The Winter Sea (original 2008; edition 2010)

I don't think I can't not enjoy a book set in this area of the world. Just set a book along the coast of the UK or Ireland, and I will most probably like it. So as usual, the setting and characters charmed me.

I wish I would have read this in print because I lost track of who was who in the historical story line. Nonetheless, it was interesting to learn a bit of history from this era, even if I didn't pick up every detail. I enjoyed both story lines and was satisfied with the endings of both.

I thought the ancestral memory thing was cool; I liked how it was a plausible "real world" explanation for Carrie's channeling of the past.

I will probably read more from this author. ( )

Historical fiction about a woman's writing in Scotland through the eyes of a fictional writer. What I really loved about this book was the depth the author delved into the writing process or I should say the creative process. I had some trouble following the history and found it a little dull, but that's more from interest than from the writing. ( )

I read this book on the recommendation of a TBR read, and am so glad that I did! The book brings historical fiction to a wonderous level and I have a renewed respect for authors that dive into this genre. While the first part of the book didn't grab me right away, once I hit about a third of the way through, I couldn't stop and continued until I finished the book.

The story takes place in a back and forth setting between present day and that of 1708. Carrie McClelland is a writer who is moved by Slains Castle, a location she inadvertently travels to in Scotland. She decides to work from there and is amazed to find herself writing at lightening speed as the character in her book seems to speak to her. What she experiences is never really called time travel, but it sure has every element of it. Carrie's writing mirrors the events that happen in 1708, and her own life starts to take on elements of it as well.

The only thing I really struggled with was Sophia's character in some parts. Overall, I saw her as a strong, independent woman, who was deeply connected to people (Countess, Moray, Kirsty, Anne). Yet, the almost ending and leaving her child? I suppose some could say it's the true act of a selfless parent, while I am surprised she was able to do it. Just didn't seem to make sense.

Overall, I loved it. The "inside look" at a writer's research was fascinating, and I loved the setting. I'll be looking forward to read other books by Susanna Kearsley. ( )

Enjoyable romance but much more enjoyable history lesson. The romantic story arcs (both of them) were pretty predictable. The real strength here was in the characters- each distinct, each believable. I dug it but was not transported. ( )

Carrie McClelland is an author struggling with writer's block. She heads for Scotland for some alone time to try to work through it. When she arrives, she is immediately attracted to Slains Castle and decides to use it in her book.

In 1708, Sophia Paterson finds herself at Slains Castle as well. She finds herself mixed up in a Jacobite rebellion and falls in love with one of the soldiers.

I know, that's pathetic, but it's been ***coughcoughalmostayearcoughcough*** since I read this. I loved it so much that I did want to get some sort of review down.

I love Scotland. I haven't been, but I think that will be our next European vacation. I'm just dying to go. I don't actually read all that many stories set there, I think because I don't want to get sick of it. It just seems so beautiful, so different, yet so familiar. There's a reason so many Scots settled in the Southern Appalachians--they were reminded of home. It works both ways now.

Anyway, I read this on our cruise last year, and even though I was bathed in sunlight on the Caribbean, my mind was totally lost to the coolness and mist of Scotland.

I liked both stories equally, which is pretty rare. I usually read through one story just waiting to get back to the one that I'm really interested in, but I was happy just going back and forth between Carrie and Sophia.

I liked Graham and John Moray. They are both handsome, solid, dependable men. With Scottish accents. What's not to love?

The ending has a twist that I did see coming from pretty far away. My mom read this around the same time I did and it caught her completely off guard. We were both happy with it though.

So, my review does not have the most details, but if you only take away one thing, it should be this: when you're looking for a romantic, atmospheric Scottish book, pick this one up. I really, really liked it. ( )