As World War II rages, love, mystery, and secrets collide on the English coast in a riveting novel by the bestselling author of The Snow Gypsy.
In April 1943 a young woman washes ashore on a deserted beach in Cornwall, England. With shorn hair and a number stitched on her tattered chemise, Alice is the survivor of a ship torpedoed by a German U-boat. She’s found by the mysterious Viscount Jack … mysterious Viscount Jack Trewella, who suspects that she’s a prisoner of war or a spy. But the secret Alice asks Jack to keep is one he could never have guessed, and it creates an intimate bond he never expected.
With her true identity hidden beneath the waves, Alice grasps the chance to reinvent herself. But as she begins to fall for Jack, she discovers he has secrets too—ones echoing the legend of a mermaid said to lure men into the dark depths of the sea.
For two strangers in the shadow of war, lost love, and haunting memories, is it time to let go of the past? Or to finally face it—whatever the risks?
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I honestly loved everything about this book! To say that I was sad when I reached the end is an understatement. I sat down over the weekend to read, setting a time limit of one hour as I had to get some things done…after an hour passed I said to myself “just another 1/2 hour”…3 hours later (after I couldn’t put the book down) I finished the book.
I think the author did an amazing job with the setting – the descriptions of the cove where Alice stayed in the boathouse were so vivid that I felt like I was there, smelling the salty, fishy air and feeling the breeze. I also think the characters were brilliant – Alice and Merle were my favorites. I could really sense the inner turmoil felt by Alice – a former nun, she feels a higher purpose, but doesn’t think that the rigid style of her former convent is how she can best serve her calling.
This was the first book I’ve read by this author – after my experience with this book, I will definitely be seeking out more books written by this author.
Thank you to Lake Union Publishing and NetGalley for providing a copy for review.
This was a beautifully written historical fiction that takes place during WWII. This time in our history brings heartwrenching stories of such bravery for those who risk their lives to help so many. The author does a wonderful job of character development and it’s so easy to be visually drawn to where the story takes place in Cornwall, England. I highly recommend this book.
The House at Mermaid’s Cove is a fast-paced Historical Fiction with a bit of romance sprinkled into it. We start off when Alice is washed ashore and found by the intriguing Viscount Jack Trewella. It is a miracle that Alice has survived and she wants to start her life fresh without her past making an appearance. Jack doesn’t really know what to make of her but offers her a place to stay in exchange of her helping around the farm until she figures out what she wants. Both characters were mysterious and I enjoyed getting to know them better the further I got into the story.
I have read a couple of books set during World War II, but I found this book to have an original plot and showed a different side with the focus on the French Resistance. I enjoyed all the side-characters and the development of the plot, however, I wanted the book to be longer. I was really getting into the story and before I knew it, it was over already. The story felt like it touched the surface of both the war, Resistance, friendships, and romance. The author didn’t really go into depth with any of it, which unfortunately left me unsatisfied at the end. I wanted more background information on both main characters, and I wanted to see more growth in their relationship. I also was very intrigued by the operations of the Resistance, but I felt like we only got a quick peek into it. I do have to say that I enjoyed the writing style of the author, and I found it very easy to read. So I am planning on reading this author’s other books.
The House at Mermaid’s Cove by Lindsay Jayne Ashford is an excellent WWII story that is different from any I have ever read. A torpedoed boat survivor washing up on a lonely deserted Cromwall coast in 1943 begins this novel of wartime romance, mystery, and secrets. Jack has cause to be wary of Alice but he is kind anyway. The secrets that both keep are not ones that will divide them but draw them together.
Wonderful character development with the reader seeing Jack through Alice’s eyes. The story flows beautifully so that I was caught up in it, continuing to read without realizing how long that I had been reading. I was drawn to the title but loved the characters, main and supporting. While you get the feel of how the war has impacted lives this is a different from any other that I have read.
The first book I have read by this author but I will be looking for others. The House at Mermaid’s Cove by Lindsay Jayne Ashford will stay with you long after you have finished the last page.
An ARC of the book was given to me by the publisher through Net Galley which I voluntarily chose to read and reviewed. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I really enjoyed this book. I do feel like it almost could have been two separate stories. I enjoyed the historical elements of the story, the characters were daring and brave and fun. The mystery and romance add to the story, but it also feels like they could have have their own plot in another book. Overall, they really worked well together. Lindsay Jayne Ashford
It is WWII. and Alice is sailing from Africa back to Ireland where she helped the natives. She is a nun to spite her Father. The boat is then attacked by a torpedo by a German U-boat. Alice gets washed up on an island where Jack finds her and brings her back to life. Soon she recovers and discovers Jack is a freedom fighter fighting against the Nazis. In time Alice and Jack develop feelings for one another through the course of their adventures making Alice question her devotion to being a nun. I loved this book. Yes. It was predictable but who cares! It was a satisfying read. A great weekend read!. I loved the romance. It was sweet, gentle, and beautiful. The story lived up to the cover and title which caught my attention from the beginning. I am so glad I found this author and will definitely look for more titles by her. I d like to thank NETGALLEY.COM and the author for providing me an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.
I wanted to read this book because I really liked the cover!
It was a good book, with interesting characters. I enjoyed it!
Thanks to Netgalley for the early copy
The House at Mermaid’s Cove by Lindsay Jayne Ashford is a historical fiction novel taking place during the latter years of WWII (starting in April 1943) mainly in Cornwall, but also mainland as well. Resident Viscount Jack Trewalla and Alice, a survivor of a boat wreck destroyed by the Germans and washed ashore along the Cornish coast, become introduced during a time of uncertainty and war. Alice has secrets and Jack doesn’t have any clue. He thinks she could be a spy or even a POW. Alice uses the catastrophic occurrence of barely surviving to create a new life for herself. She and Jack end up becoming romantically involved, and the secrets come out, and complications and harrowing adventures occur.
I won’t say any more as it will ruin the surprises within the plot. I can only say that I enjoyed Alice and Jack as separate characters as well as their chemistry together. I enjoyed the location, landscapes, plot, and I loved the ending.
A great read. 5/5 stars
Thank you NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for this ARC and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.
I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon and B&N accounts upon publication.