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Somewhere Beyond the Sea
Can you fall in love with someone before you’ve even met? Seren MacArthur is living a life she never intended. Trying to save the Cornish seaside business her late father built—while grieving for his loss—she has put her own dreams on hold and is struggling. Until she discovers a half-finished sea glass star on her favorite beach during an early morning walk. When she completes the star, she sets into motion a chain of events that will steal her heart and challenge everything she believes. Jack Dixon is trying to secure a better life for daughter Nessie and himself. Left a widower and homeless when his wife died, he’s just about keeping their heads above water. Finding sea glass stars completed on Gwithian beach is a bright spark that slowly rekindles his hope. Seren and Jack are searching for their missing pieces. But when they meet in real life, it’s on the opposing sides of a battle. Jack is managing the redevelopment of a local landmark, and Seren is leading the community campaign to save it. Both have reason to fight—Seren for the cause her father believed in, Jack for his livelihood. But only one can win. With so much at stake, will they ever find what they are really looking for? Miranda Dickinson's Somewhere Beyond the Sea is a sparkling tale of love, life and finding magic where you least expect it.
475 pages, Paperback
First published June 12, 2018
61 people are currently reading
657 people want to read
About the author
Miranda Dickinson
28 books662 followersMiranda Dickinson has always had a head full of stories. Coming from a creative family where stories and songs were always present, it was perhaps inevitable that she would end up adoring words. A songwriter for over 15 years, Miranda has successfully penned over thirty songs, delivering both live and recorded performances in a range of venues across the UK and Europe. Her first solo project album, About Time is due for release this year. To hear her music, visit www.mirandadickinson.com - and be sure to leave a message if you like it!
Miranda began writing in earnest four years ago with her first novel, Coffee at Kowalski's - a romantic comedy set in New York's Upper West Side. This was spotted on HarperCollins' site for unpublished authors, Authonomy.com at the end of 2008 and was released by Avon (part of HC) as Fairytale of New York on 12th November 2009. She has also written several short stories, scripts and novel excerpts, many of which are published on Helium.com. Miranda is also a regular contributor for www.myvillage.com writing a range of local interest articles for the Birmingham area and national film and festival reviews.
Miranda began writing in earnest four years ago with her first novel, Coffee at Kowalski's - a romantic comedy set in New York's Upper West Side. This was spotted on HarperCollins' site for unpublished authors, Authonomy.com at the end of 2008 and was released by Avon (part of HC) as Fairytale of New York on 12th November 2009. She has also written several short stories, scripts and novel excerpts, many of which are published on Helium.com. Miranda is also a regular contributor for www.myvillage.com writing a range of local interest articles for the Birmingham area and national film and festival reviews.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 135 reviews
July 24, 2018
Absorbing, encouraging, and delightfully affecting!
Somewhere Beyond the Sea is an astute, heartwarming tale that sweeps you away to the idyllic, seaside town of St Ives and into the lives of Seren, a young woman grieving the loss of her father and struggling to save the business he left behind, and Jack, a single, unemployed father focused on raising his seven-year-old daughter and providing her with love, attention, and security.
The prose is winsome and polished. The characters are authentic, optimistic, and engaging. And the plot told from alternating perspectives is an alluring tale about loss, life, love, heartache, grit, hope, family, friendship, community, sand, sea, self-discovery, beautiful jewelry, moving on, and finding the one.
Overall, Somewhere Beyond the Sea is an evocative, touching, romantic tale by Dickinson that reminds us that sometimes it’s the little things that mean the most and magic can truly be found everywhere.
Thank you to Publishers Group Canada for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.
All my reviews can be found on my blog at https://whatsbetterthanbooks.com
Somewhere Beyond the Sea is an astute, heartwarming tale that sweeps you away to the idyllic, seaside town of St Ives and into the lives of Seren, a young woman grieving the loss of her father and struggling to save the business he left behind, and Jack, a single, unemployed father focused on raising his seven-year-old daughter and providing her with love, attention, and security.
The prose is winsome and polished. The characters are authentic, optimistic, and engaging. And the plot told from alternating perspectives is an alluring tale about loss, life, love, heartache, grit, hope, family, friendship, community, sand, sea, self-discovery, beautiful jewelry, moving on, and finding the one.
Overall, Somewhere Beyond the Sea is an evocative, touching, romantic tale by Dickinson that reminds us that sometimes it’s the little things that mean the most and magic can truly be found everywhere.
Thank you to Publishers Group Canada for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.
All my reviews can be found on my blog at https://whatsbetterthanbooks.com
May 20, 2018
Gorgeous, special book. It’s full of love, hope and second chances. So uplifting, and destined to become a summer hit.
July 6, 2018
http://www.jerasjamboree.co.uk/2018/0...
Have you ever experienced when an inanimate object takes on a whole new depth of meaning that is more than its parts with the emotional energy you invest in it? This is what happens to Seren and Jack (as well as Nessie!) with the seaglass stars on Gwythian Beach. With Seren taking on the mantle of responsibility of her father’s business and campaign while still grieving his loss and Jack’s need to provide for Nessie and having to come to terms with his own feelings, the gift of the seaglass star is a symbol that represents so much and gives more than a little needed light in their lives. Both driven and motivated by something intrinsic to their lives, emotions run high and the scene is set for conflict.
With the community being behind the save the Bethel Parsonage campaign we get to know some of the characters, all of which I identified with. The character who stole my heart is Nessie. Love her distraction techniques! and her humour. She sparkles and shines just as much as the seaglass stars.
What a stunning setting … having spent part of my honeymoon at St Ives, Somewhere Beyond the Sea brought back some fab memories for me 🙂 Miranda Dickinson’s writing pulled me right back there in my imagination, experiencing the sights and sounds (and not forgetting the smells too).
There are so many feels throughout this story and they came thick and fast for me near the ending. I was intrigued waiting to find out what Jack had done and the tension and anticipation of not knowing what Seren would do had my heart racing. I read those last few pages through tears. Perfect.
This isn’t a romance of will they/won’t they. Everyone will be able to relate to the campaign and why it’s important to save this building just as everyone will be able to relate to Jack’s vision of how it could be. I’ve loved the creativity just as much as the emotional tug.
Somewhere Beyond the Sea is a story about looking past our own needs to the needs of others and becoming selfless. About learning to trust in yourself that the decisions you make are the right ones. It tells us that it’s ok to have negative feelings and that forgiving ourselves brings hope and healing.
Definitely one to pack in your luggage!
Have you ever experienced when an inanimate object takes on a whole new depth of meaning that is more than its parts with the emotional energy you invest in it? This is what happens to Seren and Jack (as well as Nessie!) with the seaglass stars on Gwythian Beach. With Seren taking on the mantle of responsibility of her father’s business and campaign while still grieving his loss and Jack’s need to provide for Nessie and having to come to terms with his own feelings, the gift of the seaglass star is a symbol that represents so much and gives more than a little needed light in their lives. Both driven and motivated by something intrinsic to their lives, emotions run high and the scene is set for conflict.
With the community being behind the save the Bethel Parsonage campaign we get to know some of the characters, all of which I identified with. The character who stole my heart is Nessie. Love her distraction techniques! and her humour. She sparkles and shines just as much as the seaglass stars.
What a stunning setting … having spent part of my honeymoon at St Ives, Somewhere Beyond the Sea brought back some fab memories for me 🙂 Miranda Dickinson’s writing pulled me right back there in my imagination, experiencing the sights and sounds (and not forgetting the smells too).
There are so many feels throughout this story and they came thick and fast for me near the ending. I was intrigued waiting to find out what Jack had done and the tension and anticipation of not knowing what Seren would do had my heart racing. I read those last few pages through tears. Perfect.
This isn’t a romance of will they/won’t they. Everyone will be able to relate to the campaign and why it’s important to save this building just as everyone will be able to relate to Jack’s vision of how it could be. I’ve loved the creativity just as much as the emotional tug.
Somewhere Beyond the Sea is a story about looking past our own needs to the needs of others and becoming selfless. About learning to trust in yourself that the decisions you make are the right ones. It tells us that it’s ok to have negative feelings and that forgiving ourselves brings hope and healing.
Definitely one to pack in your luggage!
September 19, 2018
2.5/5
I was really disappointed with this one. I read loads of reviews that made this book sounds amazing and a lovely story to read but i just didn't get that come through.
The story itself was alright but very long, slow and just dragged out. It was 48% before the characters have any interaction, so the first half of the book is talking about the characters separately and just making you aware of how the talk and their history. Then as the book progressed, the characters didn't really make any changes. I found that the ending for such a long book was very anti-climactic and it actually left on a cliff hanger.
Really wasn't impressed with this one.
I was really disappointed with this one. I read loads of reviews that made this book sounds amazing and a lovely story to read but i just didn't get that come through.
The story itself was alright but very long, slow and just dragged out. It was 48% before the characters have any interaction, so the first half of the book is talking about the characters separately and just making you aware of how the talk and their history. Then as the book progressed, the characters didn't really make any changes. I found that the ending for such a long book was very anti-climactic and it actually left on a cliff hanger.
Really wasn't impressed with this one.
June 22, 2018
I absolutely adored this story! Seren and Jack are both struggling after the loss of someone close to them. For Seren, it was her beloved father, and since his death she has abandoned her own dreams in order to revive his Cornish seaside business. For Jack, losing his wife and the mother of daughter has been life-shattering, and now he is fighting to survive. Seren and Jack’s lives may well be fated to collide, but certainly not in the way they – or I – expected, and so unravells a wonderful and magical tale of hope, courage and the limitless power of love.
June 1, 2018
Ok, I loved this book. I knew I was going to but there is so much I loved about it this might be a little bit of a gushy review but I'm not sorry! So firstly I loved the way this book was structured, this is the thing that first impressed me once I started reading. I love a dual narrative novel so that was a massive plus point for me and I love a book with short chapters, another massive plus point. In the case of this book its like each chapter teases you with a little bit of Jack and Seren's story and then you switch to the other character and then you have to keep reading so this was a really really quick read for me. A quick read not because it lacked in any substance, very much the opposite, but Miranda kept teasing me with details and conversations and actions and then I HAD TO KEEP READING!
Obviously the setting for this book is absolutely beautiful. I've never been there but I feel like I have now because of all of the gorgeous descriptions of the beaches and the town and the shop and the school. I love the fact that we had an introduction to this place at Christmas time and now we're seeing it in a different seasons. If you want to see some of the places that are described in the book and inspired the novel then I suggest you check out Miranda's YouTube channel because she has an awesome video with the settings in there. I watched it right after I finished to take me back to those beaches again!
We also got introduced to some of the characters in Christmas in St Ives and the characters in this novel are just another thing that I love about it. I loved Aggi from the moment I met her and her coffee hut, but I love the calming influence she has on tense situations in this book. She comes in, says what she thinks not leaving out any words in the way of censorship and suddenly everything seems just a little bit better. Cerrie was a great character from the novella so I was pleased to see her playing her own special part in Jack and Seren's story.
Jack and Seren are obviously the main characters here and I love the fact that they both have their flaws. This makes them so relatable and so easy to sympathise and empathise with. Jack is a single Dad who is always looking for more work as a site manager so that he can support himself and Nessie. He has all these worries but he still manages to be a decent human being. Seren also has financial worries and other hardships that she has to face, but she muddles on and works incredibly hard to support her family as well. Nessie is a great character, she is Jack's daughter and her relationship with her father is just beautiful. She is another character that provides some comic relief and also just someone you will instantly fall in love with.
Seren's dad Mark is another key character in this novel. He has recently passed away but there is so much of him in this novel and this felt really personal to the author whilst reading it. I loved the little nods to him on almost every page and the way his honour is upheld the way we would all want to remember someone we loved very much whom we have lost. There are some really touching moments where characters other than Seren remember him in their own ways and show their respect to him and this is where the heart of the novel really is.
Of course there is beautiful romance in this novel as well as solidified love that comes from years of friendship. The romance is very much of the slow burn variety, and the back and forth felt very much like I was watching Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan in either Sleepless in Seattle or You've got Mail although the characters here are very much on an equal footing-just another thing I loved about this book.
I honestly can't think of a single thing that I would change about this book it had everything for me. I swooned, I cheered, I cried and it taught me a lot about sea glass and astronomy as well-how cool is that? Definitely pop this on in your basket (virtual or real life) and read it as soon as you can because once you start I guarantee you will fall in love with these characters, this setting and the amount of love and feeling that has been poured into and pours out of this novel.
Obviously the setting for this book is absolutely beautiful. I've never been there but I feel like I have now because of all of the gorgeous descriptions of the beaches and the town and the shop and the school. I love the fact that we had an introduction to this place at Christmas time and now we're seeing it in a different seasons. If you want to see some of the places that are described in the book and inspired the novel then I suggest you check out Miranda's YouTube channel because she has an awesome video with the settings in there. I watched it right after I finished to take me back to those beaches again!
We also got introduced to some of the characters in Christmas in St Ives and the characters in this novel are just another thing that I love about it. I loved Aggi from the moment I met her and her coffee hut, but I love the calming influence she has on tense situations in this book. She comes in, says what she thinks not leaving out any words in the way of censorship and suddenly everything seems just a little bit better. Cerrie was a great character from the novella so I was pleased to see her playing her own special part in Jack and Seren's story.
Jack and Seren are obviously the main characters here and I love the fact that they both have their flaws. This makes them so relatable and so easy to sympathise and empathise with. Jack is a single Dad who is always looking for more work as a site manager so that he can support himself and Nessie. He has all these worries but he still manages to be a decent human being. Seren also has financial worries and other hardships that she has to face, but she muddles on and works incredibly hard to support her family as well. Nessie is a great character, she is Jack's daughter and her relationship with her father is just beautiful. She is another character that provides some comic relief and also just someone you will instantly fall in love with.
Seren's dad Mark is another key character in this novel. He has recently passed away but there is so much of him in this novel and this felt really personal to the author whilst reading it. I loved the little nods to him on almost every page and the way his honour is upheld the way we would all want to remember someone we loved very much whom we have lost. There are some really touching moments where characters other than Seren remember him in their own ways and show their respect to him and this is where the heart of the novel really is.
Of course there is beautiful romance in this novel as well as solidified love that comes from years of friendship. The romance is very much of the slow burn variety, and the back and forth felt very much like I was watching Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan in either Sleepless in Seattle or You've got Mail although the characters here are very much on an equal footing-just another thing I loved about this book.
I honestly can't think of a single thing that I would change about this book it had everything for me. I swooned, I cheered, I cried and it taught me a lot about sea glass and astronomy as well-how cool is that? Definitely pop this on in your basket (virtual or real life) and read it as soon as you can because once you start I guarantee you will fall in love with these characters, this setting and the amount of love and feeling that has been poured into and pours out of this novel.
February 18, 2025
3.5 stars! Did I pick this up because it's narrated by Jonathan Bailey? YEAH. Was it worth it? EH.
I enjoyed the first half immensely. The joy of finding magic in every day life amidst financial hardship and grief—perfect. And I can appreciate a slow burn. I think the build up to them finally meeting in person and being on opposing sides was actually well done. The potential for yearning and angst was right there... then they continue to spend the majority of the book apart. The conversations they had face to face were GOOD but they could almost be counted on one hand! Their internal monologues got repetitive.
Tbh I probably would not have finished let alone enjoyed this as much as I did had I not listened to the audio. Jack was endearing and sympathetic but maybe that's just Jonathan Bailey's charm shining through. And the narrator for Seren was also lovely; her child voice is impeccable (that's another thing we were deprived of, Nessie interacting with Seren!)
I enjoyed the first half immensely. The joy of finding magic in every day life amidst financial hardship and grief—perfect. And I can appreciate a slow burn. I think the build up to them finally meeting in person and being on opposing sides was actually well done. The potential for yearning and angst was right there... then they continue to spend the majority of the book apart. The conversations they had face to face were GOOD but they could almost be counted on one hand! Their internal monologues got repetitive.
Tbh I probably would not have finished let alone enjoyed this as much as I did had I not listened to the audio. Jack was endearing and sympathetic but maybe that's just Jonathan Bailey's charm shining through. And the narrator for Seren was also lovely; her child voice is impeccable (that's another thing we were deprived of, Nessie interacting with Seren!)
April 29, 2018
This book is one of the most beautiful pieces of work I have ever read. I was lucky enough to be sent a copy by the author herself - go Team Sparkley! - and devoured the whole thing within a few days. The setting is beautiful, the characters are so real its easy to get invested in their lives. Everything about this book is perfect and Miranda Dickinson remains the queen of fiction in my world.
September 12, 2018
Romance novel set around ST IVES, CORNWALL
“St Ives just makes you want to write…..”
It is so clear that the author adores Cornwall and I am sure this is a novel that will prompt you to visit this beautiful part of the world! Indeed as the author says at the end: “All of the places in Somewhere Beyond the Sea can be visited..“. She also shares her top spots to visit in and around St Ives, her favourite local artists (artist Charlie Bowater for one gets a mention in the book as do several others), shops, eateries and more…her favourite ice cream shop is Moomaid of Zenor Ice Cream Parlour (and there are plenty more recommendations to whet your appetite).
So, all in all a perfect book for literary wanderlust!
Seren MacArthur has recently lost her father and she has taken over his shop selling artwork, really to help her mum maintain an income. But it is not doing well at all and she finds herself working all hours to try and turn things around. She herself is a jewellery designer.
Jack Dixon is on his downers, living in a summer chalet with his daughter Nessie. He lost his wife and her mother just a little while ago and he is desperately trying to keep everything afloat.
Bill Brotherson is a developer, without many scruples it would appear, who has his eye on the Parsonage, which was the former home of Elinor Carne, a woman in the 19th century who contributed hugely to the world of astronomy. The locals, headed by Seren (whose father was an amateur astronomer and who first took up her cause), are opposed to his scheme. They want to maintain the Parsonage in her memory. Jack, who is desperate for work, soon finds himself on the Brotherson payroll, championing the proposed scheme with, however, a few amendments of his own. Seren and Jack are pitted against one another and neither can deny a frisson of attraction.
The central premise of the novel is delightful. Seren has been busy working on jewellery designs incorporating glass fragments washed to smooth shapes over time. One day on Gwithian Beach she finds a half finished star embedded in the sand, made up of sea glass (also traditionally called mermaids’ tears) and she completes it. From that point forward a magical scenario builds because someone else also performs artistry with the gems for her to find. The next day she works on another piece and so it goes on, it is an exciting and magical connection with someone, but who might that someone be? The to-ing and fro-ing between the two parties is a very imaginative and delightful premise and will charm the reader!
This is a great read for those who love good romance fiction and for those who love Cornwall. I am sure Visit Cornwall will benefit from people reading this book!
“St Ives just makes you want to write…..”
It is so clear that the author adores Cornwall and I am sure this is a novel that will prompt you to visit this beautiful part of the world! Indeed as the author says at the end: “All of the places in Somewhere Beyond the Sea can be visited..“. She also shares her top spots to visit in and around St Ives, her favourite local artists (artist Charlie Bowater for one gets a mention in the book as do several others), shops, eateries and more…her favourite ice cream shop is Moomaid of Zenor Ice Cream Parlour (and there are plenty more recommendations to whet your appetite).
So, all in all a perfect book for literary wanderlust!
Seren MacArthur has recently lost her father and she has taken over his shop selling artwork, really to help her mum maintain an income. But it is not doing well at all and she finds herself working all hours to try and turn things around. She herself is a jewellery designer.
Jack Dixon is on his downers, living in a summer chalet with his daughter Nessie. He lost his wife and her mother just a little while ago and he is desperately trying to keep everything afloat.
Bill Brotherson is a developer, without many scruples it would appear, who has his eye on the Parsonage, which was the former home of Elinor Carne, a woman in the 19th century who contributed hugely to the world of astronomy. The locals, headed by Seren (whose father was an amateur astronomer and who first took up her cause), are opposed to his scheme. They want to maintain the Parsonage in her memory. Jack, who is desperate for work, soon finds himself on the Brotherson payroll, championing the proposed scheme with, however, a few amendments of his own. Seren and Jack are pitted against one another and neither can deny a frisson of attraction.
The central premise of the novel is delightful. Seren has been busy working on jewellery designs incorporating glass fragments washed to smooth shapes over time. One day on Gwithian Beach she finds a half finished star embedded in the sand, made up of sea glass (also traditionally called mermaids’ tears) and she completes it. From that point forward a magical scenario builds because someone else also performs artistry with the gems for her to find. The next day she works on another piece and so it goes on, it is an exciting and magical connection with someone, but who might that someone be? The to-ing and fro-ing between the two parties is a very imaginative and delightful premise and will charm the reader!
This is a great read for those who love good romance fiction and for those who love Cornwall. I am sure Visit Cornwall will benefit from people reading this book!
June 12, 2018
What a charming story that is so uplifting and tells the story of Seren and Jack in alternating chapters.
Seren is campaigning on her late fathers behalf to preserve a local building from development.
Jack is a recently widowed single dad to 7 year old Nessie and is trying to do the best for his little girl even if it means working for a large building company,
What neither of them know is that there is a connection between them from the first few pages that involves on one level magic and mermaids!
Two people both just trying to do their best by their loved ones and neither necessarily following their own hearts.
i loved all the various characters and also the story behind the building that is at the heart of it all.
The majority of the book takes place over a 5 or 6 week period where i will say both characters lives change a lot, and in that we also get some great campaigning on both sides.
It is another wonderful book by Miranda Dickinson, and is perfect for those long lazy summer evenings, wishing you were in Cornwall!
Thank you to EDPR for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
Seren is campaigning on her late fathers behalf to preserve a local building from development.
Jack is a recently widowed single dad to 7 year old Nessie and is trying to do the best for his little girl even if it means working for a large building company,
What neither of them know is that there is a connection between them from the first few pages that involves on one level magic and mermaids!
Two people both just trying to do their best by their loved ones and neither necessarily following their own hearts.
i loved all the various characters and also the story behind the building that is at the heart of it all.
The majority of the book takes place over a 5 or 6 week period where i will say both characters lives change a lot, and in that we also get some great campaigning on both sides.
It is another wonderful book by Miranda Dickinson, and is perfect for those long lazy summer evenings, wishing you were in Cornwall!
Thank you to EDPR for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
June 12, 2018
I so loved all the different starry strands of the story, once I started reading, I literally couldn't put this book down. The mix of sea and sky, and mermaidy magic, and the struggles and hope of wonderful characters made for an amazing read. Stories about Cornwall are very popular at the moment, but we're not often treated to the kind of warmth and authenticity we find in Miranda's writing, with a storyline that feels so fresh. Somehow the story passing between Seren and Jack, the linking, and the push and pull of their lives felt like the ebb and flow of the tide. I really identified with Seran's loss, so a lot of the book was a very emotional read for me, and some of the starry sky bits were so lovely they actually gave me tingly goosebumps. A perfect and beautiful story, this has to be one of the most special books of the summer
July 7, 2018
This had a wee bit of everything for me...love the setting Cornwall is a very special place and st Ives hold great memories...loved the storyline and the characters....as you read each chapter it was like the stars shinning one by one across the ink blue sky....totally magical and a little bit quirky ...
August 31, 2018
What a lovely, lovely book! A heart-warming and charming story set in the beautiful Cornish town of St Ives. Alternating chapters tell the story from the points of view of the two main characters, Seren and Jack which really allows the reader to get to know them, their personalities, their thoughts and their dreams. Beautifully written. The perfect summer read!
May 16, 2019
Cozy read. I so enjoyed it. The perfect read for me after returning from a trip to Ireland. Although this book takes place in England, I can totally picture the story in that old-world style setting.
March 31, 2025
3.5 rounded down.
It was Isabelle bait in the sense of single dad is down bad (and narrated by Jonathan Bailey), sea glass hunting, and the stakes involving a planning & land development debate. But I also know myself enough that if I didn’t listen to this, I would’ve DNFed this so soon. A much needed palette cleanser, and now I want to go to St. Ives!
It was Isabelle bait in the sense of single dad is down bad (and narrated by Jonathan Bailey), sea glass hunting, and the stakes involving a planning & land development debate. But I also know myself enough that if I didn’t listen to this, I would’ve DNFed this so soon. A much needed palette cleanser, and now I want to go to St. Ives!
June 14, 2018
This was one of those books that was so beautifully written that I didn't want it to end. It was like a fine wine, needing to be savoured rather than devoured.
Seren and Jack I think are my new favourite characters from a book. Both with their own baggage and grief that was so sensitively and stunningly written that it brought a tear to my eye on many occasions. In fact, every single character in the book was so well written that you felt like you were firmly ensconced in their circle of friends.
I've only ever once visited St Ives on one occasion, and it was very long time ago but reading the descriptions of the places that were so evocatively described in the book, definitely made me want to pack up and go and live there immediately. You could literally feel the sand beneath your toes, smell the salty sea air and reach out and touch those sea glass stars.
This was a magical, gorgeous, fabulous read, which made me feel so and I loved EVERY SINGLE PAGE from start to finish and I really do think that this is Miranda's best book yet. A book full of hopes and dreams and a beautifully, stunning summer read. Top marks Miranda. A million sea glass stars from me!
Seren and Jack I think are my new favourite characters from a book. Both with their own baggage and grief that was so sensitively and stunningly written that it brought a tear to my eye on many occasions. In fact, every single character in the book was so well written that you felt like you were firmly ensconced in their circle of friends.
I've only ever once visited St Ives on one occasion, and it was very long time ago but reading the descriptions of the places that were so evocatively described in the book, definitely made me want to pack up and go and live there immediately. You could literally feel the sand beneath your toes, smell the salty sea air and reach out and touch those sea glass stars.
This was a magical, gorgeous, fabulous read, which made me feel so and I loved EVERY SINGLE PAGE from start to finish and I really do think that this is Miranda's best book yet. A book full of hopes and dreams and a beautifully, stunning summer read. Top marks Miranda. A million sea glass stars from me!
April 29, 2018
Stunning book that I didn't want to end! I was lucky enough to be sent a copy by Miranda #TeamSparkly I really hope this isnt the last we have heard from these characters. Tears have been shed.
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June 9, 2018A book full of heart and warmth. I've seen the 'hero/heroine are on opposite sides in a property development war' trope so many times and yet this feels fresh, with both protagonists being utterly sympathetic and with each interaction raising the stakes. This book also has a lot to say about grief, guilt, and finding your own way. Miranda's best yet, I think.
June 15, 2018
I have a huge confession to make. ‘Somewhere Beyond The Sea’ is actually the first book by Miranda Dickinson that I have read. Don’t hate me. I have all her other books on my ever increasing ‘to be read’ pile but I haven’t had time to read them. Going by how much I enjoyed reading ‘Somewhere Beyond The Sea’, the rest of Miranda’s books will not be on my ‘to be read’ pile for much longer. I absolutely, totally and utterly, flipping well loved reading ‘Somewhere Beyond The Sea’ but more about that in a bit.
I took to the character of Seren MacArthur from the start. She is still grieving for her late father, who died a short time ago. He was a popular character, who was full of life and Seren is finding it hard to fill his shoes. I could totally understand where Seren was coming from and the mixed feelings she was going through. I empathised with her because I felt similarly when my own father died. Seren has also taken over the art shop that was her father’s shop. Things are not looking good for the future of the shop as artists have been removing their artwork from the shop because of various rumours that the shop is in financial difficulty. Seren’s Father was the chair of a campaign to save a site of historical interest and after his death the committee hands the responsibility over to Seren. The poor kid has stress coming at her from all directions. The one thing that keeps her sane, is her daily walks on the beach. Whilst on a walk she comes across a star that was created from seaglass and she finished making it. This carries on over a period of a few days. The other main character is this book is Jack Dixon. Oh boy his situation tugged at my heartstrings too. He has been left a widower after his wife died suddenly and he is the sole carer for his little girl. They are still grieving for the loss of a wife and mother. Jack and his daughter found themselves homeless after the death of the wife & mother. Jack does work but work opportunities are limited and as a result money is rather tight to say the least. Thankfully Jack and his daughter have a roof over their heads thanks to the generosity of Jack’s friend and he sends the occasional bit of work Jack’s way. Jack and his daughter love going for walks on the beach too and they like building the stars from the sand glass although they leave them unfinished, which is where Seren comes in.
This was one heck of an emotional rollercoaster ride of a read. Oh I felt myself getting emotionally and personally involved in this book from the moment I started reading. As I stated above I felt empathy for Seren as I lost my father too and I found myself going through similar feelings to Seren. That said I also felt for Jack and his daughter. There were so many times that I wanted to jump into the pages of the book and give them all a hug. Although this book didn’t make me cry, I did ‘well up’ a couple of times. This is from a person who doesn’t usually show her emotions!! I found myself laughing out loud at some of the passages of the book, which attracted some strange looks from the other passengers on the bus. Half the time I found myself almost shouting at the book because I just wanted Seren and Jack to find the happiness that they so deserved.
I was addicted to this book from the moment I picked the book up. The author’s writing style is such that you can’t fail to be drawn in from the first word on the first page and before you know it you are hooked. The chapters alternate and are written from the points of view of Seren and Jack. This way of telling their stories in parallel worked really well and the story flows seamlessly. This book was really well written. The storyline was so realistic and well thought out, the characters were so realistic and the descriptions of the scenery were so vivid, that if I closed my eyes I could just imagine that I was there on the beach with all the action going on around me. I was so addicted to the book and to finding out how the story ended that I binge read this book over the space of a couple days, which worked really well. The pages and the time I spent reading flew past in a blur and before I knew what was happening I had cleared a large chunk of the book but because I was enjoying myself so much I genuinely hadn’t realised.
In conclusion I ADORED reading ‘Somewhere Beyond The Sea’ and I wholeheartedly recommend this author and her books to other readers. I can’t wait to see what she comes up with next but whilst I wait I will content myself with digging out her other books and making reading them one of my top reading priorities. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a well deserved 5* out of 5*.
I took to the character of Seren MacArthur from the start. She is still grieving for her late father, who died a short time ago. He was a popular character, who was full of life and Seren is finding it hard to fill his shoes. I could totally understand where Seren was coming from and the mixed feelings she was going through. I empathised with her because I felt similarly when my own father died. Seren has also taken over the art shop that was her father’s shop. Things are not looking good for the future of the shop as artists have been removing their artwork from the shop because of various rumours that the shop is in financial difficulty. Seren’s Father was the chair of a campaign to save a site of historical interest and after his death the committee hands the responsibility over to Seren. The poor kid has stress coming at her from all directions. The one thing that keeps her sane, is her daily walks on the beach. Whilst on a walk she comes across a star that was created from seaglass and she finished making it. This carries on over a period of a few days. The other main character is this book is Jack Dixon. Oh boy his situation tugged at my heartstrings too. He has been left a widower after his wife died suddenly and he is the sole carer for his little girl. They are still grieving for the loss of a wife and mother. Jack and his daughter found themselves homeless after the death of the wife & mother. Jack does work but work opportunities are limited and as a result money is rather tight to say the least. Thankfully Jack and his daughter have a roof over their heads thanks to the generosity of Jack’s friend and he sends the occasional bit of work Jack’s way. Jack and his daughter love going for walks on the beach too and they like building the stars from the sand glass although they leave them unfinished, which is where Seren comes in.
This was one heck of an emotional rollercoaster ride of a read. Oh I felt myself getting emotionally and personally involved in this book from the moment I started reading. As I stated above I felt empathy for Seren as I lost my father too and I found myself going through similar feelings to Seren. That said I also felt for Jack and his daughter. There were so many times that I wanted to jump into the pages of the book and give them all a hug. Although this book didn’t make me cry, I did ‘well up’ a couple of times. This is from a person who doesn’t usually show her emotions!! I found myself laughing out loud at some of the passages of the book, which attracted some strange looks from the other passengers on the bus. Half the time I found myself almost shouting at the book because I just wanted Seren and Jack to find the happiness that they so deserved.
I was addicted to this book from the moment I picked the book up. The author’s writing style is such that you can’t fail to be drawn in from the first word on the first page and before you know it you are hooked. The chapters alternate and are written from the points of view of Seren and Jack. This way of telling their stories in parallel worked really well and the story flows seamlessly. This book was really well written. The storyline was so realistic and well thought out, the characters were so realistic and the descriptions of the scenery were so vivid, that if I closed my eyes I could just imagine that I was there on the beach with all the action going on around me. I was so addicted to the book and to finding out how the story ended that I binge read this book over the space of a couple days, which worked really well. The pages and the time I spent reading flew past in a blur and before I knew what was happening I had cleared a large chunk of the book but because I was enjoying myself so much I genuinely hadn’t realised.
In conclusion I ADORED reading ‘Somewhere Beyond The Sea’ and I wholeheartedly recommend this author and her books to other readers. I can’t wait to see what she comes up with next but whilst I wait I will content myself with digging out her other books and making reading them one of my top reading priorities. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a well deserved 5* out of 5*.
June 12, 2018
Sometimes a book just captures your heart and this one with its mixture of sea, seaglass, stars and sky did just that.
The story is told in short alternating chapters by Seren (which is Welsh for star) and Jack. They are told in first person so you really feel you get to know them. And the thing is, although they are on opposing sides of a local community argument, you can't help but like them both. Jack recently lost his wife, and home, and is bringing up their young daughter Nessie. He is a builder but work has dried up and money is tight. He jumps at the chance to work on big development. He is passionate about building, and wants to work with the landscape, with natural materials and to use local expertise. He feels he can respect and honour the memory of Elinor Carne, a local and largely forgotten astronomer.
Seren on the other hand is continuing her late father's campaign to save the parsonage where Elinor lived, to protect and develop the old remains, bring the name of Elinor back into public knowledge. This is the site that Jack's boss wants to redevelop. She is still grieving the close bond she shared with her father and trying desperately to keep his craft shop business afloat. The author lost her own father when writing this book so it's not surprisingly that the grief Seren feels over the sudden loss of her dad is so touchingly and convincingly portrayed.
Unknown to either of them, despite being in opposition to each other, they also have something in common - seaglass. There is something special about seaglass and I also get that fizz of excitement if I find some on the beach. Jack and his daughter Ness enjoy making stars from seaglass on the beach but one day don't have time to finish one. Seren finds the star the next morning and completes it. Young Ness is convinced it is mermaids finishing the stars! It was lovely to read about how special the stars became for them all. It was something secret away from their everyday cares. This part of the story reminded me a bit of You've Got Mail with neither knowing who the mystery person was. Both Jack and Seren seemed to need someone or something else to complete their lives but effectively being enemies made it difficult for them even to be friends.
There were lots of lovely references to everyday magic in the book and something that Seren's father said to her really touched me: [i] "Magic is everywhere Seren, if you look hard enough for it. Life is extraordinary, if you let it be."[/i] Somewhere Beyond the Sea is a really uplifting book about finding that magic in life, sometimes in the most unexpected places. I had a lump in my throat at the many poignant moments throughout the book and yet it also gladdened my heart. It was a joy to read.
The story is told in short alternating chapters by Seren (which is Welsh for star) and Jack. They are told in first person so you really feel you get to know them. And the thing is, although they are on opposing sides of a local community argument, you can't help but like them both. Jack recently lost his wife, and home, and is bringing up their young daughter Nessie. He is a builder but work has dried up and money is tight. He jumps at the chance to work on big development. He is passionate about building, and wants to work with the landscape, with natural materials and to use local expertise. He feels he can respect and honour the memory of Elinor Carne, a local and largely forgotten astronomer.
Seren on the other hand is continuing her late father's campaign to save the parsonage where Elinor lived, to protect and develop the old remains, bring the name of Elinor back into public knowledge. This is the site that Jack's boss wants to redevelop. She is still grieving the close bond she shared with her father and trying desperately to keep his craft shop business afloat. The author lost her own father when writing this book so it's not surprisingly that the grief Seren feels over the sudden loss of her dad is so touchingly and convincingly portrayed.
Unknown to either of them, despite being in opposition to each other, they also have something in common - seaglass. There is something special about seaglass and I also get that fizz of excitement if I find some on the beach. Jack and his daughter Ness enjoy making stars from seaglass on the beach but one day don't have time to finish one. Seren finds the star the next morning and completes it. Young Ness is convinced it is mermaids finishing the stars! It was lovely to read about how special the stars became for them all. It was something secret away from their everyday cares. This part of the story reminded me a bit of You've Got Mail with neither knowing who the mystery person was. Both Jack and Seren seemed to need someone or something else to complete their lives but effectively being enemies made it difficult for them even to be friends.
There were lots of lovely references to everyday magic in the book and something that Seren's father said to her really touched me: [i] "Magic is everywhere Seren, if you look hard enough for it. Life is extraordinary, if you let it be."[/i] Somewhere Beyond the Sea is a really uplifting book about finding that magic in life, sometimes in the most unexpected places. I had a lump in my throat at the many poignant moments throughout the book and yet it also gladdened my heart. It was a joy to read.
June 13, 2018
This is such a lovely, lovely story that I was quite enchanted by Seren's and Jack's developing relationship and I found that I was eagerly looking forward to their individual stories which are told in alternate chapters, each giving a unique perspective into the way the story moves forward.
To say too much of what's going on in the whole of the story would be to give too much away and that would really spoil things. However, the difficulties that both Seren and Jack face feel all too real, especially Seren's financial worries over her arts and craft shop and the constant need to keep everything going well in order to honour her father's memory. Jack's obvious need to provide a secure future for himself and his young daughter, Nessie, adds a poignant, richness to the story, especially in Jack's dealings with the local people of St Ives as they fight to save one of their most cherished landmark buildings. It's safe to say that all the characters are brought to life in a really believable way, however, it was young Nessie, who stole my heart, she's quite simply adorable, wise beyond her years and such a force to be reckoned with that every time she appeared on the page she made smile.
Cornwall, in all its glory, comes beautifully alive so that I felt as if I walked the narrow streets of St Ives, or stopped to buy a strong coffee at Aggie's coffee hut on Porthgwidden Beach, but most of all I sat on on Gwithian Beach on the dawn of a spring morning and watched as Seren picked the most beautiful pieces of sea washed glass which are so much a part of this story.
Beautifully written with a strong story line and a stunning set of characters, Somewhere Beyond the Sea, is my perfect summer read.
June 24, 2018
Set in the beautiful Cornish town of St Ives, Seren MacArthur is grieving for her father whilst trying to save the art gallery business he loved so much. Jack Dixon, a widower with a young daughter Nessie is living in a caravan park, desperately trying to hold things together and keep their heads above water.
Jack and his daughter Nessie, love making shapes out of the seaglass that is washed up on Gwithian beach and one day, Seren finds one uncompleted and decides to finish it off. Making the stars between them gives a little bit of magic and happiness to both Seren and Jack.
As well as trying to keep her father's business going, Seren is leading a community campaign to try and save a local landmark, the home of local female astronomer Elinor Carne. When Jack is employed as a project manager by the man who wants to develop the site Jack and Seren end up on opposing sides of the battle.
This a magical story, set in a beautiful part of the world. Miranda Dickinson is good at creating characters you feel you could be friends with and a story that keeps you wanting more. Really enjoyed this.
Jack and his daughter Nessie, love making shapes out of the seaglass that is washed up on Gwithian beach and one day, Seren finds one uncompleted and decides to finish it off. Making the stars between them gives a little bit of magic and happiness to both Seren and Jack.
As well as trying to keep her father's business going, Seren is leading a community campaign to try and save a local landmark, the home of local female astronomer Elinor Carne. When Jack is employed as a project manager by the man who wants to develop the site Jack and Seren end up on opposing sides of the battle.
This a magical story, set in a beautiful part of the world. Miranda Dickinson is good at creating characters you feel you could be friends with and a story that keeps you wanting more. Really enjoyed this.
July 16, 2018
Visit the locations in the novel Travel to the locations in St Ives
#Authorsonlocation blog post here: Miranda Richardson takes you to Cornwall
You know those shiny stones you find on the beach, pick them up and see that there’s pieces of glass that the sea has worn away to form smooth jewels.That’s the inspiration behind this book, the stones the author found on a beach, one her husband had made with other things into a heart shape for her…now I love books with backstories like this!
Then when I found out Seren, a character in the book, had a name which translated as “Star” in Welsh…well…
Set against a story of community campaigning, something very special happens in this book. A story familiar to many in local communities where one camp wants to change something and the others want to protect it was interesting but much more so with Jack and Seren at the centre of the book. When two opposing characters come together, sparks fly.
What made this book really special was the idea that you can find everyday magic in the most unexpected of places. It’s an uplifting read and one where you can tell the author has evoked a setting on the page which is so special to her and her family.
St Ives has never been so gorgeous!
A lovely story to relax with in the Cornish sun
August 9, 2021
A wonderful, special book. It’s full of magic, love, hope and second chances.
I absolutely loved this story! Seren and Jack are both struggling after the loss of
someone close to them.
Jack is fighting to give his daughter Nessie a better life, Seren is trying to save her late
father's business and fighting his last battle to save an old building.
Without knowing they bring magic into each other's life and give the other the hope
they need to go on.
This is another wonderful book by Miranda Dickinson, and is perfect for those long
lazy summer evenings, wishing you were in Cornwall!
4,7 Stars
__________________________
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I absolutely loved this story! Seren and Jack are both struggling after the loss of
someone close to them.
Jack is fighting to give his daughter Nessie a better life, Seren is trying to save her late
father's business and fighting his last battle to save an old building.
Without knowing they bring magic into each other's life and give the other the hope
they need to go on.
This is another wonderful book by Miranda Dickinson, and is perfect for those long
lazy summer evenings, wishing you were in Cornwall!
4,7 Stars
__________________________
#mybookfeatures #book #bookphotography #booksgram #bookstagrammer #bookstagram
#bookrecommendation #bookreview #booknerd #bookworm #bookaesthetic #bookfeature
#read #readeveryday #reader
June 19, 2022
i borrowed this expecting to like. not actually listen to the story, just fall asleep to the dulcet narration. and that is NOT what happened gosh! i do think there are bits i would’ve disliked had i read it myself rather than listened to jbailey do a single cornish dad who hates asking for help. he is so CHARMING and he lends jack much needed heart. ccorbett doesn’t do as much with seren, but i still had an INCREDIBLE time as the mysteries started to come out, ser seeing the bracelet had me SHOUTING. didn’t super care for the end; this one NEEDED an epilogue, but. jack dixon your fave romance hero could never.
June 13, 2021
This is set in St Ives in Cornwall, a place I've visited many times so it was nice to know where the locations were and to picture it all in my head. The story started off really strong and was very engaging, but towards the latter part of the book it lost my interest a bit. The love story element dragged on and then it got a bit corny and unrealistic and I got bored of Seren's pity party (harsh, I know). I'm not a very romantic person in real life so maybe it's just me, or my age!
June 20, 2018
Utterly magical
A book of magical happenings couldn't put it down a brilliant page TURNER amazing if you wish hard enough things do happen my hero of the book was 7 year old Bessie she was Truely wonderful and never a dull moment
A book of magical happenings couldn't put it down a brilliant page TURNER amazing if you wish hard enough things do happen my hero of the book was 7 year old Bessie she was Truely wonderful and never a dull moment
August 2, 2018
Ahhhh, I fell in love with this book. A gorgeous, heart-warming, summer holiday read, one where I could smell the sea, and went through everything the characters did. Take this one away with you, and get lost in it.
November 26, 2025
This books gets four stars simply because Jonathan Bailey co-narrates it. However, I worry for these two MCs who have fallen in love with (the idea of) each other yet know nothing about each other. Lovely story but implausible romance.
August 21, 2018
Review to follow...
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