Book and Audio Review: The Winter Seas by Susanna Kearsley

The Winter Sea
Author: Susanna Kearsley

Narrator: Rosalyn Landor
Publication: Sourcebooks Landmark; Reprint edition (December 1, 2010)

Description: A hauntingly beautiful tale of love that transcends time: an American writer travels to Scotland to craft a novel about the Jacobite Rebellion, only to discover her own ancestral memories of that torrid moment in Scottish history...

In the spring of 1708, an invading Jacobite fleet of French and Scottish soldiers nearly succeeded in landing the exiled James Stewart in Scotland to reclaim his crown. When young Sophia Paterson travels to Slains Castle by the sea, she finds herself in the midst of the dangerous intrigue.

Now, Carrie McClelland hopes to turn that story into her next bestselling novel. Settling herself in the shadow of that historic Scottish castle, she starts to write. But when she discovers her novel is more fact than fiction, Carrie wonders if she might be the only living person who knows the truth—the ultimate betrayal—that happened all those years ago.

A sweeping historical fantasy of love, danger, and time travel, Susanna Kearsley masterfully weaves Scotland's past into Carrie's present in this stunning book.

My Thoughts: This was another wonderful love story by Susanna Kearsley. Author Carrie McClelland has come to Scotland to discuss her new book with her agent. But an unexpected detour on the road makes for a detour in the plot of her story and in her life too.

Carrie was intending to write about the 1708 failed Jacobite attempt to restore the exiled James Stewart to his throne. When she sees Slains Castle, she knows that she has to change the focus of her story. She needs a new main character and names her for an ancestor of hers. Little does she know that she is channeling genetic memory as she writes about her ancestor's life and love.

Meanwhile, Carrie is having a romance of her own with the son of her new landlord. Graham is a lecturer in history at the University in Aberdeen. But Carrie first met his brother Stuart on the airplane when she came from France and he would like a relationship with her too.

I loved the way the story switched back and forth from 1708 to the present and the way the stories paralleled each other. The writing was lyrical and very emotional. Some things brought me to tears despite having read the second book about Slains Castle first and knowing what the author had in store for these characters.

I really enjoyed the narration by Rosalyn Landor who deftly handled the accents and the emotions of this story. I can easily see that this will be a book to reread and savor again and again.

Favorite Quote:

"For if there was no winter, we could never hope for spring." His eyes were warm on hers, and wise. "The spring will come." He paused, then in that same sure tone he said, "and so will he."

I bought the Kindle copy Dec. 29, 2012 and audiobook this October. You can buy your copy here.