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Little Sister Island #2
Face the Wind
Kathleen Halloran has never been happier. She and Molly Cooper have built a life together, living in her grandmother’s cottage. The family drama of the past has calmed down. She and Molly will soon be aunts. Life on Little Sister Island is everything Kathleen could wish for… until the island begins to send ominous signals that change is in the wind.
Living beside a different ocean, Meredith Turner tries to make sense of her dreams—dreams of an island she’s never seen but can’t forget. After an ancestry test throws her family into chaos, the tempest that follows blows Meredith and her parents clear across the country, to the island of her dreams.
For Louisa Woodhouse, it feels the end is near. With no one to follow after her, she’s the last of her line on Little Sister, and her secrets will go with her. Soon, the Woodhouse name will join the others that now exist only in the island’s genealogy records.
But Little Sister Island has its own magic—rhythms and seasons and tides and currents that even the best-laid human plans can’t fight. And in that magic is a warning—a storm is coming.
97,480
Living beside a different ocean, Meredith Turner tries to make sense of her dreams—dreams of an island she’s never seen but can’t forget. After an ancestry test throws her family into chaos, the tempest that follows blows Meredith and her parents clear across the country, to the island of her dreams.
For Louisa Woodhouse, it feels the end is near. With no one to follow after her, she’s the last of her line on Little Sister, and her secrets will go with her. Soon, the Woodhouse name will join the others that now exist only in the island’s genealogy records.
But Little Sister Island has its own magic—rhythms and seasons and tides and currents that even the best-laid human plans can’t fight. And in that magic is a warning—a storm is coming.
97,480
370 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 31, 2020
34 people are currently reading
223 people want to read
About the author
Caren J. Werlinger
22 books296 followersFrom the author's website: Bestselling author Caren Werlinger published her first award-winning novel, Looking Through Windows, in 2008. Since then, she has published fifteen more novels, winning several more awards. Influenced by a diverse array of authors, including Rumer Godden, J.R.R. Tolkein, Ursula LeGuin, Marion Zimmer Bradley, Willa Cather and the Brontë sisters, Caren writes literary fiction that features the struggles and joys of characters readers can identify with. Her stories cover a wide range of genres: historical fiction, contemporary drama, and fantasy, including the award-winning Dragonmage Saga, a fantasy trilogy set in ancient Ireland. Most recently, she created the magical setting of Little Sister Island (a place she and her readers wish were real) in When the Stars Sang and Face the Wind.
She lives in Virginia with her wife and their canine fur-children.
She lives in Virginia with her wife and their canine fur-children.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
August 30, 2020
4.50 Stars. This was truly a lovely read. Caren Werlinger is a brilliant author. She might not be as flashy as some of the other “big gun” WLW authors and she is definitely underrated, but once you finally get to read one of her books you will quickly realize just how much of a talented writer she is. It took way longer than it should have for Werlinger to really be on my radar, but she is now and forever an automatic read. And best of all is the knowledge that when I pick up one of her books, I know it’s going to be a special read.
This is the sequel to my favorite Werlinger book (so far) in When the Stars Sang. I always talk about book order when it comes to sequels and series since I think it’s important. I do think this book stands on its own enough that you could read it without reading When the Stars Sang. However, I think the impact of this book and the love and enjoyment that you would hopefully feel towards it, would be greater if you read When the Stars Sang first. This story is about a group of characters that live on an island. There is a good amount of names to learn but if you read When the Stars Sang, you will know all these people already and they will feel like old friends instead. Not only that but the main couple from book one, are two of the main characters again so wouldn’t you want to see them fall in love? And lastly, When the Stars Sang is such a great book that you don’t want to miss it anyway.
Like its predecessor, both of these books are nice long lengths. The beginning of the book hooks you in and you just want to keep turning the pages. This book has some romance and of course some excitement, but even the scenes where not much is happening had me savoring them anyway. I wanted every minute of this story and I hated to put it down to sleep. I even found myself feeling disappointed as I reached the end. Not because I was in anyway unhappy with the ending, it was because I didn’t want to say goodbye to the characters and this magical place.
The setting is such an important part of these books. Little Sister Island is like its own character come to life. I would love to live in a place like this and I think that feeling helps to romanticize it for so many other readers to. I also love the spirituality and little bit of magic that the island holds. Between the islander’s ceremonies and celebrations, the little spark of magic the setting holds just makes everything all the more special.
I’m not going to do as in depth review for this book as I normally do. I don’t think it needs one and I don’t have any constructive criticism to even bring up. I did like When the Stars Sang a tiny bit more, so my rating reflects that, but beyond that I am completely content. This was a wonderful read and exactly what I expect when I pick up a Werlinger book. If you are new to Werlinger or this series, do yourself a favor and go get When the Stars Sang. If you have read When the Stars Sang, I think you will be happy with this sequel. It was so nice to visit Little Sister again, it sure will be missed.
A copy was give to me for a honest review.
This is the sequel to my favorite Werlinger book (so far) in When the Stars Sang. I always talk about book order when it comes to sequels and series since I think it’s important. I do think this book stands on its own enough that you could read it without reading When the Stars Sang. However, I think the impact of this book and the love and enjoyment that you would hopefully feel towards it, would be greater if you read When the Stars Sang first. This story is about a group of characters that live on an island. There is a good amount of names to learn but if you read When the Stars Sang, you will know all these people already and they will feel like old friends instead. Not only that but the main couple from book one, are two of the main characters again so wouldn’t you want to see them fall in love? And lastly, When the Stars Sang is such a great book that you don’t want to miss it anyway.
Like its predecessor, both of these books are nice long lengths. The beginning of the book hooks you in and you just want to keep turning the pages. This book has some romance and of course some excitement, but even the scenes where not much is happening had me savoring them anyway. I wanted every minute of this story and I hated to put it down to sleep. I even found myself feeling disappointed as I reached the end. Not because I was in anyway unhappy with the ending, it was because I didn’t want to say goodbye to the characters and this magical place.
The setting is such an important part of these books. Little Sister Island is like its own character come to life. I would love to live in a place like this and I think that feeling helps to romanticize it for so many other readers to. I also love the spirituality and little bit of magic that the island holds. Between the islander’s ceremonies and celebrations, the little spark of magic the setting holds just makes everything all the more special.
I’m not going to do as in depth review for this book as I normally do. I don’t think it needs one and I don’t have any constructive criticism to even bring up. I did like When the Stars Sang a tiny bit more, so my rating reflects that, but beyond that I am completely content. This was a wonderful read and exactly what I expect when I pick up a Werlinger book. If you are new to Werlinger or this series, do yourself a favor and go get When the Stars Sang. If you have read When the Stars Sang, I think you will be happy with this sequel. It was so nice to visit Little Sister again, it sure will be missed.
A copy was give to me for a honest review.
August 28, 2020
After years of underestimating Caren J. Werlinger’s books, I now know when I open one that it’s going to be wonderful. There will be romantic aspects but it won’t be a romance novel. It’s going to be beautifully written, probably bittersweet, full of love and the need to belong. Because that’s what life is about.
Face the Wind is the sequel to one of my favourite books last year, When the Stars Sang. As spotty as my memory can be, I have never forgotten Little Sister Island, its atmosphere, the emotions Kathleen’s story evoked. I didn’t expect to have the opportunity to visit again and I’m very grateful to the author for making it happen. I was also reminded more than once of another novel by Caren Werlinger that I loved, Miserere .
For once, I don’t think I’ll say anything about what the book is about. I hadn’t read the blurb when I started reading and I’d recommend you do the same. You know where you’re going: Little Sister. A story by Caren Werlinger. You’re not taking any risk. As in When the Stars Sang, the island and its history matter as much as any character. And all the characters are relevant, none of them is superfluous and they all have significance.
I’m of two minds as to what this book (and the one before) made me feel. I love it. It’s gorgeous. I love the story. At the same time, though, it brings a longing to my heart that I don’t know how to manage. It makes me want to live in a place which doesn’t exist. It makes me want to enjoy the closeness the islanders feel with one another. And, you know, I’m an introvert. I don’t want people to be too close. And it’s an island. I live by the sea now, and I love it so much, but so much water makes me anxious sometimes. Yet I’m sure I’d love that place.
Another fascinating and sensitive point is that this is a story about belonging, about family too. As a non-biological parent, I know blood is not all that can make a family. It’s one option. I have a special connection with one of my sisters, even though I only met her when she was eighteen and I was thirty-one. I also have a special (yet different) connection with my daughter, who couldn’t be more my child if we were of the same blood. Blood can make a family, but it’s not the only thing that can, it’s not necessary to make a family and it’s definitely not enough, as Kathleen could attest.
I could keep writing about Face the Wind for a while, but your time will be better spent reading the book instead of my thoughts on it. I’ll just add that I absolutely love the cover, which is so simple and utterly stunning.
I received a copy from the author and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
Face the Wind is the sequel to one of my favourite books last year, When the Stars Sang. As spotty as my memory can be, I have never forgotten Little Sister Island, its atmosphere, the emotions Kathleen’s story evoked. I didn’t expect to have the opportunity to visit again and I’m very grateful to the author for making it happen. I was also reminded more than once of another novel by Caren Werlinger that I loved, Miserere .
For once, I don’t think I’ll say anything about what the book is about. I hadn’t read the blurb when I started reading and I’d recommend you do the same. You know where you’re going: Little Sister. A story by Caren Werlinger. You’re not taking any risk. As in When the Stars Sang, the island and its history matter as much as any character. And all the characters are relevant, none of them is superfluous and they all have significance.
I’m of two minds as to what this book (and the one before) made me feel. I love it. It’s gorgeous. I love the story. At the same time, though, it brings a longing to my heart that I don’t know how to manage. It makes me want to live in a place which doesn’t exist. It makes me want to enjoy the closeness the islanders feel with one another. And, you know, I’m an introvert. I don’t want people to be too close. And it’s an island. I live by the sea now, and I love it so much, but so much water makes me anxious sometimes. Yet I’m sure I’d love that place.
Another fascinating and sensitive point is that this is a story about belonging, about family too. As a non-biological parent, I know blood is not all that can make a family. It’s one option. I have a special connection with one of my sisters, even though I only met her when she was eighteen and I was thirty-one. I also have a special (yet different) connection with my daughter, who couldn’t be more my child if we were of the same blood. Blood can make a family, but it’s not the only thing that can, it’s not necessary to make a family and it’s definitely not enough, as Kathleen could attest.
I could keep writing about Face the Wind for a while, but your time will be better spent reading the book instead of my thoughts on it. I’ll just add that I absolutely love the cover, which is so simple and utterly stunning.
I received a copy from the author and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 10, 2022
It is the easiest to write reviews for great books, and Face the Wind is a great book. It is rich in every possible way -- characters, plot, emotions, setting, dialogue, ending... Everything is just perfect with a lovely touch of magic. That is a very good thing because it was a demanding task to be a sequel to the amazing and impossible to forget When the Stars Sang. But Werlinger as usual did not disappoint. On the contrary, she once again delivered a beautiful, touching and clever story that you will remember, find yourself thinking about and read again. I highly recommend it to everyone.
For full comprehension, it is recommended to read When the Stars Sang first, but not mandatory. Do it anyway, you will definitely not regret it.
5 stars
September 6, 2020
*A review copy of this book was provided by the author.*
For full comprehension, it is recommended to read When the Stars Sang first, but not mandatory. Do it anyway, you will definitely not regret it.
5 stars
September 6, 2020
*A review copy of this book was provided by the author.*
September 24, 2022
*Reread in anticipation of the third book in the series release, The New Shore. Loved this as much as I did the first time. To quote Louisa: Life is a wonder, Ollie. I'd nearly forgotten but life is a wonder."
Little Sister Island, with it's mystery, magic and charm is a place I would visit, if only they would rent out cottages to not Islanders.
Beautiful follow up to When the Stars Sang. Can't say enough good things about this series. Nice to see Louisa get a starring role and the whole gang on Little Sister Island get some page time as well.
I love when a book pulls me in and keeps me up late hoping for my HEA and reveling in the mysteries of a magical place by the sea/ocean, large body of salty water.
Little Sister Island, with it's mystery, magic and charm is a place I would visit, if only they would rent out cottages to not Islanders.
Beautiful follow up to When the Stars Sang. Can't say enough good things about this series. Nice to see Louisa get a starring role and the whole gang on Little Sister Island get some page time as well.
I love when a book pulls me in and keeps me up late hoping for my HEA and reveling in the mysteries of a magical place by the sea/ocean, large body of salty water.
September 28, 2020
5+ Stars for Caren J. Welinger’s Face the Wind, a sequel to When the Stars Sang. I suppose you could read this book without reading When the Stars Sang, but I highly recommend reading Stars first. Stars was one of my favorite books in 2018 and 2019 for the audiobook.
Another stellar book by Welinger. Kathleen and Molly have settled in at Kathleen’s grandmother’s cottage. Miss Louisa is coping and Little Sister Island is gearing up for the summer and summer tourists. This story delves more into the Island’s history, traditions and the island’s first inhabitant’s - the First Ones and the Irish settlers.
Meanwhile, across the country in Portland, Oregon, school teacher, Meredith Turner is having a vivid recurring dream of a shipwreck. She has had the dream off and on for years, but now it is much more frequent. She finds out that her mother has been having the dreams too. Since she is on summer break and her parents are retired, the three of them and Meredith’s dog, Jasper drive cross country, to Little Sister Island, Maine to find answers to their dreams.
I really enjoyed reconnecting to the Island’s inhabitants and learning more of the Island’s lore as Meredith and her family try to delve into their possible connection to the Island and its inhabitants. Secrets are revealed and destinies discovered.
Werlinger is a wonderful storyteller. By the end, you too feel that you spent the summer on this special Island and its welcoming yet tight knit community. Somehow, you feel like you’ve met every Island inhabitant, attended a few potlucks, and learned along with Kathleen and Meredith what it means to be connected to this magical Little Sister Island. I’m definitely going to revisit it often.
*Best cover of the year?
Another stellar book by Welinger. Kathleen and Molly have settled in at Kathleen’s grandmother’s cottage. Miss Louisa is coping and Little Sister Island is gearing up for the summer and summer tourists. This story delves more into the Island’s history, traditions and the island’s first inhabitant’s - the First Ones and the Irish settlers.
Meanwhile, across the country in Portland, Oregon, school teacher, Meredith Turner is having a vivid recurring dream of a shipwreck. She has had the dream off and on for years, but now it is much more frequent. She finds out that her mother has been having the dreams too. Since she is on summer break and her parents are retired, the three of them and Meredith’s dog, Jasper drive cross country, to Little Sister Island, Maine to find answers to their dreams.
I really enjoyed reconnecting to the Island’s inhabitants and learning more of the Island’s lore as Meredith and her family try to delve into their possible connection to the Island and its inhabitants. Secrets are revealed and destinies discovered.
Werlinger is a wonderful storyteller. By the end, you too feel that you spent the summer on this special Island and its welcoming yet tight knit community. Somehow, you feel like you’ve met every Island inhabitant, attended a few potlucks, and learned along with Kathleen and Meredith what it means to be connected to this magical Little Sister Island. I’m definitely going to revisit it often.
*Best cover of the year?
August 30, 2020
For months, Meredith and her mother dream of shipwrecks and storms where the people’s faces are as clear as their own. Mother and daughter are driven to unravel the mystery of their synced dreams and so they spend the summer in a place 3,000 miles from their Oregon homes, searching for answers.
The first book in the series, When the Stars Sang, introduced us to the island of Little Sister, Maine, an insulated world where the same families live generation after generation, descendants of the First Ones and the Irish survivors of a 1760 shipwreck.
While Stars focuses on one couple and briefly touches on the rest of the townspeople, Face the Wind deftly tells the stories of many of the inhabitants. It matters because the family histories are interwoven in intricate ways that make it impossible to tell about one person and not tell the rest of what happened. One truth leads to another.
I’m always excited about a new Caren Werlinger book because I know it’s going to be a firecracker of a story, no two paths are ever the same, not even in a sequel. We see vulnerabilities as well as strengths in her characters and the island itself is immersed in a mix of Irish and Indigenous traditions, mystifying even the rain, the earth, and the water itself, creating a beautifully felt otherworld in our real world. Face the Wind is another amazing read that will keep you up until the wee hours. Plan accordingly.
Arc was given in exchange for an honest review.
The first book in the series, When the Stars Sang, introduced us to the island of Little Sister, Maine, an insulated world where the same families live generation after generation, descendants of the First Ones and the Irish survivors of a 1760 shipwreck.
While Stars focuses on one couple and briefly touches on the rest of the townspeople, Face the Wind deftly tells the stories of many of the inhabitants. It matters because the family histories are interwoven in intricate ways that make it impossible to tell about one person and not tell the rest of what happened. One truth leads to another.
I’m always excited about a new Caren Werlinger book because I know it’s going to be a firecracker of a story, no two paths are ever the same, not even in a sequel. We see vulnerabilities as well as strengths in her characters and the island itself is immersed in a mix of Irish and Indigenous traditions, mystifying even the rain, the earth, and the water itself, creating a beautifully felt otherworld in our real world. Face the Wind is another amazing read that will keep you up until the wee hours. Plan accordingly.
Arc was given in exchange for an honest review.
September 2, 2020
The island shivers. What does it portent?
Caren Werlinger is a steady force of excellence in the growing lesfic genre. I have almost read all of her work and haven’t come across a bad book yet.
So now we can add Face the Wind to her growing list of impressive novels. Werlinger sure made a lot of readers happy by writing a sequel to When The Stars Sang, a real fan favorite. I loved to be back on Little Sister and her eclectic mix of Celtic and First Ones traditions, the wonderful cast of characters – old and new - and their quirky habits.
Like the previous novel, this is a real ensemble piece but although there is a romance, it is not the focus this time. Molly and Kathleen (and Blossom) are back, and so is one of my favorites, Miss Louisa, who is still coping with the loss of her beloved sister (although Olivia still finds a way to be ‘present’). I loved that. The islanders are coming out of a long winter and prepare for summer and the inevitable tourist season.
Meanwhile on the Pacific side of the US, school teacher Meredith is having a recurring dream about a ship wrecked in a storm. Oddly enough it turns out she is sharing these dreams with her mother, Irene. When she finds out Little Sister is the connection to it all, she, her dog Jasper, and her parents decide to spend the summer on the island and maybe find some answers. It’s a trip that will change their lives forever.
It’s a feel good story about family, about continuity, about a small island community holding on to their traditional ways, and of course about love. Get ready for the magic! I highly recommend!
f/f, m/f
Themes: Little Sister, Maine, Islanders, the end of a family line, shared dreams, storms and shipwrecks, Louisa Woodhouse has a big secret, new life, come on Aiden! Grow a pair, tragedy, two doggos to the rescue.
4.5 Stars
* A free copy was provided by the author for an honest review.
Caren Werlinger is a steady force of excellence in the growing lesfic genre. I have almost read all of her work and haven’t come across a bad book yet.
So now we can add Face the Wind to her growing list of impressive novels. Werlinger sure made a lot of readers happy by writing a sequel to When The Stars Sang, a real fan favorite. I loved to be back on Little Sister and her eclectic mix of Celtic and First Ones traditions, the wonderful cast of characters – old and new - and their quirky habits.
Like the previous novel, this is a real ensemble piece but although there is a romance, it is not the focus this time. Molly and Kathleen (and Blossom) are back, and so is one of my favorites, Miss Louisa, who is still coping with the loss of her beloved sister (although Olivia still finds a way to be ‘present’). I loved that. The islanders are coming out of a long winter and prepare for summer and the inevitable tourist season.
Meanwhile on the Pacific side of the US, school teacher Meredith is having a recurring dream about a ship wrecked in a storm. Oddly enough it turns out she is sharing these dreams with her mother, Irene. When she finds out Little Sister is the connection to it all, she, her dog Jasper, and her parents decide to spend the summer on the island and maybe find some answers. It’s a trip that will change their lives forever.
It’s a feel good story about family, about continuity, about a small island community holding on to their traditional ways, and of course about love. Get ready for the magic! I highly recommend!
f/f, m/f
Themes: Little Sister, Maine, Islanders, the end of a family line, shared dreams, storms and shipwrecks, Louisa Woodhouse has a big secret, new life, come on Aiden! Grow a pair, tragedy, two doggos to the rescue.
4.5 Stars
* A free copy was provided by the author for an honest review.
October 8, 2022
Another good Werlinger book. Werlinger is best at character development and in this sequel she does a great job of bringing all the characters to life, the MCs and all the side characters. And the two great dogs are super fun.
August 29, 2020
Where do you belong? Is it somewhere that you’ve never even heard of, but that calls to you in your dreams? These are some of the questions that Meredith Turner grapples with in Face the Wind. Readers will relate to Meredith and her journey, especially, I think, because many of us hope to have a place where we belong wholly and completely, somewhere magical that beckons to us. Many people feel a need to belong to a place, and especially to a community. A sense of belonging can be something that helps us cope during the most difficult of times. This is perhaps why this story is so comforting and hopeful to read right now.
Little Sister Island, the main setting of this book, is a place that captures the heart and the imagination. It is home to a wide array of characters: some are eccentric and lovable, others are complex and damaged, some hold a combination of these traits, but all are relatable.
Face the Wind is a story of both continuity and change. On Little Sister Island, the pace of life is slower. Life is lived in a way that to many would seem old-fashioned, for example, there are no cell phone towers. But that older way of life is also part of the charm of Little Sister, especially when it comes to the strong sense of community that the islanders have—they always help each other out. On Little Sister Island, change tends to happen gradually, except, of course, when it comes in bursts.
A mysterious warning from the island has its residents worried about what might happen in the near future. The island’s history has been recorded for over two hundred years, and the current Keeper of the Island Chronicles, Rebecca, and the Keeper-in-training, Kathleen, find concerning evidence that historical events may forebode difficult times ahead for the islanders.
New visitors, Meredith Turner and her family, arrive on Little Sister. They are outwardly strangers to the islanders, but they have a connection to the island. What that connection entails and how it came to pass is an enthralling puzzle that is slowly uncovered throughout the story.
Meredith, who is from Oregon, has an unusual journey in this book, stirred by puzzling dreams, fuelled by serendipitous events and her mother’s family history research. She has a good life with her dog and a nice home by the ocean, but she can’t understand the dreams that disturb her sleep. Some sleuthing on her part and help from a friend’s grandmother lead her, along with her parents and dog, across the country to Little Sister Island for a visit that’s much more than just a vacation.
Face the Wind is a sequel to When the Stars Sang. One of the things that drew me into the story in When the Stars Sang was the strong sense of place and development of the setting, especially the community and the feeling that this was a place I’d like to visit or even move to. It was therefore a welcome diversion to return to the island in Face the Wind. This book goes deeper into the magical and unexplainable elements of Little Sister as the mother island of her people, who are a unique mix of Native American and Irish, with their own culture and traditions.
Face the Wind has a gripping plot as well as a complex storyline. It is woven together so deftly that it had me attempting to predict how the various connections between people and places would turn out, and reading eagerly to find out whether my predictions were correct, and to see how and when various characters would catch on to things. This is not to say that anything about the plot is predictable. Quite the opposite—in some cases I was correct in my expectations, in others I wasn’t. At the same time, as I read, I wanted to try to pause and savour the story as it unfolded. This is partly because many of the themes in the book, and the timely and important topics it addresses, are things that I wanted to reflect on.
The question of group inclusion and identification is a significant one for ethnic and racial minorities. For these communities, there is often a strong cultural component. The story approaches current debates about how inclusion in a racial or ethnic group can be defined, and how questions of genealogy and culture play into it. It specifically addresses this topic with regard to Native American tribes. Caren J. Werlinger approaches this issue with a great deal of sensitivity and insight.
The book raises the questions of: What makes a community? Who decides who gets to become part of it, and what should be the criteria for inclusion? Related to this topic are the questions of how we define family. What creates the sense of belonging? Ties of blood and genealogy, or connections of love and caring? The story will lead readers to ponder these questions from all sides and consider that there may be no simple answers to how we define communities and families.
Another major, and related, theme in the story is that of identity. It addresses both questions of individual identity and community or group identity. Concerning individual identity, it can be how or whether one connects with a family or other group, but also with regard to one’s past experiences and circumstances. Overcoming past trauma, having the strength to open up to others, and/or have a romantic relationship, are issues that some of the characters in this story continue to cope with and overcome.
One of the benefits of this sequel is the chance to follow the lives of favourite characters. The relationship between Kathleen Halloran and Molly Cooper is solid and continues to deepen as they grow together and face different challenges.
I was charmed by sisters Louisa and Olivia Woodhouse in When the Stars Sang. In this book, I was glad to learn more about Louisa, who is still connected with Olivia, even though separated by death.
A further element I liked in Face the Wind were the sweet and well-developed canine characters, who themselves are members of their respective families, and who have a significant role in the story. I was very fond of Kathleen and Molly’s dog Blossom in the first book, and loved his friendship with Meredith’s dog, Jasper, in this book.
Although Face the Wind is a sequel to When the Stars Sang, it can be read as a stand-alone novel without feeling lost as to the events of the previous book. But When the Stars Sang is such a great story that I highly recommend reading it. If you are a fan of the first book, you will love the sequel!
Disclaimer: I was involved in editing this manuscript, but my opinions here are from my perspective as a reader.
Little Sister Island, the main setting of this book, is a place that captures the heart and the imagination. It is home to a wide array of characters: some are eccentric and lovable, others are complex and damaged, some hold a combination of these traits, but all are relatable.
Face the Wind is a story of both continuity and change. On Little Sister Island, the pace of life is slower. Life is lived in a way that to many would seem old-fashioned, for example, there are no cell phone towers. But that older way of life is also part of the charm of Little Sister, especially when it comes to the strong sense of community that the islanders have—they always help each other out. On Little Sister Island, change tends to happen gradually, except, of course, when it comes in bursts.
A mysterious warning from the island has its residents worried about what might happen in the near future. The island’s history has been recorded for over two hundred years, and the current Keeper of the Island Chronicles, Rebecca, and the Keeper-in-training, Kathleen, find concerning evidence that historical events may forebode difficult times ahead for the islanders.
New visitors, Meredith Turner and her family, arrive on Little Sister. They are outwardly strangers to the islanders, but they have a connection to the island. What that connection entails and how it came to pass is an enthralling puzzle that is slowly uncovered throughout the story.
Meredith, who is from Oregon, has an unusual journey in this book, stirred by puzzling dreams, fuelled by serendipitous events and her mother’s family history research. She has a good life with her dog and a nice home by the ocean, but she can’t understand the dreams that disturb her sleep. Some sleuthing on her part and help from a friend’s grandmother lead her, along with her parents and dog, across the country to Little Sister Island for a visit that’s much more than just a vacation.
Face the Wind is a sequel to When the Stars Sang. One of the things that drew me into the story in When the Stars Sang was the strong sense of place and development of the setting, especially the community and the feeling that this was a place I’d like to visit or even move to. It was therefore a welcome diversion to return to the island in Face the Wind. This book goes deeper into the magical and unexplainable elements of Little Sister as the mother island of her people, who are a unique mix of Native American and Irish, with their own culture and traditions.
Face the Wind has a gripping plot as well as a complex storyline. It is woven together so deftly that it had me attempting to predict how the various connections between people and places would turn out, and reading eagerly to find out whether my predictions were correct, and to see how and when various characters would catch on to things. This is not to say that anything about the plot is predictable. Quite the opposite—in some cases I was correct in my expectations, in others I wasn’t. At the same time, as I read, I wanted to try to pause and savour the story as it unfolded. This is partly because many of the themes in the book, and the timely and important topics it addresses, are things that I wanted to reflect on.
The question of group inclusion and identification is a significant one for ethnic and racial minorities. For these communities, there is often a strong cultural component. The story approaches current debates about how inclusion in a racial or ethnic group can be defined, and how questions of genealogy and culture play into it. It specifically addresses this topic with regard to Native American tribes. Caren J. Werlinger approaches this issue with a great deal of sensitivity and insight.
The book raises the questions of: What makes a community? Who decides who gets to become part of it, and what should be the criteria for inclusion? Related to this topic are the questions of how we define family. What creates the sense of belonging? Ties of blood and genealogy, or connections of love and caring? The story will lead readers to ponder these questions from all sides and consider that there may be no simple answers to how we define communities and families.
Another major, and related, theme in the story is that of identity. It addresses both questions of individual identity and community or group identity. Concerning individual identity, it can be how or whether one connects with a family or other group, but also with regard to one’s past experiences and circumstances. Overcoming past trauma, having the strength to open up to others, and/or have a romantic relationship, are issues that some of the characters in this story continue to cope with and overcome.
One of the benefits of this sequel is the chance to follow the lives of favourite characters. The relationship between Kathleen Halloran and Molly Cooper is solid and continues to deepen as they grow together and face different challenges.
I was charmed by sisters Louisa and Olivia Woodhouse in When the Stars Sang. In this book, I was glad to learn more about Louisa, who is still connected with Olivia, even though separated by death.
A further element I liked in Face the Wind were the sweet and well-developed canine characters, who themselves are members of their respective families, and who have a significant role in the story. I was very fond of Kathleen and Molly’s dog Blossom in the first book, and loved his friendship with Meredith’s dog, Jasper, in this book.
Although Face the Wind is a sequel to When the Stars Sang, it can be read as a stand-alone novel without feeling lost as to the events of the previous book. But When the Stars Sang is such a great story that I highly recommend reading it. If you are a fan of the first book, you will love the sequel!
Disclaimer: I was involved in editing this manuscript, but my opinions here are from my perspective as a reader.
March 16, 2022
Gosh !!!
This series is fascinating and captivating !!!
I really, really love Little Sister Island and its inhabitants. (Kathleen and Molly are my favorite, of course, but there are so many very strong secondary characters ...)
So, I sure hope there's more (way more !!! like a few books) to come ...
This series is fascinating and captivating !!!
I really, really love Little Sister Island and its inhabitants. (Kathleen and Molly are my favorite, of course, but there are so many very strong secondary characters ...)
So, I sure hope there's more (way more !!! like a few books) to come ...
October 2, 2022
The sequel to When the Stars Sang gave me the same rich, detailed writing that I know to expect from this author. One can't help but get sucked into the characters and life on Little Sister island. The community is what keeps me coming back to this series, the "taking care of one another" that we so rarely see in today's day in age. Even though island life is tough, there is a lot of kindness and love and support there.
However I struggled with the length on this one, and there was "too much" tedious detail at times. Groceries bought, weeding done, small tiny things that were endearing in book 1 made the story drag. I found it easy to put down and start other books. There are so many characters that it took awhile for me to remember from book one, then continue to follow. I did enjoy the story of Meredith and her mother's nightmares, way on the other coast, and how it led them to Little Sister, that was certainly unique. Some of the added drama felt a little forced compared to book 1. So it lost some points but not enough to steer me from the "really liked it" rating.
However I struggled with the length on this one, and there was "too much" tedious detail at times. Groceries bought, weeding done, small tiny things that were endearing in book 1 made the story drag. I found it easy to put down and start other books. There are so many characters that it took awhile for me to remember from book one, then continue to follow. I did enjoy the story of Meredith and her mother's nightmares, way on the other coast, and how it led them to Little Sister, that was certainly unique. Some of the added drama felt a little forced compared to book 1. So it lost some points but not enough to steer me from the "really liked it" rating.
September 30, 2020
The magic of Little Sister island continues, although I wasn't as enthralled as the first, but I guess that is to be expected.
I enjoyed learning about Ms Louisa's past, present and future so to speak ;-)
It was nice to see Aiden get a chance at happiness after the pain he had been through.
Catching up with Molly and Kathleen and all the citizens of Little Sister Island was great, but I have to admit to wanting more quality time with Molly and Kathleen.
I did struggle a bit with the drama towards the end with the two boys, and that happening on Molly's birthday. That callback seemed a bit much for me, and I didn't really understand the point of it.
But all in all, well written and emotive.
I enjoyed learning about Ms Louisa's past, present and future so to speak ;-)
It was nice to see Aiden get a chance at happiness after the pain he had been through.
Catching up with Molly and Kathleen and all the citizens of Little Sister Island was great, but I have to admit to wanting more quality time with Molly and Kathleen.
I did struggle a bit with the drama towards the end with the two boys, and that happening on Molly's birthday. That callback seemed a bit much for me, and I didn't really understand the point of it.
But all in all, well written and emotive.
September 4, 2022
4.5 stars
Nature, the distant past, bloodlines and the metaphysical. The Little Sister Island series includes all of this and more. The rituals, the long-held customs of the "First Ones" - what causes people to be drawn to a place they've never been before. With this series, Werlinger provides something unique in sapphic literature with characters never - or rarely - seen.
I don't want to give details about this book, but do feel like you need to read book one, When the Stars Sang, to understand the culture of this island and better appreciate this second installment. While the first book included a sapphic romance, this does not, but those characters are a staple of the island and play an important role in this story.
I find the concept of blood memory fascinating. I am most at peace and completely at home on or near large bodies of water. When I was a child, I would dream that I could breathe and live under water. But I was born and raised in a desert town. Later in life, after learning where my roots are, it made sense that it's likely part of my DNA.
The mother and daughter in this story both regularly dream of a place they later discover is Little Sister Island. It calls to them. But why? And how will their journey of discovery affect the lives of the insular island community?
Nature, the distant past, bloodlines and the metaphysical. The Little Sister Island series includes all of this and more. The rituals, the long-held customs of the "First Ones" - what causes people to be drawn to a place they've never been before. With this series, Werlinger provides something unique in sapphic literature with characters never - or rarely - seen.
I don't want to give details about this book, but do feel like you need to read book one, When the Stars Sang, to understand the culture of this island and better appreciate this second installment. While the first book included a sapphic romance, this does not, but those characters are a staple of the island and play an important role in this story.
I find the concept of blood memory fascinating. I am most at peace and completely at home on or near large bodies of water. When I was a child, I would dream that I could breathe and live under water. But I was born and raised in a desert town. Later in life, after learning where my roots are, it made sense that it's likely part of my DNA.
The mother and daughter in this story both regularly dream of a place they later discover is Little Sister Island. It calls to them. But why? And how will their journey of discovery affect the lives of the insular island community?
August 31, 2020
Kathleen and Molly are Back!!!!
In this follow up to When the Stars Sang, Kathleen and Molly are happier than ever. Things have settled down and life is good. Then something odd happens that signals a change for life on the island. For Louisa, she is sure that means the end for her is near. Across the country, a woman named Meredith is struggling to make sense of a re-occurring dream, one she has had since childhood. She dreams of a girl and an island... Family drama leads to unanswered questions and events will lead her to Little Sister Island and her destiny.
Oh how I loved this book!! There aren’t words to describe how much I adored it but I will try. It was SO wonderful to go back to Little Sister! I missed these people so much but didn’t realize it until I started this book. It was so good to visit old friends. This adventure was so much fun and brought me so much joy. The story was really interesting and of course captured my attention immediately. I read the book all the way through as I couldn’t and wouldn’t put it down. There is a new romance in this story, Molly’s brother Aiden and Meredith star in this one. The romance plays a part of the story but it is about so much more. Don’t worry WLW, its all fade to black and no real details about the physical parts of the romance that really adds to the story. In fact the romance is necessary for a very important reason that I will not tell you about because it is such a delight to discover! There is a lot that happens in this charming tale and it, is now one of my favourites along with book one. If you liked When the Stars Sang, you will love this book as well!!!
In this follow up to When the Stars Sang, Kathleen and Molly are happier than ever. Things have settled down and life is good. Then something odd happens that signals a change for life on the island. For Louisa, she is sure that means the end for her is near. Across the country, a woman named Meredith is struggling to make sense of a re-occurring dream, one she has had since childhood. She dreams of a girl and an island... Family drama leads to unanswered questions and events will lead her to Little Sister Island and her destiny.
Oh how I loved this book!! There aren’t words to describe how much I adored it but I will try. It was SO wonderful to go back to Little Sister! I missed these people so much but didn’t realize it until I started this book. It was so good to visit old friends. This adventure was so much fun and brought me so much joy. The story was really interesting and of course captured my attention immediately. I read the book all the way through as I couldn’t and wouldn’t put it down. There is a new romance in this story, Molly’s brother Aiden and Meredith star in this one. The romance plays a part of the story but it is about so much more. Don’t worry WLW, its all fade to black and no real details about the physical parts of the romance that really adds to the story. In fact the romance is necessary for a very important reason that I will not tell you about because it is such a delight to discover! There is a lot that happens in this charming tale and it, is now one of my favourites along with book one. If you liked When the Stars Sang, you will love this book as well!!!
September 12, 2021
Shout out to Lex for reminding me this was in my TBR pile, this was a lovely way to spend my day.
This is the sequel to Werlinger’s When the Stars Sang. That story introduced us to Kathleen and Molly and the rest of the delightful characters on Little Sister Island (a delightful character in and of itself).
This book starts about a year after Stars ended and while Molly and Kathleen feature heavily and this advances their story, it broadens to also follow Meredith, a woman living on the other side of the country who has recurring nightmares about a shipwreck that happened 100s of years ago. Meredith’s mother Irene also has these nightmares, and after she convinces her family to do DNA tests for her genealogy hobby, she unleashes many questions that require answers. Little Sister Island seems to hold the answers, so Meredith, her parents and awesome dog Jasper head east to see if they can find the answers they seek.
The island itself seems to be trying to tell the (female) inhabitants something, and this coincides with Meredith’s arrival. While Molly and Kathleen get a fair bit of time in this story, Meredith and Molly’s brother Aidan are the new romance here (this doesn’t feature M/F sex scenes though). It was nice to see Aidan continue to be in a better place. Miss Louise also has a major storyline and while I found the entire book interesting and loved how it all played out, in all honesty I found Miss Louise’s side story the most moving. It features the appearance of someone I won’t mention because it would spoil the first reveal, but I loved each scene with those characters, and the end one had me choking up.
I won’t recap the book further because other reviewers have done that. There’s nothing earth shattering here, it’s a story about the lives of people living on an island and how they react to changes, both big and small, and the importance of acceptance. All of the relationships are beautifully drawn and you can’t help but wish for connections like these people have with each other. I did find the incident around Molly’s birthday a bit much, I thought the parallel was unnecessary and that it didn’t add anything to the book, there was already a lot going on. Aside from that though, I loved this trip back to Little Sister and all that was revealed. I hope it’s not our last visit. 4.5 stars.
This is the sequel to Werlinger’s When the Stars Sang. That story introduced us to Kathleen and Molly and the rest of the delightful characters on Little Sister Island (a delightful character in and of itself).
This book starts about a year after Stars ended and while Molly and Kathleen feature heavily and this advances their story, it broadens to also follow Meredith, a woman living on the other side of the country who has recurring nightmares about a shipwreck that happened 100s of years ago. Meredith’s mother Irene also has these nightmares, and after she convinces her family to do DNA tests for her genealogy hobby, she unleashes many questions that require answers. Little Sister Island seems to hold the answers, so Meredith, her parents and awesome dog Jasper head east to see if they can find the answers they seek.
The island itself seems to be trying to tell the (female) inhabitants something, and this coincides with Meredith’s arrival. While Molly and Kathleen get a fair bit of time in this story, Meredith and Molly’s brother Aidan are the new romance here (this doesn’t feature M/F sex scenes though). It was nice to see Aidan continue to be in a better place. Miss Louise also has a major storyline and while I found the entire book interesting and loved how it all played out, in all honesty I found Miss Louise’s side story the most moving. It features the appearance of someone I won’t mention because it would spoil the first reveal, but I loved each scene with those characters, and the end one had me choking up.
I won’t recap the book further because other reviewers have done that. There’s nothing earth shattering here, it’s a story about the lives of people living on an island and how they react to changes, both big and small, and the importance of acceptance. All of the relationships are beautifully drawn and you can’t help but wish for connections like these people have with each other. I did find the incident around Molly’s birthday a bit much, I thought the parallel was unnecessary and that it didn’t add anything to the book, there was already a lot going on. Aside from that though, I loved this trip back to Little Sister and all that was revealed. I hope it’s not our last visit. 4.5 stars.
August 5, 2022
I always look forward to reading a book by Caren Werliner because I know it will take me on a memorable voyage. It wasn't any different this time.
A thirty-something woman named Meredith and her mother are driven to a little island called Little Sister as a result of a string of bizarre dreams that both have. Face the Wind recounts the existence of this highly insular society. They gradually learn what odd power led them to Little Sister and how exciting the revelation turns out to be.
The novel is masterfully written. For the first part of the novel, it was difficult for me to figure out who was who and to whom because there are so many endearing personalities and names. The plot is especially interesting because of the island community. People there value tradition and teamwork because it keeps them safe in the harsh island environment. The prologue depicts these events, giving the reader the impression that the book is a horror fiction. It's definitely not that. There is romance, drama, adventure, and a large cast of likeable characters whose lives are interesting to follow. Additionally, Little Sister is too small and far from the mainland to have its own transmitter, so they almost live without access to the Internet and smartphones. For newcomers, this creates an entirely different environment. The thought of not having a functioning computer or smartphone astounded me. No news, auctions, or social media? How wonderful! Sadly, there are no ebooks either.
Everyone should read this book, in my opinion. I think everybody can find something since it's so valuable. This is the exceptional writing style that Caren Werlinger uses to entice readers and keep them coming back for more.
A thirty-something woman named Meredith and her mother are driven to a little island called Little Sister as a result of a string of bizarre dreams that both have. Face the Wind recounts the existence of this highly insular society. They gradually learn what odd power led them to Little Sister and how exciting the revelation turns out to be.
The novel is masterfully written. For the first part of the novel, it was difficult for me to figure out who was who and to whom because there are so many endearing personalities and names. The plot is especially interesting because of the island community. People there value tradition and teamwork because it keeps them safe in the harsh island environment. The prologue depicts these events, giving the reader the impression that the book is a horror fiction. It's definitely not that. There is romance, drama, adventure, and a large cast of likeable characters whose lives are interesting to follow. Additionally, Little Sister is too small and far from the mainland to have its own transmitter, so they almost live without access to the Internet and smartphones. For newcomers, this creates an entirely different environment. The thought of not having a functioning computer or smartphone astounded me. No news, auctions, or social media? How wonderful! Sadly, there are no ebooks either.
Everyone should read this book, in my opinion. I think everybody can find something since it's so valuable. This is the exceptional writing style that Caren Werlinger uses to entice readers and keep them coming back for more.
September 14, 2022
Really enjoyed this one, picking up the pieces from book 1 and expanding which caused me much joy. Loved it - highly recommended. Already ordered book 3 (sept 23rd!)
March 23, 2021
Ok, this is hard to review but I'll try. I adored the first book, adored it.
This is good, but not great. not as good as the first. But we get to revisit old friends and we get different POV.
A lot was glossed over, or faded to black; not just sex either, but other important events too. Also I didn't realize that this romance was MF, not FF. ugh. I do not like het romance and would not have read this had i known. But that being said, we don't really get much romance or interaction from the MC, if aidan and meredith even are the the MC (i don't think they are). the MF romance was really just a footnote.
We do get more of molly and kathleen/katie which is nice, but again all sex was off screen and things moved so quickly it didn't have the same depth as the first book.
This is good, but not great. not as good as the first. But we get to revisit old friends and we get different POV.
A lot was glossed over, or faded to black; not just sex either, but other important events too. Also I didn't realize that this romance was MF, not FF. ugh. I do not like het romance and would not have read this had i known. But that being said, we don't really get much romance or interaction from the MC, if aidan and meredith even are the the MC (i don't think they are). the MF romance was really just a footnote.
We do get more of molly and kathleen/katie which is nice, but again all sex was off screen and things moved so quickly it didn't have the same depth as the first book.
September 13, 2020
This was a achingly beautiful story... especially for sweet Miss Louisa. She deserves all the happiness!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 6, 2020
I write this review as a member of Rosie’s Book Review Team and thank her and the author for the ARC copy of the book, which I freely chose to review.
I have read and reviewed two of Werlinger’s novels before this one, and I’ve become a fan (although I have yet to read any of her fantasy novels, but I’m sure it’s only a matter of time). I read When the Stars Sang, the first book in the Little Sister Island series (although I don’t think it was intended as a series at first), a while ago and loved it. I couldn’t wait to go back to Little Sister, and my second visit more than lived up to my expectations. I am not sure I’d dare to say that I enjoyed this novel more, but I had, at least, as great a time reading it as I did the first, and I was happy to see that this second instalment revisits the characters and places we have come to love, rather than being a totally separate story, although I am sure readers who come across this book first will catch on pretty quickly (but will end up going back to read the first one, no doubt).
All I said about the first novel applies to this one as well. I wasn’t surprised when I read that the author had many requests to carry on writing about the island and its characters, because both, the setting and the people in it are unforgettable. The mix of Celtic and old-Irish tradition with Native-American folklore, the strong sense of community, the way the inhabitants bond with each other and are like a big family, the way of life there (beautiful but harsh at times, stripped down to the bare bones but precious, not fully “connected" [no mobile phone signal], in tune with nature but at times at the mercy of its whims, gentle but risky and dangerous…), and the way they hold onto ancient rituals and traditions whilst at the same time embracing diversity, new technologies, and adapt to changes and challenges, makes it a place where many of us would love to live in, even if we’d never be allowed to (or perhaps because of it).
The story is told in the third person, as the previous one, although we see things from more perspectives this time. We follow Katheen and Molly’s adventures again, and we get to see how their life has been since we last met them. Kathleen has taken to the island and is growing into her new role with gusto, and Molly is happy as well, even with some ongoing concerns about her family, especially two of her brothers. But there are also new characters, Rae and her parents the most important of those. Rae and her mother, Irene, who live all the way across the country, in Oregon, have been having vivid dreams about a storm and a sinking ship most of their lives. A series of coincidences and decisions with unexpected consequences make them travel to Little Island looking for answers. And let me tell you that they find much more than they bargained for.
Little Island is sending its inhabitants messages they are having some trouble deciphering, and Louisa Woodhouse has to face a secret from her past that she had kept hidden from everybody, even her father and sister. How will it affect the island and its inhabitants?
I warmed up to Rae quickly. Although she seems a bit insecure at first (her boyfriend has cheated on her, and she is determined not to let anybody else hurt her), she is also determined to find an explanation for her dreams, loves her parents (even when they do things she doesn’t like and annoy her no end), and has a strong bond with her dog, Jasper. Her mother, her father and the dog are wonderful in their own right, and few of us would hesitate to invite them into our homes. They quickly become attuned to life in Little Sister and wish they could stay. Most of the characters we met in the previous novel appear again, and Aidan, Molly’s older brother, plays and important part in the plot. Of course, Blossom, Kathleen and Molly’s dog, also plays a role, and he and Jasper become pals, and they make a strong winning team. (I do so love them)!
The story includes a variety of topics: adoption, what makes a family, secrets, lineage, history, destiny, romance (there are no explicit sexual scenes but I think fans of romantic novels will find much to enjoy) and second chances, life and death, how our priorities change with age, pets, new beginnings, and what is really important. There is a price to pay for living in a place like Little Island, and the characters, both old and new, get a harsh reminder of that in this novel.
The writing is gorgeous. There are lyrical moments, beautiful descriptions of landscapes, food, and even feelings and emotions. There are also scary and action-packed moments, which we experience at times as observers and other times as full participants. There are contemplative moments and reflections that made me pause in my reading and will stay with me. There is much joy but also tragedy. As happens in life, it is not all sunny and rosy, and we close the book sad to leave, but with a smile on our faces because things are as they should, and the future looks hopeful and full of opportunity.
A few samples from the book to offer you a taster:
“Life here is no more tragic than elsewhere. It’s just more condensed. When you know everyone, when it involves visitors to your home, when things threaten your home, you feel them more deeply than when it’s just something you hear on the evening news.”
“Beauty isn’t one-sided. Sometimes it comes up with a terrible cost.”
“I think some people need the storm, they need that rush of constantly fighting to stay afloat. For years, I was like that, but now I know, it was only because I was afraid of the calm. In the calm, there’s nothing to fight, no waves battering you from outside, trying to sink you. The calm forces you to listen, to look at your own reflection. And I never liked what I saw.”
Do I recommend this novel? Yes. It is beautiful, it takes place in a wonderful setting, it’s inspiring, its characters are engaging and easy to bond with, and there are intrigues, mystery and magic to keep us coming back for more. I’d love to live inside this book, and I’d love life to be a bit like it is in Little Island, but I guess I’ll have to make do with reading about it, and I hope you give it a go as well. You’ll feel better for it.
I have read and reviewed two of Werlinger’s novels before this one, and I’ve become a fan (although I have yet to read any of her fantasy novels, but I’m sure it’s only a matter of time). I read When the Stars Sang, the first book in the Little Sister Island series (although I don’t think it was intended as a series at first), a while ago and loved it. I couldn’t wait to go back to Little Sister, and my second visit more than lived up to my expectations. I am not sure I’d dare to say that I enjoyed this novel more, but I had, at least, as great a time reading it as I did the first, and I was happy to see that this second instalment revisits the characters and places we have come to love, rather than being a totally separate story, although I am sure readers who come across this book first will catch on pretty quickly (but will end up going back to read the first one, no doubt).
All I said about the first novel applies to this one as well. I wasn’t surprised when I read that the author had many requests to carry on writing about the island and its characters, because both, the setting and the people in it are unforgettable. The mix of Celtic and old-Irish tradition with Native-American folklore, the strong sense of community, the way the inhabitants bond with each other and are like a big family, the way of life there (beautiful but harsh at times, stripped down to the bare bones but precious, not fully “connected" [no mobile phone signal], in tune with nature but at times at the mercy of its whims, gentle but risky and dangerous…), and the way they hold onto ancient rituals and traditions whilst at the same time embracing diversity, new technologies, and adapt to changes and challenges, makes it a place where many of us would love to live in, even if we’d never be allowed to (or perhaps because of it).
The story is told in the third person, as the previous one, although we see things from more perspectives this time. We follow Katheen and Molly’s adventures again, and we get to see how their life has been since we last met them. Kathleen has taken to the island and is growing into her new role with gusto, and Molly is happy as well, even with some ongoing concerns about her family, especially two of her brothers. But there are also new characters, Rae and her parents the most important of those. Rae and her mother, Irene, who live all the way across the country, in Oregon, have been having vivid dreams about a storm and a sinking ship most of their lives. A series of coincidences and decisions with unexpected consequences make them travel to Little Island looking for answers. And let me tell you that they find much more than they bargained for.
Little Island is sending its inhabitants messages they are having some trouble deciphering, and Louisa Woodhouse has to face a secret from her past that she had kept hidden from everybody, even her father and sister. How will it affect the island and its inhabitants?
I warmed up to Rae quickly. Although she seems a bit insecure at first (her boyfriend has cheated on her, and she is determined not to let anybody else hurt her), she is also determined to find an explanation for her dreams, loves her parents (even when they do things she doesn’t like and annoy her no end), and has a strong bond with her dog, Jasper. Her mother, her father and the dog are wonderful in their own right, and few of us would hesitate to invite them into our homes. They quickly become attuned to life in Little Sister and wish they could stay. Most of the characters we met in the previous novel appear again, and Aidan, Molly’s older brother, plays and important part in the plot. Of course, Blossom, Kathleen and Molly’s dog, also plays a role, and he and Jasper become pals, and they make a strong winning team. (I do so love them)!
The story includes a variety of topics: adoption, what makes a family, secrets, lineage, history, destiny, romance (there are no explicit sexual scenes but I think fans of romantic novels will find much to enjoy) and second chances, life and death, how our priorities change with age, pets, new beginnings, and what is really important. There is a price to pay for living in a place like Little Island, and the characters, both old and new, get a harsh reminder of that in this novel.
The writing is gorgeous. There are lyrical moments, beautiful descriptions of landscapes, food, and even feelings and emotions. There are also scary and action-packed moments, which we experience at times as observers and other times as full participants. There are contemplative moments and reflections that made me pause in my reading and will stay with me. There is much joy but also tragedy. As happens in life, it is not all sunny and rosy, and we close the book sad to leave, but with a smile on our faces because things are as they should, and the future looks hopeful and full of opportunity.
A few samples from the book to offer you a taster:
“Life here is no more tragic than elsewhere. It’s just more condensed. When you know everyone, when it involves visitors to your home, when things threaten your home, you feel them more deeply than when it’s just something you hear on the evening news.”
“Beauty isn’t one-sided. Sometimes it comes up with a terrible cost.”
“I think some people need the storm, they need that rush of constantly fighting to stay afloat. For years, I was like that, but now I know, it was only because I was afraid of the calm. In the calm, there’s nothing to fight, no waves battering you from outside, trying to sink you. The calm forces you to listen, to look at your own reflection. And I never liked what I saw.”
Do I recommend this novel? Yes. It is beautiful, it takes place in a wonderful setting, it’s inspiring, its characters are engaging and easy to bond with, and there are intrigues, mystery and magic to keep us coming back for more. I’d love to live inside this book, and I’d love life to be a bit like it is in Little Island, but I guess I’ll have to make do with reading about it, and I hope you give it a go as well. You’ll feel better for it.
September 14, 2020
On the small island of Little Sister off the Atlantic coast of Maine, Kathleen is beginning to feel settled in her relationship with part-time Sheriff, Molly, and is now an important member of the close-knit community. But another young woman is on her way to the island from the other side of the States. Teacher, Meredith Turner finds her dreams filled with a dramatic shipwreck and identifying the ship from a picture she believes it happened near to Little Sister. Her mother shares the same dream and a surprise Ancestry DNA result causes the two women to question the past.
Louisa is the much-loved, retired island schoolteacher. She is lonely but has many friends to help her. As she waits out her days, she thinks back to her youth at college wondering if her life could have been different. Molly is very happy with Kathleen but sometimes there are misunderstandings. She would love her brother, Aidan, to find happiness but he is scared of committing himself to another person.
The island’s population receive a portent, but will it be a disaster or merely a change in their customs? This magical place attracts many tourists but the last thing they want is an influx of newcomers. It is a pleasure to share the dramatic events and consequences, in my return visit to the island and to see characters I care about struggling to achieve their dreams. Another delightful story by Caren Werlinger
Louisa is the much-loved, retired island schoolteacher. She is lonely but has many friends to help her. As she waits out her days, she thinks back to her youth at college wondering if her life could have been different. Molly is very happy with Kathleen but sometimes there are misunderstandings. She would love her brother, Aidan, to find happiness but he is scared of committing himself to another person.
The island’s population receive a portent, but will it be a disaster or merely a change in their customs? This magical place attracts many tourists but the last thing they want is an influx of newcomers. It is a pleasure to share the dramatic events and consequences, in my return visit to the island and to see characters I care about struggling to achieve their dreams. Another delightful story by Caren Werlinger
October 24, 2021
If you believe in Fate, that there’s someone destinated for each of us, then Face the Wind is the perfect book for you.
Picking up on the story from When the Stars Sang, I let myself be transported once again to the mysterious and still-timed rocky and ever windy landscape of Little Island. History repeats itself, some say, and couldn’t this be right and wrong at the same time. If When the Stars Sang was all about forgiveness, Face the Wind is about redemption and claiming your place to have a better future, never forgetting where you come from. This is only the second book I’ve read by Caren J. Werlinger, but I have a feeling that her books aren’t the usual all fluffy/frivolous/easy type of reads, there’s a depth to them that boarders the romantic novels of the XIX century, and this way of depicting the environment/settings/atmosphere that matches the character’s state of mind. Some of the broody Islanders are just like the Island themselves: apparently irremovable, rooted in their ancient ways of living, but deep within pure of heart.
I come from an ancient island myself, I know the deep connection you develop with the sea, the mountains, the rocks, the ever-whistling wind, and the millions of tourists that invade it each summer. But all those tourists will never really understand what it is to live on an island, only surrounded by water. The sea is as beautiful as it is scary, and you can never underestimate its power: the power to bring something on the shore, but also the power to take something away, never to let you see it again. And the powerful wind, which in Face the Wind is like an oracle foretelling woeful events. On my island the wind is so strong that all the oak trees are bent over, as submitting to its power, and yet fighting it to stay alive. Even if I left my island because I felt a pull to another land, because of love, a part of me will always be linked to it, and that’s why I like to live surrounded by water and an empty horizon. I know that beyond that line, that horizon there’s my other home. That little flat line calms me every time.
The Little Island series is a realistic utopia that teaches you that happiness, sorrow, love, family, friends, and death are all parts of life. Life can’t always be as you want it, there will be pain, regrets that you’ll have to face, in order to keep celebrating it.
All I said about When the Stars Sang is also valid for Face the Wind, whose plot surprised me a bit! I didn’t expect… but I really loved it. It totally made sense to write about it. The calm after the storm, so beautiful! What’s next? I stared at the stars, I witnessed the wind finally stopping… will there be fire in the next chapter of the series? I’m so intrigued by Rebecca and I would like to know more about her character.
Picking up on the story from When the Stars Sang, I let myself be transported once again to the mysterious and still-timed rocky and ever windy landscape of Little Island. History repeats itself, some say, and couldn’t this be right and wrong at the same time. If When the Stars Sang was all about forgiveness, Face the Wind is about redemption and claiming your place to have a better future, never forgetting where you come from. This is only the second book I’ve read by Caren J. Werlinger, but I have a feeling that her books aren’t the usual all fluffy/frivolous/easy type of reads, there’s a depth to them that boarders the romantic novels of the XIX century, and this way of depicting the environment/settings/atmosphere that matches the character’s state of mind. Some of the broody Islanders are just like the Island themselves: apparently irremovable, rooted in their ancient ways of living, but deep within pure of heart.
I come from an ancient island myself, I know the deep connection you develop with the sea, the mountains, the rocks, the ever-whistling wind, and the millions of tourists that invade it each summer. But all those tourists will never really understand what it is to live on an island, only surrounded by water. The sea is as beautiful as it is scary, and you can never underestimate its power: the power to bring something on the shore, but also the power to take something away, never to let you see it again. And the powerful wind, which in Face the Wind is like an oracle foretelling woeful events. On my island the wind is so strong that all the oak trees are bent over, as submitting to its power, and yet fighting it to stay alive. Even if I left my island because I felt a pull to another land, because of love, a part of me will always be linked to it, and that’s why I like to live surrounded by water and an empty horizon. I know that beyond that line, that horizon there’s my other home. That little flat line calms me every time.
The Little Island series is a realistic utopia that teaches you that happiness, sorrow, love, family, friends, and death are all parts of life. Life can’t always be as you want it, there will be pain, regrets that you’ll have to face, in order to keep celebrating it.
All I said about When the Stars Sang is also valid for Face the Wind, whose plot surprised me a bit! I didn’t expect… but I really loved it. It totally made sense to write about it. The calm after the storm, so beautiful! What’s next? I stared at the stars, I witnessed the wind finally stopping… will there be fire in the next chapter of the series? I’m so intrigued by Rebecca and I would like to know more about her character.
November 2, 2021
Fantastic.Ten stars.
I was so happy to discover a good up. So happy that here in Scotland it is 2.55am. I could not stop reading.So many questions that I had to read on to find the answers to. I loved every word of this book. I felt as if I was on the island living every minute with them.To meet Molly and Kathleen not forgetting Blossom. You made my heart race in that chapter I can tell you. This author is an outstanding story teller. I love all her books. I felt there is lots of room for a follow-up.Please!. Highly recommend .Hope you are not working the next day when you start this book. .
I was so happy to discover a good up. So happy that here in Scotland it is 2.55am. I could not stop reading.So many questions that I had to read on to find the answers to. I loved every word of this book. I felt as if I was on the island living every minute with them.To meet Molly and Kathleen not forgetting Blossom. You made my heart race in that chapter I can tell you. This author is an outstanding story teller. I love all her books. I felt there is lots of room for a follow-up.Please!. Highly recommend .Hope you are not working the next day when you start this book. .
June 23, 2021
Lovely Story about Life and Family and Belonging
First, if you are looking for angst or hot sex, this may not be what you need. However, sometimes you just need something beautiful and deep…and just a touch of sweet. If that is where you are, buy this book and read it now. If you aren’t there right now, buy this book and put it aside until you are in that space, because this is the book that needs to be read. It shows you what family is. It helps you understand how connected we all are, to each other and to our home. That is what this book feels like…home.
First, if you are looking for angst or hot sex, this may not be what you need. However, sometimes you just need something beautiful and deep…and just a touch of sweet. If that is where you are, buy this book and read it now. If you aren’t there right now, buy this book and put it aside until you are in that space, because this is the book that needs to be read. It shows you what family is. It helps you understand how connected we all are, to each other and to our home. That is what this book feels like…home.
August 6, 2021
I read this book because I wanted to carry on with Molly and Kathleen’s story, so I wasn’t sure about Meredith being the main character in the early part of the book. However after around half-a-dozen chapters it became clear where the story was going and then my problem became my own impatience waiting for the inevitable to happen.
Overall this was an excellent read and even thought it was a bit over sentimental it was still worth five stars.
Overall this was an excellent read and even thought it was a bit over sentimental it was still worth five stars.
April 1, 2022
The sequel to When The Stars Sang, Face the Wind, continues the story of the inhabitants of Little Sister, a tiny, remote island off the coast of Maine. Kathleen and Molly are happily settled in Kathleen’s grandmother’s cottage. Life was good. Summer was on its way and Molly was enjoying her first early morning row on the ocean that year. Just as she turned to head for the beach, a small tidal wave raced towards her, lifted the scull then disappeared into the once again calm ocean. Several of the island women felt something strange that morning in one way or another.
Miss Louisa Woodhouse was lonely but managing without her sister, Olivia, and although she missed her dreadfully they do manage to communicate with one another. Louisa was worried that with her passing their line would die out completely and the secret she has kept for many years will be lost. Second guessing her decisions, she wondered if she’d done the right thing all those years ago.
Meanwhile, in Portland, Oregon, Meredith Turner was researching shipwrecks in the North Pacific, hoping to make some sense of her recurring dreams…a woman she didn’t know struggling in a storm tossed ocean in the aftermath of a shipwreck. Strangely, her mother also had almost the exact same dream.
DNA test results, a visit to Meredith’s friend’s grandmother and the sight of a particular photograph all combine to set in motion events that will change the course of their lives.
A strong prologue is an excellent hook and this one drew me into the story immediately. I loved Face the Wind as much as When The Stars Sang. It was wonderful to be transported back to the mysterious and magical island off the Maine coast, with its strong sense of community, the mix of Native American and Irish customs and traditions — to be immersed once again in the lives of the islanders. As before, the romance aspect doesn’t overwhelm the storyline.
The writing is excellent with vivid imagery, whether it’s places, people or feelings. There are challenges ahead for the residents as sensitive, thought provoking and serious topics are explored, and more history is uncovered. The islanders need to embrace weaknesses as well as strengths to overcome what life throws at them, and there are many changes on the horizon. A fabulous follow up.
Miss Louisa Woodhouse was lonely but managing without her sister, Olivia, and although she missed her dreadfully they do manage to communicate with one another. Louisa was worried that with her passing their line would die out completely and the secret she has kept for many years will be lost. Second guessing her decisions, she wondered if she’d done the right thing all those years ago.
Meanwhile, in Portland, Oregon, Meredith Turner was researching shipwrecks in the North Pacific, hoping to make some sense of her recurring dreams…a woman she didn’t know struggling in a storm tossed ocean in the aftermath of a shipwreck. Strangely, her mother also had almost the exact same dream.
DNA test results, a visit to Meredith’s friend’s grandmother and the sight of a particular photograph all combine to set in motion events that will change the course of their lives.
A strong prologue is an excellent hook and this one drew me into the story immediately. I loved Face the Wind as much as When The Stars Sang. It was wonderful to be transported back to the mysterious and magical island off the Maine coast, with its strong sense of community, the mix of Native American and Irish customs and traditions — to be immersed once again in the lives of the islanders. As before, the romance aspect doesn’t overwhelm the storyline.
The writing is excellent with vivid imagery, whether it’s places, people or feelings. There are challenges ahead for the residents as sensitive, thought provoking and serious topics are explored, and more history is uncovered. The islanders need to embrace weaknesses as well as strengths to overcome what life throws at them, and there are many changes on the horizon. A fabulous follow up.
September 14, 2020
Caren's books never disappoint especially this one
I loved this second Little Sister Island book. The first book I read of Caren's was When the Stars Sang which made me want to read more of her books. I was enthralled reading it and was overjoyed when this second book was published carrying on the story of Molly and Kathleen.
I loved this second Little Sister Island book. The first book I read of Caren's was When the Stars Sang which made me want to read more of her books. I was enthralled reading it and was overjoyed when this second book was published carrying on the story of Molly and Kathleen.
April 26, 2021
4,0 stars.
I liked it a little less than the first book in the series. But it was still great
I liked it a little less than the first book in the series. But it was still great
March 30, 2021
What a great book 2. I love the first book and this book didn’t disappoint at all. Same great characters and wonderful new additions!
September 10, 2021
A lifetime of of family, community and connectedness is not enough, thankfully it transcends time.
I confess the whole way through this book I kept thinking it will end too soon. Little Sister Island is such a magical. The characters are so full of life and especially the joy of everyday life. I think that's what I loved most, a deeply rooted history that cherished the every day. The ceremonies that gave special moments in life grand passing. The way each character dealt with life challenges good and not so good. Molly and Kathleen were still an anchor but other characters grew and new ones arrived. I hope sometime there will be a 3rd book in this series, my heart already misses them. This is such a great story. The way it unfolded was magical and very touching love story on so many levels. From the very beginning I was enthralled with the Island, the secrets it holds and the people who cherish each other.
I confess the whole way through this book I kept thinking it will end too soon. Little Sister Island is such a magical. The characters are so full of life and especially the joy of everyday life. I think that's what I loved most, a deeply rooted history that cherished the every day. The ceremonies that gave special moments in life grand passing. The way each character dealt with life challenges good and not so good. Molly and Kathleen were still an anchor but other characters grew and new ones arrived. I hope sometime there will be a 3rd book in this series, my heart already misses them. This is such a great story. The way it unfolded was magical and very touching love story on so many levels. From the very beginning I was enthralled with the Island, the secrets it holds and the people who cherish each other.
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