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Daughter of the Sea
On a windswept British coastline, the tide deposits an unexpected gift...
It was the cry that she first noticed, the plaintive wail that called to her over the crash of winter waves. Wrapped only in a sealskin, the baby girl looks up at Effie and instantly captures her heart. She meant only to temporarily foster the young orphan, but when news reaches Effie that her husband has been lost at sea, and months pass without anyone claiming the infant, she embraces her new family—her son, Jack, and her adopted daughter, Morna.
Effie has always been an outcast in her village, the only granddaughter of a woman people whisper is a witch, so she's used to a solitary existence. But when Midsummer arrives, so, too, does a man claiming to be Morna's father. There's no denying Lachlan is the girl's kin, and so, Effie is surprised when he asks her to continue looking after his daughter, mysteriously refusing to explain why. She agrees, but when he returns six months hence, she pushes him for answers. And Lachlan tells a story she never anticipated... one of selkies, legend, and the power of the sea...
It was the cry that she first noticed, the plaintive wail that called to her over the crash of winter waves. Wrapped only in a sealskin, the baby girl looks up at Effie and instantly captures her heart. She meant only to temporarily foster the young orphan, but when news reaches Effie that her husband has been lost at sea, and months pass without anyone claiming the infant, she embraces her new family—her son, Jack, and her adopted daughter, Morna.
Effie has always been an outcast in her village, the only granddaughter of a woman people whisper is a witch, so she's used to a solitary existence. But when Midsummer arrives, so, too, does a man claiming to be Morna's father. There's no denying Lachlan is the girl's kin, and so, Effie is surprised when he asks her to continue looking after his daughter, mysteriously refusing to explain why. She agrees, but when he returns six months hence, she pushes him for answers. And Lachlan tells a story she never anticipated... one of selkies, legend, and the power of the sea...
366 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 20, 2021
142 people are currently reading
626 people want to read
About the author
Elisabeth Hobbes
44 books209 followersAuthor for Harlequin Historical.
Falling For Her Captor October 2014
A Wager for the Widow July 2015
The Blacksmith's Wife May 2016
The Saxon Outlaw's Revenge December 2016
Redeeming the Rogue Knight August 2017
I grew up in York where I spent most of my teenage years wandering around the city looking for a handsome Roman or Viking to sweep me off my feet. Sadly it never happened but I developed a love of the past and went on to read History and Art History at university before venturing into the world of teaching. These days I hold down jobs as a teacher and mum. I live in Cheshire with my husband, two young children and two cats with ridiculous names.
I love historical fiction and have a fondness for dark haired, bearded heroes. When I'm not writing, I spend a lot of my spare time reading and have become something of a pro at cooking one-handed while holding a book!
You can find me on Facebook and Twitter
https://www.facebook.com/ElisabethHob... and Twitter https://twitter.com/ElisabethHobbes
Falling For Her Captor October 2014
A Wager for the Widow July 2015
The Blacksmith's Wife May 2016
The Saxon Outlaw's Revenge December 2016
Redeeming the Rogue Knight August 2017
I grew up in York where I spent most of my teenage years wandering around the city looking for a handsome Roman or Viking to sweep me off my feet. Sadly it never happened but I developed a love of the past and went on to read History and Art History at university before venturing into the world of teaching. These days I hold down jobs as a teacher and mum. I live in Cheshire with my husband, two young children and two cats with ridiculous names.
I love historical fiction and have a fondness for dark haired, bearded heroes. When I'm not writing, I spend a lot of my spare time reading and have become something of a pro at cooking one-handed while holding a book!
You can find me on Facebook and Twitter
https://www.facebook.com/ElisabethHob... and Twitter https://twitter.com/ElisabethHobbes
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 146 reviews
November 29, 2021
The sea has just claimed Effie’s husband and the village, she has lived in for almost a decade, still views her as an outsider. And on the day, she loses her husband, she finds a baby-girl wrapped in a sealskin and floating in a basket at the British shore. She embraces the child and gives love to both her baby-son and the foster-daughter. At Midsummer, a man appears at her door with a sealskin draped across his shoulder and claiming to be the father of the daughter Effie fosters. At the end, he leaves the child with Effie, so she can continue nurturing the bond she already has established with the child.
The father named Lachlan comes back every six months on summer and winter solstices. He is full of mysteries, which Effie wishes to unravel. At her prodding, he reveals what sounds as pure fantasy. She feels offended at first; he must think her feebleminded to tell her such a thing.
Effie becomes friends with vicar’s daughter who starts a school for girls in the village. Effie gets involved with planning a syllabus for the children. I wished that the story involved more interaction of Effie with different people from the village, to get a sense of the atmosphere of the village and that’s what I was looking forward to in this story.
The story involves the mythology of selkies, which was interesting to get to know. For most of the part, this is a romance story. What grasped me in this story were the interesting characters of Effie and Lachlan, and the crisp prose, carrying the story smoothly at good pace.
Source: ARC was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
The father named Lachlan comes back every six months on summer and winter solstices. He is full of mysteries, which Effie wishes to unravel. At her prodding, he reveals what sounds as pure fantasy. She feels offended at first; he must think her feebleminded to tell her such a thing.
Effie becomes friends with vicar’s daughter who starts a school for girls in the village. Effie gets involved with planning a syllabus for the children. I wished that the story involved more interaction of Effie with different people from the village, to get a sense of the atmosphere of the village and that’s what I was looking forward to in this story.
The story involves the mythology of selkies, which was interesting to get to know. For most of the part, this is a romance story. What grasped me in this story were the interesting characters of Effie and Lachlan, and the crisp prose, carrying the story smoothly at good pace.
Source: ARC was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
November 28, 2021
This was a pleasant read, a mix of romance, fantasy, and women's fiction, in a way, Lots of lusty looks and longing with fade to black scenes, with the reader knowing quite early on how things will end. The setting was beautiful, and the characters easy to like as they developed through the story.
This is the first time in a long time I've read a book with a dab of fantasy in it, and it all blended nicely together. Most of the story was more like historical fiction, and the touch of selkie was woven well throughout. By the time I reached the last page, I didn't necessarily feel that satisfied feeling of having read a great book though, because the plot was light. Regardless, I'm glad I read it.
This is the first time in a long time I've read a book with a dab of fantasy in it, and it all blended nicely together. Most of the story was more like historical fiction, and the touch of selkie was woven well throughout. By the time I reached the last page, I didn't necessarily feel that satisfied feeling of having read a great book though, because the plot was light. Regardless, I'm glad I read it.
December 20, 2021
“The sea calls to her,” Lachlan said softly. “It is in her nature to try and answer.”
DAUGHTER OF THE SEA
Thank you, Elisabeth J. Hobbes, NetGalley, and HarperCollins UK for the opportunity to read this book. It releases December 20th, 2021.
I am still recovering from Daughter of the Sea by Elisabeth J Hobbes and I am positive I won’t forget it any time soon. On a Winter’s day, Effie is on the beach when she sees something in the waves. It is a basket carrying precious cargo-a baby girl. She immediately took the child home to raise her with her son Jack. When she discovers that her husband has been lost at sea she clings to her new family. A year later, a man comes to her door claiming to be the child’s father. He is mysterious but there is no doubt to his claim. He can’t take his daughter but only asks that Effie continue to raise her as her own, but he will return. And he does, slowly he tells his story, one that is impossible to believe.
This book took my breath away. This is the second book about Selkies that I have read this year and I am hooked. Selkies are mythological beings known as seal folk. They can shed their seal skin and become human. In fact, some of the mythological tales from Scotland make an appearance in this story. I loved this mixture of romance, historical fiction, and myth. The descriptions are truly immersive. I felt as if I could smell the sea, feel the chill of the wind, and taste the salt.
The plot does move slowly, but I fell in love with the characters and I couldn’t tear my eyes from the pages. I cried for Effie. Her loneliness is palpable and I would have given anything to be her friend—that is how you know the writing is that good. She is selfless and courageous. But she is an outsider in a time when being an outsider is dangerous. I love how she has a bond with her son Jack and her adopted daughter Morna. But when Lachlan comes into the picture, he also forms a bond. It is such a beautiful formation of a family.
I have to admit Lachlan won me over immediately, but when he was described as “devouring Persuasion by Jane Austen,” I knew he was it for Effie. But we all know that love doesn’t always have happy endings. Or does it? You will have to read this story to find out. I give this book 5 out of 5 stars and it is probably my favorite book so far this winter.
DAUGHTER OF THE SEA
Thank you, Elisabeth J. Hobbes, NetGalley, and HarperCollins UK for the opportunity to read this book. It releases December 20th, 2021.
I am still recovering from Daughter of the Sea by Elisabeth J Hobbes and I am positive I won’t forget it any time soon. On a Winter’s day, Effie is on the beach when she sees something in the waves. It is a basket carrying precious cargo-a baby girl. She immediately took the child home to raise her with her son Jack. When she discovers that her husband has been lost at sea she clings to her new family. A year later, a man comes to her door claiming to be the child’s father. He is mysterious but there is no doubt to his claim. He can’t take his daughter but only asks that Effie continue to raise her as her own, but he will return. And he does, slowly he tells his story, one that is impossible to believe.
This book took my breath away. This is the second book about Selkies that I have read this year and I am hooked. Selkies are mythological beings known as seal folk. They can shed their seal skin and become human. In fact, some of the mythological tales from Scotland make an appearance in this story. I loved this mixture of romance, historical fiction, and myth. The descriptions are truly immersive. I felt as if I could smell the sea, feel the chill of the wind, and taste the salt.
The plot does move slowly, but I fell in love with the characters and I couldn’t tear my eyes from the pages. I cried for Effie. Her loneliness is palpable and I would have given anything to be her friend—that is how you know the writing is that good. She is selfless and courageous. But she is an outsider in a time when being an outsider is dangerous. I love how she has a bond with her son Jack and her adopted daughter Morna. But when Lachlan comes into the picture, he also forms a bond. It is such a beautiful formation of a family.
I have to admit Lachlan won me over immediately, but when he was described as “devouring Persuasion by Jane Austen,” I knew he was it for Effie. But we all know that love doesn’t always have happy endings. Or does it? You will have to read this story to find out. I give this book 5 out of 5 stars and it is probably my favorite book so far this winter.
December 12, 2021
It was the cry she first noticed, the plaintive call that called to her over over the crash of winter waves. Wrapped only in a sealskin, the baby girl looks up at Effie and instantly captures her heart. She meant only to temporarily foster the young orphan, but when news reaches Effie that her husband had been lost at sea, and months pass without anyone claiming the infant, she embraces her new family - her son Jack and her adopted daughter, Morna. Effie has always been an outcast in her village, the only granddaughter of a woman people whisper is a witch. Then a man arrives claiming to be Morna's father.
When Morna's father arrives, Effie eventually forms a relationship with him. This is a beautifully written story that drew me in from the beginning. At first Effie didn't trust Lachlan, but they soon become friends and she falls in love with him. Effie is an independent woman in the late 1800s. You do have to suspend your beliefs whilst reading this book of fantasy, friendship and love.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #HarperCollinsUK #OneMoreChapter and the author #ElisabethHobbes for my ARC of #DaughterOfTheSea in exchange for an honest review.
When Morna's father arrives, Effie eventually forms a relationship with him. This is a beautifully written story that drew me in from the beginning. At first Effie didn't trust Lachlan, but they soon become friends and she falls in love with him. Effie is an independent woman in the late 1800s. You do have to suspend your beliefs whilst reading this book of fantasy, friendship and love.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #HarperCollinsUK #OneMoreChapter and the author #ElisabethHobbes for my ARC of #DaughterOfTheSea in exchange for an honest review.
December 30, 2021
EPIC!!
Daughter Of The Sea was such a beautiful story I don't know what to write here to make it justice, I'll try without spoil the storyline and preserve the beauty of discovering and experience these characters for the first time like I did.
My favourite character, and It couldn't be otherwise, is Effie ,the heroine. She is a fierce and strong woman, she isn't afraid of the villagers judgement, she makes difficult choices for her children's welfare and she is ahead of her time. She tells her story without shadowing her feelings, I grew attached to her and to her kids instantly and I flew through the pages wishing they'll find their happiness.
I've read only one other book written by Elisabeth Hobbes and even if this feels totally different, the romantic side of the story is always wonderfully delivered.
This is definitely my faourite book of the month and maybe of the year...I recommend to read it as soon as possible.
May 7, 2022
A mix of an emotional love story and folklore, this is a great read.
Even though there is the usual obstacles in romance based stories, there were a few new ones here along with the reasoning being most believable.
The setting itself was a character, sometimes a menace, and at other times a balm to calm the players on shore. What also stood out was that the female lead was not just flawed, be believable in her flaws, and unashamed of how she felt about things. Example: she had a hot temper, which painted her character more richly.
The themes of the story had as much air time as the romance. Some were societal, some family, and others asked questions about beliefs.
Again, a great read.
Even though there is the usual obstacles in romance based stories, there were a few new ones here along with the reasoning being most believable.
The setting itself was a character, sometimes a menace, and at other times a balm to calm the players on shore. What also stood out was that the female lead was not just flawed, be believable in her flaws, and unashamed of how she felt about things. Example: she had a hot temper, which painted her character more richly.
The themes of the story had as much air time as the romance. Some were societal, some family, and others asked questions about beliefs.
Again, a great read.
December 13, 2021
This was a lovely story to read. I got into it from the first page and enjoyed every bit of it right up to the final page. This book didn’t disappoint at all. It had all the elements I love in this type of story. Wonderful descriptions of the places and the characters. My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.
December 3, 2021
Baby in a basket
This is a story of a legend of the Selkie. A lonely woman, an abandoned child and the sea. A fun and fanciful read to entertain you for a while as you dream of the sea and it's magic.
While gathering seaweed Effie finds a baby in a basket on the edge of the ocean wrapped only in a sealskin. She retrieves the girl from the water and takes her home and raises her with her son Jack. When her husband's fishing boat is sunk she clings more to her son Jack and the baby girl which she calls Morna.
The children help her with her loneliness as she is used to a solitary life being a bit of an outcast from the village for being the granddaughter of a woman they call a witch because she delves in herbal remedies. Her only friend is a man named Walter she has known for years.
One day a man named Lachlan arrives at her door and claims to be Morna's father. He agrees to allow Effie to raise Morna but he visits her twice a year at midsummer and midwinter. He tells her a tale of Selkies and the power of the sea.
I loved this story of a legend I read about a few times. It was a good story and very well written. I loved the characters and how Effie became an independent person and able to make her own decisions and stand up for herself as a woman.
I enjoyed reading this book and I would recommend it.
Thanks to Elisabeth J. Hobbes for writing a great story, to One More Chapter for publishing it and to NetGalley for making it available to me to read.
This is a story of a legend of the Selkie. A lonely woman, an abandoned child and the sea. A fun and fanciful read to entertain you for a while as you dream of the sea and it's magic.
While gathering seaweed Effie finds a baby in a basket on the edge of the ocean wrapped only in a sealskin. She retrieves the girl from the water and takes her home and raises her with her son Jack. When her husband's fishing boat is sunk she clings more to her son Jack and the baby girl which she calls Morna.
The children help her with her loneliness as she is used to a solitary life being a bit of an outcast from the village for being the granddaughter of a woman they call a witch because she delves in herbal remedies. Her only friend is a man named Walter she has known for years.
One day a man named Lachlan arrives at her door and claims to be Morna's father. He agrees to allow Effie to raise Morna but he visits her twice a year at midsummer and midwinter. He tells her a tale of Selkies and the power of the sea.
I loved this story of a legend I read about a few times. It was a good story and very well written. I loved the characters and how Effie became an independent person and able to make her own decisions and stand up for herself as a woman.
I enjoyed reading this book and I would recommend it.
Thanks to Elisabeth J. Hobbes for writing a great story, to One More Chapter for publishing it and to NetGalley for making it available to me to read.
March 5, 2022
At first, I was thinking historical fiction, but that is not this book. This tale is a very touching, emotional love story set within folklore I used to sing about. In fact, I may just go pull my ancient song book and play the tune again.
Do you know of the seal folk? If not, you should read about this legend. The song that comes to mind is "The Great Selkie of Sule Skerry." The chorus from the tune:
I am a man upon the land
I am a silkie in the sea
And when I'm far frae every strand
My home it is in Sule Skerry.
Notice the slightly different spellings of Selkie / Silkie. Both are correct.
Unfortunately, the song's ending is not the happy ending of "Daughter of the Sea."
Do you know of the seal folk? If not, you should read about this legend. The song that comes to mind is "The Great Selkie of Sule Skerry." The chorus from the tune:
I am a man upon the land
I am a silkie in the sea
And when I'm far frae every strand
My home it is in Sule Skerry.
Notice the slightly different spellings of Selkie / Silkie. Both are correct.
Unfortunately, the song's ending is not the happy ending of "Daughter of the Sea."
November 10, 2021
Oh my…what a beautifully written story from beginning to end. “Daughter of the Sea” is a first time read by new author, Elisabeth J. Hobbes to this reader.
When I opted to read this book, I was a little hesitant. However, I am so glad that I did. Not having read a historical fiction with witchcraft entwined in the story was quite a surprise. This is one story that I could not put down once I started.
The story centers on Effie, an outcast of her village and one some believe to be entangled at the rumors that her grandmother was a witch. Her husband has left on another fishing expedition and as she walks along the beach, she discovers an infant baby. She takes the child home in hopes that the parents will come claim the child but is also met with the news that her husband has been lost at sea as there were no survivors of on the fishing boat. Effie then takes the responsibility to foster the child, named Morna. Some time pass and a knock on the door reveals Morna’s true father, Lachlan coming to lay claim to the daughter. Unfortunately, he must leave but asks Effie if she would care for Morna until he returns. When he returns some six months later, Effie finds herself questioning Lachlan for answers about him and his daughter…stories that one would believe magical, fantasy and mystical.
The was a well-written story that kept my attention and drew me into another world of fantasy. Although there is some romance, there was no focus on that as much as wanting to understand the motives of Lachlan and Effie’s dilemma of understanding the hero’s tale. I typically do not read historical fictions such as this but thought this was worth the read. It had a bit of romance, intrigue, mystery and emotional all wrapped up in the story. I highly recommend and look forward to reading more.
Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter for this ARC in exchange for my fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
When I opted to read this book, I was a little hesitant. However, I am so glad that I did. Not having read a historical fiction with witchcraft entwined in the story was quite a surprise. This is one story that I could not put down once I started.
The story centers on Effie, an outcast of her village and one some believe to be entangled at the rumors that her grandmother was a witch. Her husband has left on another fishing expedition and as she walks along the beach, she discovers an infant baby. She takes the child home in hopes that the parents will come claim the child but is also met with the news that her husband has been lost at sea as there were no survivors of on the fishing boat. Effie then takes the responsibility to foster the child, named Morna. Some time pass and a knock on the door reveals Morna’s true father, Lachlan coming to lay claim to the daughter. Unfortunately, he must leave but asks Effie if she would care for Morna until he returns. When he returns some six months later, Effie finds herself questioning Lachlan for answers about him and his daughter…stories that one would believe magical, fantasy and mystical.
The was a well-written story that kept my attention and drew me into another world of fantasy. Although there is some romance, there was no focus on that as much as wanting to understand the motives of Lachlan and Effie’s dilemma of understanding the hero’s tale. I typically do not read historical fictions such as this but thought this was worth the read. It had a bit of romance, intrigue, mystery and emotional all wrapped up in the story. I highly recommend and look forward to reading more.
Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter for this ARC in exchange for my fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
December 30, 2021
Daughter of the Sea by Elisabeth J. Hobbes is a beautifully written story from beginning to end. I am so glad that I chose to read it and I found it an amazing, compulsive read from the start.
The story focuses on Effie who loses her husband at sea. Effie is an outcast in her village, believed to be the granddaughter of a witch and on the same day as her fisherman husband’s ship goes down, she becomes a widow but then finds a baby girl on the shore, wrapped in a seal skin. Effie decides to foster this girl, this daughter of the sea. Set in a small fishing village on the Yorkshire coast, the tale is exceptionally well written and mesmerising. Full of mythology and romance it really is a delightful story. Very highly recommended.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel from One More Chapter via NetGalley at my own request. This review is my own unbiased opinion.
The story focuses on Effie who loses her husband at sea. Effie is an outcast in her village, believed to be the granddaughter of a witch and on the same day as her fisherman husband’s ship goes down, she becomes a widow but then finds a baby girl on the shore, wrapped in a seal skin. Effie decides to foster this girl, this daughter of the sea. Set in a small fishing village on the Yorkshire coast, the tale is exceptionally well written and mesmerising. Full of mythology and romance it really is a delightful story. Very highly recommended.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel from One More Chapter via NetGalley at my own request. This review is my own unbiased opinion.
November 11, 2021
**ARC provided by publisher in exchange for an honest review**
Daughter of the Sea was such a pleasant surprise. I honestly didn't expect the romance aspect to play a big role, but the author did a great job in finding a perfect balance between everything. I was hooked to the story from the start and I couldn't wait to see how everything would unfold. First of all the setting of the story felt magical and I was able to fully visualize the village in my mind. Secondly, I loved the characters and due to the authors great writing I was able to connect to them. The book starts with the main character Effie finding a baby, wrapped only in a sealskin, in a basket floating on the sea. The same day she gets the news that the ship her husband was on has been lost at sea. When no one comes forward to claim the baby she decides to take care of her herself. Together, including her son Jack, they form a family of three. However, one night she gets a visitor who looks strangely a lot the baby and he claims he is the father. They strike a deal and Lachlan leaves Morna with Effie but comes to visit every 6 months.
I loved the magical elements in this book a lot. It was subtle and a great addition to the story. I really enjoyed the growth of the characters, and that the author really took the time to tell their story. Lachlan was a very honorable man and I fell in love with him as much as Effie did. However, he is hiding something and will Effie accept him and his daughter if she found out. I loved the development of their relationship, it felt very organic and there was no rushing. I also loved the the bond between Lachlan and his daughter Morna. The side characters were a great addition and completed the story. I especially loved Effie's aunt Alice. I hope the author will write more books like Daughter of the Sea, because I love historical fiction with a sprinkle of magic. I really enjoyed Elisabeth Hobbes writing style and I really look forward to reading more of her books.
Daughter of the Sea was such a pleasant surprise. I honestly didn't expect the romance aspect to play a big role, but the author did a great job in finding a perfect balance between everything. I was hooked to the story from the start and I couldn't wait to see how everything would unfold. First of all the setting of the story felt magical and I was able to fully visualize the village in my mind. Secondly, I loved the characters and due to the authors great writing I was able to connect to them. The book starts with the main character Effie finding a baby, wrapped only in a sealskin, in a basket floating on the sea. The same day she gets the news that the ship her husband was on has been lost at sea. When no one comes forward to claim the baby she decides to take care of her herself. Together, including her son Jack, they form a family of three. However, one night she gets a visitor who looks strangely a lot the baby and he claims he is the father. They strike a deal and Lachlan leaves Morna with Effie but comes to visit every 6 months.
I loved the magical elements in this book a lot. It was subtle and a great addition to the story. I really enjoyed the growth of the characters, and that the author really took the time to tell their story. Lachlan was a very honorable man and I fell in love with him as much as Effie did. However, he is hiding something and will Effie accept him and his daughter if she found out. I loved the development of their relationship, it felt very organic and there was no rushing. I also loved the the bond between Lachlan and his daughter Morna. The side characters were a great addition and completed the story. I especially loved Effie's aunt Alice. I hope the author will write more books like Daughter of the Sea, because I love historical fiction with a sprinkle of magic. I really enjoyed Elisabeth Hobbes writing style and I really look forward to reading more of her books.
October 24, 2022
I was really astonished to love this book as much as I did. Why do I say that....because the blurb made it sound a little corny for a start. However this story was charming and more importantly I loved the characters. The novel in my opinion is really well plotted, I was not expecting there to be a twist either, not in a historical fantasy romance so when it came I was blindsided and thought how clever it was.
I generally fall in love with books and give them five stars because of the characters, if you can give me that love and connection to a group of characters I will rate a book five stars. This was no expectation, Effie and her grandmother were wonderful, as was Lachlan and the children. I fell a little bit in love with the story. A great read which totally surprised and impressed me.
I generally fall in love with books and give them five stars because of the characters, if you can give me that love and connection to a group of characters I will rate a book five stars. This was no expectation, Effie and her grandmother were wonderful, as was Lachlan and the children. I fell a little bit in love with the story. A great read which totally surprised and impressed me.
October 19, 2022
Can you fall deeply in love with a stranger, only to have that stranger turn out to be not just a stranger, but not human. Does the fact that he loves you in return help or hinder your search for happiness?
The north-east coast of Britain can be a savage place to work on the sea, especially in the 19th Century. Effie, a sailor’s wife with a young son, finds a floating basket with a baby girl inside. She rescues the baby, only to receive news of the death of her husband and all his shipmates.
The following mid-winter, she receives a visit from a stranger, the rescued baby’s father. Lachlan tells her that he, and by extension Morna, his daughter, is a Selkie, half-man and half-seal.
Effie as a penniless widow, must needs find employment. Fortunately, she has a talent for painting flowers and the like and is able to sell some of these and make a small income.
Lachlan returns for a brief call each midwinter and midsummer. As time passes, Effie falls in love him, and so the problems mount as she realises that her neighbours will turn against her.
Effie, as a young talented widow, also has a suitor in Walter Danby, the local landowner’s son.
Ms Hobbes has a real talent for telling a story. This is the first I have read of hers that’s not set in the Northeast Cheshire area, where I myself was born and brought up. This hasn’t affected her tale-telling abilities though.
How can Effie cross the divide between human and Selkie? How will she react to Walter’s well-meaning attentions? He is at least human!
An excellent read!!
The north-east coast of Britain can be a savage place to work on the sea, especially in the 19th Century. Effie, a sailor’s wife with a young son, finds a floating basket with a baby girl inside. She rescues the baby, only to receive news of the death of her husband and all his shipmates.
The following mid-winter, she receives a visit from a stranger, the rescued baby’s father. Lachlan tells her that he, and by extension Morna, his daughter, is a Selkie, half-man and half-seal.
Effie as a penniless widow, must needs find employment. Fortunately, she has a talent for painting flowers and the like and is able to sell some of these and make a small income.
Lachlan returns for a brief call each midwinter and midsummer. As time passes, Effie falls in love him, and so the problems mount as she realises that her neighbours will turn against her.
Effie, as a young talented widow, also has a suitor in Walter Danby, the local landowner’s son.
Ms Hobbes has a real talent for telling a story. This is the first I have read of hers that’s not set in the Northeast Cheshire area, where I myself was born and brought up. This hasn’t affected her tale-telling abilities though.
How can Effie cross the divide between human and Selkie? How will she react to Walter’s well-meaning attentions? He is at least human!
An excellent read!!
December 15, 2022
I am in a constant hunt for stories about selkies and they appear to be few and far between. I love this particular part of Scottish folklore. I happed to stumble across this book in a Facebook ad and was thrilled when I read the description. I adored this book. it is a little more romancey than I normally go for but the story was so beautiful it did not matter. If you love the sea and stories of its creature as much as I do, this story is for you!
December 13, 2021
Wow! This book is incredible! It is intriguing, gripping, enchanting, magical, romantic, heartfelt, heart-wrenching, and so much more! Whenever I picked up "Daughter of the Sea", I was whisked back in time, and went on such an emotional journey with this story.
This is the first book I have read by Elisabeth J. Hobbes, and it certainly will not be my last. Her writing style is visceral, vivid, descriptive, and truly grabs the reader from the very first page. Her storytelling is simply spectacular, and she seamlessly weaves together a story that is impossible to put down. Each moment throughout this book jumped right off of the page, and I often forgot that I was sitting on my couch. I felt like I was right there with the characters watching every scene. I could hear the waves crashing on the shore, the storms approaching, and so much more.
Effie, a young woman, is truly so strong, brave, selfless, caring, and intelligent. When she hears a baby's cry coming from the ocean. She soon finds a baby girl and brings her home, thinking she will take care of her along with her own son, Jack, until someone comes looking for the child. Effie soon finds out that the ship her husband was on has met with tragedy, and there are no survivors. Effie, who is sadly considered an outcast by many in her village, is now a widow. She has a friend in a man named Walter, though, Walter wants more from the relationship, where as Effie does not. Soon, Effie decides she will keep the little girl, though struggles to name her. Her grandmother, Alice, helps her watch the children, and it is clear from the start that the two kids love one another, and that Effie and Alice deeply love them both. Soon, Lachlan, the little girl's father, appears, and promises to visit every six months and give Effie payment of some sort for caring for his daughter. He tells her the girl's name is Morna, and that he will not take her away from Effie, as they have a strong bond. As the little girl grows and Effie realizes she (Morna) is drawn to the sea, Effie begins to have more and more questions. Lachlan soon tells her that both he and Morna are selkies, who can transform between seal and human form. Effie finds herself drawn to Lachlan, and is falling in love with him the more time they spend together. With her heart pulling her toward a future with Lachlan, and those around her telling her she should marry Walter for stability, Effie finds herself torn at first. When true colors show, will Effie follow what she thinks others believe is the right thing to do even though she knows it is wrong, or will she follow her own heart? You will just have to read to find out.
(Possible Spoilers!)
I found myself pulling for Effie and Lachlan throughout so much of the book. Not every moment in their relationship is smooth, and there is heartbreak and extremely difficult moments as truths come to the forefront. However, they truly make one another happy, and their love for both children is beautiful to read. You can feel Effie and Lachlan's chemistry, and many moments had me on the edge of my seat waiting to see what would happen. The ending is absolutely beautiful!
If you enjoy historical fiction, I highly recommend this book! I found myself turning the pages into the early hours of the morning, and so look forward to reading what Ms. Hobbes writes next.
Thank you so much to HarperCollins UK-One More Chapter and NetGalley for the ARC of this book, it is incredible! All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
This is the first book I have read by Elisabeth J. Hobbes, and it certainly will not be my last. Her writing style is visceral, vivid, descriptive, and truly grabs the reader from the very first page. Her storytelling is simply spectacular, and she seamlessly weaves together a story that is impossible to put down. Each moment throughout this book jumped right off of the page, and I often forgot that I was sitting on my couch. I felt like I was right there with the characters watching every scene. I could hear the waves crashing on the shore, the storms approaching, and so much more.
Effie, a young woman, is truly so strong, brave, selfless, caring, and intelligent. When she hears a baby's cry coming from the ocean. She soon finds a baby girl and brings her home, thinking she will take care of her along with her own son, Jack, until someone comes looking for the child. Effie soon finds out that the ship her husband was on has met with tragedy, and there are no survivors. Effie, who is sadly considered an outcast by many in her village, is now a widow. She has a friend in a man named Walter, though, Walter wants more from the relationship, where as Effie does not. Soon, Effie decides she will keep the little girl, though struggles to name her. Her grandmother, Alice, helps her watch the children, and it is clear from the start that the two kids love one another, and that Effie and Alice deeply love them both. Soon, Lachlan, the little girl's father, appears, and promises to visit every six months and give Effie payment of some sort for caring for his daughter. He tells her the girl's name is Morna, and that he will not take her away from Effie, as they have a strong bond. As the little girl grows and Effie realizes she (Morna) is drawn to the sea, Effie begins to have more and more questions. Lachlan soon tells her that both he and Morna are selkies, who can transform between seal and human form. Effie finds herself drawn to Lachlan, and is falling in love with him the more time they spend together. With her heart pulling her toward a future with Lachlan, and those around her telling her she should marry Walter for stability, Effie finds herself torn at first. When true colors show, will Effie follow what she thinks others believe is the right thing to do even though she knows it is wrong, or will she follow her own heart? You will just have to read to find out.
(Possible Spoilers!)
I found myself pulling for Effie and Lachlan throughout so much of the book. Not every moment in their relationship is smooth, and there is heartbreak and extremely difficult moments as truths come to the forefront. However, they truly make one another happy, and their love for both children is beautiful to read. You can feel Effie and Lachlan's chemistry, and many moments had me on the edge of my seat waiting to see what would happen. The ending is absolutely beautiful!
If you enjoy historical fiction, I highly recommend this book! I found myself turning the pages into the early hours of the morning, and so look forward to reading what Ms. Hobbes writes next.
Thank you so much to HarperCollins UK-One More Chapter and NetGalley for the ARC of this book, it is incredible! All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
December 18, 2021
I will round this up from 4.5 stars.
Effie's a young wife whose husband is at sea. She lives in a cottage with her five-month-old son, Jack. One night she is out on the beach when she hears what sounds like a baby and sees a basket floating. She finds inside a baby girl, naked and wrapped in what looks like a seal skin. She is determined to raise her along side Jack with the aid of her grandmother, Alice, after her husband is lost at sea. A year later a man shows up at her door claiming the girl as his daughter and tells Effie that her name is Morna. He comes back twice a year to check up on her and make a payment to Effie for the care she gives.
Fantasy is not usually my genre of choice but I really enjoyed this. I found the characters well developed and I loved Effie's spunk and independence. Everyone needs a grandmother like Alice. Lachlan was a good man. I would have liked to see his background a bit more developed. The cottage near the water seemed rustic but I could imagine being able to hear the waves crashing ashore and the freshness of the air. There was a romance and I was kept guessing to the end on what the outcome would be.
Thank you to Netgalley and Harper Collins UK, One More Chapter for providing me the opportunity to read this.
Effie's a young wife whose husband is at sea. She lives in a cottage with her five-month-old son, Jack. One night she is out on the beach when she hears what sounds like a baby and sees a basket floating. She finds inside a baby girl, naked and wrapped in what looks like a seal skin. She is determined to raise her along side Jack with the aid of her grandmother, Alice, after her husband is lost at sea. A year later a man shows up at her door claiming the girl as his daughter and tells Effie that her name is Morna. He comes back twice a year to check up on her and make a payment to Effie for the care she gives.
Fantasy is not usually my genre of choice but I really enjoyed this. I found the characters well developed and I loved Effie's spunk and independence. Everyone needs a grandmother like Alice. Lachlan was a good man. I would have liked to see his background a bit more developed. The cottage near the water seemed rustic but I could imagine being able to hear the waves crashing ashore and the freshness of the air. There was a romance and I was kept guessing to the end on what the outcome would be.
Thank you to Netgalley and Harper Collins UK, One More Chapter for providing me the opportunity to read this.
March 13, 2022
This is a sweet (with mild sex scenes). heart-wrenching and interesting story of a relationship between a Selkie and a woman. The story is about impossible decisions, love, motherhood, and life in a small, close-minded village in the 1880s. Effie is a widow unsure about her future. She evolves into a strong, independent woman as time goes by and starts to bristle at the hypocrisy and judgmental attitudes of the higher class folks in her village. She doesn't know where she fits in. Lachlan is a great, sensitive and caring character but he is not human and he doesn't think that Effie could live in his world. Overall it is a nice intelligent love story that is worth reading but it is a little slow at times.
December 8, 2021
Wow, oh wow!!
I am completely blown away by this enchanting and utterly beautiful story!
Daughter of the Sea tells the enchanting story of when Effie – who after losing her husband John to the sea – finds a truly special gift bobbing about on the sea. A little girl with wide soulful eyes who changes Effie’s life. I feel for Effie, her hardships and her losses make you become fully invested in her life and the story. She is a young woman who hasn’t always felt included, even when John was alive she felt disjointed from the community, she never felt accepted, it was as though she was always on the outside looking in.
I felt a real kinship with Effie in a way I can’t quite put into words, but I really connected with her. I loved watching her grow into a confident independent woman, she’s had her run of bad luck but she holds on to keep her little family happy and healthy. She is determined and selfless, kind and compassionate.
She decides to keep the baby, unwilling to let her go, even in those first few days she had a sense that this little girl was supposed to be with her, so she raises the baby along with her own son Jack. It’s hard work, but she watches with pride as the little girl grows and flourishes under her care. Then one night comes a knock on the door, standing in the doorway is a tall handsome stranger who says he is the little girl father. It’s not in question whether he is or not as the similarities are clear to see, Lachlan gives the baby her name; Morna and asks Effie to keep raising his daughter. No reasons, no explanations, just a promise he will return in six months.
Six months comes and right on cue there he is standing in the doorway, this time with a tale which could be straight from a Fairy Tale, a story of magic and folklore, one that is threaded with her own life.
I love the bond between Morna and Jack, the way she looks after her adoptive brother, others look at him as a problem that needs to be locked away, but Morna teaches him and looks after him, it’s incredibly moving.
Lachlan…oh, Lachlan, Lachlan, Lachlan! Best hero ever!!
I was instantly put under his spell, he is every inch the romantic hero. There is a mesmerizing, alluring and magical quality about him that draws you in, from the moment Effie opened the door to him on that first stormy night I fell head over heels for him. He is charismatic, mysterious, sensual and other-worldly handsome.
Then we have Lachlan’s kisses – my goodness I am melting! So tender, so sweet and yet laced with real passion – my goodness that man destroyed me, I am completely and utterly in love with him. His gentleness, his sweet little smiles, even his serious side had me sighing I just love this man!!
The romance, which really is an integral part of the whole story is perfect, Effie and Lachlan’s love for each other is so pure, there’s an innocent sweetness to them which makes the heart melt. They face some real challenges and a startling revelation that could cost them everything, that moment that has me in tears hoping this will not be the end and they will work through to find their happiness. Their relationship is so full of confusing and complex emotions, pure love and temptation which grip’s your heart. Absolutely stunning!
I love the supporting cast too, they bring the community to life, among my favourite’s has to be Effie’s grandmother; Alice who is wonderful. She sees so much that isn’t shown, she speaks sense in her cryptic ways and always states truth and fact. I laughed and cried especially in one particular scene, I was an absolute mess!
Then we have Mary; Effie’s one true friend, she is a sweetheart, I would love to see her have a story of her own too and then there is Walter. I have to be honest and say I did have mixed feelings about him. I liked his kindness towards Effie and how supportive he is, but I also think he was a little manipulative and quite arrogant. The things he says about Jack was hurtful, he comes across as little set in his ways in his opinions over not just Effie’s life but also women as a whole. He has a vision I will grant you, that but there was something about him which made me grind my teeth.
I would love to read more stories coming off the back of Daughter of the Sea, Mary for a start and Lachlan’s clan definitely need stories of their own. Just saying!
I don’t have the adequate words to fully convey just how much this touched my heart, it’s a story that will resonate with so many people, it tackles some tough topics such as loss, grief, life’s challenges and guilt. I was completely absorbed into the story which is unapologetically romantic. I honestly cannot say a single bad word about this, it will stay locked into my heart for a very long time.
I loved this so much I am now going to purchase the paperback just so I can have it on my bookcase as the cover is as stunning as the story within.
Daughter of the Sea is enchanting, it really is perfect – there isn’t much more I can say without sounding like a broken record, but really this book is a truly special gift and easily Elisabeth Hobbes is at her absolute best.
I am completely blown away by this enchanting and utterly beautiful story!
Daughter of the Sea tells the enchanting story of when Effie – who after losing her husband John to the sea – finds a truly special gift bobbing about on the sea. A little girl with wide soulful eyes who changes Effie’s life. I feel for Effie, her hardships and her losses make you become fully invested in her life and the story. She is a young woman who hasn’t always felt included, even when John was alive she felt disjointed from the community, she never felt accepted, it was as though she was always on the outside looking in.
I felt a real kinship with Effie in a way I can’t quite put into words, but I really connected with her. I loved watching her grow into a confident independent woman, she’s had her run of bad luck but she holds on to keep her little family happy and healthy. She is determined and selfless, kind and compassionate.
She decides to keep the baby, unwilling to let her go, even in those first few days she had a sense that this little girl was supposed to be with her, so she raises the baby along with her own son Jack. It’s hard work, but she watches with pride as the little girl grows and flourishes under her care. Then one night comes a knock on the door, standing in the doorway is a tall handsome stranger who says he is the little girl father. It’s not in question whether he is or not as the similarities are clear to see, Lachlan gives the baby her name; Morna and asks Effie to keep raising his daughter. No reasons, no explanations, just a promise he will return in six months.
Six months comes and right on cue there he is standing in the doorway, this time with a tale which could be straight from a Fairy Tale, a story of magic and folklore, one that is threaded with her own life.
I love the bond between Morna and Jack, the way she looks after her adoptive brother, others look at him as a problem that needs to be locked away, but Morna teaches him and looks after him, it’s incredibly moving.
Lachlan…oh, Lachlan, Lachlan, Lachlan! Best hero ever!!
I was instantly put under his spell, he is every inch the romantic hero. There is a mesmerizing, alluring and magical quality about him that draws you in, from the moment Effie opened the door to him on that first stormy night I fell head over heels for him. He is charismatic, mysterious, sensual and other-worldly handsome.
Then we have Lachlan’s kisses – my goodness I am melting! So tender, so sweet and yet laced with real passion – my goodness that man destroyed me, I am completely and utterly in love with him. His gentleness, his sweet little smiles, even his serious side had me sighing I just love this man!!
The romance, which really is an integral part of the whole story is perfect, Effie and Lachlan’s love for each other is so pure, there’s an innocent sweetness to them which makes the heart melt. They face some real challenges and a startling revelation that could cost them everything, that moment that has me in tears hoping this will not be the end and they will work through to find their happiness. Their relationship is so full of confusing and complex emotions, pure love and temptation which grip’s your heart. Absolutely stunning!
I love the supporting cast too, they bring the community to life, among my favourite’s has to be Effie’s grandmother; Alice who is wonderful. She sees so much that isn’t shown, she speaks sense in her cryptic ways and always states truth and fact. I laughed and cried especially in one particular scene, I was an absolute mess!
Then we have Mary; Effie’s one true friend, she is a sweetheart, I would love to see her have a story of her own too and then there is Walter. I have to be honest and say I did have mixed feelings about him. I liked his kindness towards Effie and how supportive he is, but I also think he was a little manipulative and quite arrogant. The things he says about Jack was hurtful, he comes across as little set in his ways in his opinions over not just Effie’s life but also women as a whole. He has a vision I will grant you, that but there was something about him which made me grind my teeth.
I would love to read more stories coming off the back of Daughter of the Sea, Mary for a start and Lachlan’s clan definitely need stories of their own. Just saying!
I don’t have the adequate words to fully convey just how much this touched my heart, it’s a story that will resonate with so many people, it tackles some tough topics such as loss, grief, life’s challenges and guilt. I was completely absorbed into the story which is unapologetically romantic. I honestly cannot say a single bad word about this, it will stay locked into my heart for a very long time.
I loved this so much I am now going to purchase the paperback just so I can have it on my bookcase as the cover is as stunning as the story within.
Daughter of the Sea is enchanting, it really is perfect – there isn’t much more I can say without sounding like a broken record, but really this book is a truly special gift and easily Elisabeth Hobbes is at her absolute best.
November 22, 2021
Magical and unexpected, sadness and romance, this story is based on Celtic folklore but with enough credence to make you believe.
In a small fishing village on the Yorkshire coast, Effie, a young wife and mother, finds a baby girl adrift in the sea wrapped in a seal skin and takes her in on the same day she becomes a widow as her fisherman husband’s ship goes down. Too much sadness has filled her life, orphaned at a young age and left in the care of her strange grandmother who is a healer. Besides that, she is ostracized by those in her village for her forward-thinking ways, uncommon in women in the late 19th Century. Effie decides to foster this girl, this daughter of the sea, along with her young son who is special. With the help of her friend Walter, who has loved her since childhood, she is able to earn money drawing herbs and plants to support herself. Walter would love to marry Effie and “help” her make decisions in her own best interests, which is not in Effie’s plans. As Effie grows to love this daughter as her own, Lachlan emerges as her long-lost father. Lachlan has a story of his own that makes him special as well as his daughter with their connection to the sea. He strikes a deal with Effie to raise Morna and returns to visit twice a year on the solstices, although he becomes much more to Effie than just Morna’s father. Effie knows that one day, she will have to give up this daughter of hers so that Morna can fulfil her destiny, and Effie must decide what her destiny will be as well.
Well written and mesmerizing, the story weaves the mythological tale of Selkies, seals who can take on human form when it sheds its sealskin, mixing into the human world. As the writing flows, you are drawn in as Effie struggles within herself between which world does she yearn for. It becomes very believable with all the details and well-developed characters. Be prepared to cozy up with this unexpected romance and let the story carry you away like the tide, ebbing and flowing.
Many thanks to #netgalley #daughterofthesea #elizabethhobbes for the opportunity to read and review this book.
In a small fishing village on the Yorkshire coast, Effie, a young wife and mother, finds a baby girl adrift in the sea wrapped in a seal skin and takes her in on the same day she becomes a widow as her fisherman husband’s ship goes down. Too much sadness has filled her life, orphaned at a young age and left in the care of her strange grandmother who is a healer. Besides that, she is ostracized by those in her village for her forward-thinking ways, uncommon in women in the late 19th Century. Effie decides to foster this girl, this daughter of the sea, along with her young son who is special. With the help of her friend Walter, who has loved her since childhood, she is able to earn money drawing herbs and plants to support herself. Walter would love to marry Effie and “help” her make decisions in her own best interests, which is not in Effie’s plans. As Effie grows to love this daughter as her own, Lachlan emerges as her long-lost father. Lachlan has a story of his own that makes him special as well as his daughter with their connection to the sea. He strikes a deal with Effie to raise Morna and returns to visit twice a year on the solstices, although he becomes much more to Effie than just Morna’s father. Effie knows that one day, she will have to give up this daughter of hers so that Morna can fulfil her destiny, and Effie must decide what her destiny will be as well.
Well written and mesmerizing, the story weaves the mythological tale of Selkies, seals who can take on human form when it sheds its sealskin, mixing into the human world. As the writing flows, you are drawn in as Effie struggles within herself between which world does she yearn for. It becomes very believable with all the details and well-developed characters. Be prepared to cozy up with this unexpected romance and let the story carry you away like the tide, ebbing and flowing.
Many thanks to #netgalley #daughterofthesea #elizabethhobbes for the opportunity to read and review this book.
July 6, 2022
Dany - per RFS
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Care Fenici, La figlia del mare è un romance storico con tratti fantasy che riprende antiche leggende scozzesi, di cui vado matta. Adoro questo tipo di storie, se poi ci sono di mezzo dei bambini ancora di più. All’inizio ero un pochino preoccupata del finale, poiché gli amori impossibili che riguardano il popolo del mare non hanno fama di finire mai bene, ma su questo punto non dovete preoccuparvi.
Siamo nell’Inghilterra di fine ‘800 ed Effie, giovane madre dal passato scandaloso, sta raccogliendo alghe quando trova una cesta contenente una neonata dagli occhi neri e antichi e una pelle di foca. Non ci pensa due volte ad accoglierla e nutrirla con il proprio latte, in parte destinato a Jack, suo figlio di cinque mesi. Decide di adottare la bambina, aiutata dalla nonna Alice, guaritrice del villaggio e additata da tutti come strega. Il giorno seguente scopre che il marito, John, è morto in mare a causa di un incidente. Effie si ritrova di colpo vedova e con due figli piccoli bisognosi di lei.
Chi è Effie? La protagonista è il vero enigma di questo romanzo, non la si comprende facilmente. È determinata, forte, amante della solitudine e anche molto bella. Nel villaggio la considerano una forestiera e la guardano con astio perché non frequenta la chiesa e fa fatica a integrarsi; non si perde mai d’animo nonostante sia spesso oggetto di critiche e pettegolezzi a causa del suo passato non esattamente convenzionale. Questo è un atteggiamento molto attuale e di base non ci sarebbe nulla di strano; tuttavia, all’epoca, se una donna fosse rimasta incinta prima del matrimonio, sarebbe stata segnata a vista. Una caratteristica che mi è piaciuta di lei è la capacità di amare fin da subito la bimba che adotta, come se fosse sempre stata sua.
Tra i diversi personaggi abbiamo anche Martin, il figlio del signorotto locale, un uomo di saldi principi che crede di avere una mente aperta e progressista; in verità non è proprio così, ma immagino che per il tempo in cui è ambientata la vicenda vada più che bene. Costui ama Effie e spera di poterla sposare un giorno, sicché le fa visita sovente e cerca di aiutarla in tutti i modi.
E poi arriva Lachlan, un bell’uomo dagli occhi scuri con una pelliccia di foca sempre attorno alle spalle, che nel cuore della notte bussa alla porta di Effie per riprendersi la figlia, il cui nome ci viene rivelato: Morna. La somiglianza è strabiliante ma la protagonista non vuole separarsi dalla bambina; pertanto, arrivano a un compromesso: Morna starà con Effie fino a quando sarà più grande e il padre verrà a trovarla ogni sei mesi, in cambio del suo mantenimento darà in dono una perla di mare. Ma la giovane madre, dopo qualche anno, comincia ad aspettare sempre di più quegli incontri e le domande che le affollano la mente sono tante, fino ad arrivare al fatidico momento delle rivelazioni e alla scelta che dovrà compiere.
Ritengo che sia una storia piacevole, con un bellissimo stile narrativo e mai noiosa. Inoltre, i temi trattati sono molto importanti e impegnativi, perché Effie ha due bambini speciali: una che non è propriamente umana e l’altro che intuiamo essere autistico. Il tema centrale del libro è proprio quello della diversità, di accettarla come una cosa naturale e farci i conti meglio che possiamo. La stessa Effie è diversa, si ritrova ad affrontare una realtà che la tollera a malapena e che la relega al di fuori dell’alta società perché ha sposato un pescatore e ha idee progressiste rispetto alle altre donne. A un certo punto dovrà anch’ella scegliere se diventare una donna rispettabile e cambiare la loro società o lasciarla così com’è. Voi che fareste? Siete d’accordo con le sue scelte? Nel mio caso non ho dubbi, ma aspetto i vostri pareri.
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Care Fenici, La figlia del mare è un romance storico con tratti fantasy che riprende antiche leggende scozzesi, di cui vado matta. Adoro questo tipo di storie, se poi ci sono di mezzo dei bambini ancora di più. All’inizio ero un pochino preoccupata del finale, poiché gli amori impossibili che riguardano il popolo del mare non hanno fama di finire mai bene, ma su questo punto non dovete preoccuparvi.
Siamo nell’Inghilterra di fine ‘800 ed Effie, giovane madre dal passato scandaloso, sta raccogliendo alghe quando trova una cesta contenente una neonata dagli occhi neri e antichi e una pelle di foca. Non ci pensa due volte ad accoglierla e nutrirla con il proprio latte, in parte destinato a Jack, suo figlio di cinque mesi. Decide di adottare la bambina, aiutata dalla nonna Alice, guaritrice del villaggio e additata da tutti come strega. Il giorno seguente scopre che il marito, John, è morto in mare a causa di un incidente. Effie si ritrova di colpo vedova e con due figli piccoli bisognosi di lei.
Chi è Effie? La protagonista è il vero enigma di questo romanzo, non la si comprende facilmente. È determinata, forte, amante della solitudine e anche molto bella. Nel villaggio la considerano una forestiera e la guardano con astio perché non frequenta la chiesa e fa fatica a integrarsi; non si perde mai d’animo nonostante sia spesso oggetto di critiche e pettegolezzi a causa del suo passato non esattamente convenzionale. Questo è un atteggiamento molto attuale e di base non ci sarebbe nulla di strano; tuttavia, all’epoca, se una donna fosse rimasta incinta prima del matrimonio, sarebbe stata segnata a vista. Una caratteristica che mi è piaciuta di lei è la capacità di amare fin da subito la bimba che adotta, come se fosse sempre stata sua.
Tra i diversi personaggi abbiamo anche Martin, il figlio del signorotto locale, un uomo di saldi principi che crede di avere una mente aperta e progressista; in verità non è proprio così, ma immagino che per il tempo in cui è ambientata la vicenda vada più che bene. Costui ama Effie e spera di poterla sposare un giorno, sicché le fa visita sovente e cerca di aiutarla in tutti i modi.
E poi arriva Lachlan, un bell’uomo dagli occhi scuri con una pelliccia di foca sempre attorno alle spalle, che nel cuore della notte bussa alla porta di Effie per riprendersi la figlia, il cui nome ci viene rivelato: Morna. La somiglianza è strabiliante ma la protagonista non vuole separarsi dalla bambina; pertanto, arrivano a un compromesso: Morna starà con Effie fino a quando sarà più grande e il padre verrà a trovarla ogni sei mesi, in cambio del suo mantenimento darà in dono una perla di mare. Ma la giovane madre, dopo qualche anno, comincia ad aspettare sempre di più quegli incontri e le domande che le affollano la mente sono tante, fino ad arrivare al fatidico momento delle rivelazioni e alla scelta che dovrà compiere.
Ritengo che sia una storia piacevole, con un bellissimo stile narrativo e mai noiosa. Inoltre, i temi trattati sono molto importanti e impegnativi, perché Effie ha due bambini speciali: una che non è propriamente umana e l’altro che intuiamo essere autistico. Il tema centrale del libro è proprio quello della diversità, di accettarla come una cosa naturale e farci i conti meglio che possiamo. La stessa Effie è diversa, si ritrova ad affrontare una realtà che la tollera a malapena e che la relega al di fuori dell’alta società perché ha sposato un pescatore e ha idee progressiste rispetto alle altre donne. A un certo punto dovrà anch’ella scegliere se diventare una donna rispettabile e cambiare la loro società o lasciarla così com’è. Voi che fareste? Siete d’accordo con le sue scelte? Nel mio caso non ho dubbi, ma aspetto i vostri pareri.
January 27, 2022
This was a lovely story.
While wandering on the beach, Effie finds an infant floating in the ocean, wrapped in a sealskin. The same day, she learns that her husbands ship went down with hands, leaving her a widow with a baby son as well as the foundling.
This is a mix of historical fiction with a bit of fantasy (the legend of the selkies). I loved the characters, especially Effie and her grandmother Alice. Effie is strong and independent. And I loved how we see the progress through a few years, as the children grow, the baby's father appears, and Effie has big decisions to make about her future.
The pace never dragged and I was engrossed from start to finish.
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for letting me read this book.
While wandering on the beach, Effie finds an infant floating in the ocean, wrapped in a sealskin. The same day, she learns that her husbands ship went down with hands, leaving her a widow with a baby son as well as the foundling.
This is a mix of historical fiction with a bit of fantasy (the legend of the selkies). I loved the characters, especially Effie and her grandmother Alice. Effie is strong and independent. And I loved how we see the progress through a few years, as the children grow, the baby's father appears, and Effie has big decisions to make about her future.
The pace never dragged and I was engrossed from start to finish.
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for letting me read this book.
December 9, 2021
Wow!
What a intriguing and unique storyline!
There is a magical element within the story that is so interesting and beautiful.
Daughter of the Sea will give you romance with a mix of mythical fantasy thrown in.
Many thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and author for the opportunity to read this book for my honest opinion. All opinions expressed are my own.
What a intriguing and unique storyline!
There is a magical element within the story that is so interesting and beautiful.
Daughter of the Sea will give you romance with a mix of mythical fantasy thrown in.
Many thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and author for the opportunity to read this book for my honest opinion. All opinions expressed are my own.
January 10, 2023
Oh my goodness what a great start to my 2023 reading. Beautifully written but in an easy absorbing style, this tells the story of Effie who discovers a baby floating in the sea. Set in a small fishing village near Grimsby, in the 1880s, this is a tale of love, healing and differences. Poignant and interesting, it delivers on so many levels. Interesting perspectives on what’s acceptable for a woman, class, how we are treated and treat others, childhood and what it means to be a parent, I would recommend it to everyone.
Utterly beautiful in places - and I needed tissues at the end. Gorgeous book.
Utterly beautiful in places - and I needed tissues at the end. Gorgeous book.
May 5, 2024
Delightful story with some Scottish folklore.
November 19, 2021
There was a lot of potential here, but it ultimately ended up being not for me. There aren't nearly enough stories about selkies, so I thought a story about a woman who finds a baby wrapped in a sealskin floating in the sea on the same day as a mysterious shipwreck would be perfect for me.
But unfortunately, this just didn't work for me, and I think it was because of mismatched expectations on what I thought the book would be about. I thought I was getting a book about Morna's life on land and about Effie raising a selkie child. But this was really a romance. Effie's slow-burn relationship with Lachlan was interesting enough but it quickly devolved into a love triangle with a a guy so boring even Effie never has a nice thing to say about him.
I think I would have liked this more if there hadn't been a generic and frustrating love triangle and if there had been more focus on Effie's relationship with her children. For a book called Daughter of the Sea, the so-called daughter of the sea got little facetime. Jack and Morna never really seemed to get the character development they deserved. I did really like Lachlan's backstory and development, but the love triangle parts took away a lot of enjoyment.
Content: A few scenes with adult content that were easy to skim through
Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC!
But unfortunately, this just didn't work for me, and I think it was because of mismatched expectations on what I thought the book would be about. I thought I was getting a book about Morna's life on land and about Effie raising a selkie child. But this was really a romance. Effie's slow-burn relationship with Lachlan was interesting enough but it quickly devolved into a love triangle with a a guy so boring even Effie never has a nice thing to say about him.
I think I would have liked this more if there hadn't been a generic and frustrating love triangle and if there had been more focus on Effie's relationship with her children. For a book called Daughter of the Sea, the so-called daughter of the sea got little facetime. Jack and Morna never really seemed to get the character development they deserved. I did really like Lachlan's backstory and development, but the love triangle parts took away a lot of enjoyment.
Content: A few scenes with adult content that were easy to skim through
Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC!
December 30, 2024
*La recensione contiene qualche SPOILER*
Con questo libro ho avuto un rapporto altalenante. All’inizio mi ha completamente catturata, la parte centrale a volte mi ha annoiata, sul finale mi ha soddisfatta abbastanza, quando l’ho finito ne ho sentito la mancanza.
La storia è molto dolce e, sebbene gli eventi seguano un corso piuttosto prevedibile, per certi versi risulta inaspettata. È stato inaspettato, più di ogni altra cosa, imbattersi in un romance con elementi fantasy. Dalla trama si evince che il misterioso padre della bambina trovata da Effie tra le onde tornerà ad ogni solstizio raccontandole di creature leggendarie… ma non che quelle leggende, nel libro in questione, siano realtà. Diciamo che il genere di questo romanzo si è rivelato una sorpresa: se decidi di leggere Twilight, per fare un esempio, sai che si parlerà di vampiri e che ci saranno dei vampiri nella storia; sai che andrai a leggere un paranormal romance. Questo libro, invece, mi ha un po’ spiazzata. Visto il genere ibrido avrei preferito un dialogo più approfondito tra le due realtà, quella del mondo umano e quella dei selkie. Le poche storie raccontate da Lachlan e le scarse informazioni che ci da sul suo mondo non ne restituiscono un’immagine del tutto tridimensionale. La storia perde il suo potenziale, rimanendo prevalentemente un romance con qualche elemento della mitologia scozzese sparso qua e là.
Ho apprezzato molto la capacità dell’autrice di dare vita ad ambientazioni accoglienti e precise senza ricorrere ad una scrittura eccessivamente descrittiva. Posso attraversare con la mente il cottage di Effie e la spiaggia di Allendale Head e soprattutto ne percepisco i colori e l’atmosfera emotiva. Ne ho già una certa nostalgia.
I personaggi sono risultati piacevoli, alcuni più di altri. Ho amato i piccoli Jack e Morna. Forse mi sarei aspettata una caratterizzazione maggiore del protagonista maschile, Lachlan. L'unico personaggio che ho trovato davvero insopportabile è Walter, amico di infanzia di Effie. Tra Walter/Effie/Lachlan viene a crearsi un tipico triangolo amoroso, ma è piuttosto inverosimile che uno spirito libero come Effie possa anche solo immaginare di sposare un uomo arrogante come Walter.
Per il resto, tanta tenerezza e i dettagli che fanno respirare l’atmosfera esatta delle scene sono stati la mia parte preferita.
Uno dei messaggi che ricavo da questa lettura e che amo molto: ognuno ha un proprio posto nel mondo, in cui può essere pienamente se stesso. Deve solo trovarlo e avere il coraggio di viverlo.
Con questo libro ho avuto un rapporto altalenante. All’inizio mi ha completamente catturata, la parte centrale a volte mi ha annoiata, sul finale mi ha soddisfatta abbastanza, quando l’ho finito ne ho sentito la mancanza.
La storia è molto dolce e, sebbene gli eventi seguano un corso piuttosto prevedibile, per certi versi risulta inaspettata. È stato inaspettato, più di ogni altra cosa, imbattersi in un romance con elementi fantasy. Dalla trama si evince che il misterioso padre della bambina trovata da Effie tra le onde tornerà ad ogni solstizio raccontandole di creature leggendarie… ma non che quelle leggende, nel libro in questione, siano realtà. Diciamo che il genere di questo romanzo si è rivelato una sorpresa: se decidi di leggere Twilight, per fare un esempio, sai che si parlerà di vampiri e che ci saranno dei vampiri nella storia; sai che andrai a leggere un paranormal romance. Questo libro, invece, mi ha un po’ spiazzata. Visto il genere ibrido avrei preferito un dialogo più approfondito tra le due realtà, quella del mondo umano e quella dei selkie. Le poche storie raccontate da Lachlan e le scarse informazioni che ci da sul suo mondo non ne restituiscono un’immagine del tutto tridimensionale. La storia perde il suo potenziale, rimanendo prevalentemente un romance con qualche elemento della mitologia scozzese sparso qua e là.
Ho apprezzato molto la capacità dell’autrice di dare vita ad ambientazioni accoglienti e precise senza ricorrere ad una scrittura eccessivamente descrittiva. Posso attraversare con la mente il cottage di Effie e la spiaggia di Allendale Head e soprattutto ne percepisco i colori e l’atmosfera emotiva. Ne ho già una certa nostalgia.
I personaggi sono risultati piacevoli, alcuni più di altri. Ho amato i piccoli Jack e Morna. Forse mi sarei aspettata una caratterizzazione maggiore del protagonista maschile, Lachlan. L'unico personaggio che ho trovato davvero insopportabile è Walter, amico di infanzia di Effie. Tra Walter/Effie/Lachlan viene a crearsi un tipico triangolo amoroso, ma è piuttosto inverosimile che uno spirito libero come Effie possa anche solo immaginare di sposare un uomo arrogante come Walter.
Per il resto, tanta tenerezza e i dettagli che fanno respirare l’atmosfera esatta delle scene sono stati la mia parte preferita.
Uno dei messaggi che ricavo da questa lettura e che amo molto: ognuno ha un proprio posto nel mondo, in cui può essere pienamente se stesso. Deve solo trovarlo e avere il coraggio di viverlo.
December 17, 2021
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review. It is set to be published in December 2021.
"Daughter of the Sea" by Elisabeth Hobbes starts off great. I'm a huge fan of shapeshifter/human romance, and I've never read one about selkies, so I was super-excited by the premise of this book.
Instead, there's precious little about shapeshifters in this story.
Morna and Lachlan (the baby selkie and her selkie father) are no different from humans: they think and behave exactly like humans, have nothing at all to mark them as "others", except the sealskins they wear (which, at the time the story is set, might have passed for a human garment as well). They always transform off-page, get little to no time on-page in their seal form, and in their human form, they're *completely* human--no mystery, no "otherness" at all.
I think that was a lost opportunity.
Shapeshifters are not creatures who shift between being 100% human and 100% animal, they're a little bit of both in either of their forms--that's what makes them interesting.
So, Morna and Lachlan's being indistinguishable from humans when they're in their human form (and Morna and Lachlan being in their human form 99% of their on-page time) was a bit of a disappointment.
On top of that, the love triangle between Effie, Lachlan and Walter feels contrived. Whatever credibility Effie's indecision between the two men might have had at the beginning of the story, when Lachlan was still a stranger and Walter still a gentleman, flies out the window the moment Walter comes back from his trip. By then, Lachlan has proved to be a thoughtful, skillful lover, and Walter has proved to be a bastard who's looking forward to taking Effie's freedom away from her, separating her from her children and her friends, and stamping out her independence in every possible way. Am I supposed to take such a "love" triangle seriously? The last third of the story, where Effie agonizes over which man she should choose, is laughable. What self-respecting mother would even consider choosing Walter when he's arranging for her daughter to be taken away forever and for her son to be locked up in an institution even before they get married and he gets to be in control?
Overall, the novel is not bad, but it shouldn't have been marketed with the shapeshifter angle, because in this way it's going to disappoint a lot of readers.
"Daughter of the Sea" by Elisabeth Hobbes starts off great. I'm a huge fan of shapeshifter/human romance, and I've never read one about selkies, so I was super-excited by the premise of this book.
Instead, there's precious little about shapeshifters in this story.
Morna and Lachlan (the baby selkie and her selkie father) are no different from humans: they think and behave exactly like humans, have nothing at all to mark them as "others", except the sealskins they wear (which, at the time the story is set, might have passed for a human garment as well). They always transform off-page, get little to no time on-page in their seal form, and in their human form, they're *completely* human--no mystery, no "otherness" at all.
I think that was a lost opportunity.
Shapeshifters are not creatures who shift between being 100% human and 100% animal, they're a little bit of both in either of their forms--that's what makes them interesting.
So, Morna and Lachlan's being indistinguishable from humans when they're in their human form (and Morna and Lachlan being in their human form 99% of their on-page time) was a bit of a disappointment.
On top of that, the love triangle between Effie, Lachlan and Walter feels contrived. Whatever credibility Effie's indecision between the two men might have had at the beginning of the story, when Lachlan was still a stranger and Walter still a gentleman, flies out the window the moment Walter comes back from his trip. By then, Lachlan has proved to be a thoughtful, skillful lover, and Walter has proved to be a bastard who's looking forward to taking Effie's freedom away from her, separating her from her children and her friends, and stamping out her independence in every possible way. Am I supposed to take such a "love" triangle seriously? The last third of the story, where Effie agonizes over which man she should choose, is laughable. What self-respecting mother would even consider choosing Walter when he's arranging for her daughter to be taken away forever and for her son to be locked up in an institution even before they get married and he gets to be in control?
Overall, the novel is not bad, but it shouldn't have been marketed with the shapeshifter angle, because in this way it's going to disappoint a lot of readers.
December 1, 2021
This book has left me utterly speechless. I was taken by complete surprise, and I loved every second of it. From the first page I was captivated and enraptured by Elisabeth Hobbes lyrical writing. I could not put the book down and when I was forced to, I could not wait to get back to it. It is powerful, raw, and it took my breath away. You will be yelling at the characters passionately, knowing they are going to make the wrong choice. A choice that will affect all their lives. The deeply layered, rich characters will draw you into their enchanted world, as you are swept back in time to a town shaped by the sea.
In one night, Effie loses her husband to the sea and the sea delivers her a daughter. She is distraught over the loss of her husband. She must stay strong for her son Jack, and the new baby she found floating in a basket. Months go by and no one comes looking for the child. Effie raises the child as her own flesh and blood. Loving both her and Jack with the same fierceness. Effie's life is turned upside down when a handsome man shows up on her doorstep claiming to be the Morna's father. Who is this mysterious man that Effie is immediately drawn to? Is he who he says he is or is there something more to his story?
This is a book steeped in folklore, mystery, and romance that will make you dream again. Hobbes' writing style is pure magic. Stories within stories, the love of a parent to their child, the love of a man to a woman. The gentle ebb and flow of the sea will put you in a trance, as the astounding descriptions will have you smelling the tang of the salt air. I am giving this book all the stars in the sky. Thank you to Elisabeth Hobbes, HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter, and NetGalley for this awe inspiring read.
In one night, Effie loses her husband to the sea and the sea delivers her a daughter. She is distraught over the loss of her husband. She must stay strong for her son Jack, and the new baby she found floating in a basket. Months go by and no one comes looking for the child. Effie raises the child as her own flesh and blood. Loving both her and Jack with the same fierceness. Effie's life is turned upside down when a handsome man shows up on her doorstep claiming to be the Morna's father. Who is this mysterious man that Effie is immediately drawn to? Is he who he says he is or is there something more to his story?
This is a book steeped in folklore, mystery, and romance that will make you dream again. Hobbes' writing style is pure magic. Stories within stories, the love of a parent to their child, the love of a man to a woman. The gentle ebb and flow of the sea will put you in a trance, as the astounding descriptions will have you smelling the tang of the salt air. I am giving this book all the stars in the sky. Thank you to Elisabeth Hobbes, HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter, and NetGalley for this awe inspiring read.
November 28, 2021
This book captivated me from cover to cover! I’ve never read anything quite like it before.
Author Elisabeth Hobbes describes it as a “folk tale inspired romance set in Victorian Yorkshire.” She masterfully combines supernatural and mythical elements with romance and historical detail to write a spellbinding book about selkies, legend and the power of the sea.
I was mesmerized and hooked reading about a windswept British coastline where the tide bestows an unexpected gift and then I was gently reeled in with the descriptions of a mysterious basket seen floating out at sea, a widowed woman who decides to foster the sealskin wrapped baby it contains, and then my heart began to flutter when the enigmatic father arrived to claim the child as his own….
I was immediately enraptured with the author’s sense of place. Her vivid descriptions and awe-inspiring sense of atmosphere are the best I’ve ever read.
This five-star fairytale for grownups needs to be on your reading list this winter.
Publishes December 20, 2021.
I was gifted this advance copy by Elisabeth J. Hobbes, Harper Collins UK, One More Chapter, and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
Author Elisabeth Hobbes describes it as a “folk tale inspired romance set in Victorian Yorkshire.” She masterfully combines supernatural and mythical elements with romance and historical detail to write a spellbinding book about selkies, legend and the power of the sea.
I was mesmerized and hooked reading about a windswept British coastline where the tide bestows an unexpected gift and then I was gently reeled in with the descriptions of a mysterious basket seen floating out at sea, a widowed woman who decides to foster the sealskin wrapped baby it contains, and then my heart began to flutter when the enigmatic father arrived to claim the child as his own….
I was immediately enraptured with the author’s sense of place. Her vivid descriptions and awe-inspiring sense of atmosphere are the best I’ve ever read.
This five-star fairytale for grownups needs to be on your reading list this winter.
Publishes December 20, 2021.
I was gifted this advance copy by Elisabeth J. Hobbes, Harper Collins UK, One More Chapter, and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
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