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The Ocean's Daughter :
Madness. Helen Danner is sure she will drown in it. The Nazis have taken everything from her. Laughter, light, love—they’d been so much a part of her life. Now in a home once filled with family, only her own lonely footsteps echo.
Rejected from becoming a host parent during the mass child evacuation, her heart shatters once again. Thousands of children are fleeing to Wales by boat, seeking safety, comfort…and love.
All she wants is one. But she’ll need to convince Stuart Adams, the handsome officer who rejected her application.
When a mysterious child comes into her life, peculiar things happen that neither she nor Officer Adams can explain. As they learn more about the girl—and the strange tie she has to a world that wants her back—Helen forms a dangerous attachment to her.
Can Helen risk loving the girl, knowing that losing her might destroy her completely?
Rejected from becoming a host parent during the mass child evacuation, her heart shatters once again. Thousands of children are fleeing to Wales by boat, seeking safety, comfort…and love.
All she wants is one. But she’ll need to convince Stuart Adams, the handsome officer who rejected her application.
When a mysterious child comes into her life, peculiar things happen that neither she nor Officer Adams can explain. As they learn more about the girl—and the strange tie she has to a world that wants her back—Helen forms a dangerous attachment to her.
Can Helen risk loving the girl, knowing that losing her might destroy her completely?
196 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 26, 2020
96 people are currently reading
107 people want to read
About the author
Corinne Beenfield
3 books17 followersCorinne Beenfield loves writing, which considering that you are reading this, makes quite a bit of sense. She shares her home at the base of a canyon with her three sons and daughter.
Often she enjoys finding a random dirt road she's never been down, then stopping at some splotch of Earth to explore with her children as long as there is daylight.
She mainly writes women's literature with magical realism, and if you want to know when her upcoming books will be released, you can sign up for her newsletter at:
https://corinnebeenfield.blogspot.com...
Often she enjoys finding a random dirt road she's never been down, then stopping at some splotch of Earth to explore with her children as long as there is daylight.
She mainly writes women's literature with magical realism, and if you want to know when her upcoming books will be released, you can sign up for her newsletter at:
https://corinnebeenfield.blogspot.com...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
February 22, 2020
A beautiful story about honesty, survival, family, and the strength that can come from loving a child. The story is compelling and the writing lyrical. This book is a true masterpiece!
April 29, 2021
After reading the sample of this unusual story on Amazon, I had to buy the book immediately. The mystery about Lyric’s background until it was finally revealed to Helen much later in the story kept me enthralled. The author’s style is smooth and in this book, like the rolling waves of the sea, balancing loss, deep sadness, happiness and hope intermittently.
Helen, a young woman, found this little child (whom she later called Lyric) hiding in the rocks at the shore after the other children delivered to that part of Wales by boat in WWII, were selected by foster parents.
The young Naval Officer who was sent by the authorities to check that Helen and her family home, to which she had returned after her family was killed in the war, were suitable, plays a vital role in the future of Lyric and Helen.
Helen, a young woman, found this little child (whom she later called Lyric) hiding in the rocks at the shore after the other children delivered to that part of Wales by boat in WWII, were selected by foster parents.
The young Naval Officer who was sent by the authorities to check that Helen and her family home, to which she had returned after her family was killed in the war, were suitable, plays a vital role in the future of Lyric and Helen.
April 13, 2021
An emotionally charged story about learning to love knowing you will have to let it go.
Helen has lost all of her family to WW2 and she longs to have a child of her own to love. She puts her name forward to sponsor a war child leaving their family in the city. A child comes to her but she has no history, no name and no luggage. She doesn't speak but nevertheless Helen quickly falls in love with her and takes to her role as mother.
The author uses magical realism in this book very effectively. I have not always been a fan of this genre but I enjoyed it here. There is an awful lot of crying in this book by all three of the main characters. I too had tears in my eyes several times while reading this book. It is lovely lyrical read.
Helen has lost all of her family to WW2 and she longs to have a child of her own to love. She puts her name forward to sponsor a war child leaving their family in the city. A child comes to her but she has no history, no name and no luggage. She doesn't speak but nevertheless Helen quickly falls in love with her and takes to her role as mother.
The author uses magical realism in this book very effectively. I have not always been a fan of this genre but I enjoyed it here. There is an awful lot of crying in this book by all three of the main characters. I too had tears in my eyes several times while reading this book. It is lovely lyrical read.
May 20, 2021
Love is the common thread
Love can develop in any "family". War, someone else's child, and love. All together written in one book. Well done.
Love can develop in any "family". War, someone else's child, and love. All together written in one book. Well done.
February 24, 2020
The Ocean’s Daughter was the perfect blend of historical fiction, and clean romance, with a touch of fantasy. I found myself captivated within the first few paragraphs and had a hard time putting it down. I generally have a hard time finishing books I start reading, but this was a story I just had to find out the ending. It was written with enough detail to help you imagine the surroundings, but not so much that you lose touch of the story being told. It’s hard to find clean romantic literature, and I appreciated Corrine’s efforts in creating romance while keeping it clean. I am recommending this book to every person I can!
February 24, 2020
The Ocean’s Daughter is a wonderful love story about what it means to be a parent, to grieve for a loved one, and to rebuild faith in yourself and hope for the future after a painful loss. What Helen witnesses and experiences during World War II in Wales shows us the ripple effects of war and loss, how each person and family can be changed forever by trauma and heartache - but how laughing and loving (and dancing!) again are possible. The moments Helen shares with other characters (won’t give any spoilers here!) are sweet, authentic, and satisfying and will find you thinking back on memories with your own parents or children. Helen reminds herself frequently to stay in the moment, and the encounters she recounts encourage us to see the extraordinary in the ordinary, the magic in everyday moments. And the story’s twists and turns will keep you turning pages (or swiping left)! I couldn’t put the book down, wanting to understand what had happened in Helen’s past and how her story would end.
Helen’s story will stick with parents who have watched their definitions of love change as they became mothers and fathers. I found myself crying both tears of joy and sadness alongside the characters, as moments reminded me of my own experiences with my daughter. And the romance did not disappoint, either!
The author is an imaginative storyteller with deep understanding of love, loss, hope, and the emotional rollercoaster of parenting. I loved how honestly the book deals with anxiety, self-confidence issues, guilt, and fear, as well as growth and healing. I can’t recommend the book highly enough!
Helen’s story will stick with parents who have watched their definitions of love change as they became mothers and fathers. I found myself crying both tears of joy and sadness alongside the characters, as moments reminded me of my own experiences with my daughter. And the romance did not disappoint, either!
The author is an imaginative storyteller with deep understanding of love, loss, hope, and the emotional rollercoaster of parenting. I loved how honestly the book deals with anxiety, self-confidence issues, guilt, and fear, as well as growth and healing. I can’t recommend the book highly enough!
Currently reading
October 4, 2020When a lonely young woman asks the sea to send her someone to love, a strange child comes into her life. But the problem with loving the ocean's daughter is knowing that someday she will likely swim away.
Excerpt from The Ocean's Daughter:
Helen had envisioned, she realized now, that the children would be empty pages coming into her life. Their stories would be written together, as though in one of her father’s blank notebooks. But she had been wrong. This child had her own story, her own song. Her stories and Helen’s could only intertwine, perhaps for a night, perhaps for years, a brief harmony. But one day the girl’s song would continue to unfold, and it would have nothing to do with Helen.
All she wanted was to be a witness to this small girl’s days. To be the first to see her in the morning with sleep still in her eyes and her hair a bird’s nest. To sit with her at the table as the child lifted a spoon much too big to a wide-open mouth. To slip delicate shoes onto the girl’s itty feet when she had trouble doing it herself.
But no matter how much love she put into this child, no matter how many moments they stored together like shillings in a jar, time running out would steal it all from Helen. That’s what scared Helen the most. It would be like London all over again. This child wasn’t Helen’s to keep. She never would be. This was already a complete little human before her, with a past and a future, and Helen would only be part of it all for a flicker of time.
How do you love when you know you have to let go?
As the girl sang, Helen realized there were no missing lyrics.
That’s what the child was.
Excerpt from The Ocean's Daughter:
Helen had envisioned, she realized now, that the children would be empty pages coming into her life. Their stories would be written together, as though in one of her father’s blank notebooks. But she had been wrong. This child had her own story, her own song. Her stories and Helen’s could only intertwine, perhaps for a night, perhaps for years, a brief harmony. But one day the girl’s song would continue to unfold, and it would have nothing to do with Helen.
All she wanted was to be a witness to this small girl’s days. To be the first to see her in the morning with sleep still in her eyes and her hair a bird’s nest. To sit with her at the table as the child lifted a spoon much too big to a wide-open mouth. To slip delicate shoes onto the girl’s itty feet when she had trouble doing it herself.
But no matter how much love she put into this child, no matter how many moments they stored together like shillings in a jar, time running out would steal it all from Helen. That’s what scared Helen the most. It would be like London all over again. This child wasn’t Helen’s to keep. She never would be. This was already a complete little human before her, with a past and a future, and Helen would only be part of it all for a flicker of time.
How do you love when you know you have to let go?
As the girl sang, Helen realized there were no missing lyrics.
That’s what the child was.
February 20, 2020
This is my first time reading a book by Ms. Beenfield, and it was truly a pleasure. I admit I was skeptical when I picked it up, as I don’t particularly enjoy reading romance. However, it’s more than a romance, and I enjoyed the whole thing. I was impressed and touched by Beenfield’s beautiful prose. She was able to set the scenario so well that I felt I was there. Often when I read descriptive passages in books, my mind wanders, but I was sucked in and it was just detailed enough without being so wordy as to make my mind wander to my to-do list. I was transported right to the shore, and could feel the chill on my arms and the smell of saltwater in my nose. I am also picky about similes, and I found that Beenfield’s similes felt natural and lovely. I was sucked into the story and thought about it when I wasn’t reading it and wished I were reading it, which is about all I can ask for in a book. That said, it also touched me, caused me to appreciate my life and my family and see them with renewed eyes despite the trying times we are currently enduring, and it brought me to tears - things I don’t ask for in a book, but are icing on the cake. So often when I read a book it’s either to enjoy a little escapism, or to better myself; but I don’t often get both in the same book, and I felt doubly rewarded by this read. I can tell the author reverences love and motherhood and the earth and has a respect for the pain of others. I recommend it highly. Now I want to read her other books!
June 23, 2020
When I begin to read a book from a genre I love, I am anxious and excited looking forward to all of the words I will devour. The Ocean's Daughter by Corinne Beenfield pulled me in right away and I loved the feel of the setting and the poetic way Ms. Beenfield connected her words. All of the symbolism and metaphors that abound in this book grabbed my hand and never let go. The ocean is a big part of this story, for good reason. It calms but can also cause a storm inside your heart when you least expect it.
We are introduced to Helen during World War 2. She has struggled with loss for most of her life. She longs for a permanent home and for love to fill her world in a permanent way. Enter Stuart, an officer, who visits her house to determine if it's safe enough to billet children during the war. He is ultimately disappointed but of course everything happens for a reason. She receives a child after all, Lyric. A girl who cannot speak and shows up out of nowhere. This allows Helen to break down many walls she built to shield her heart and soul. This, along with the quiet love story with Stuart, makes this book a beautiful read. The introduction of the mythological aspect in this story kind of threw me off a bit since it's part of historical fiction but somehow seemed to fit perfectly. Overall, I rate it 4 stars and I look forward to reading more from Ms. Beenfield.
We are introduced to Helen during World War 2. She has struggled with loss for most of her life. She longs for a permanent home and for love to fill her world in a permanent way. Enter Stuart, an officer, who visits her house to determine if it's safe enough to billet children during the war. He is ultimately disappointed but of course everything happens for a reason. She receives a child after all, Lyric. A girl who cannot speak and shows up out of nowhere. This allows Helen to break down many walls she built to shield her heart and soul. This, along with the quiet love story with Stuart, makes this book a beautiful read. The introduction of the mythological aspect in this story kind of threw me off a bit since it's part of historical fiction but somehow seemed to fit perfectly. Overall, I rate it 4 stars and I look forward to reading more from Ms. Beenfield.
June 25, 2020
When I begin to read a book from a genre I love, I am anxious and excited looking forward to all of the words I will devour. The Ocean's Daughter by Corinne Beenfield pulled me in right away and I loved the feel of the setting and the poetic way Ms. Beenfield connected her words. All of the symbolism and metaphors that abound in this book grabbed my hand and never let go. The ocean is a big part of this story, for good reason. It calms but can also cause a storm inside your heart when you least expect it.
We are introduced to Helen during World War 2. She has struggled with the loss for most of her life. She longs for a permanent home and for love to fill her world in a permanent way. Enter Stuart, an officer, who visits her house to determine if it's safe enough to billet children during the war. He is ultimately disappointed but of course, everything happens for a reason. She receives a child, after all, Lyric. A girl who cannot speak and shows up out of nowhere. This allows Helen to break down many walls she built to shield her heart and soul. This, along with the quiet love story with Stuart, makes this book a beautiful read. The introduction of the mythological aspect in this story kind of threw me off a bit since it's part of historical fiction but somehow seemed to fit perfectly. Overall, I rate it 4 stars and I look forward to reading more from Ms. Beenfield.
Review team member-Jenica
We are introduced to Helen during World War 2. She has struggled with the loss for most of her life. She longs for a permanent home and for love to fill her world in a permanent way. Enter Stuart, an officer, who visits her house to determine if it's safe enough to billet children during the war. He is ultimately disappointed but of course, everything happens for a reason. She receives a child, after all, Lyric. A girl who cannot speak and shows up out of nowhere. This allows Helen to break down many walls she built to shield her heart and soul. This, along with the quiet love story with Stuart, makes this book a beautiful read. The introduction of the mythological aspect in this story kind of threw me off a bit since it's part of historical fiction but somehow seemed to fit perfectly. Overall, I rate it 4 stars and I look forward to reading more from Ms. Beenfield.
Review team member-Jenica
February 26, 2020
This is the third book I have read of Corinne Beenfield's and I have loved each one. She has such a magical way with words. She seamlessly paints the characters and scenery, so you feel like you are there and you know the people. But the deepest beauty of her writing comes from the way she captures emotions, and in "The Ocean's Daughter", the way she encompasses love in her own words. Most people have a difficult time talking about loneliness, depression, self-doubt, anxiety, grief, and the fear that accompanies the deepest type of love, but she is able to elegantly navigate these painful topics and with her beautiful vulnerability she empathizes with the reader's own past or present heartaches and emotional mountains. As someone who has personally dealt with some of these daunting emotions, I found her book to be cathartic. My favorite part of this book is the way the author can construct the love a parent has for a child. This type of love is so hard to describe, but she does it perfectly. I genuinely felt like her book gives words to how my heart and soul feel about my own children. This book made me smile, it made me cry, and it left me feeling grateful for the love I have felt in my life.
February 24, 2020
This was a good read! I liked the bit of enchantment even though I haven't read this type of story before. It kept my attention and I was anxious to see how things turned out. The author is very descriptive and pulls you in right from the start! I could easily imagine what the characters were like and how they acted because of Corinne Beenfield's attention to detail. I related to many of Helen's emotions but mostly her intense desire to share her love so freely with a child while trying to move past her own grief. I loved the author's sense of how strong a mother's love is and it made me grateful for all of the experiences I've had as a mother. No matter what heartaches you experience, "love is never wasted."
March 3, 2020
The Ocean's Daughter is a poignant and moving book, lightened with a sweet and genuine authenticity. Its theme of the deepest kinds of love is expressed in rich and powerful emotions, which touched my heart in an intimate and profound way. In fact, I think it's one of the most personally emotionally stirring books I've ever read and I'm grateful for the way it reminded me of my capacity to feel. As I was reading, I felt like I appreciated anew all of the beautiful and sacred aspects of love. I cried and felt like I had found something inside of myself that I'd lost. Maybe that's a silly reaction to a work of fiction, but I'm grateful I read it, and I know I've found one of those books that becomes a heart-friend; one that you read once a year, every year, for the rest of your life.
December 27, 2022
This historical novel (with a sprinkle of magical realism) is the story I didn't know I needed. And the delicious coincidence of reading it in August, as I leave the busy summer and ease into a slower, cozy pace, just sat so right with my soul.
I like a story with multiple plot threads all woven together. There was loss, heartache, yearning, selflessness, optimism, fear. Each illustrated a different angle and type of love; each beautiful, each important.
This was a meditative read for me.
As I read it, I found myself becoming more intentional in my relationships, especially with my children. It made me focus in, kiss their cheeks and get lost in their eyes. It reminded me what a gift it is to be alive, to be a woman, to be a mother, to be a friend.
I like a story with multiple plot threads all woven together. There was loss, heartache, yearning, selflessness, optimism, fear. Each illustrated a different angle and type of love; each beautiful, each important.
This was a meditative read for me.
As I read it, I found myself becoming more intentional in my relationships, especially with my children. It made me focus in, kiss their cheeks and get lost in their eyes. It reminded me what a gift it is to be alive, to be a woman, to be a mother, to be a friend.
February 24, 2020
I knew as soon as I started reading that I wouldn’t be able to put this book down. That was yesterday. I was so sucked in. So invested in Helen, Lyric and Stuart. Early on, playing out in my head how I wanted this story to go. The words are so rich, alive on the page and so sharp you can feel them. I loved this heartwarming, and heartbreaking story. Love triumphs. This is definitely a feel good, must read. Inspiring, historical, magical, emotional and fully engrossing. You will not be disappointed.
February 25, 2020
Initially, the descriptors in the first chapter nearly lost me, but by the second chapter, my interest piqued and I was hooked! The descriptions set a beautiful image for my imagination to the point I was transported to the home of Helen Danner.
Her story and the story of the other two characters was married together perfectly as they came together to care for each other. Set during WWII, when the children were sent away for safety.
The story moves you emotionally as the author brings to life the characters and their stories.
Definitely worth reading!
Her story and the story of the other two characters was married together perfectly as they came together to care for each other. Set during WWII, when the children were sent away for safety.
The story moves you emotionally as the author brings to life the characters and their stories.
Definitely worth reading!
February 25, 2020
Beenfield's novel, The Ocean's Daughter, was a beautifully woven tapestry of history, loss, love and the magic of the sea. Her masterful descriptions and metaphors allow the reader to transcend both time and place. The author's themes cut to the core of the human experience as we learn life's most important lessons through the eyes of a child and the hearts of those whose past experiences and future fears require a transformation that allows them to love untethered. A beautiful story with each word carefully molded by the heart of a mother.
February 24, 2020
The Ocean's Daughter is both an elevating and enjoyable book! The author's writing is uniquely poetic and gripping, a pleasure to read. I became attached to the characters right from the start. Helen's great love and commitment, Lyric's innocence and maturity as she grows, and Stuart's strength. This book made my heart go out to every child and family affected by "Operation Pied Piper" and made me want to treasure each moment I have with my children a little more.
February 24, 2020
Throughout The Ocean’s Daughter you can feel the love and care the author put into the characters. You feel like you are in the home by the sea and become part of the story. The small dose of mystery and fantasy drew me into the story even more. I loved the historical aspect and it really put a perspective on what it was like to live during a time of war. I would definitely recommend this book!
February 25, 2020
I loved this book. I don’t always make time for novels, but this one was emotionally compelling and made me feel I had experienced something important. I felt more deeply in touch with how much I cherish my husband and kids, and what a privilege it is to have them. I felt I understood a little more of what certain people experience(d) in WWII and now. I definitely feel it was worth my time. Great writing, great book!
February 24, 2020
Once I started reading I couldn’t put it down! This is a beautifully written magical love story woven into the devastating experiences of families in World War II. Through heartache and devastation to healing and rebirth, I felt I was on Helen’s journey with her. Definitely worth your time to pick this up and dive into the world this talented author has created.
March 10, 2020
My Big Lake Daughter
This warm, wonderful story reminded me of the joy a child brought to my life and the heartbreak when she returned to her family! Now I will remember the laughter and smiles she gave me, the love we shared, and the bright future she has! More joy than tears! Thank you for the lessons you shared!
This warm, wonderful story reminded me of the joy a child brought to my life and the heartbreak when she returned to her family! Now I will remember the laughter and smiles she gave me, the love we shared, and the bright future she has! More joy than tears! Thank you for the lessons you shared!
April 14, 2021
Strange yet wonderful
I really enjoyed this book and the people in it. The only thing that bothered me was the author jumping back and forth with tenses. She would refer herself as the woman and Lyric as the child, then and then speak in first person I found it discomforting. Good story though.
I really enjoyed this book and the people in it. The only thing that bothered me was the author jumping back and forth with tenses. She would refer herself as the woman and Lyric as the child, then and then speak in first person I found it discomforting. Good story though.
May 28, 2023
Written with so much meaning. It made me think about motherhood and relationships and how lucky we are to love people who come into our lives, no matter how long they stay. The magical realism aspect was woven into WWII history really well, and although there’s only three characters, I came to love them and their journeys. Such a beautiful story with beautiful character growth.
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February 25, 2020Wow! What a great application of creative imagination. I would highly recommend this book for reading aloud with your partner. We thoroughly enjoyed visiting THE DIFFICULTY and TRIUMPH of WWII with the author's imaginative twist.
May 30, 2020
The ties that bind
Miracles still happen if we let them. God knows what we need and when we need it.
Family is those that care for one another and includes memories that has bound us into the person we are today.
Miracles still happen if we let them. God knows what we need and when we need it.
Family is those that care for one another and includes memories that has bound us into the person we are today.
April 8, 2021
A moving story about life and love
Although set in Wales during World War 2, the story is timeless in that it covers hardship, love, loss, courage and the resilience of the human spirit. I rarely give a Five Star Rating but this book deserves it. It moved me to tears.
Although set in Wales during World War 2, the story is timeless in that it covers hardship, love, loss, courage and the resilience of the human spirit. I rarely give a Five Star Rating but this book deserves it. It moved me to tears.
November 18, 2021
I loved this book! It was easy to get into and really connect with the characters. I love how real lyric is and how much like a normal child she is. I see a lot of the magic she has with nature in my own children. So I love how it’s realistic with a magical element. I love the realization about love that Helen comes to at the end that it’s worth it no matter the ending.
March 24, 2020
She came from the ocean on the day the children, Pied Piper, came during WW11 to live with people until war was over and then they could go back home.
November 29, 2020
Love her books!
Ms. Beenfield does a masterful job of bringing her characters to life. By the time you finish they are someone you know intimately. Love her books!
Ms. Beenfield does a masterful job of bringing her characters to life. By the time you finish they are someone you know intimately. Love her books!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews