you've just taken a trip to an enchanted island! Ms. Moss' prose is carefully wrought and often stunning in its poetic beauty, and she creates characters who you can't help but feel for. However, it is her ghostly figure from the past, a Selkie woman who haunts the island and seeks to be freed from her dark curse, that most tugged at my heartstrings. Tara/Sydney, her descendent, gets caught up in the web of this legend that unknowingly impacts her life as well, and Moss weaves their stories intricately together so that their fates become inseperable and riveting. Part romance, part mystery, part fairy tale, this is a novel that takes several genres and gently threads them together for an overall satisfying read. Hopefully, Moss will continue her enchantment with the beguiling character of Glenna, whose timely "visions" and ability to charm strangers makes her a character that readers can't help but adore. A lovely debut!
January 5, 2023
What I wanted: A story about the Selkie Spell . A fantasy that explored an old Irish fairy tale where woman turned into seals sometimes.
What I got: A story about a woman who was trying to escape an abusive husband and sometimes the woman seal was mentioned a little bit.
This is another romance novel where the woman main character is perfect and she happens to run into the perfect man and they are both hurt and broken but we can be hurt and broken together so we are really, really happy.
I am so tired of romance novels. I will have to be better about selecting my books. I was definitely fooled by the synopsis.
I had my phone read this to me at 1 1/2 speed just so I could power through this.
Next…
What I got: A story about a woman who was trying to escape an abusive husband and sometimes the woman seal was mentioned a little bit.
This is another romance novel where the woman main character is perfect and she happens to run into the perfect man and they are both hurt and broken but we can be hurt and broken together so we are really, really happy.
I am so tired of romance novels. I will have to be better about selecting my books. I was definitely fooled by the synopsis.
I had my phone read this to me at 1 1/2 speed just so I could power through this.
Next…
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 7, 2012
The Selkie Spell had me under it's spell from the start. The cast of characters was amazing and it was like experiencing life on the island along with them. I loved the way Sophie wove real life issues with magical story telling- she has an incredible gift!
November 29, 2022
Ireland and Selkies. What Else Do You Need?
This was a fun, but at times suspenseful, read about an American woman fleeing her abusive husband. She finds herself on a small island off the coast of Ireland. She gets a job and prepares to stay for a few weeks. Turns out the island is haunted by a selfie that lost her pelt 200 years ago. Meanwhile, she's falling for her new boss and his little girl. That's just the beginning because her husband hired someone to find her and he is good at his job.
I enjoyed the setting in Ireland and the supernatural aspects. The romance was pretty good as well. It's an adult read but not too explicit.
This was a fun, but at times suspenseful, read about an American woman fleeing her abusive husband. She finds herself on a small island off the coast of Ireland. She gets a job and prepares to stay for a few weeks. Turns out the island is haunted by a selfie that lost her pelt 200 years ago. Meanwhile, she's falling for her new boss and his little girl. That's just the beginning because her husband hired someone to find her and he is good at his job.
I enjoyed the setting in Ireland and the supernatural aspects. The romance was pretty good as well. It's an adult read but not too explicit.
October 3, 2014
Coming into this I was not sure what to expect. The selkie myth is huge yet there are not a lot of books that focus it it, so this was a delightful change from my usual shifters. I was also thrilled with the idea of delving into some Celtic myth.
The story here is beautifully crafted. From the very start I was enchanted and did not want to stop reading. The whole book is very much like a Selkie Siren singing her song that puts you under a charming spell. I did not want it to end and was beyond thrilled to find it is actually a series!
The story comes from a mixed narrative, mostly from the two leads POV, but also from many supporting characters. This gives you a more rounded tale and gain huge insights into the whole world. The transitions were smooth and flowed beautifully from one character to the next.
I love Tara, she has such strength and determination. She meets her match in Dominic, they are both so stubborn. You can feel the chemistry from the start and there is no surprise that these two will get together. I love it when the sparks fly! The romance here is lovely and melts your heart at times!
The story has so much more than just a romance. Everything about this sleep island town is engaging and the characters easily draw you in further. There are some great layers with the Selkie's curse and the danger following Tara. Everything combined to make an enchanting read.
I listened to the audiobook narrated by Hollis McCarthy, who does a brilliant job! She takes on many distinct voices and delivers a delicious Irish accent in the hero! She has a fantastic pace in her read that lends itself to the movement of the story. This was a perfect marriage of narrator and book! I hope she stays with the whole series if it comes to audio.
Overall, this is a dynamic read that delights the reader with beautiful prose and engaging characters. So much going on in this story but it never feels too busy. Ms Moss is also clever enough to weave in threads of the other two books characters. I am eager to see Caitlin and Glenna discover their HEA! When I accept a book to review I am always worried about how I will react. I am happy to admit I am ecstatic with this find and can not wait to read more of this charming author!
Disclosure - I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts, opinions and ratings are my own.
The story here is beautifully crafted. From the very start I was enchanted and did not want to stop reading. The whole book is very much like a Selkie Siren singing her song that puts you under a charming spell. I did not want it to end and was beyond thrilled to find it is actually a series!
The story comes from a mixed narrative, mostly from the two leads POV, but also from many supporting characters. This gives you a more rounded tale and gain huge insights into the whole world. The transitions were smooth and flowed beautifully from one character to the next.
I love Tara, she has such strength and determination. She meets her match in Dominic, they are both so stubborn. You can feel the chemistry from the start and there is no surprise that these two will get together. I love it when the sparks fly! The romance here is lovely and melts your heart at times!
The story has so much more than just a romance. Everything about this sleep island town is engaging and the characters easily draw you in further. There are some great layers with the Selkie's curse and the danger following Tara. Everything combined to make an enchanting read.
I listened to the audiobook narrated by Hollis McCarthy, who does a brilliant job! She takes on many distinct voices and delivers a delicious Irish accent in the hero! She has a fantastic pace in her read that lends itself to the movement of the story. This was a perfect marriage of narrator and book! I hope she stays with the whole series if it comes to audio.
Overall, this is a dynamic read that delights the reader with beautiful prose and engaging characters. So much going on in this story but it never feels too busy. Ms Moss is also clever enough to weave in threads of the other two books characters. I am eager to see Caitlin and Glenna discover their HEA! When I accept a book to review I am always worried about how I will react. I am happy to admit I am ecstatic with this find and can not wait to read more of this charming author!
Disclosure - I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts, opinions and ratings are my own.
June 22, 2012
I expected to enjoy The Selkie Spell but not to fall in love with it.
I am a big fan of fairytales and mythology, so even though I don't normally read romance, I couldn't resist a story set on a little Irish isle about an unresolved selkie myth. And The Selkie Spell delivered. The setting was beautifully described and the island's history not only fit satisfyingly within selkie lore but pulled from the larger fairy repertoire to make something new and unique. The sequences where the fairytale bleeds into the modern day have an intoxicating fever dream quality that I loved.
But I didn't expect to care about the romance at all. Boy, was I wrong! All the characters had their own problems, issues, and lives beyond the scope of the fairytale mystery or the main romantic storyline. Everyone was likable and you understood why they cared about this possibly doomed relationship and that made you care more. Because I couldn't help caring that Tara and Dominic overcome their personal nightmares together.
I am a big fan of fairytales and mythology, so even though I don't normally read romance, I couldn't resist a story set on a little Irish isle about an unresolved selkie myth. And The Selkie Spell delivered. The setting was beautifully described and the island's history not only fit satisfyingly within selkie lore but pulled from the larger fairy repertoire to make something new and unique. The sequences where the fairytale bleeds into the modern day have an intoxicating fever dream quality that I loved.
But I didn't expect to care about the romance at all. Boy, was I wrong! All the characters had their own problems, issues, and lives beyond the scope of the fairytale mystery or the main romantic storyline. Everyone was likable and you understood why they cared about this possibly doomed relationship and that made you care more. Because I couldn't help caring that Tara and Dominic overcome their personal nightmares together.
February 3, 2012
Bought this book on a whim and peeked at the first few paragraphs. Ended up staying up til 1 am to finish it! Fresh, vibrant writing and a delightful, heart-felt story that only feeds the craving to visit Ireland!
August 21, 2021
Trigger Warning: spouse abuse
There were references to domestic abuse in this book that left me feeling a bit anxious, but it still felt realistic to life so I was able to push though it since this was a major part of the main character and her backstory as well as a plot point.
This was the first in a series, but it felt contained. The ending wrapped up the major issues and didn't leave me hanging. I liked a slight bit of mythology with selkie magic, but the story overall didn't feel farfetched. This could really be happening and not in some fantasy world. I enjoyed all the main characters. There was no one who got on my nerves, which is rare.
There were references to domestic abuse in this book that left me feeling a bit anxious, but it still felt realistic to life so I was able to push though it since this was a major part of the main character and her backstory as well as a plot point.
This was the first in a series, but it felt contained. The ending wrapped up the major issues and didn't leave me hanging. I liked a slight bit of mythology with selkie magic, but the story overall didn't feel farfetched. This could really be happening and not in some fantasy world. I enjoyed all the main characters. There was no one who got on my nerves, which is rare.
April 15, 2013
Sophie Moss takes an obscure Irish fairytale and waves it into a modern romance without sounding silly.
I tore through this book in three days, and really enjoyed it. Since I don't own a Kindle, I downloaded the free desktop app from Amazon and read it while sitting at my computer.
Good points: This novel addresses problems that the romance genre is often criticized over. Sophie uses strong, respectful men as protagonists, crafting characters that are still manly and not weak. The antagonists are the abusive jerks. You never see Dominic throwing Tara around, calling her names, belittling her. In the beginning, he is turned off by her secretive nature... if he wasn't, I'd have to discredit the work as unrealistic. The women are proactive... they're the heroes! Just about all of the "saving" is done by either women or another entity that I won't name because it would be a spoiler. Dominic tries to save Tara, but in the end she isn't "saved by a man." Again, I'm trying really hard not to throw too many spoilers in here.
Bad points: (Come on, every work has criticisms.) A lot of my friends want a squeaky-clean read. This work drops the F-bomb a few times, but only used by the antagonist. There are two sex scenes, but they're tasteful and not explicit, and they're very respectful of both the female and male protagonists. And though some friends don't want ANY love scenes, these are clean and mild compared to nearly any romance novel out there that isn't in the "young adult" section. Also, I found Tara to be a little unsympathetic at first. This is very understandable, considering the author needed to portray that she ran from her past, using a different name and lying to everyone she met. As I think about ways Ms. Moss could have portrayed that with a more sympathetic character, I haven't yet thought of an alternative.
Would I recommend this work? Well, to the friends who emphatically don't want any cursing or love scenes, I'd feel obligated to warn them. But it's not smut, it doesn't lean on the love scenes to carry the book. To anyone else who likes a good romance read... definitely give this a read!
I tore through this book in three days, and really enjoyed it. Since I don't own a Kindle, I downloaded the free desktop app from Amazon and read it while sitting at my computer.
Good points: This novel addresses problems that the romance genre is often criticized over. Sophie uses strong, respectful men as protagonists, crafting characters that are still manly and not weak. The antagonists are the abusive jerks. You never see Dominic throwing Tara around, calling her names, belittling her. In the beginning, he is turned off by her secretive nature... if he wasn't, I'd have to discredit the work as unrealistic. The women are proactive... they're the heroes! Just about all of the "saving" is done by either women or another entity that I won't name because it would be a spoiler. Dominic tries to save Tara, but in the end she isn't "saved by a man." Again, I'm trying really hard not to throw too many spoilers in here.
Bad points: (Come on, every work has criticisms.) A lot of my friends want a squeaky-clean read. This work drops the F-bomb a few times, but only used by the antagonist. There are two sex scenes, but they're tasteful and not explicit, and they're very respectful of both the female and male protagonists. And though some friends don't want ANY love scenes, these are clean and mild compared to nearly any romance novel out there that isn't in the "young adult" section. Also, I found Tara to be a little unsympathetic at first. This is very understandable, considering the author needed to portray that she ran from her past, using a different name and lying to everyone she met. As I think about ways Ms. Moss could have portrayed that with a more sympathetic character, I haven't yet thought of an alternative.
Would I recommend this work? Well, to the friends who emphatically don't want any cursing or love scenes, I'd feel obligated to warn them. But it's not smut, it doesn't lean on the love scenes to carry the book. To anyone else who likes a good romance read... definitely give this a read!
June 26, 2014
Lindsay: This book wasn't a typical book for us because we didn't actually read the book...
Nikki: You can't say that!
Lindsay: What?
Nikki: You're telling them we didn't read the book! That's a lie! We did!
Lindsay: Lol. If you'd have let me finish, I would have said, we didn't read the book, we LISTENED to it.
Nikki: Oh. My bad. Proceed. :)
Lindsay: Nikki, what did you think of The Selkie Spell?
Nikki: It was great! The end… Wow that was fast! I thought it was pretty original, and interesting and though it did have a few slow times, it was also captivating.
Lindsay: I agree, this was good. I’ve read a few other Selkie stories in the past but they’re not as common as vampires or werewolves. But this was original because the Selkie was a legend.
Nikki: Well, I've never heard of Selkies until this one so, I thought it was pretty cool. Plus the fact that it was a legend gave it that extra umph of originality. And I love Irish accents ;)
Lindsay: Oh *swooning* me too. I could listen to a hot Irishman talk all day. Too bad we didn’t have an actual hot Irishman to listen to.
Nikki: She was pretty good though. She did try to do the different accents. Her voice was strong and she enunciated well. And she did the Texas Drawl verra well ;)
Lindsay: Lol. She did do a good job.
Nikki: And while the story was really good, I think the ending was the best! I love a good lead in to the next book and after the way Liam looked at Caitlin I can't wait to read their story!
Lindsay: I agree with you! I loved the tension and chemistry between them. I can’t wait to see what happens between them!
Nikki: Overall, this was an enjoyable book and definitely worth reading or listening too.
Nikki: You can't say that!
Lindsay: What?
Nikki: You're telling them we didn't read the book! That's a lie! We did!
Lindsay: Lol. If you'd have let me finish, I would have said, we didn't read the book, we LISTENED to it.
Nikki: Oh. My bad. Proceed. :)
Lindsay: Nikki, what did you think of The Selkie Spell?
Nikki: It was great! The end… Wow that was fast! I thought it was pretty original, and interesting and though it did have a few slow times, it was also captivating.
Lindsay: I agree, this was good. I’ve read a few other Selkie stories in the past but they’re not as common as vampires or werewolves. But this was original because the Selkie was a legend.
Nikki: Well, I've never heard of Selkies until this one so, I thought it was pretty cool. Plus the fact that it was a legend gave it that extra umph of originality. And I love Irish accents ;)
Lindsay: Oh *swooning* me too. I could listen to a hot Irishman talk all day. Too bad we didn’t have an actual hot Irishman to listen to.
Nikki: She was pretty good though. She did try to do the different accents. Her voice was strong and she enunciated well. And she did the Texas Drawl verra well ;)
Lindsay: Lol. She did do a good job.
Nikki: And while the story was really good, I think the ending was the best! I love a good lead in to the next book and after the way Liam looked at Caitlin I can't wait to read their story!
Lindsay: I agree with you! I loved the tension and chemistry between them. I can’t wait to see what happens between them!
Nikki: Overall, this was an enjoyable book and definitely worth reading or listening too.
March 28, 2013
This is a very well written book. I won't do a plot summary - I'll talk about the seemingly effortless skill with which Sophie Moss presented this wonderful selkie story. The cover grabbed me but the first few pages tightened that grip and the story held me fast. The mix of mythology in a contemporary setting was presented in a believable and realistic way. It was like the air on Seal Island was thick with magic and the inhabitants didn't notice because they were used to it. The characters were well developed individuals but not caricatures. I want to do this book justice with a good review but honestly I just want to gush, fan-girl style. Two things struck me as I read: the rich well described setting and the excellently paced plot. The story developed naturally, not a word seemed rushed nor description overly drawn out. I would have bet money this book was written by an experienced author and published by one of the Big 6. I would have lost. Gems like this are why we should never let ourselves be swayed away from an indie book. Ms. Moss is an indie author to watch and her voice has style.
~ "The air was crisp and cool and refreshing when Tara stepped outside and she took a moment to soak in the view. She could hear men shouting over their motors down at the docs, bringing in their catch for the day. The ocean crashed turquoise over a silver beach, fading out to the Atlantic in darker blue. Sunlight sparkled, dropped like diamonds into the water. To the West, puffy clouds floated over the jagged peaks of Connemara, like rich dollops of cream. "Takes your breath away, doesn't it?" "
That it does, Sophie Moss. That it does.
Thank you for the imaginary vacation to Seal Island. It was beautiful.
~ "The air was crisp and cool and refreshing when Tara stepped outside and she took a moment to soak in the view. She could hear men shouting over their motors down at the docs, bringing in their catch for the day. The ocean crashed turquoise over a silver beach, fading out to the Atlantic in darker blue. Sunlight sparkled, dropped like diamonds into the water. To the West, puffy clouds floated over the jagged peaks of Connemara, like rich dollops of cream. "Takes your breath away, doesn't it?" "
That it does, Sophie Moss. That it does.
Thank you for the imaginary vacation to Seal Island. It was beautiful.
December 27, 2012
Sophie Moss’s debut novel The Selkie Spell transports you to Ireland to follow American Tara Moore as she goes to Seal Island to regroup and develop a plan to evade her troubled past. This mystical romance starts slowly, but charms you with the misty island and the tight-knit community that believes Tara is the descendant of a selkie – a legendary creature who lives as a seal but transforms to a human on land. The darker themes found in fairy tales are revisited as you are introduced to Tara’s foe and the legend of Seal Island’s selkie as she finds love and friends to help set her free.
While I am usually immediately drawn into stories of old legends and fairy tales set in modern day, I did have trouble connecting with the main character at first. Eventually this connection did develop as Tara made her own connections with the islanders and more about her past was disclosed. Some experiences, for example her tumultuous relationship with her husband, were portrayed in a rather cold manner but the more fantastical elements really brought the magic of the selkie, and the story, to life.
Positively, I could not stop reading without wondering what happens next. As Tara’s past caught up with her I was swept up in the story to the point where I almost missed my bus stop. As the tale ended I found myself smiling in satisfaction and fondly picturing the shores of Seal Island.
Sophie Moss should be proud of her first book and I look forward to seeing her storytelling develop further in the last two books of the Seal Island Trilogy. You can find both books on Amazon. Barnes & Noble carries book two, The Selkie Enchantress.
www.calamusworks.com
While I am usually immediately drawn into stories of old legends and fairy tales set in modern day, I did have trouble connecting with the main character at first. Eventually this connection did develop as Tara made her own connections with the islanders and more about her past was disclosed. Some experiences, for example her tumultuous relationship with her husband, were portrayed in a rather cold manner but the more fantastical elements really brought the magic of the selkie, and the story, to life.
Positively, I could not stop reading without wondering what happens next. As Tara’s past caught up with her I was swept up in the story to the point where I almost missed my bus stop. As the tale ended I found myself smiling in satisfaction and fondly picturing the shores of Seal Island.
Sophie Moss should be proud of her first book and I look forward to seeing her storytelling develop further in the last two books of the Seal Island Trilogy. You can find both books on Amazon. Barnes & Noble carries book two, The Selkie Enchantress.
www.calamusworks.com
January 26, 2023
When it comes to legends & other worldly events that go with these stories, I am not a big believer. So...in order for me to enjoy a book that includes this, it cannot be so far-fetched that it seems impossible in my reality. Sophie Moss did a wonderful job in keeping these tales within the boundaries of my almost non-existent imagination & beliefs. The story was not over-done and did not stray away from the tale being told. My favorite part of the book was being introduced to the characters who all have their own story. Even before I got halfway done I knew that there would be more books that would tell those stories. (I did not know this book was part one of a trilogy when I started reading) Sophie kept the characters involved without giving away each of their stories all in one book. That was important to me & kept me intrigued. Being of Irish descent I really enjoyed the legend and the picture that was so easily painted in my mind of such a beautiful country. Everything balanced out; not concentrating on just the love scenes, the legend or each character. The Selkie Spell was beautifully written.
January 29, 2013
(This review may contain spoilers).
Reading this book has left me with mixed feelings. On the one hand, I liked the ideas behind it. I also liked the fact that Dominic didn't trust Tara at first. But I do think there were a lot of time jumps. Their forming relationship was just skipped over and even when it said two weeks (and then two months) had passed, it only felt like a couple of days.
This book was also very similar to one by Nora Roberts. When I was reading it, it did feel like I was reading about those two characters in some ways. The woman escaping an abusive husband (who doesn't believe she's dead, even though she's been declared as such) and coming to a mysterious island with a magical legend surrounding it... becoming a chef... Once I was able to ignore those similarities, I did enjoy the book. It just took a while.
Glenna and Caitlin were interesting characters and I'll be interested in reading their books. I just hope that it doesn't follow the same pattern. And I liked Kelsey, too, who acted quite realistically as a child.
Reading this book has left me with mixed feelings. On the one hand, I liked the ideas behind it. I also liked the fact that Dominic didn't trust Tara at first. But I do think there were a lot of time jumps. Their forming relationship was just skipped over and even when it said two weeks (and then two months) had passed, it only felt like a couple of days.
This book was also very similar to one by Nora Roberts. When I was reading it, it did feel like I was reading about those two characters in some ways. The woman escaping an abusive husband (who doesn't believe she's dead, even though she's been declared as such) and coming to a mysterious island with a magical legend surrounding it... becoming a chef... Once I was able to ignore those similarities, I did enjoy the book. It just took a while.
Glenna and Caitlin were interesting characters and I'll be interested in reading their books. I just hope that it doesn't follow the same pattern. And I liked Kelsey, too, who acted quite realistically as a child.
May 30, 2012
I was quite certain THE SELKIE SPELL would be spellbinding... but it totally exceeded my expectations.
Have you ever read a passage in a book that was so vivid it immediately became real to you? I could feel the rocking of the ferry, the mist on my face and see the picturesque village and harbor as they came into view. I could also sense the fear chasing me there... and shudder as I was driven by other forces not yet determined.
Behold the magic... smell the roses and believe. Let THE SELKIE SPELL capture your heart and dare to imagine a place where anything is possible. I guarantee you will fall in love, despise and scream at the evil and above all cheer for the magic!
Sophie's writing has a magical lyrical quality that pulls you along in her song.
Well done... I believe.
Thank you Sophie!
Have you ever read a passage in a book that was so vivid it immediately became real to you? I could feel the rocking of the ferry, the mist on my face and see the picturesque village and harbor as they came into view. I could also sense the fear chasing me there... and shudder as I was driven by other forces not yet determined.
Behold the magic... smell the roses and believe. Let THE SELKIE SPELL capture your heart and dare to imagine a place where anything is possible. I guarantee you will fall in love, despise and scream at the evil and above all cheer for the magic!
Sophie's writing has a magical lyrical quality that pulls you along in her song.
Well done... I believe.
Thank you Sophie!
March 4, 2012
The Selkie Spell is one of those rare books that manages to be so many things; it's charming and thrilling with so many elements thrown together in such a way as to make perfection. The book is perfectly tensioned right the way through and there was never a moment where it felt right to put it down so I stayed up till midnight reading so I could hear the end. The characters created are bright and vibrant, seeming to jump off the page and the relationships are believable and accurate. There is so much more I'd like to put here but I don't want to litter my review with spoilers for those who haven't read the book yet. Suffice to say that it is well worth the money and you will not be disappointed, a wonderful tale that will leave you desperate for more from this up and coming writer.
February 26, 2012
I loved this book. Based on the selkie legend of Ireland, it's full of magic. The author obviously spent time in Ireland because the setting and references are completely authentic. The characters are charming, funny, intelligent and there's plenty of romance with lots of sexual tension. The pace is fast so get ready to read it in one sitting and then you'll be wanting the next book from this promising, talented young author.
February 4, 2012
I won the contest on this author's blog and received the book free. I liked Sophie's blog and figured it would be a good book, but I wasn't sure about the whole "Selkie" thing. I was very pleasantly surprised. The book was enchanting, filled with romance, murder, and tension, mixed with just enough Irish magic to make it fun to read.
June 1, 2012
I love a good selkie story and this one was really wonderful. The Aran Islands was the perfect setting for this enchanting story. If you love Irish folklore or even fairy tales, give this book a go and you will not be disappointed. I will be waiting for the next in the trilogy with great anticipation.
July 26, 2012
I really enjoyed this book. The Irish setting, the complex characters, the plot all combined for a most enjoyable read.
July 26, 2012
Not bad. I wish the story focused a little more on the selkie part, but I thought it was written beautifuly. I loved the Irish island back drop, and I love the legend of the selkie.
November 2, 2016
A good romance novel with a supernatural twist I enjoyed more than I expected. Dropped a few star ratings because of unexplained jumps in the characters attitudes I found irritating.
February 9, 2022
The idea behind this story was great, but I just felt it really lacked in character build and any real climax.
February 17, 2024
Abuse narrows your focus of what you deserve and what life can be. Never stop dreaming.
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