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ivi_reads_books's review
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
The book reads like a fairy tale especially towards the end.
I didn't feel the romantic connection between the main characters but liked the insight into the life of a midwife in the 19s
I didn't feel the romantic connection between the main characters but liked the insight into the life of a midwife in the 19s
Content Warnings
Graphic: Pregnancy
Moderate: Lesbophobia, Suicidal thoughts, and Kidnapping
Minor: Violence, Confinement, Blood, Outing, Grief, Domestic abuse, Sexual violence, Emotional abuse, and Stalking
kaitie_reads's review
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Happy Publication Day!
This one deserves all of the stars.
This book was absolutely gorgeous. Rooted in Scottish folklore and based on the tale of "The Selkie Wife" this debut was absolutely mesmerizing. There is beautiful scene setting, page-turning suspense, amazing romantic tension, wonderful dialogue and also lgbtq representation contained within the pages of this sapphic love story and folklore retelling.
Part historical fiction, part fantasy romance, the story follows Jean, a midwife who has worked hard to reinstate her value to the community after being slandered for her choices in love. Afraid of making connections in her community, everything changes when she comes upon a laboring mother in need on a stormy night. Sensing that there is something dubious occurring, she forms a friendship with the woman and takes her under her wing.
If you love historical fiction with a little bit of a fairytale story included, I'd highly recommend this book. I loved the coastal vibe and Nova Scotia setting. The descriptive scenes and Jean's relationship with her natural setting is beautiful. I also love how the author reflects on nature and ties what's happening in the natural world into the occurences in our protagonist's story.
I always rate a book highly if it invokes an emotional response, and this story absolutely does.
Thank you to Penguin Random House Canada and Netgalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This one deserves all of the stars.
This book was absolutely gorgeous. Rooted in Scottish folklore and based on the tale of "The Selkie Wife" this debut was absolutely mesmerizing. There is beautiful scene setting, page-turning suspense, amazing romantic tension, wonderful dialogue and also lgbtq representation contained within the pages of this sapphic love story and folklore retelling.
Part historical fiction, part fantasy romance, the story follows Jean, a midwife who has worked hard to reinstate her value to the community after being slandered for her choices in love. Afraid of making connections in her community, everything changes when she comes upon a laboring mother in need on a stormy night. Sensing that there is something dubious occurring, she forms a friendship with the woman and takes her under her wing.
If you love historical fiction with a little bit of a fairytale story included, I'd highly recommend this book. I loved the coastal vibe and Nova Scotia setting. The descriptive scenes and Jean's relationship with her natural setting is beautiful. I also love how the author reflects on nature and ties what's happening in the natural world into the occurences in our protagonist's story.
I always rate a book highly if it invokes an emotional response, and this story absolutely does.
Thank you to Penguin Random House Canada and Netgalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Violence, Pregnancy, Homophobia, Murder, Suicide, and Death of parent
Minor: Sexual violence
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