The Winter Sea

by Susanna Kearsley
The Winter Sea cover
Good Books rating 4.42
Historical Fiction
Technical:
  • ID: 1566
  • Added: 2025-10-08
  • Updated: 2025-10-08
  • ISBN: 9781982156749
  • Publisher: Simon & Schuster
  • Published: 2021-01-05
  • Formats: 7
  • Reviews: 3
Buy online
Waterstones
Paperback • £8.99
Bookshop
Format • £8.54

In the present day, Carrie McClelland finds inspiration for her novel about the Jacobite uprising in the evocative ruins of Slains Castle in Cruden Bay, Scotland. As she writes, she discovers that her story about Sophia Paterson, an ancestor, seems to be filled with details she never researched, leading her to question if she's experiencing ancestral memory. The novel intertwines Carrie's present-day journey with Sophia's dangerous past, filled with forbidden love and political intrigue. As Carrie delves deeper into Sophia's story, she uncovers a tale of betrayal and heartbreak that could change her understanding of her own past. The Winter Sea is a captivating blend of historical fiction and contemporary storytelling, exploring themes of love, memory, and the power of the past to influence the present. Susanna Kearsley's vivid prose brings the Scottish landscape to life, creating a rich and immersive reading experience that will appeal to fans of time-slip novels and historical romance.

Reviews
Well Read Tart · 2024-07-17
captivating 4.50

The book is praised for its captivating and richly detailed historical fiction, set on the Scottish coast and centered around the Jacobite rebellion. The reviewer appreciates the immersive atmosphere and the blend of past and present narratives.

The reviewer at Well Read Tart is enchanted by the detailed and immersive setting of The Winter Sea, which beautifully blends historical fiction with a modern narrative. They particularly enjoy the richly described Scottish coast and the intriguing connection between the past and present. The reviewer finds the story captivating and well-crafted, making it a compelling read for fans of historical fiction.

Quick quotes

    Captivating and richly detailed historical fiction about a novelist on the Scottish coast writing about 1700s Jacobites in Slains Castle.

    The blend of past and present narratives is seamlessly executed, adding depth and intrigue to the story.

    The Winter Sea is a masterclass in historical fiction, with vivid descriptions and a compelling plot.

The Bookworm Chronicles · 2023-10-24
beautifully written 4.00

The book is described as a beautifully written tale of family, love, and loss, with a focus on the forgotten 1708 Jacobite plot. The reviewer appreciates the emotional depth and historical richness of the story.

The reviewer from The Bookworm Chronicles finds The Winter Sea to be a beautifully written novel that explores themes of family, love, and loss. They are particularly moved by the emotional depth of the characters and the historical context of the 1708 Jacobite plot. The reviewer appreciates how the story weaves together different timelines, creating a rich and engaging narrative that resonates with readers.

Quick quotes

    A beautifully written tale of family, love, loss and the forgotten 1708 Jacobite plot.

    The emotional depth of the characters is truly captivating.

    The historical context adds a layer of richness to the story, making it a compelling read.

Fictionophile · 2021-05-24
hauntingly beautiful 4.75

The book is praised for its dual-timeline historical love story that evokes deep emotions. The reviewer highlights the connection between the timelines and the emotional impact of the story.

The reviewer at Fictionophile is deeply moved by The Winter Sea, describing it as a dual-timeline historical love story that stirs the emotions. They appreciate the connection between the timelines, which adds a layer of complexity and depth to the narrative. The reviewer finds the story to be hauntingly beautiful, with a powerful emotional impact that resonates long after the last page.

Quick quotes

    A dual-time line historical love story that cannot fail to stir your emotions.

    Separated by three hundred years, the timelines evoke the connection of people across time.

    The story is hauntingly beautiful, with a powerful emotional impact.

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