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The Girl Across the Sea
Ellen looked into her daughter’s green eyes. Her chest felt tight, and her heart was cracking. If only she could be sure her secret was safe. If only she could go home to Ireland…
New York, 1933. Ellen looks at her sleeping husband and precious daughter for the last time. They have longed to return home to Ireland for many years, but now the time has come, and the boat is ready to leave. But Ellen knows the dark secret she hides means she can never go back. Heart breaking into a million little pieces, she kisses her little girl goodbye and lays a precious turquoise necklace down beside her head, before fleeing into the night.
Ireland, years later. Mairead’s world is falling apart. Recently separated, she has returned home to nurse her dying mother, Brigid. As Brigid passes, she calls out for her mother, Ellen, a woman Mairead knows nothing about.
All alone in the world, Mairead is stricken with guilt that she couldn’t honour her mother’s last wish. She travels to New York, the last place her grandmother was seen, clutching all that she has of her – a stunning turquoise necklace and a small black-and-white photograph. Mairead’s search leads her across America to Arizona where she discovers that Ellen was on the run, a wanted woman, accused of a terrible crime.
Mairead can’t believe that the young woman with laughing eyes and an innocent smile could have such a dark past. But as she uncovers the secrets and lies that forced her grandmother to abandon her only daughter, will Mairead’s own future be ruined by the shadows of her family’s secrets?
Be transported to the wild west coast of Ireland by this beautiful read about the sacrifices a mother will make to protect her child. Fans of The Light Between Oceans and Lisa Wingate will adore this heart-breaking book.
New York, 1933. Ellen looks at her sleeping husband and precious daughter for the last time. They have longed to return home to Ireland for many years, but now the time has come, and the boat is ready to leave. But Ellen knows the dark secret she hides means she can never go back. Heart breaking into a million little pieces, she kisses her little girl goodbye and lays a precious turquoise necklace down beside her head, before fleeing into the night.
Ireland, years later. Mairead’s world is falling apart. Recently separated, she has returned home to nurse her dying mother, Brigid. As Brigid passes, she calls out for her mother, Ellen, a woman Mairead knows nothing about.
All alone in the world, Mairead is stricken with guilt that she couldn’t honour her mother’s last wish. She travels to New York, the last place her grandmother was seen, clutching all that she has of her – a stunning turquoise necklace and a small black-and-white photograph. Mairead’s search leads her across America to Arizona where she discovers that Ellen was on the run, a wanted woman, accused of a terrible crime.
Mairead can’t believe that the young woman with laughing eyes and an innocent smile could have such a dark past. But as she uncovers the secrets and lies that forced her grandmother to abandon her only daughter, will Mairead’s own future be ruined by the shadows of her family’s secrets?
Be transported to the wild west coast of Ireland by this beautiful read about the sacrifices a mother will make to protect her child. Fans of The Light Between Oceans and Lisa Wingate will adore this heart-breaking book.
378 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 10, 2021
About the author
Noëlle Harrison
17 books43 followerspseudonym: Evie Blake
Born in London, I moved to Ireland in 1991, shortly afterwards setting up the theatre company Aurora. I have written four stage plays, Northern Landscapes, Black Virgin, Runaway Wife and The Good Sister, and one short film, Blue Void. I have also written extensively on visual art in Ireland, contributing to various journals and artists’ catalogues over the years.
In August 2004 my first novel Beatrice was published by Tivoli/ Pan Macmillan. My second novel, A Small Part Of Me, was published by Tivoli / Pan Macmillan in September 2005. My third novel I Remember was published by Pan Macmillan in September 2008. The Adulteress an erotic ghost story set now and in 1941 in Ireland was published by Pan Macmillan in September 2009. The Secret Loves of Julia Caesar is an illustrated limited edition novella, a companion book to The Adulteress as well as a novel in its own right. It is published October 2012.
I currently live in Bergen in Norway. In September 2012 Beatrice was published by Juritzen Forlag in Norwegian. My books have also been translated and published in Italy, Germany, Holland, and Hungary.
I offer a critiquing service for budding writers and teach various creative writing workshops through Inkwell Writers.
I also write under the pen name of Evie Blake, author of Valentina published by Headline in October 2012, Valentina on the edge (March 2013) and Valentina Unlocked (October 2013). The Valentina Trilogy will be translated and published in Italy, Germany, Holland, Spain, France, Portugal, Brazil, and Serbia.
Born in London, I moved to Ireland in 1991, shortly afterwards setting up the theatre company Aurora. I have written four stage plays, Northern Landscapes, Black Virgin, Runaway Wife and The Good Sister, and one short film, Blue Void. I have also written extensively on visual art in Ireland, contributing to various journals and artists’ catalogues over the years.
In August 2004 my first novel Beatrice was published by Tivoli/ Pan Macmillan. My second novel, A Small Part Of Me, was published by Tivoli / Pan Macmillan in September 2005. My third novel I Remember was published by Pan Macmillan in September 2008. The Adulteress an erotic ghost story set now and in 1941 in Ireland was published by Pan Macmillan in September 2009. The Secret Loves of Julia Caesar is an illustrated limited edition novella, a companion book to The Adulteress as well as a novel in its own right. It is published October 2012.
I currently live in Bergen in Norway. In September 2012 Beatrice was published by Juritzen Forlag in Norwegian. My books have also been translated and published in Italy, Germany, Holland, and Hungary.
I offer a critiquing service for budding writers and teach various creative writing workshops through Inkwell Writers.
I also write under the pen name of Evie Blake, author of Valentina published by Headline in October 2012, Valentina on the edge (March 2013) and Valentina Unlocked (October 2013). The Valentina Trilogy will be translated and published in Italy, Germany, Holland, Spain, France, Portugal, Brazil, and Serbia.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
November 14, 2021
Two time frames. Two different women. 1933 and present-day. Ellen and Mairead. What connects the women and how does this sensitive story connect events of the past with more modern times. Without a doubt Ellen and Mairead are connected. But how?
Back in 1933 things had been going well for Ellen and her husband Giles. They also had a young daughter named Brigid. However, despite the fact that Ellen's husband was a successful architect, times became rather difficult and the couple decided to follow through on their long-awaited desire to return to Ireland. However, Ellen had a past that was held secret for years and if she were to return home that secret would be exposed. She makes the impossible decision to leave Giles and their daughter on the ship before it sets sail for Ireland.
Fast forward to 1984. Mairead is devastated that her husband has left her. Seemingly the last to know, she has discovered that he was gay. This knowledge has already disturbed the difficult relationship that Mairead had with her mother Brigid, who is currently on her deathbed. When Brigid calls out for her mother Ellen, this rather shocks Mairead because she never knew her grandmother.
Armed only with an old photo and a turquoise necklace, Mairead makes it her singular goal to find out whatever she can about her grandmother. She soon finds that leaving Ireland and heading to New York will be the only way she might even come close to finding out things about the past. These very things that Mairead discovers are quite shocking.
While readers see how Mairead finds her path in life after her failed marriage, she is filled with purpose as she works to solve the mystery about her grandmother. This very mystery slowly unraveled Ellen’s reason for leaving Brigid those many decades before.
This moving story easily connected me to both Ellen and Mairead as the often heartbreaking story of loss transcended to one of love and hope.
Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
Back in 1933 things had been going well for Ellen and her husband Giles. They also had a young daughter named Brigid. However, despite the fact that Ellen's husband was a successful architect, times became rather difficult and the couple decided to follow through on their long-awaited desire to return to Ireland. However, Ellen had a past that was held secret for years and if she were to return home that secret would be exposed. She makes the impossible decision to leave Giles and their daughter on the ship before it sets sail for Ireland.
Fast forward to 1984. Mairead is devastated that her husband has left her. Seemingly the last to know, she has discovered that he was gay. This knowledge has already disturbed the difficult relationship that Mairead had with her mother Brigid, who is currently on her deathbed. When Brigid calls out for her mother Ellen, this rather shocks Mairead because she never knew her grandmother.
Armed only with an old photo and a turquoise necklace, Mairead makes it her singular goal to find out whatever she can about her grandmother. She soon finds that leaving Ireland and heading to New York will be the only way she might even come close to finding out things about the past. These very things that Mairead discovers are quite shocking.
While readers see how Mairead finds her path in life after her failed marriage, she is filled with purpose as she works to solve the mystery about her grandmother. This very mystery slowly unraveled Ellen’s reason for leaving Brigid those many decades before.
This moving story easily connected me to both Ellen and Mairead as the often heartbreaking story of loss transcended to one of love and hope.
Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
October 13, 2021
Wow! Keep a box of tissues close by as The Girl Across The Sea is a heart-wrenching complex story that will move, mesmerise, melt and break you. This tale of sacrifice, difficult circumstances and the need for healing and transformation, starts with one generation but spans across many as secrets and truths spill in a giant wave from the past to the present, touching those tied together by blood and friendship. And like a tsunami, the realisation hits hard that no matter how far away you try to run, you can never truly escape the past. For it will find you or appear when least expected.
This is a dual timeline story. The past thread starts with Ellen, who has fled Ireland and a difficult life to live in freedom in America. On the journey over she meets a man and marries him. Together they build a life and have a daughter. Although Ellen finds a measure of happiness in her new world, a darkness still follows her. And in 1933 when it is time to leave New York and return to her homeland, fear grips her and she cannot go. With a shattered heart she looks one last time upon her little girl and husband fast asleep and then makes her exit, after leaving a special turquoise necklace and a letter behind.
In running away from one deadly secret, Ellen becomes enslaved to another more toxic than the first. The pain of abandoning her daughter burns a mark in her heart she can never forget. But even more than the noose of guilt she feels, is the sting of regret that she can never return to Ireland, due to what she escaped. She must accept this new life in America and forget who she was. And even though things don’t go as planned, her love for her daughter and the special necklace she left become symbols of hope. These offer comfort through the nightmares of the past and sustain her through the violations she encounters on her new course.
The present day thread begins with Mairead in Ireland. While caring for her dying mother, she learns of family secrets. Her mother wants to find her birth mother who abandoned her as a young child. Not an easy task for Mairead as she has limited information but it sends her to America, leaving her own daughter at college, to find her mysterious grandmother. Already grieving over her own family losses, she embarks on a journey of self-discovery and healing. But along the way she takes some unexpected turns and meets some unusual, and even sinister, characters. But the path leads to surprising revelations, too.
The journeys for both women across the USA were all intriguing. The Angel and healing time in the desert, the strangers they would trust and those they should not have. The lament, the brutality, the depth of this story goes on and on. It is a tale that is painful, beautiful and rapturous all at the same time.
Excellent suspense runs like a river through the landscape of this story feeding the plot that blooms with the flowers of sadness and joy. It is deeply complex with many unexpected twists and turns. Not your usual light hearted romantic story. But one of its beauties is in how it addresses the many aspects of the Irish psyche and Ireland’s history—including the fight for freedom. This is shown in many different ways and in a number of the characters. This story contains family secrets so grand and mind bending, that the climax will leave you reeling with many mixed emotions.
Noelle’s writing is very engaging and pulls every emotion imaginable from the reader. You walk in these women’s shoes, feel their pain, mourn their losses. But then you find yourself cheering as they muster new courage and feel relief from fear when an enemy subsides. And you rejoice when the past and present ancestral lines cross over and meet. Then there is the pride and deep devotion, even a connection to the homeland, that is so deep and wide that it travels unlimited miles overseas and reaches a new generation. This is something I can relate to for I have felt the pull in my own DNA— of the call of my own family’s past: for Irish roots know no distance or time. Ancestral memory can be strong as the spirit of place awakens once buried seeds. For as you stand on Irish soil and scan the horizons of your ancestors, up through the turf a sense of connection rises, while shamrocks are bursting forth under a full Irish sun.
There are so many things in this story I love. Many elements I have used in my own writing: the Irish song lists, the books and poems mentioned, the Sleeping Beauty reference, the Haunted Lake, the Irish fairy lore, the enchanting wildflowers such as Forget-Me-Nots and Bluebells. Coming from east coast Canada and an Irish heritage, all these cultural and botanical gems that surrounded my grandfather’s life and his homestead above the sea, are so familiar to me. And the setting of Merview House with its sinister past certainly fired my imagination, reminding me of my own grandfather’s amazing stories!
I was very inspired by this moving narrative. Its depth was far greater than I could have imagined. Being my first Noelle Harrison novel, I did not know what to expect. But I am delighted that her powerful story telling ability really captivated me. I have always been drawn to Irish generational stories, so The Girl Across the Sea appealed to that interest and satisfied the hunger. And I was so impressed I purchased two of Noelle’s previous novels immediately!
Many thanks to Noelle for her wonderful descriptions for they transported me back to Ireland—a place I deeply love. Without a doubt, this story will stay with me forever. I highly recommend this brilliant Irish novel that is guaranteed to win your heart as well. 5 Shining Stars! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for an ARC to review.
This is a dual timeline story. The past thread starts with Ellen, who has fled Ireland and a difficult life to live in freedom in America. On the journey over she meets a man and marries him. Together they build a life and have a daughter. Although Ellen finds a measure of happiness in her new world, a darkness still follows her. And in 1933 when it is time to leave New York and return to her homeland, fear grips her and she cannot go. With a shattered heart she looks one last time upon her little girl and husband fast asleep and then makes her exit, after leaving a special turquoise necklace and a letter behind.
In running away from one deadly secret, Ellen becomes enslaved to another more toxic than the first. The pain of abandoning her daughter burns a mark in her heart she can never forget. But even more than the noose of guilt she feels, is the sting of regret that she can never return to Ireland, due to what she escaped. She must accept this new life in America and forget who she was. And even though things don’t go as planned, her love for her daughter and the special necklace she left become symbols of hope. These offer comfort through the nightmares of the past and sustain her through the violations she encounters on her new course.
The present day thread begins with Mairead in Ireland. While caring for her dying mother, she learns of family secrets. Her mother wants to find her birth mother who abandoned her as a young child. Not an easy task for Mairead as she has limited information but it sends her to America, leaving her own daughter at college, to find her mysterious grandmother. Already grieving over her own family losses, she embarks on a journey of self-discovery and healing. But along the way she takes some unexpected turns and meets some unusual, and even sinister, characters. But the path leads to surprising revelations, too.
The journeys for both women across the USA were all intriguing. The Angel and healing time in the desert, the strangers they would trust and those they should not have. The lament, the brutality, the depth of this story goes on and on. It is a tale that is painful, beautiful and rapturous all at the same time.
Excellent suspense runs like a river through the landscape of this story feeding the plot that blooms with the flowers of sadness and joy. It is deeply complex with many unexpected twists and turns. Not your usual light hearted romantic story. But one of its beauties is in how it addresses the many aspects of the Irish psyche and Ireland’s history—including the fight for freedom. This is shown in many different ways and in a number of the characters. This story contains family secrets so grand and mind bending, that the climax will leave you reeling with many mixed emotions.
Noelle’s writing is very engaging and pulls every emotion imaginable from the reader. You walk in these women’s shoes, feel their pain, mourn their losses. But then you find yourself cheering as they muster new courage and feel relief from fear when an enemy subsides. And you rejoice when the past and present ancestral lines cross over and meet. Then there is the pride and deep devotion, even a connection to the homeland, that is so deep and wide that it travels unlimited miles overseas and reaches a new generation. This is something I can relate to for I have felt the pull in my own DNA— of the call of my own family’s past: for Irish roots know no distance or time. Ancestral memory can be strong as the spirit of place awakens once buried seeds. For as you stand on Irish soil and scan the horizons of your ancestors, up through the turf a sense of connection rises, while shamrocks are bursting forth under a full Irish sun.
There are so many things in this story I love. Many elements I have used in my own writing: the Irish song lists, the books and poems mentioned, the Sleeping Beauty reference, the Haunted Lake, the Irish fairy lore, the enchanting wildflowers such as Forget-Me-Nots and Bluebells. Coming from east coast Canada and an Irish heritage, all these cultural and botanical gems that surrounded my grandfather’s life and his homestead above the sea, are so familiar to me. And the setting of Merview House with its sinister past certainly fired my imagination, reminding me of my own grandfather’s amazing stories!
I was very inspired by this moving narrative. Its depth was far greater than I could have imagined. Being my first Noelle Harrison novel, I did not know what to expect. But I am delighted that her powerful story telling ability really captivated me. I have always been drawn to Irish generational stories, so The Girl Across the Sea appealed to that interest and satisfied the hunger. And I was so impressed I purchased two of Noelle’s previous novels immediately!
Many thanks to Noelle for her wonderful descriptions for they transported me back to Ireland—a place I deeply love. Without a doubt, this story will stay with me forever. I highly recommend this brilliant Irish novel that is guaranteed to win your heart as well. 5 Shining Stars! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for an ARC to review.
August 11, 2022
I love the front cover of this novel and it started well, but I felt the plot became rather contrived and the ending was rushed. Ellen and Mairead made stupid decisions, especially Mairead who frustrated me once she hooked up with Kyle, and that's when the author lost me.
Once more I am going against the trend but The Girl Across the Sea never completely captured my attention and the latter half was a slog to read. The first half of the novel was sitting on a 4 star rating but the second half brought it back to 3 stars. An okay read but not a memorable one.
Once more I am going against the trend but The Girl Across the Sea never completely captured my attention and the latter half was a slog to read. The first half of the novel was sitting on a 4 star rating but the second half brought it back to 3 stars. An okay read but not a memorable one.
January 20, 2023
Read my full review on Rosepoint Publishing.
Ellen Lavelle abandons her husband and daughter on the ship when she realizes she can’t return to Ireland as she harbors a dark secret she hasn’t shared.
In the telling of the multi-plotted generational timeline, we are gradually fed the tragic story of Ellen, her daughter Brigid, and her daughter Mairead. In the 1980s Mairead is made aware of her mother’s terminal condition and she is begged to find her grandmother Ellen.
As the reader is taken through the different timelines, the plot digs ever deeper into the characters' lives. Ellen shocks the reader with her extreme change of character. And Mairead, rebounding from her failed marriage reacted on the extreme side as well—what I thought was totally out of character.
Mired in the subplot is the family home and the call back to Ireland—there to discover once and for all just who Ellen was and the circumstances that created the misfortune that shaped three generations.
It is well-plotted, well paced. The characters are so well developed that when they step unexpectedly into the extreme it was disturbing.
Still, an engaging and entertaining narrative, if not emotional and disconcerting at times; there is a drive to resolve all the loose ends which are covered admirably in conclusion. It keeps the reader reading (or listening, the narrator also performing admirably).
I downloaded a copy of this audiobook from my local well-stocked library and enjoyed it. These are my honest thoughts.
Ellen Lavelle abandons her husband and daughter on the ship when she realizes she can’t return to Ireland as she harbors a dark secret she hasn’t shared.
In the telling of the multi-plotted generational timeline, we are gradually fed the tragic story of Ellen, her daughter Brigid, and her daughter Mairead. In the 1980s Mairead is made aware of her mother’s terminal condition and she is begged to find her grandmother Ellen.
As the reader is taken through the different timelines, the plot digs ever deeper into the characters' lives. Ellen shocks the reader with her extreme change of character. And Mairead, rebounding from her failed marriage reacted on the extreme side as well—what I thought was totally out of character.
Mired in the subplot is the family home and the call back to Ireland—there to discover once and for all just who Ellen was and the circumstances that created the misfortune that shaped three generations.
It is well-plotted, well paced. The characters are so well developed that when they step unexpectedly into the extreme it was disturbing.
Still, an engaging and entertaining narrative, if not emotional and disconcerting at times; there is a drive to resolve all the loose ends which are covered admirably in conclusion. It keeps the reader reading (or listening, the narrator also performing admirably).
I downloaded a copy of this audiobook from my local well-stocked library and enjoyed it. These are my honest thoughts.
April 5, 2022
Far too convoluted
I kept reading till the end but only by skipping chunks at a time. I found the story far too convoluted, too complicated.. While I know many of the historical
facts are true they didn't transfer well into the story. Had I a paper copy this is definitely not one I'd rush to share with others.
I kept reading till the end but only by skipping chunks at a time. I found the story far too convoluted, too complicated.. While I know many of the historical
facts are true they didn't transfer well into the story. Had I a paper copy this is definitely not one I'd rush to share with others.
November 12, 2021
BLOG TOUR REVIEW
Review for 'The Girl Across The Sea' by Noelle Harrison.
Read and reviewed via NetGalley for Noelle Harrison, Bookouture publishers and Bookouture anonymous
Publication date 10th November 2021.
This is the first book I have read by this author.
I was originally drawn to this book by its beautiful cover and intriguing sounding synopsis and title. The synopsis stated that 'Fans of The Light Between Oceans and Lisa Wingate will adore this heart-breaking book.' I am a fan of Lisa Wingate so am looking forward to seeing if this lives up to this statement. I must admit I was also biased due to the publisher being Bookouture. I have yet to read a book published by Bookouture that I haven't enjoyed. Hopefully this won't be the first... Watch this space! (Written before I started reading the book).
This novel consists of 31 chapters. The chapters are medium in length so possible to read 'just one more chapter' before bed...OK, I know yeah right, but still just in case!
This book is based in New York and Chigaco USA 🇺🇸 and Ireland 🇮🇪, UK 🇬🇧. The bonus for me of books that are partly or fully based in the UK is that I live in the UK and have sometimes visited places mentioned in the book which makes it easier to picture.
This book is written in third person perspective and the main protagonists are Mairead and Ellen. The benefits of third person perspective with are that it let's you see the bigger picture of what's going on and you get to know more characters more, what they are thinking and what they are doing. It feels like you get to see the whole picture and not miss out in anything.
'The Girl Across The Sea' discusses some topics that may trigger some readers or may not be suitable for others. I like to point this out ahead of time in my reviews so you can judge if this book is for you or not. In this book Noelle discusses/includes war, sexual scenes, rape, drugs, abuse and death. Recommend for 16 years plus.
It is set over/includes multiple time lines. When books show what has happened in the past and what is happening in the present I find it really helps the reader (if it is well done) understand why things are happening and what has lead to the present activities and decisions. It also shows the bigger picture.
This book is beautifully written with vivid descriptions that leaves you tasting the ocean scene and feeling the sand in your hair. The cover, title and synopsis suit the storyline perfectly.
This book is completely engage, captivating and makes you travel through time. It felt like I packed my case and went on a journey from Ireland to New York, California, Arizona and more until u returned to Ireland and then sadly it came for me to unpack my case and return to Wales. It felt like I had been on a trip of a lifetime and not only around the world but through time. I loved reading the history of Ellen and being drip fed information bit by bit until it came to the shocking reveal!!! I was NOT expecting that twist so well done Noelle!!! It's getting harder and harder to shock me and you've managed it so congratulations!! This storyline is filled with love, family, heartbreak, romance, sadness, war, suspense, history and so much more!! I became completely engaged and captivated throughout.
The characters are strong and each had their own strong personalities. I loved going on a journey with Ellie and discovering what happened, where she went and what led her there. I also enjoyed meeting Mairead and her family and going on her journey of discovery for her gran. I felt hearrtbroken for both Brigid and Ellen although I won't say more than that as I don't want to spoil it for future readers. I also felt sorry for Mairead and what she lost out on because of the past. However I do think the story ended beautifully!!!
Well done Noelle on an absolutely stunning yet heartbreaking story of love, family, loss and so much more. I'm looking forward to reading more of your books!!!
Overall a heartbreaking but beautiful story that will take you around the world and though time, filled with love, loss, romance and so much more.
Genres covered in this book include Historical Fiction and Historical Romance amongst others.
I would recommend this book to the fans of the above as well as fans of 'The Light Between Oceans' and Lisa Wingate.
378 pages.
This book is just £1.99 to purchase on kindle via Amazon which I think is an absolute bargain for this book!!!
Rated 4 /5 (I enjoyed it ) on Goodreads, Instagram, Amazon UK and Amazon US and on over 30 Facebook pages plus my blog on Facebook.
Feel free to add me on Goodreads or follow me on my website or Facebook for more reviews
#TheGirlAcrossTheSea #Bookouture #NoelleHarrison #NetGalley #BookReview #BlogTour #BooksOnTour
@NoelleHarrison @Bookouture @Bookworm1986 @bookworm86
https://kcmw86.wixsite.com/bookworm86
https://m.facebook.com/Bookworm1986/?...
https://m.facebook.com/Bookwork86/?__...
Review for 'The Girl Across The Sea' by Noelle Harrison.
Read and reviewed via NetGalley for Noelle Harrison, Bookouture publishers and Bookouture anonymous
Publication date 10th November 2021.
This is the first book I have read by this author.
I was originally drawn to this book by its beautiful cover and intriguing sounding synopsis and title. The synopsis stated that 'Fans of The Light Between Oceans and Lisa Wingate will adore this heart-breaking book.' I am a fan of Lisa Wingate so am looking forward to seeing if this lives up to this statement. I must admit I was also biased due to the publisher being Bookouture. I have yet to read a book published by Bookouture that I haven't enjoyed. Hopefully this won't be the first... Watch this space! (Written before I started reading the book).
This novel consists of 31 chapters. The chapters are medium in length so possible to read 'just one more chapter' before bed...OK, I know yeah right, but still just in case!
This book is based in New York and Chigaco USA 🇺🇸 and Ireland 🇮🇪, UK 🇬🇧. The bonus for me of books that are partly or fully based in the UK is that I live in the UK and have sometimes visited places mentioned in the book which makes it easier to picture.
This book is written in third person perspective and the main protagonists are Mairead and Ellen. The benefits of third person perspective with are that it let's you see the bigger picture of what's going on and you get to know more characters more, what they are thinking and what they are doing. It feels like you get to see the whole picture and not miss out in anything.
'The Girl Across The Sea' discusses some topics that may trigger some readers or may not be suitable for others. I like to point this out ahead of time in my reviews so you can judge if this book is for you or not. In this book Noelle discusses/includes war, sexual scenes, rape, drugs, abuse and death. Recommend for 16 years plus.
It is set over/includes multiple time lines. When books show what has happened in the past and what is happening in the present I find it really helps the reader (if it is well done) understand why things are happening and what has lead to the present activities and decisions. It also shows the bigger picture.
This book is beautifully written with vivid descriptions that leaves you tasting the ocean scene and feeling the sand in your hair. The cover, title and synopsis suit the storyline perfectly.
This book is completely engage, captivating and makes you travel through time. It felt like I packed my case and went on a journey from Ireland to New York, California, Arizona and more until u returned to Ireland and then sadly it came for me to unpack my case and return to Wales. It felt like I had been on a trip of a lifetime and not only around the world but through time. I loved reading the history of Ellen and being drip fed information bit by bit until it came to the shocking reveal!!! I was NOT expecting that twist so well done Noelle!!! It's getting harder and harder to shock me and you've managed it so congratulations!! This storyline is filled with love, family, heartbreak, romance, sadness, war, suspense, history and so much more!! I became completely engaged and captivated throughout.
The characters are strong and each had their own strong personalities. I loved going on a journey with Ellie and discovering what happened, where she went and what led her there. I also enjoyed meeting Mairead and her family and going on her journey of discovery for her gran. I felt hearrtbroken for both Brigid and Ellen although I won't say more than that as I don't want to spoil it for future readers. I also felt sorry for Mairead and what she lost out on because of the past. However I do think the story ended beautifully!!!
Well done Noelle on an absolutely stunning yet heartbreaking story of love, family, loss and so much more. I'm looking forward to reading more of your books!!!
Overall a heartbreaking but beautiful story that will take you around the world and though time, filled with love, loss, romance and so much more.
Genres covered in this book include Historical Fiction and Historical Romance amongst others.
I would recommend this book to the fans of the above as well as fans of 'The Light Between Oceans' and Lisa Wingate.
378 pages.
This book is just £1.99 to purchase on kindle via Amazon which I think is an absolute bargain for this book!!!
Rated 4 /5 (I enjoyed it ) on Goodreads, Instagram, Amazon UK and Amazon US and on over 30 Facebook pages plus my blog on Facebook.
Feel free to add me on Goodreads or follow me on my website or Facebook for more reviews
#TheGirlAcrossTheSea #Bookouture #NoelleHarrison #NetGalley #BookReview #BlogTour #BooksOnTour
@NoelleHarrison @Bookouture @Bookworm1986 @bookworm86
https://kcmw86.wixsite.com/bookworm86
https://m.facebook.com/Bookworm1986/?...
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November 10, 2021
It’s 1933 and Ellen lives in New York with her husband and and young daughter. They have wanted to return to Ireland for many years, but the timing was never right, until now. Ellen knows the secret she carries with her means she can never return. So, she kisses her family goodbye in the middle of the night and flees into the darkness. Mairead has recently separated and has returned home to take care of her dying mother. As Brigid begins to pass away in her last breath she calls out to her mother Ellen. Mairead doesn’t know anything about her grandmother, Ellen. And with nothing more than an old photograph and a turquoise necklace, she begins to find out everything she can about her. Her journey to find the truth takes her, to New York and to Arizona. She discovers Ellen was on the run and was a wanted woman accused of a terrible crime. This story is filled with so much mystery and drama, and you will find yourself bonding with the characters. The vivid description of western Ireland made me feel like I was actually there. This book definitely hits all the emotions, I couldn’t read it fast enough, I had to know how it ended. I devoured this book in one sitting. This time slip novel is perfect and I absolutely loved it. Wow, truly an amazing story and a great escape.
Thank you Noelle Harrison for such a fantastic, heartbreaking and emotional story. I truly enjoyed every bit of this book. A fantastic and absolute must read. I loved everything about this unputdownable book. I highly recommend this book.
Thank you Noelle Harrison for such a fantastic, heartbreaking and emotional story. I truly enjoyed every bit of this book. A fantastic and absolute must read. I loved everything about this unputdownable book. I highly recommend this book.
November 1, 2021
I loved this book.
It had just the right mix of mystery, drama and emotion and tugged at the heart strings in all the right places.
The story opens in 1933 with Irish-born Ellen making the heartbreaking decision to leave her husband and baby as they set sail for Ireland. An unspecified secret from her past is so bad that she cannot reveal it to her husband and cannot risk returning to Ireland. She cannot risk taking her baby with her as she knows her husband would do everything he could to track them down and bring them to Ireland with him - her only choice, she feels, is to run away and disappear, to once again start a new life.
Fast forward to 1984 and the story is picked up with Ellen's grand-daughter who is going through her own share of upheavals in her life. Mairead has never had an easy relationship with her mother, (Brigid) and never understood why her mother pushed her away until yet another life-changing event prompts her mother to tell Mairead about her birth mother (Ellen) - a woman Mairead resembles in appearance. With the secret now out, Brigid asks Mairead to help her find Brigid.
What follows are the stories of two remarkable journeys alternating between the women and their timelines. Brigid's story moves forwards as we learn what happened to her after she left her husband and baby and her eventual fate, all the time preserving the mystery of why she could not return to Ireland in the first place. Mairead's story moves forward in her hunt for her grandmother by first digging in the past for clues, then by learning how to move on with her own life.
Both women face challenges along their journeys that cause them not only to question who they are but to reinvent themselves several times over.
It is not until the very end of the book that the book finally delves further back into the past and we find out what happened in Ireland that meant Ellen could not return and some closure can finally be had by all.
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Am I glad I read it - absolutely, I loved it
Was it a waste of my time - not at all
Would I sit down and read it all over again - absolutely
Would I read more by this author based on this book - yes, I've just added one right now to be 'to be read' pile.
It had just the right mix of mystery, drama and emotion and tugged at the heart strings in all the right places.
The story opens in 1933 with Irish-born Ellen making the heartbreaking decision to leave her husband and baby as they set sail for Ireland. An unspecified secret from her past is so bad that she cannot reveal it to her husband and cannot risk returning to Ireland. She cannot risk taking her baby with her as she knows her husband would do everything he could to track them down and bring them to Ireland with him - her only choice, she feels, is to run away and disappear, to once again start a new life.
Fast forward to 1984 and the story is picked up with Ellen's grand-daughter who is going through her own share of upheavals in her life. Mairead has never had an easy relationship with her mother, (Brigid) and never understood why her mother pushed her away until yet another life-changing event prompts her mother to tell Mairead about her birth mother (Ellen) - a woman Mairead resembles in appearance. With the secret now out, Brigid asks Mairead to help her find Brigid.
What follows are the stories of two remarkable journeys alternating between the women and their timelines. Brigid's story moves forwards as we learn what happened to her after she left her husband and baby and her eventual fate, all the time preserving the mystery of why she could not return to Ireland in the first place. Mairead's story moves forward in her hunt for her grandmother by first digging in the past for clues, then by learning how to move on with her own life.
Both women face challenges along their journeys that cause them not only to question who they are but to reinvent themselves several times over.
It is not until the very end of the book that the book finally delves further back into the past and we find out what happened in Ireland that meant Ellen could not return and some closure can finally be had by all.
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Am I glad I read it - absolutely, I loved it
Was it a waste of my time - not at all
Would I sit down and read it all over again - absolutely
Would I read more by this author based on this book - yes, I've just added one right now to be 'to be read' pile.
November 14, 2021
I didn’t realize I‘d love this book so much when I started it. It touched my heart as soon as I began reading, with the revelation that Ellen carried a huge burden that would threaten her future..
It’s told through different timelines in Ireland & the US with alternating chapters of Ellen & her great-granddaughter, Mairead’s, life.
So much heartbreak, devastation & tragedy is filled in these pages. There are many elements in their journeys with so much they went through, including some topics that could be sensitive to readers, not to mention require some tissues as it is truly heartbreaking.
I know this one will stick with me for a long time. I can’t recommend it enough.
Thanks to Noelle Harrison, Bookouture, Noelle Holten & NetGalley for my copy to read and give my honest review.
It’s told through different timelines in Ireland & the US with alternating chapters of Ellen & her great-granddaughter, Mairead’s, life.
So much heartbreak, devastation & tragedy is filled in these pages. There are many elements in their journeys with so much they went through, including some topics that could be sensitive to readers, not to mention require some tissues as it is truly heartbreaking.
I know this one will stick with me for a long time. I can’t recommend it enough.
Thanks to Noelle Harrison, Bookouture, Noelle Holten & NetGalley for my copy to read and give my honest review.
November 14, 2021
Wow, The Girl Across the Sea is fabulous! I really didn’t expect the twist. I was enraptured from beginning to end.
October 22, 2021
The story
This book is starts with Ellen leaving the ship she and her husband and young daughter are on, about to sail back to Ireland. Something in Ellen’s past can’t allow her to return but we don’t find out what that is until much later in the story. In Ireland of 1984, Mairead’s husband has left her for another man. Her daughter and mother Brigid both seemed to have realised that Niall was gay, but Mairead hadn’t acknowledged this. Her relationship with her mother is strained, and she understands that this stems from her mother’s abandonment by her own mother when she was young. The story of Ellen and Mairead come into a circle that only really becomes clear right at the end.
My thoughts
I so enjoyed the trips back in time to the different eras and Ellen and Maireads discoveries and overcoming challenges. Some parts of this book were really hard to believe (a lot of people seem to die with zero accountability at any point 🙈) and one relationship is very creepy and just doesn’t fit with Mairead’s character at all. But… this is an entertaining and interesting story that I really enjoyed reading. ☘️ 🇮🇪
I read an eARC copy courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher.
This book is starts with Ellen leaving the ship she and her husband and young daughter are on, about to sail back to Ireland. Something in Ellen’s past can’t allow her to return but we don’t find out what that is until much later in the story. In Ireland of 1984, Mairead’s husband has left her for another man. Her daughter and mother Brigid both seemed to have realised that Niall was gay, but Mairead hadn’t acknowledged this. Her relationship with her mother is strained, and she understands that this stems from her mother’s abandonment by her own mother when she was young. The story of Ellen and Mairead come into a circle that only really becomes clear right at the end.
My thoughts
I so enjoyed the trips back in time to the different eras and Ellen and Maireads discoveries and overcoming challenges. Some parts of this book were really hard to believe (a lot of people seem to die with zero accountability at any point 🙈) and one relationship is very creepy and just doesn’t fit with Mairead’s character at all. But… this is an entertaining and interesting story that I really enjoyed reading. ☘️ 🇮🇪
I read an eARC copy courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher.
February 26, 2022
Noelle Harrison is a masterful storyteller who skillfully weaves her characters and timelines as she takes you on a journey. And her latest book is a perfect example of her talent for multi generational, multi faceted storytelling
In The Girl Across the Sea we are introduced to our first protagonist Ellen as she mysteriously abandons her husband and young daughter Brigid as they set sail to Ireland from New York in the 1930s. We are told there's a terrible past and secret awaiting Ellen in her native homeland, one that forces her to give up her family and try to eek out a new life alone in America
Fast forward to 1980s Ireland where recently separated Mairead is visiting her emotionally distant artist mother. But this visit turns out to be a lot different to all the other strained stays when her mother seeks her help to find out what happened to Ellen Lavelle, the woman who gave birth to her but abandoned her at 3 years old with only a turquoise necklace to remember her by.
We are lead on two emotional and often challenging journeys as Ellen and Mariead attempt to find resolution and ultimately forgiveness and closure. A huge twist that I didn't see coming brings a satisfying and original conclusion to the lives of the three generations of women.
If you are wanting to read a story full of depth with robust female characters with sublime imagery and poetic prose, look no further. Noelle writes with an emotional sensibility that is the literary equivalent of curling up in your favourite chair, cradling a hot cup of coffee and having a good cry. Reading one of her books is a cathartic experience
In The Girl Across the Sea we are introduced to our first protagonist Ellen as she mysteriously abandons her husband and young daughter Brigid as they set sail to Ireland from New York in the 1930s. We are told there's a terrible past and secret awaiting Ellen in her native homeland, one that forces her to give up her family and try to eek out a new life alone in America
Fast forward to 1980s Ireland where recently separated Mairead is visiting her emotionally distant artist mother. But this visit turns out to be a lot different to all the other strained stays when her mother seeks her help to find out what happened to Ellen Lavelle, the woman who gave birth to her but abandoned her at 3 years old with only a turquoise necklace to remember her by.
We are lead on two emotional and often challenging journeys as Ellen and Mariead attempt to find resolution and ultimately forgiveness and closure. A huge twist that I didn't see coming brings a satisfying and original conclusion to the lives of the three generations of women.
If you are wanting to read a story full of depth with robust female characters with sublime imagery and poetic prose, look no further. Noelle writes with an emotional sensibility that is the literary equivalent of curling up in your favourite chair, cradling a hot cup of coffee and having a good cry. Reading one of her books is a cathartic experience
August 12, 2025
1933, Ellen abandons her husband and daughter rather than return to Ireland with them but is haunted by her decision. 1984, recently separated Mairead has always felt unloved by her mother. Brigid's cancer diagnosis forces her to reach out to her daughter to beg her to find her birth mother Ellen.
The Girl Across The Sea is a dual timeline novel set in the 1930s and 1980s, in America and Ireland.
Ellen is terrified at the thought of returning home to Ireland and in her desperation she runs away from the ship. Her husband and daughter sail on without her and she has nothing except a green suitcase. What could she possibly have done that would make this seem like the only choice?
Mairead is going through a tricky patch. Her husband has left her for a man, her daughter is trying to break into acting and her mother continually rejects her. Now she faces the loss of her mother and her desperate pleas to find her biological grandmother.
The chapters alternate between the third person viewpoints of Ellen and Mairead. Both timelines are very emotional and full of mystery as secrets are gradually revealed. The tension between Mairead and Brigid is heartbreaking and uncomfortable even when we understand the reason. Meanwhile Ellen endures so much which is even more emotional after the grief of separation from her child.
The Irish and American landscapes are brought to life as well as the two historical eras. The poverty of the 1930s and the burgeoning technology in the 1980s were detailed enough to give an authenticity.
The Girl Across The Sea is an interesting and engaging historical dual timeline novel.
The Girl Across The Sea is a dual timeline novel set in the 1930s and 1980s, in America and Ireland.
Ellen is terrified at the thought of returning home to Ireland and in her desperation she runs away from the ship. Her husband and daughter sail on without her and she has nothing except a green suitcase. What could she possibly have done that would make this seem like the only choice?
Mairead is going through a tricky patch. Her husband has left her for a man, her daughter is trying to break into acting and her mother continually rejects her. Now she faces the loss of her mother and her desperate pleas to find her biological grandmother.
The chapters alternate between the third person viewpoints of Ellen and Mairead. Both timelines are very emotional and full of mystery as secrets are gradually revealed. The tension between Mairead and Brigid is heartbreaking and uncomfortable even when we understand the reason. Meanwhile Ellen endures so much which is even more emotional after the grief of separation from her child.
The Irish and American landscapes are brought to life as well as the two historical eras. The poverty of the 1930s and the burgeoning technology in the 1980s were detailed enough to give an authenticity.
The Girl Across The Sea is an interesting and engaging historical dual timeline novel.
October 19, 2022
This story is told in two time frames: 1933 and 1980s. In 1933 Ellen leaves her husband and daughter as they were leaving to go back to Ireland - the reason being the mystery that weaved through the entire book. We meet Mairead in 1984 after her life has been torn apart when her husband leaves her a note to say he is in love with a man. She has always had a difficult relationship with her mother, but when Brigid learns she has cancer ends up begging Mairead to find her Mother. Ellen’s life in America is interesting and varied, to say the least. She constantly thinks of Brigid, but not so of her husband Giles. By the time Ellen reaches her mid-seventies she has been married to Jack for over fifty years and has lived with him in a house, he built on the West Coast of Canada's Victoria Island for the same amount of time. Brigid’s story begins when she is almost on her death bed. Brigid has one daughter, Mairead, and a granddaughter, Stella. Brigid and Mairead have never had a great Mother/Daughter relationship. However, all seems to be resolved during the last few weeks of her life. On her deathbed, Brigid asks Mairead to find her mother, Ellen; to which Mairead agrees. A well woven plot and satisfying ending make this one a fantastic read.
Many thanks to Bookouture, the author and to NetGalley for this ARC
Many thanks to Bookouture, the author and to NetGalley for this ARC
November 15, 2021
Thank you Netgalley and Bookouture for the chance to read an advanced copy of The girl across the sea, This is my second book by Noelle Harrison and I loved it!!! While it did take me a bit of time to get into it, I ended up binge reading all day to find out whether Mairead and Ellen meet. This story is told in two time frames: 1933 and 1980s. In 1933 Ellen leaves her husband and daughter as they were leaving to go back to Ireland - the reason being the mystery that weaved through the entire book. We meet Mairead in 1984 after her life has been torn apart when her husband leaves her a note to say he is in love with a man. She has always had a difficult relationship with her mother, but when Brigid learns she has cancer ends up begging Mairead to find her Mother.
I had to put the book down a couple of times because the emotional story really hit me. One of the things I really loved about The girl across the sea was a good portion of it takes place in Ireland, a country I love and visited a few years ago. It mentions several places I went to and I was able to really visualize the scenery! I highly recommend reading this as well as The Boatman's wife (the book I read previously!!!
I had to put the book down a couple of times because the emotional story really hit me. One of the things I really loved about The girl across the sea was a good portion of it takes place in Ireland, a country I love and visited a few years ago. It mentions several places I went to and I was able to really visualize the scenery! I highly recommend reading this as well as The Boatman's wife (the book I read previously!!!
October 28, 2021
Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for a copy of "The Girl Across the Sea" in exchange for my honest review.
We are introduced to Ellen on 19 June 1933 when she is preparing to leave her sleeping husband Giles and 5 year-old daughter Brigid on the RMS Britannic before it sails back to Ireland. Something in her past prevents her from going back to Ireland. They've been living in New York for the past 8 years and she thought that they would live there forever. She leaves the only possession she kept from Ireland - a necklace - for her daughter.
The story introduces us to many characters and it moves back and forth in time as it tells the story from both sides of the Atlantic.
We are introduced to Ellen on 19 June 1933 when she is preparing to leave her sleeping husband Giles and 5 year-old daughter Brigid on the RMS Britannic before it sails back to Ireland. Something in her past prevents her from going back to Ireland. They've been living in New York for the past 8 years and she thought that they would live there forever. She leaves the only possession she kept from Ireland - a necklace - for her daughter.
The story introduces us to many characters and it moves back and forth in time as it tells the story from both sides of the Atlantic.
August 8, 2022
Brilliant book spanning several generations and spoken from different perspectives. Ellen lives in the 1930s and makes choices that culture and life dictated during those times. Mairead lives in modern times and knows nothing of Ellen's life until her mother passes. She then realises there is a whole other family history out there to be discovered. Both women's worlds come closer and closer as they journey to discover what their lives mean, were and are into the future. The many twists and turns mean this book is one you can't put down. Thoroughly enjoyed it from page one to the end.
January 22, 2023
I am a sucker for anything set in Ireland and one of these timelines was in the Ireland of my childhood. I don't usually like a dual timeline, and like always if I read a book with one I always prefer one timeline to the other. This was a good read, I really wanted to untangle it all and while parts seemed so far fetched and out of character the overall story was well told and I felt happy after it. That's not to say I didn't cry during this book, I had to put it away while waiting for my daughter to finish swimming lessons so I wouldn't cry at the pool.
November 22, 2021
The writing is beautiful, the imagery is haunting, and the story is utterly unforgettable.
The plot is intricately structured, spanning decades and continents, but from the very first page is engaging, intense and mystifying. It is so emotionally plangent it brought tears more than once. It is artful, ingenious and extraordinary, and I didn't want it to ever end. I am completely under the spell of the author and her characters. One of the best novels I have read this year - or any year.
The plot is intricately structured, spanning decades and continents, but from the very first page is engaging, intense and mystifying. It is so emotionally plangent it brought tears more than once. It is artful, ingenious and extraordinary, and I didn't want it to ever end. I am completely under the spell of the author and her characters. One of the best novels I have read this year - or any year.
July 12, 2023
pulled at the heart strings
As a first time mum this book hooked me in from the start. The love one has for their own children isn’t like any other. I couldn’t put it down and highly recommend to anyone wanting a great page turner. I loved the little bits of history of the civil war in the story as well. Noelle’s writing makes you feel like you are travelling alongside the characters in their journey. Fantastic read!
As a first time mum this book hooked me in from the start. The love one has for their own children isn’t like any other. I couldn’t put it down and highly recommend to anyone wanting a great page turner. I loved the little bits of history of the civil war in the story as well. Noelle’s writing makes you feel like you are travelling alongside the characters in their journey. Fantastic read!
December 7, 2021
A beautiful story told in two timelines by Mairead and Ellen spanning Ireland and the United States. A real page turner that had me hooked from the first chapter, the storyline was compelling and the characters had you rooting for them all the way through in a really emotional rollercoaster. A story that will stay with you long after you have finished reading it.
April 5, 2022
My kind of book!
Lots of twists and turns and drama. Great characters some baddies but justice prevails. A great read I haven't read anything by this writer before but I have downloaded another of her books.
Lots of twists and turns and drama. Great characters some baddies but justice prevails. A great read I haven't read anything by this writer before but I have downloaded another of her books.
July 1, 2022
Top 10!
What a fabulous story! Every day I got new surprise! Loved the adventures of Ellen and Merriad . Also had a couple of twists in the story that were unexpected. Looking for another book by her!
What a fabulous story! Every day I got new surprise! Loved the adventures of Ellen and Merriad . Also had a couple of twists in the story that were unexpected. Looking for another book by her!
February 8, 2023
3.5 ✨ This book was intriguing. It kept me hooked but the major plot twist at the end, was just uh. Like it was more hyped than it actually was.
But all in all, loved the characters. You really got to see the true side to them all. Would recommend reading ☺️
But all in all, loved the characters. You really got to see the true side to them all. Would recommend reading ☺️
August 24, 2024
I am still emotional wow it’s a great story , I went from happy to sad back to happy again the characters were so real to me I was really immersed in them I highly recommend this book and this author can’t give any more than 5 star but they are so very well deserved
November 26, 2021
Interesting
The book has intrigue, and the characters are well written and the setting beautiful. A few scenes and issues I didn’t expect.
The book has intrigue, and the characters are well written and the setting beautiful. A few scenes and issues I didn’t expect.
December 25, 2021
Brilliant
With grateful thanks to Noelle Harrison for an amazing book the twists and turns the characters are really outstandingly brilliant can not praise this book enough.
With grateful thanks to Noelle Harrison for an amazing book the twists and turns the characters are really outstandingly brilliant can not praise this book enough.
April 6, 2022
Very good well written
April 18, 2022
Enjoyed this read
A great story kept me interested 😊 and I wanted to keep reading it to know what happened great story
A great story kept me interested 😊 and I wanted to keep reading it to know what happened great story
April 19, 2022
A great book which kept me reading and wanting to know what happens in the end. I really enjoyed the characters and it was an easy read. Would recommend. Enjoy!
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