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You, Me & the Sea
Rachel is at crisis point. A series of disastrous decisions has left her with no job, no home, and no faith in herself. But an unexpected job offer takes her to a remote Scottish island, and it feels like a chance to recover and mend her battered self-esteem.
The island's other inhabitants are less than welcoming. Fraser Sutherland is a taciturn loner who is not happy about sharing his lighthouse - or his precious coffee beans - and Lefty, his unofficial assistant, is a scrawny, scared lad who isn't supposed to be there at all.
Homesick and out of her depth, Rachel wonders whether she's made another mistake. But, as spring turns to summer, the wild beauty of the island captivates her soul. For the first time in years she sees the hope of a better life - if only she can break the deadlock between two men who are at war with one another, and with themselves.
The island's other inhabitants are less than welcoming. Fraser Sutherland is a taciturn loner who is not happy about sharing his lighthouse - or his precious coffee beans - and Lefty, his unofficial assistant, is a scrawny, scared lad who isn't supposed to be there at all.
Homesick and out of her depth, Rachel wonders whether she's made another mistake. But, as spring turns to summer, the wild beauty of the island captivates her soul. For the first time in years she sees the hope of a better life - if only she can break the deadlock between two men who are at war with one another, and with themselves.
395 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 1, 2021
49 people are currently reading
818 people want to read
About the author
Elizabeth Haynes
22 books2,057 followersElizabeth Haynes grew up in Seaford, Sussex and studied English, German and Art History at Leicester University.
She previously worked as a police intelligence analyst and lives in Norfolk with her husband and son.
She previously worked as a police intelligence analyst and lives in Norfolk with her husband and son.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews
February 2, 2021
I love this authors writing so much and You, Me and the Sea is a beautifully written character drama and love story, the couple at the heart of it, Rachel and Fraser are so engaging this book flew past me.
The setting is so vividly written, this remote Scottish island with its rugged beauty,that you sink into it and stick with Rachel all the way as she arrives here to hide away from herself, bringing her into the world of the quietly compelling Fraser who is living with his own demons.
This is one of those books where you are completely immersed, hoping for a happy ending never quite sure you'll get one. The island is a character in it's own right, sitting gently in the background as the character drama plays out on the page.
Anyone who knows me knows I dont tend towards the romantic, unless its happening while battles rage - well here the battles are all internal yet never the less I couldn't stop reading it. Maybe Elizabeth Haynes has converted me to the cause- I needed no criminal intent in order to adore this. I'm very sad to leave all the characters, the birds and the Island behind me. This was a purely beautiful read.
Highly recommended.
The setting is so vividly written, this remote Scottish island with its rugged beauty,that you sink into it and stick with Rachel all the way as she arrives here to hide away from herself, bringing her into the world of the quietly compelling Fraser who is living with his own demons.
This is one of those books where you are completely immersed, hoping for a happy ending never quite sure you'll get one. The island is a character in it's own right, sitting gently in the background as the character drama plays out on the page.
Anyone who knows me knows I dont tend towards the romantic, unless its happening while battles rage - well here the battles are all internal yet never the less I couldn't stop reading it. Maybe Elizabeth Haynes has converted me to the cause- I needed no criminal intent in order to adore this. I'm very sad to leave all the characters, the birds and the Island behind me. This was a purely beautiful read.
Highly recommended.
February 13, 2021
If my conscience wouldn't annoy me like a dripping tap in the sink, I'd not review this book. In the past I've found Elizabeth Haynes at the very top of the class in crime fiction writers, but You, Me & the Sea is basically a romcom, only without the romance or the comedy. Our main characters are Rachel, a Bridget Jones type, who's recovering from a most unwise affair with her married boss - where she's the one who got the sack - andl a dark and brooding lighthouse keeper on an island with a bird observatory in the North Sea. Our brooding and barerly articulate Scotsman is named Fergus Sutherland (of course) and he is right off the cover of one of those novels featuring a bare-chested brute in a kilt. Here's the description: "His chest is covered in dark hair, which extends to his arms – tanned forearms, pale every where else – and even his shoulders. His chest and back and shoulders are broad and strong and muscled, his belly rounded, but hard with muscle too. Just before he pulls down his shorts he catches her eye and actually manages a smile, which she thinks is the sexiest thing she’s ever seen."
We also overhear his thoughts whilst engaged in sex: "There is something intensely sexy about holding her hips loosely as she moves. His hands on her waist, trying hard to concentrate or it’ll be over in seconds. Counting kittiwakes in his head. Thinking of the time he drove to Arbroath in the summer and got sick with food poisoning from a supermarket sandwich. The telephone number of his flat in Aberdeen, twelve years ago." And I found myself agreeing with Rachel's assessment: "Whatever this is, it's definitely not a relationship." Fergus is, nowever, able to communicate verbally at an elementary level: "It's too fucking noisy to be having this conversation."
Acutally he uses the f-noun and f-participle to adorn just about every sentence he utters. I felt so embarrassed for Elizabeth Haynes, because her forte has been to create characters I really cared about, especially Cathy in Into the Darkest Corner. Fergus and Rachel lack even the slightest hint of originality or authenticity. I so hope the author will return to her proper business of creating dastardly criminals and loveable victims.
We also overhear his thoughts whilst engaged in sex: "There is something intensely sexy about holding her hips loosely as she moves. His hands on her waist, trying hard to concentrate or it’ll be over in seconds. Counting kittiwakes in his head. Thinking of the time he drove to Arbroath in the summer and got sick with food poisoning from a supermarket sandwich. The telephone number of his flat in Aberdeen, twelve years ago." And I found myself agreeing with Rachel's assessment: "Whatever this is, it's definitely not a relationship." Fergus is, nowever, able to communicate verbally at an elementary level: "It's too fucking noisy to be having this conversation."
Acutally he uses the f-noun and f-participle to adorn just about every sentence he utters. I felt so embarrassed for Elizabeth Haynes, because her forte has been to create characters I really cared about, especially Cathy in Into the Darkest Corner. Fergus and Rachel lack even the slightest hint of originality or authenticity. I so hope the author will return to her proper business of creating dastardly criminals and loveable victims.
February 5, 2021
Firstly, I need to admit that Elizabeth Haynes’ is one of my favourite authors and her debut book Into The Darkest Corner remains one of my all time favourite books and THE book that changed my reading habits from chick-lit to dark, psychological thrillers.
Elizabeth’s first 6 books are all dark thrillers either in the police procedural genre or standalone psychological thrillers so when I received a book in the post from her in 2018 called The Murder of Harriet Monkton, a historical fiction book I was surprised and slightly apprehensive because it was such a change from her previous books, but it was absolutely INCREDIBLE and proved that Ms Haynes is a woman of many talents!
You can now imagine my reaction to getting a book posted to me in November 2020 from Elizabeth Haynes, especially as once again it was a genre so removed from her previous books that I had no idea what to expect.
You, Me & The Sea which is being published in February 2021 is a love story set on an isolated, windswept island in Scotland and whilst there are two main characters, Fraser and Rachel, the Isle of Must is such an integral part of the story that it becomes the third character – living, breathing and real in my mind.
This is the tale of two people, one hiding from his past and one running from hers. Fraser is a recluse, a gruff, intimidating mammoth of a man living on the island in the lighthouse. He doesn’t seem to like people and prefers to be left alone. Rachel is running away from her past and when she is offered the opportunity to work on an isolated island away from everyone she jumps at the chance until she finds out she has to live with Fraser.
I don’t normally read love stories, romance or books without dead bodies, so this was completely out of my comfort zone, but within the first few chapters I was so intrigued and captivated by the characters and the Isle of Must that I became totally immersed in the story.
The setting of this remote and often hostile environment intensifies the raw emotions and attraction between Fraser and Rachel and I thoroughly enjoyed watching their relationship develop.
So, grab a copy and immerse yourself in this windswept tale of love.
Elizabeth’s first 6 books are all dark thrillers either in the police procedural genre or standalone psychological thrillers so when I received a book in the post from her in 2018 called The Murder of Harriet Monkton, a historical fiction book I was surprised and slightly apprehensive because it was such a change from her previous books, but it was absolutely INCREDIBLE and proved that Ms Haynes is a woman of many talents!
You can now imagine my reaction to getting a book posted to me in November 2020 from Elizabeth Haynes, especially as once again it was a genre so removed from her previous books that I had no idea what to expect.
You, Me & The Sea which is being published in February 2021 is a love story set on an isolated, windswept island in Scotland and whilst there are two main characters, Fraser and Rachel, the Isle of Must is such an integral part of the story that it becomes the third character – living, breathing and real in my mind.
This is the tale of two people, one hiding from his past and one running from hers. Fraser is a recluse, a gruff, intimidating mammoth of a man living on the island in the lighthouse. He doesn’t seem to like people and prefers to be left alone. Rachel is running away from her past and when she is offered the opportunity to work on an isolated island away from everyone she jumps at the chance until she finds out she has to live with Fraser.
I don’t normally read love stories, romance or books without dead bodies, so this was completely out of my comfort zone, but within the first few chapters I was so intrigued and captivated by the characters and the Isle of Must that I became totally immersed in the story.
The setting of this remote and often hostile environment intensifies the raw emotions and attraction between Fraser and Rachel and I thoroughly enjoyed watching their relationship develop.
So, grab a copy and immerse yourself in this windswept tale of love.
November 30, 2021
Oh Rachel and Fraser, I had over 400 pages reading about the two of you and could have read so many more. I absolutely ADORED You, Me & The Sea.
I just knew within the first few chapters I was going to love this book. It started off strong and finished very much the same. In fact, I'm still smiling.
As soon as I saw "remote Scottish setting" I was hooked, and the setting didn't disappoint. The rugged beauty, the true to life writing. Absolutely gorgeous! When the weather was intense, aggressive, I could feel that too. So, so well written.
I am very excited to add another new author to my list!! Thanks so much to PGC Books for my gifted copy.
I just knew within the first few chapters I was going to love this book. It started off strong and finished very much the same. In fact, I'm still smiling.
As soon as I saw "remote Scottish setting" I was hooked, and the setting didn't disappoint. The rugged beauty, the true to life writing. Absolutely gorgeous! When the weather was intense, aggressive, I could feel that too. So, so well written.
I am very excited to add another new author to my list!! Thanks so much to PGC Books for my gifted copy.
August 21, 2021
It has been a long time since I've read a romantic novel, and then it was the Regency type, so I don't know if there is a subset of that genre which might be described as 'realistic romance'. This book covers a gamut of topics ranging from migrating birds to surrogacy to drug addiction, but mostly it conforms to the romantic formula: two lonely, damaged people find each other. First, there is process of opening up, then there is hot sex, inevitably there is withdrawal and fear, and then finally the happy denouement.
Although there are some gritty details in this one, the protagonist Fraser Sutherland (tall, dark, handsome, brooding loner) is very much in the Rochester/Heathcliff mode. He's the lighthouse keeper on the fictional Isle of Must, which is managed as a nature reserve - mostly for the purpose of observing and tagging bird migration. Fraser is belligerently solitary, and he wants to stay that way. He's also gruff and bad-tempered (until you eventually find out that he's an excellent cook and a natural caretaker and very generous in bed). The other protagonist is a young (mid-20s?) middle-class young woman named Rachel. (Unfortunately, she's no female equivalent of Cathy Earnshaw or Jane Eyre, but younger readers may find her easy to identify with.) Rachel's background is very different from Fraser's, but she has her own backstory of bad decisions, depression and self-doubt. Most of her self-described 'fuck-ups' are pretty much within the norm of growing up - especially if you have grown up in the shadow of a driven, successful older sister - but she does have one surprising twist in her past.
The island setting is a strong element of the story; not only does it function as a mechanism to throw two unlikely types together, but it also provides its own elemental wildness and sense of danger. (There also some descriptions of the sort of birds to be found on a northern Scottish island, and I found that bit of the book enjoyable.). Rachel has been hired as a temporary housekeeper for the bird conservatory, which means that she and Fraser are thrown together as both roommates. Their relationship also has an element of mentorship as Fraser teaches her much about the natural life on the island. When it comes to emotional matters, Rachel tends to take more of a lead - and that aspect comes into play when a mysterious occupant of the lighthouse is revealed.
It's not an unlikable book, but I do think you have to be susceptible to the romance formula - and not opposed to some graphic sexual descriptions - in order to fully enjoy it. I had no idea that author Elizabeth Haynes had previously written crime, but that explains a lot. It's the darker elements of the Scottish backstory - which are key to both Fraser's life and that of a secondary character - which give the book its flavour. Forgiveness, redemption, the healing power of love - they are all here, and not just in the storyline between Fraser and Rachel.
*This book was gifted to me by Myriad Publishing
Although there are some gritty details in this one, the protagonist Fraser Sutherland (tall, dark, handsome, brooding loner) is very much in the Rochester/Heathcliff mode. He's the lighthouse keeper on the fictional Isle of Must, which is managed as a nature reserve - mostly for the purpose of observing and tagging bird migration. Fraser is belligerently solitary, and he wants to stay that way. He's also gruff and bad-tempered (until you eventually find out that he's an excellent cook and a natural caretaker and very generous in bed). The other protagonist is a young (mid-20s?) middle-class young woman named Rachel. (Unfortunately, she's no female equivalent of Cathy Earnshaw or Jane Eyre, but younger readers may find her easy to identify with.) Rachel's background is very different from Fraser's, but she has her own backstory of bad decisions, depression and self-doubt. Most of her self-described 'fuck-ups' are pretty much within the norm of growing up - especially if you have grown up in the shadow of a driven, successful older sister - but she does have one surprising twist in her past.
The island setting is a strong element of the story; not only does it function as a mechanism to throw two unlikely types together, but it also provides its own elemental wildness and sense of danger. (There also some descriptions of the sort of birds to be found on a northern Scottish island, and I found that bit of the book enjoyable.). Rachel has been hired as a temporary housekeeper for the bird conservatory, which means that she and Fraser are thrown together as both roommates. Their relationship also has an element of mentorship as Fraser teaches her much about the natural life on the island. When it comes to emotional matters, Rachel tends to take more of a lead - and that aspect comes into play when a mysterious occupant of the lighthouse is revealed.
It's not an unlikable book, but I do think you have to be susceptible to the romance formula - and not opposed to some graphic sexual descriptions - in order to fully enjoy it. I had no idea that author Elizabeth Haynes had previously written crime, but that explains a lot. It's the darker elements of the Scottish backstory - which are key to both Fraser's life and that of a secondary character - which give the book its flavour. Forgiveness, redemption, the healing power of love - they are all here, and not just in the storyline between Fraser and Rachel.
*This book was gifted to me by Myriad Publishing
August 7, 2021
Marian Keyes describes this novel as Immersive and affecting…utter bliss. She’s not wrong. (It’s Marin Keyes, is she EVER wrong about books?!) I have to admit that’s what first caught our eye with this book. Then there’s the title, simply, You, Me & The Sea. Oh and that cover. Everything about this book screams escape, delicious escapism to desolate beauty, wild stormy coasts, and, perhaps, into someone else’s arms. There’s so much to learn whilst reading this book – but at the same time without feeling like you’re being preached to. Teaching through contemporary fiction is a talent, and Elizabeth Haynes has it mastered well.
This book will teach you the value of silence, and the value of noise. The beauty of a storm and the darkness of isolation. It’ll teach you the complications of forgiveness and the pulls of longing. It covers both regrets and gratitude. It’s over 400 pages of utter bliss, to coin a phrase from Marian Keyes, and you will long for the book to continue for a while after you’ve read the final pages.
This book will teach you the value of silence, and the value of noise. The beauty of a storm and the darkness of isolation. It’ll teach you the complications of forgiveness and the pulls of longing. It covers both regrets and gratitude. It’s over 400 pages of utter bliss, to coin a phrase from Marian Keyes, and you will long for the book to continue for a while after you’ve read the final pages.
April 26, 2021
I would include Elizabeth Haynes earlier books, such as “Behind closed doors” and “Into the darkest corner” etc as some of my favourite books, so enjoyable that I actually re-read them which is unusual for me.
So..... what in the world is happening with this author?
Yes, I do realise that this latest novel is of a different genre but it’s awful.
You can’t call it a love story, all it is is two people, neither likeable, who are apparently desperate for a shag and that’s about all they have in common. Fraser has anger issues and barely ever speaks except to swear and Rachel has no self esteem at all, hardly a match made in heaven !
Much mention was made of the dangerous terrain and bad weather, so much so that I was hoping that at least one of the characters would succumb to it but alas they did not.
PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE Elizabeth Haynes, go back to writing those brilliant, page turning, psychological thrillers.
So..... what in the world is happening with this author?
Yes, I do realise that this latest novel is of a different genre but it’s awful.
You can’t call it a love story, all it is is two people, neither likeable, who are apparently desperate for a shag and that’s about all they have in common. Fraser has anger issues and barely ever speaks except to swear and Rachel has no self esteem at all, hardly a match made in heaven !
Much mention was made of the dangerous terrain and bad weather, so much so that I was hoping that at least one of the characters would succumb to it but alas they did not.
PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE Elizabeth Haynes, go back to writing those brilliant, page turning, psychological thrillers.
April 2, 2021
I enjoyed it to start, but it just turned into a kind of Fifty Shades on an island.
February 5, 2023
And so I skimmed. I would flick until I found some dialogue that was readable and I think what I can say is not that this is a bad book, but that it is not my cuppa tea.
The swearing, the one night stands, the complete opposite-of-sacredness that these characters attached to all aspects of love, the everyone-has-depression, the too many heavy topics and none done well, the information on stuff I don’t care about like lighthouses and the birdwatchers and birds and cleaning.
All that stuff, I can *easily* imagine other people liking. But not. For. Me.
But I kind of feel bad for not liking it because in the acknowledgements I could tell how much work the author had out into writing this book.
It was too slow. The mc didn’t deserve red hair (which makes sense to me but) there was so much writing about stuff that didn’t matter and coudl’ve been summed up in a ‘days went by’ sentence rather than forcing us to read all about how she cleaned and cooked and travelled and felt and emailed and yadda ya.
THANKS BUT NO THANKS
The swearing, the one night stands, the complete opposite-of-sacredness that these characters attached to all aspects of love, the everyone-has-depression, the too many heavy topics and none done well, the information on stuff I don’t care about like lighthouses and the birdwatchers and birds and cleaning.
All that stuff, I can *easily* imagine other people liking. But not. For. Me.
But I kind of feel bad for not liking it because in the acknowledgements I could tell how much work the author had out into writing this book.
It was too slow. The mc didn’t deserve red hair (which makes sense to me but) there was so much writing about stuff that didn’t matter and coudl’ve been summed up in a ‘days went by’ sentence rather than forcing us to read all about how she cleaned and cooked and travelled and felt and emailed and yadda ya.
THANKS BUT NO THANKS
March 10, 2021
This was quite a surprise.
I read it because this author has written a couple of the twistiest psychological thrillers I've ever read. However in this new book she changes direction and uses her knowledge of psychology to provide a passionate and pretty steamy love story, between a fragile and somewhat flaky young woman and a damaged and difficult man.
Set in a stunning location of a small Scottish Island, I expected some sort of a twist at the end but it was actually somewhat predictable (even a little mawkish in parts)
Steamy romance is not my usual genre of choice but it's a very well written example with well portrayed characters and a very easy to read story which flowed beautifully and kept me turning the pages.
I read it because this author has written a couple of the twistiest psychological thrillers I've ever read. However in this new book she changes direction and uses her knowledge of psychology to provide a passionate and pretty steamy love story, between a fragile and somewhat flaky young woman and a damaged and difficult man.
Set in a stunning location of a small Scottish Island, I expected some sort of a twist at the end but it was actually somewhat predictable (even a little mawkish in parts)
Steamy romance is not my usual genre of choice but it's a very well written example with well portrayed characters and a very easy to read story which flowed beautifully and kept me turning the pages.
February 19, 2021
Wonderfully descriptive
This is very different to the previous books written by Elizabeth Haynes but it is simply beautiful. It is a much slower paced book but rumbles along nicely. There is no soul shattering end to it but everything is tied up, all the loose ends are nicely dealt with. It is essentially a love story set on a remote (and fictitious) island off the coast of Scotland. The descriptions of the Island, the birds, the weather and the deliveries by boat are so wonderful that if you close your eyes you can imagine actually being there. Definitely worth a read.
This is very different to the previous books written by Elizabeth Haynes but it is simply beautiful. It is a much slower paced book but rumbles along nicely. There is no soul shattering end to it but everything is tied up, all the loose ends are nicely dealt with. It is essentially a love story set on a remote (and fictitious) island off the coast of Scotland. The descriptions of the Island, the birds, the weather and the deliveries by boat are so wonderful that if you close your eyes you can imagine actually being there. Definitely worth a read.
February 23, 2021
Novel set in the FIRTH OF FORTH
Rachel Long has a bit of a history of getting things wrong. She has just come out of a relationship with Amarjit – the moniker ejit would be much more fitting – who was her boss and basically used her. Actually, it wasn’t a relationship, it was an abuse of power and she somehow allowed herself to acquiesce. She needs a little time to lick her wounds and thus decides to take a job on the fictional isle of Must, adjacent to the Isle of May, which is a real island in the Firth of Forth, Scotland.
Rachel is a Norfolk lass and already the author is creating a credible setting (mention of Jarrold Bookshop/Store chain and the Happisburg (pronounced Hazeburgh) Lighthouse really anchor the city). She then clearly has immersed herself in the setting of the Isle of Must, which is a bird sanctuary and it certainly attracts many birders. Rachel is appointed to look after the visitors in the small and basic hostel. She cooks and cleans and changes the bedding.
Her quarters are a slight distance away in the Lighthouse, where Fraser lives, and he oversees the running of the island. He is a gruff man and much like Tom Sherbourne in The Light Between Oceans, he is a taciturn and grumpy fellow (reminiscent of Captain Haddock of Tintin fame).
She discovers that a young man called Lefty also resides there and it seems that he can ignite Fraser’s wrath at the drop of a hat. Why is he there? Rachel is a natural peace maker but cannot seem to bring about a truce between the two men.
There are plenty of secrets and histories that unfurl as the story progresses. Fraser often cries out at night and clearly is grappling with some demons from his past. Rachel, too, is sitting on a life changing event that continues to bubble along for her in the background.
The author has created a fabulous sense of place for the story, you can almost hear the roiling waves, feel the salty sea spray and hear the clamour of the nesting birds. The rugged nature of the island is something the characters have to grapple with, it is oftentimes a hostile and unforgiving terrain. You will also learn a little about the birds that have returned to the island to nest, the kittiwakes, the terns, the puffins and more…
The novel bowls along and kept me hooked, it is so very readable. For me some of the developing relationships, as they change and morph, perhaps didn’t feel quite convincing, but that is a minor quibble.
I read this novel with pleasure and I would recommend it.
Rachel Long has a bit of a history of getting things wrong. She has just come out of a relationship with Amarjit – the moniker ejit would be much more fitting – who was her boss and basically used her. Actually, it wasn’t a relationship, it was an abuse of power and she somehow allowed herself to acquiesce. She needs a little time to lick her wounds and thus decides to take a job on the fictional isle of Must, adjacent to the Isle of May, which is a real island in the Firth of Forth, Scotland.
Rachel is a Norfolk lass and already the author is creating a credible setting (mention of Jarrold Bookshop/Store chain and the Happisburg (pronounced Hazeburgh) Lighthouse really anchor the city). She then clearly has immersed herself in the setting of the Isle of Must, which is a bird sanctuary and it certainly attracts many birders. Rachel is appointed to look after the visitors in the small and basic hostel. She cooks and cleans and changes the bedding.
Her quarters are a slight distance away in the Lighthouse, where Fraser lives, and he oversees the running of the island. He is a gruff man and much like Tom Sherbourne in The Light Between Oceans, he is a taciturn and grumpy fellow (reminiscent of Captain Haddock of Tintin fame).
She discovers that a young man called Lefty also resides there and it seems that he can ignite Fraser’s wrath at the drop of a hat. Why is he there? Rachel is a natural peace maker but cannot seem to bring about a truce between the two men.
There are plenty of secrets and histories that unfurl as the story progresses. Fraser often cries out at night and clearly is grappling with some demons from his past. Rachel, too, is sitting on a life changing event that continues to bubble along for her in the background.
The author has created a fabulous sense of place for the story, you can almost hear the roiling waves, feel the salty sea spray and hear the clamour of the nesting birds. The rugged nature of the island is something the characters have to grapple with, it is oftentimes a hostile and unforgiving terrain. You will also learn a little about the birds that have returned to the island to nest, the kittiwakes, the terns, the puffins and more…
The novel bowls along and kept me hooked, it is so very readable. For me some of the developing relationships, as they change and morph, perhaps didn’t feel quite convincing, but that is a minor quibble.
I read this novel with pleasure and I would recommend it.
June 8, 2025
All of a sudden, I have this great interest in life on small islands so I dug You, Me & the Sea out of the pile it had been hiding in. I'd hoped from the description that it was also a summer book, but it only briefly goes into the summer months and for the most part is set on a gloomy rainy Scottish island some distance outside the Firth of Forth.
Just to lay all of the cards out on the table, though Elizabeth Haynes is known for her suspense and mysteries, I would label this romance. It does indeed have the suspenseful atmosphere and there is a bit of a mystery underlying it all, but it is not.
The setting is a supporting character and I loved learning about it and all of the birds on the isle. But the two main characters, Rachel who has accepted a temporary job on the island and Fraser the lighthouse keeper are both sad lost people with hidden tragedies in their background.
The book moves from short chapters moving between Rachel and Fraser. I thought the writing was excellent and I was really engaged in the story.
Despite it setting on a cold gloomy island, you can count on it getting steamed up, so beware if you are averse to that.
I loved it!
Just to lay all of the cards out on the table, though Elizabeth Haynes is known for her suspense and mysteries, I would label this romance. It does indeed have the suspenseful atmosphere and there is a bit of a mystery underlying it all, but it is not.
The setting is a supporting character and I loved learning about it and all of the birds on the isle. But the two main characters, Rachel who has accepted a temporary job on the island and Fraser the lighthouse keeper are both sad lost people with hidden tragedies in their background.
The book moves from short chapters moving between Rachel and Fraser. I thought the writing was excellent and I was really engaged in the story.
Despite it setting on a cold gloomy island, you can count on it getting steamed up, so beware if you are averse to that.
I loved it!
May 6, 2021
Rachel takes a temporary job on a remote Scottish island to work looking after the borders who go there. Fraser also lives and works on the island.
This book is certainly different to what Elizabeth Haynes normally writes. Dont go to read this book expecting a thriller. The story that is set around a man and a woman in a remote setting can only mean one thing.
Both characters have their own back story and how they came to be on the island. There is also another character Lefty thrown in for good measure.
So the story rumbles on slowly and Rachel and Fraser get it together, several times. I'm not against sex in books but this had just a little bit too much. One reviewer has said this book is fifty shades on an island and I tend to agree.
I didn't dislike the book, did skip the sexy bits but it certainly wasn't what I was expecting.
This book is certainly different to what Elizabeth Haynes normally writes. Dont go to read this book expecting a thriller. The story that is set around a man and a woman in a remote setting can only mean one thing.
Both characters have their own back story and how they came to be on the island. There is also another character Lefty thrown in for good measure.
So the story rumbles on slowly and Rachel and Fraser get it together, several times. I'm not against sex in books but this had just a little bit too much. One reviewer has said this book is fifty shades on an island and I tend to agree.
I didn't dislike the book, did skip the sexy bits but it certainly wasn't what I was expecting.
April 25, 2021
Ring Book Club Book #12
Really enjoyed this book set on a remote Scottish island
Really enjoyed this book set on a remote Scottish island
June 11, 2021
I'm being generous with the three stars because I did enjoy the book for about the first half. The setting was evocative and so dramatic.
Then the second half of the book just got tedious and I was shaking my head wondering what on earth did Rachel see in this morose neanderthal of a man that couldn't articulate anything more profound than the f*#% word in pretty much every sentence he uttered. Ugh.
And then the ending... total disappointment.
I am intrigued enough from all the reviews here to try one of EH's mystery novels in the future.
Then the second half of the book just got tedious and I was shaking my head wondering what on earth did Rachel see in this morose neanderthal of a man that couldn't articulate anything more profound than the f*#% word in pretty much every sentence he uttered. Ugh.
And then the ending... total disappointment.
I am intrigued enough from all the reviews here to try one of EH's mystery novels in the future.
May 29, 2024
I’ve not read anything by Elizabeth Haynes before as I’m not a huge fan of crime and thrillers but when I read this synopsis my interest was piqued and I’m so glad I decided to pick up this book as I enjoyed every single page. Set on a tiny (fictional) island off the coast of Scotland it tells the story of Rachel, Fraser and Leftie, three people with troubled pasts and damaged souls.The writing is atmospheric, emotive and at times suspenseful and the beauty of the island is brought to life in all it’s wild glories. This is exactly what a romance book should be, and if you are looking for a novel to escape into then look no further. I read this in a couple of days and on finishing it was very tempted to start again. I will definitely be returning to this book when I’m in need of comfort. I very much hope that the author continues to write within this genre as I’ll be looking out for more books.
* There are quite a few sexy bits in this novel so if you prefer your romances with a little less sizzle then this might not be for you. :)
* There are quite a few sexy bits in this novel so if you prefer your romances with a little less sizzle then this might not be for you. :)
February 27, 2022
Just awful. I detested the F worded, repulsive and surly character of Fraser Sutherland. The relationship between him and Rachel could not even be called a relationship. There was no feeling. There was nothing in this unpleasant book to redeem it for me. I couldn't even finish it.
February 10, 2021
Elizabeth Haynes is well known for her dark psychological thrillers. Her debut novel, Into The Darkest Corner, is in my opinion, THE book that sparked the existing trend for the brooding, twisting thrillers. It's a book that has stayed with me for many years. I've since read and enjoyed all of her books and was especially delighted by her dip into historical fiction a couple of years ago when she brought us The Murder of Harriet Monckton.
I have to admit that I didn't ever expect to read a romance by this author, and I was intrigued to see how she would handle this one.
Well ..... I could just say 'Wow', and leave it there. Pop off to your nearest book retailer and get yourself a copy, you will not be disappointed. I could say that, but there's so so much more that I want to say, so I will!
Set on a tiny island called Must, a couple of hours from the coast of Scotland, this is probably one of the most beautifully imagined settings that I've ever come across. For two days, I really felt as though I too was on that island with lead characters Rachel and Fraser. The author has created a place that is both desolate and lonely, whilst being a place that is also a sanctuary, not just for the birds that flock there, but for two wonderful human beings whose story unfolds through the pages.
Rachel is escaping from real-life. She's leaving behind a series of life events that have left her exhausted, scarred and doubting herself. She doesn't feel loved, or needed. She doesn't even like herself, so how can she expect other people to put up with her? Grasping the opportunity to take a temporary job on an island in the middle of nowhere seems like a great idea, until she arrives, and realises that this is not going to be easy either. Her job is to cook and clean for the birdwatchers who visit the island, and the bird observatory where they will stay is grubby and unkempt. She has a huge task ahead. Her biggest shock though is when she discovers she will be sharing the lighthouse accommodation with Fraser.
Fraser is a bear-like man. Abrupt and often grumpy, he's used to being alone on the island. He doesn't relish the thought of sharing his home with Rachel either.
Fraser and Rachel have far more in common than they could ever imagine. He too is trying to escape real life by hiding away on the island. However, as we all know, wherever we go, we take our inner thoughts with us, we cannot escape ourselves. Fraser has a burning anger inside and deals with it badly. Like Rachel, he doesn't like himself very much, and there are days when he struggles to get through the hours.
This author has woven a wonderful, warm and emotional love story between two incredibly created characters. It's fair to say that this is not a traditional romance, both of them battle against their feelings constantly, trying to tell themselves that it's just sex .... oh, and there's lots of that! However, Rachels' feisty nature soon whittles away into Fraser's head and whilst there are a lot of stops and starts, a lot of misunderstandings, and a lot more sex, eventually they begin to be more honest with themselves and each other.
You, Me and the Sea is a moving, emotional and passion fuelled story of emerging love. It's a study in self awareness and it's a beautifully written tale of the frailties of human nature and how much hurt we can do to ourselves. It is perfectly paced and the characters are incredible creations, not just Rachel and Fraser, but the other people who pop in and out of the story too. I have to give a special mention to Lefty; a mysterious character, floating about on the edges of the story, but who becomes integral to the plot as it develops.
So, where next for this incredibly talented author? I'd say please write more of this, I adored it. It brought great comfort during these troubled times. It transported me to a place that felt so much safer than our existing world. It's beautiful and wonderful and I recommend it highly.
I have to admit that I didn't ever expect to read a romance by this author, and I was intrigued to see how she would handle this one.
Well ..... I could just say 'Wow', and leave it there. Pop off to your nearest book retailer and get yourself a copy, you will not be disappointed. I could say that, but there's so so much more that I want to say, so I will!
Set on a tiny island called Must, a couple of hours from the coast of Scotland, this is probably one of the most beautifully imagined settings that I've ever come across. For two days, I really felt as though I too was on that island with lead characters Rachel and Fraser. The author has created a place that is both desolate and lonely, whilst being a place that is also a sanctuary, not just for the birds that flock there, but for two wonderful human beings whose story unfolds through the pages.
Rachel is escaping from real-life. She's leaving behind a series of life events that have left her exhausted, scarred and doubting herself. She doesn't feel loved, or needed. She doesn't even like herself, so how can she expect other people to put up with her? Grasping the opportunity to take a temporary job on an island in the middle of nowhere seems like a great idea, until she arrives, and realises that this is not going to be easy either. Her job is to cook and clean for the birdwatchers who visit the island, and the bird observatory where they will stay is grubby and unkempt. She has a huge task ahead. Her biggest shock though is when she discovers she will be sharing the lighthouse accommodation with Fraser.
Fraser is a bear-like man. Abrupt and often grumpy, he's used to being alone on the island. He doesn't relish the thought of sharing his home with Rachel either.
Fraser and Rachel have far more in common than they could ever imagine. He too is trying to escape real life by hiding away on the island. However, as we all know, wherever we go, we take our inner thoughts with us, we cannot escape ourselves. Fraser has a burning anger inside and deals with it badly. Like Rachel, he doesn't like himself very much, and there are days when he struggles to get through the hours.
This author has woven a wonderful, warm and emotional love story between two incredibly created characters. It's fair to say that this is not a traditional romance, both of them battle against their feelings constantly, trying to tell themselves that it's just sex .... oh, and there's lots of that! However, Rachels' feisty nature soon whittles away into Fraser's head and whilst there are a lot of stops and starts, a lot of misunderstandings, and a lot more sex, eventually they begin to be more honest with themselves and each other.
You, Me and the Sea is a moving, emotional and passion fuelled story of emerging love. It's a study in self awareness and it's a beautifully written tale of the frailties of human nature and how much hurt we can do to ourselves. It is perfectly paced and the characters are incredible creations, not just Rachel and Fraser, but the other people who pop in and out of the story too. I have to give a special mention to Lefty; a mysterious character, floating about on the edges of the story, but who becomes integral to the plot as it develops.
So, where next for this incredibly talented author? I'd say please write more of this, I adored it. It brought great comfort during these troubled times. It transported me to a place that felt so much safer than our existing world. It's beautiful and wonderful and I recommend it highly.
March 18, 2021
We're on a tiny island two hours off the coast of Scotland: home to a bird observatory, a lighthouse and a resident population of 3 people. Rachel has taken a job here to escape from issues in her personal life, but she quickly realises that the other two residents - Fraser and Lefty - are also dealing with issues of their own. Fraser is taciturn and unwelcoming and Lefty is nervy and secretive. Over the course of the novel we come to learn their back stories as they become closer.
I simply loved the atmosphere in this book: I felt like I was getting buffeted by salty winds and hearing shrieking gulls as I read it. I also loved the characters - you get to know them so well and they became very dear to me. Even now that I’ve finished it, I am still wondering how they are getting on and what they are up to.
Do be aware that this is a slow moving book. It’s not a thriller, not a lot happens. There are reveals but I guessed what they were going to be fairly early on and you probably will too. Probably it could have been a bit shorter. Nevertheless I really liked it - Elizabeth Haynes is so good at putting you inside people's heads. There’s a part towards the end where another character is writing to Rachel and I was so invested that I was getting territorial on her behalf. There are quite a few sex scenes which can sometimes feel gratuitous, but these are so realistic and honest. I thought this was terrific.
I simply loved the atmosphere in this book: I felt like I was getting buffeted by salty winds and hearing shrieking gulls as I read it. I also loved the characters - you get to know them so well and they became very dear to me. Even now that I’ve finished it, I am still wondering how they are getting on and what they are up to.
Do be aware that this is a slow moving book. It’s not a thriller, not a lot happens. There are reveals but I guessed what they were going to be fairly early on and you probably will too. Probably it could have been a bit shorter. Nevertheless I really liked it - Elizabeth Haynes is so good at putting you inside people's heads. There’s a part towards the end where another character is writing to Rachel and I was so invested that I was getting territorial on her behalf. There are quite a few sex scenes which can sometimes feel gratuitous, but these are so realistic and honest. I thought this was terrific.
December 19, 2021
I loved the setting for this book; the descriptions of the wild beauty and remoteness added so much to the story. Switching between characters was clever and allowed us to see their hidden stories. The mystery of Leftie, gradually revealed and the interactions between the three of them was brilliant.
One of my favourites this year.
One of my favourites this year.
November 20, 2022
This is very different to Elizabeth Haynes' usual crime fiction, but I really enjoyed the story set on a remote Scottish island. The characters are damaged, but you can't help rooting for them and hoping for a good outcome.
June 27, 2021
Loved it. The setting, the characters, the writing, the story…all of it was beautiful.
February 15, 2021
Not what I expected
I have read and loved every one of Elizabeth Haynes previously published works- so I had a certain subset of expectations for this one that were not met.
However, this book is really well written and quite interesting. I really want to go bird searching now lol
I have read and loved every one of Elizabeth Haynes previously published works- so I had a certain subset of expectations for this one that were not met.
However, this book is really well written and quite interesting. I really want to go bird searching now lol
November 24, 2022
I do enjoy an Elizabeth Haynes tale and this one does not disappoint...
https://thelibraryenthusiast.blogspot...
https://thelibraryenthusiast.blogspot...
February 14, 2021
I shivered with the cold and warmed up with the passion. Take a trip to the Isle of Must and spend time with people who are trying to find something that will stop the pain. Whether it’s temporary or permanent inhabitants - all will stay with you long after you’ve closed this great book.
April 19, 2021
I loved this book so much. Brilliant characters, wonderful imagery and a cracking story; what's not to like.
March 3, 2021
Oh, my! What a beautiful story.
I am still teary eyed as I write this review. This story was both beautiful and sad. My heart felt Fraser. My heart cried for Rachel. Their backgrounds so filled with life's messes and anger brought on by grief. To accidentally meet on the Isle of Must, with all it's burgeoning life forms and unending dramas, was a miracle. The connection between the two was beautifully crafted.
This author never disappoints me.
I am still teary eyed as I write this review. This story was both beautiful and sad. My heart felt Fraser. My heart cried for Rachel. Their backgrounds so filled with life's messes and anger brought on by grief. To accidentally meet on the Isle of Must, with all it's burgeoning life forms and unending dramas, was a miracle. The connection between the two was beautifully crafted.
This author never disappoints me.
April 7, 2021
Started beautifully but around page 250 it sorted of changed I'm no prude but the description of sexual encounters didn't seem to fit the rest of the book
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