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laurenfrancoise's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
informative
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.75
alamayhem_reads's review against another edition
5.0
I enjoyed this novel a lot. It was super interesting and captivating the whole time. I thought the characters were well-developed and watching Alice’s journey was wonderful. Seeing herself discover what was best for her life and how to make herself happy was quite beautiful. I loved seeing the romance develop as well, and to see Alice make Jack a better person. Their love story was inspiring and I thought it was paced nicely as well.
I loved seeing Alice grow as a mother figure as well, and seeing her caring nature as a nun shine through in herself as a person. She also never lost sight of her religious beliefs, which I thought added to her overall character arc.
Overall, I would give this novel 5 stars because it was a beautiful novel and I greatly enjoyed the writing style. Looking forward to reading more from Lindsay Jayne Ashford!
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I loved seeing Alice grow as a mother figure as well, and seeing her caring nature as a nun shine through in herself as a person. She also never lost sight of her religious beliefs, which I thought added to her overall character arc.
Overall, I would give this novel 5 stars because it was a beautiful novel and I greatly enjoyed the writing style. Looking forward to reading more from Lindsay Jayne Ashford!
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
bridget_h's review against another edition
3.0
The story starts with a washed up nun (I always wanted to say that!) finding her way to a farmstead in Cornwall, England that is hosting WWII refugees and Land Army women. As she becomes closer to some of the woman and the his Lordship, Jack, she is able to really discover her true calling in life. I've read many WWII historical fiction novels, and this one definitely is unique and delightful. With the focus more on individuals out of immediate harm's way, we get a glimpse into life during that time, and how love can still blossom. The addition of a mermaid theme running through the book really was sweet, and it also makes me want to visit this area of England!
Thanks to the author, publisher and Netgallery for the advance read for my honest review.
Thanks to the author, publisher and Netgallery for the advance read for my honest review.
jennie_cole's review against another edition
3.0
The House at Mermaid Cove is a World War II spy novel with a twist.
One day a woman with shorn hair and in just a torn chemise is found washed up on a Cornish beach. Who is she? Where did she come from? Can she be trusted? During times of war one does not ask another to keep a secret for them but Alice, the woman, asks this of Jack, her rescuer, and in return he asks the same of her.
Recently WWII novels pivot around spies in the thick of occupation or about women on the home front but this one is a little bit of both. It was a quick, enjoyable read that introduced things about certain groups I would never have known. While this story is entirely fictional it is inspired by the life of a real women (I won't say who because that gives away a secret but if you read the Author's note you can find out more). It makes me want to learn more about this woman and others like her.
One day a woman with shorn hair and in just a torn chemise is found washed up on a Cornish beach. Who is she? Where did she come from? Can she be trusted? During times of war one does not ask another to keep a secret for them but Alice, the woman, asks this of Jack, her rescuer, and in return he asks the same of her.
Recently WWII novels pivot around spies in the thick of occupation or about women on the home front but this one is a little bit of both. It was a quick, enjoyable read that introduced things about certain groups I would never have known. While this story is entirely fictional it is inspired by the life of a real women (I won't say who because that gives away a secret but if you read the Author's note you can find out more). It makes me want to learn more about this woman and others like her.
sarah_reading_party's review against another edition
4.0
The House at Mermaid's Cove was just the book I needed to read! The setting and time period were just fantastic. I have read a number of WWII books over the years and this one was just so unique. I wasn't familiar with Cornwall, England before and now I definitely want to visit! I loved the romance but most of all I loved the growth experienced by Alice and Jack as they processed their pasts and got to know themselves (and each other) better. The elements of mystery and the fight against the Nazis was also great. I adored this book and could have kept reading it if the story continued! What a wonderful book. I'll definitely be reading more by Lindsay Jayne Ashford.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the free ebook copy. All opinions are my own.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the free ebook copy. All opinions are my own.
texmom22's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
bibliophile90's review against another edition
3.0
**ARC provided by publisher in exchange for an honest review**
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 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.
kittietta's review against another edition
3.0
I was excited on the premise of this book! I am a big Historical Fiction fan. Unfortunately, for me, this book just didn't deliver. It seemed, to me, to be a bunch of stories put into one. The writing seemed slow and hard to keep my interest, took me forever to get through it!
I know a lot of people loved the book, so it probably was just not in my taste. It wasnt terrible, I just didn't care for it.
Book gets 3 stars
Lets read!!
I know a lot of people loved the book, so it probably was just not in my taste. It wasnt terrible, I just didn't care for it.
Book gets 3 stars
Lets read!!
robgrace71's review against another edition
4.0
This was such a wonderful book. It was a quick and easy read, but it packed a punch too. After a boating accident, Alice washes up on a cove in Cornwall. She now has a choice to make share her real identity or make a new life for herself as someone new.
This book is takes place right before D-Day and it focuses around Alice's new life and the friendships that she makes as well as a love interest. It also tackled the hard issues that were going on during the war and the work of the Resistance.
One of my favorite parts were the author's notes and hearing about her inspirations for the book. Some of the characters were based on real people and the area of Cornwall played an important role in WWII. I learned so much and would love to visit some of these places in the future.
Thank you to Netgalley for the ARC. This is my honest review.
This book is takes place right before D-Day and it focuses around Alice's new life and the friendships that she makes as well as a love interest. It also tackled the hard issues that were going on during the war and the work of the Resistance.
One of my favorite parts were the author's notes and hearing about her inspirations for the book. Some of the characters were based on real people and the area of Cornwall played an important role in WWII. I learned so much and would love to visit some of these places in the future.
Thank you to Netgalley for the ARC. This is my honest review.