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The Winter Sea
The Winter Sea
Author: Susanna Kearsley
Carrie McClelland can't hit the right note for her next novel but an unplanned detour, and a stop at the castle that inspired Count Dracula, sets her on a different path; a path that takes her back exactly 300 years, to that same castle, and to a rebellion doomed to failure. Alternating between the contemporary setting and the past, The Winter S...  more »
ISBN-13: 9780749007409
ISBN-10: 0749007400
Publication Date: 4/28/2009
Pages: 528
Rating:
  • Currently 4.5/5 Stars.
 12

4.5 stars, based on 12 ratings
Publisher: Georgetown Publications
Book Type: Paperback
Other Versions: Hardcover, Audio CD
Members Wishing: 24
Reviews: Member | Amazon | Write a Review

Top Member Book Reviews

AZmom875 avatar reviewed The Winter Sea on + 624 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 4
I feel like this books description is misleading. "When the boundary between past and present begins to blur, Carrie finds herself channeling memories not her own. Pulled deeper and deeper into the memories of the past, Carrie realizes these visions are more than the means to another bestselling novel, but also a way to right the wrongs of the past and create a future with the man whose love is her destiny"

Even the front cover reads" when she can no longer tell the difference between today and centuries ago, he's the only one who can reveal the secrets of time"

What? and the back cover stating ... the ultimate betrayal that happened all those years ago, and the knowledge that comes very close to destroying her.

SERIOUSLY the book is just not that mystical, and surreal. Our main character, Carrie does not lose herself and cant distinguish present from past. What does happen is Carrie is a writer who gets so sucked up in to her story, that the does what many writers do. So she writes for a long time and doesnt eat or drink or shower etc.

The author, Susanana kearsley, suggests in this fictious novel that It is very likely that Carrie, has deep in her DNA ancestoral memories that are helping her write what was supposed to be the characters work of fiction. But as our Character Carrie begins to write, and research, she finds that what is she writes can be backed up by true events in history. Nice idea, I find it believable.

This book will teach you more than you can even care to remember about history. But will do it in a way that will make some sense. There is a romance in the present and the past.
A very likeable story, some good history lessons. It is long over 500 pages, but will read fast if you can get through some of the history lessons.

I was kinda expecting more the mystical blurring of past and present, kinda a time travel thing. It worked out fine without that mystical stuff, but I was lead to believe that there might be more mystery, betrayal, and near destruction of our main character Carrie.
reviewed The Winter Sea on + 4 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 3
Awesome book and so well written. I read this title in two days . I loved the history along with the characters and could almost Imagine myself in Scotland by the sea.
reviewed The Winter Sea on + 112 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 3
I found this book at the library because I've been searching for more of Suanna Kearsley books ever since I picked up "Named of the Dragon" at the Border's book store in Singapore in 2000. From the looks of it, she does not churn out a new book every yera - probably one reason they were so hard to find here in the US. But her stories reflect the more detailed and thoughtful writing style. Many liken her style to Mary Stewart, but I don't think thay are a gothic nor inmured in as many moldy castle.

As for this book. You won't regret spending the time if you like a little history with your fiction. There is no murder, mayhem, or stereotypical villian. You will find a great group of supporting characters who live in a idealistic Scottish village off the blustery coast of Scotland, that played an important part in one of England's never-ending but less well known royal succession plots. Even the modern heroine plays second fiddle to her book's narrator-ancestoress' life in 1708 inside the nearby Slains Castle.
bookzealot avatar reviewed The Winter Sea on
Helpful Score: 2
Given the "romancy" nature of this book, I would not have picked it up but for recommendations of those I trust. Well, they were right. It's a wonderful book.

The book features a present-day best-selling historical fiction author who visits Scotland to write about the failed 1708 Jacobite uprising. The book alternates seamlessly between the present-day story and the historical story, both of which I found highly engaging. In general, a very nice blend of historical fiction and romance.
reviewed The Winter Sea on + 204 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Beautiful story about past life memories and a nice romance. Not a sexy book, this author is for all readers. A good historical novel if you like that sort of thing.

"Susanna Kearsley's writing has been compared to Mary Stewart, Daphne du Maurier, and Diana Gabaldon."

I would say these comparisons are very loosely drawn. Mary Stewart wrote of magic and fantasy. Daphne wrote with a twisty ending. DG writes w beauty and depth. The only real comparison to DG is that the narrater is a female lead character telling the story.
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reviewed The Winter Sea on + 2 more book reviews
I love all things related to Scotland and this book does not disappoint! I do enjoy learning more about the history and this story is a wonderful mix of current and historical characters.
reviewed The Winter Sea on + 57 more book reviews
I love this author. It is not possible for her to write a bad book. I have read everything she's written, and this is probably my favorite. It's so intriguing, and has a wonderful ending. This story is beautiful, romantic, magical, everything you want in a great read.


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