The Winter Sea

By Susanna Kearsley

*NATIONAL BESTSELLER

A haunting tale of love across time perfect for fans of Diana Gabaldon’s Outlander series—from New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author Susanna Kearsley.

1707. The walls of Slains castle shelter Jacobite rebels, who are conspiring to sail the young, exiled James Stewart from France into Scotland to reclaim his crown—and a young woman caught up in their plot.

Present day. Writer Carrie McClelland is enchanted by an impromptu trip to Cruden Bay, Scotland, and decides to settle in the tiny village, hoping to find inspiration for her novel about the Jacobite uprising in the area’s evocative past—and in the haunting ruins of the castle.

She creates a heroine named after one of her own ancestors, Sophia Paterson, and quickly finds the words flowing, almost faster than she can write them down. But, discovering that her novel inexplicably contains more fact than she can remember researching, Carrie wonders if she could possibly be dealing with ancestral memory—in effect “recalling” what her ancestor lived.

The only way to discover the truth is to continue writing and to bring to light the whole of Sophia’s story. With each new chapter, Carrie uncovers the tale of an innocent entangled in a dangerous enterprise, the secret of forbidden love, and the final betrayal that cost James his throne—and may cost Sophia her heart.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Simon & Schuster
• Release date: Jan 5, 2021
• ISBN: 9781982156756

Susanna Kearsley

New York Times, USA TODAY, and Globe and Mail bestselling author Susanna Kearsley is a former museum curator who loves restoring the lost voices of real people to the page, often in twin-stranded stories that interweave present and past. Her award-winning novels are published in translation in more than twenty-five countries. She lives near Toronto. Visit her at SusannaKearsley.com or follow her on Twitter @SusannaKearsley.

Reviews for The Winter Sea

[mbmackay · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This was an interesting read - historical fiction with a innovative twist. The book is written in two parts - the story of an author writing an historical fiction novel, and the actual historical fiction. The two are woven together neatly - more about the author initially, and gradually becoming more of the historical fiction. I thought it was very well done. There is a very slight fantasy/timetravel aspect which added to the story telling. There is also a slight Mills and Boon-ish aspect to the romances, which suggested to me that elderly male readers may not the prime reader demographic, but I had no difficulty enjoying that part of the ride as well.While this volume is fine stand-alone book, I'll be looking for the other two volimes of the trilogy.

[anieva-1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Soooooo good! Thoughtful and light and lovely and heartbreaking in places. But a beautiful story.

[beverlyt_11 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

WOW!! This book was amazing. It had me hooked from the beginning. No book has EVER made me cry, and I cried three times during this one. The tie between the past and present, the turn of events, EVERYTHING, made this an absolute "must read." Historical fiction at its finest!!

[thelostentwife · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

I began The Winter Sea with expectations - which is not really that fair of me, I know... but I'd heard really great things about this book and was anxious to get into a historical story that contained magic, hunky men, and a historical story with depth. The last time I'd encountered this was while reading Diana Gabaldon's Outlander's series.I also wanted to give my mother a book she'd enjoy - since she has been lamenting the lack of new Gabaldon books lately.So my senses started tingling when I began Kearsley's story. It had all the right ingredients: mysterious men, the coast of Scotland, a researching writer, fantastic dialects ... what could go wrong?Folks - the very historical story that was so important held absolutely no pull for me. I'm almost crying thinking about it because I wanted it to be so good. I wanted to look forward to those sections of the book that had me hurtling back through time but it just did not work for me. At all. Instead, I found myself good and stuck in the present and, to my horror, starting to dread the forays back in time.So now that some time has passed, I am trying to figure out where it went wrong for me - and I think that the answer is, sadly, one of the main bits of glue that holds the whole thing together. Rather than a character traveling back in time, as featured in some of my favorite stories, the main character here merely experiences that time through the means of written word. So The Winter Sea did not work for me. I was hugely entertained by the modern setting and disappointed in the historical. It may work for you, but for me... I was hoping for something more.

[luli81_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

My first book by Kearsley which, I'm sure, won't be the last. The book has everything to engage: a mysterious setting (who can't resist an imposing Scottish castle hanging over the wild sea?), not one but two heroines, both of strong and independent will, historical facts mixed up with fiction, and, of course, with two women, there's two romances, elegantly and consistently developed. The plot: a writer, Carrie, who moves to Scotland to capture the essence of the character of her next novel, who is none the least than Carrie's Scottish ancestor back in the 1700's, Sophia. As Carrie starts writing, fiction and reality start to get blurred and she will have to face the fact that her novel is much more than a result of an awesome surge of inspiration... An easy reading, once you start, you'll be hooked in no time, so take care to get into it with some free time ahead because you'll feel the need to keep reading on and on until the last page is turned, ending in a satisfactory conclusion, which is a bit predictable but well crafted and delightfully written. I loved the way Kearsley managed to make both stories, the present and the past one, highly believable and how you got interested in both of them, neither the characters nor the subplots were neglected and you could see the historical facts had been well documented. Having read nothing about the Jacobites before I found the historical part really interesting and well linked with the present story.I was actually very sorry to let go of the characters when I finished the last page as I'm sure any reader would be because it's impossible not to care for them (and swoon a bit about some of them as well, those grey eyes of Moray will be with me for some time!!).All in all, a great summer reading: engaging plot, well developed characters and tasty romance, not too mushy and even believable! Don't miss it!

[kasthu_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Sophia's Secret (also known as The Winter Sea) is historical fiction, set in the present day and 1708 Scotland. In the present, Carrie McClelland is a bestselling author of historical fiction who’s having a bit of writer’s block, so she goes to Scotland to follow up with some of her research on the Scots invasion to recapture the throne of Scotland for James Stuart. Carrie chooses as her main character one of her ancestors, Sophia Paterson, a young woman who was deeply involved in the events of 1708. Carrie then finds that she begins channeling her ancestor’s memories, thus fuelling the writing of the novel, excerpts of which make up roughly half the book.I have to say that I’ve found a new favorite author! It’s a shame that the author’s books haven’t yet sold rights here in the States, because she’s an awesome writer (Kearsley says on her website that Mary Stewart is one of her favorite authors, not surprising considering that the two authors’ styles are so alike). This was literally one of those books that I couldn’t put down; the story is intriguing, as are the characters. Kearsley’s approach to historical fiction is unique, so important in a world where the historical fiction market has been glutted. In addition, Kearsley’s writing style is beautiful, and the reader truly gets sucked into the story. I’ve never been to Scotland, but this book makes me want to pay it a visit. I have another one of Kearsley’s novels, Mariana, on my TBR pile, begging to be read.

[kobooks · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I enjoyed this book so much that I could read it again. Beautifully written with enough romance to make your heart flutter (without all the sexual details) and contained an interesting piece of history that I felt I actually learned something. The story is set in Scotland near Slains Castle/Cruden Bay where Carrie arrives to work on her new novel. She decides to make the main character one of her ancestors who was from the area approx. 300 years ago. The scenes of her story seem to be revealed to her powerfully, as if she is remembering, and Carrie is able to verify the facts of it afterwards. She at first thinks it is coincidence but the fact/fiction line becomes a blur and she learns of something called genetic memory. I will say it is a weird but interesting concept and one that the author worked well into the story. The ending was wonderful and unexpected. Highly recommend!

[ren1mac · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I am drawn to novels that are written with a present and past story running concurrently. SK does this charmingly and drew me in right away. Some say it is slow, but if you've a love for Scotland or history, this book should delight you. The history of the Jacobites never fails to make me sad and wonder at the staggering number of 'what ifs' that surround their constant failure to take back their bonny Scotland from the 'wretched' English. SK also dies a charming job of the Doric accent of Jimmy and his two sons. Not sure about 'genetic memory', but love the idea of it! Who knows what travels through time to remain for those who can hear and what escapes our notice? Loved the book - highly recommend it!

[blodeuedd_1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Plot:Carrie McClelland is in France writing a story about the French-Jacobite invasion at Cruden Bay, but the story is not evolving so she comes to Scotland to put the pieces together. Here she is drawn to Slains Castle and stays in the nearby village to write. The words come by themselves and she soon realizes that it's not a story she is writing, but the truth.My thoughts:Genetic memory, now would that not be so cool. You could see the past from the eyes of your ancestors.This book is a two part book. First there is Carrie writing, and finding out how handsome both sons of her landlord is. So she is dealing with her own things, and falling in love. I do like romance. Then there is the book she is writing and we see history from Sophia Paterson's eyes. She is staying at Slains Castle by the grace of a distant relative. Scotland wants their true king back so there is a lot of politics and betrayal going on. And she falls in love in the midst of it all.Which story did I enjoy the most, for some reason Carrie and when she found her man. The Sophie parts were of course interesting, and it is an era I do not know much about. Sophie was also a very sweet heroine, and her man, him I really liked. Carrie's man was a bit more at peace. Anyway in the end I did like them all. And side characters like her landlord, he was a sweetheart. No horrible people in this book, I saw all sides of them.One thing I was not to keen about was something at the end, I felt, oh I can't say because then i will spoil things. I had just wanted one more thing, even if everything was all peachy anyway.My final thoughts and recommendation.A book for historical fans, and I know it is not time travel or anything, but hey close enough so something for everyone really since there is the contemporary parts too. I think is a 3,5 cos I would recommend it. It was a very interesting approach to seeing the past.I did have big fears at one time, this book does get really sad, and you know it from the start. But life has a way of turning out for the best in the end.Reason for reading:It sounded intersting

[jilljennings · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I came across this book as a freebie in my Amazon kindle unlimited subscription. And I am so glad that I did. I have always been a fan of reincarnated memories and "genetic memory," which is a subject that is dear to me. In The Winter Sea, the past comes to life, through an author's writing a book. As Carrie writes a book while staying in a rented cabin in Scotland, near Slains, an old ruin of a castle. While Carrie is writing, she is also remembering memories from her heroine, Sophia. She writes what comes to her mind, then finds out that what she is writing is historically accurate, contrary to her fiction genre she normally adheres to in her writing. Romance blooms and touches both the author and the heroine and brings a timeless tale of love lived through time back to life and in your face. A very well written novel that compares to Diana Gabaldon, Sara Donati and many other very-well known authors that truly touch the hearts and minds of their fans. I look forward to buying and reading every book by Susanna Kearsley.

[aliceoddcabinet · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

It took me a little while to find the rhythm of this book, as I'm not used to Historical Fiction about a period I'm not already familiar with. I usually stick to my Victorians, and Jacobites in early 18th Century Scotland aren't something I know much about. So there was a fair bit of backstory at the start, but not too much and it was handled pretty deftly. But as the story of a present-day historical novelist converges with the story of her ancestor who lived that history, the pace picks up and I found myself enraptured, and by the end I was quite moved. My own SF/F/Paranormal/Gothic Heart *really* wanted it to be ghostier or time-travelly. But asking questions about Genetic Memory is also interesting. And by that time, I was so involved in the characters and their stories there was no room for disappointment.

Recommended for readers of Historical Fiction and Romance, but don't expect too much steaminess here. More swooniness. And it's actually very hard to make me swoon. And Kearsley does it. I was swept away.

[bksgoddess · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Really enjoyed the historical part of this book--a great light read!

[readinggeek451 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Carolyn McClelland is writing a historical novel about the little-known Jacobite invasion of Scotland in 1708. She rents a cottage near the ruined castle of Slains which figures strongly in her narrative. There, she finds that the book seems to write itself. People, events, and details which she thought she invented turn out to have been true. Is she tapped into ancestral memories? And which of her landlord's sons is her own true love?A gentle, old-fashioned romance, with less suspense than some of Kearsley's novels, but well worth a read. Kearsley usually reminds me of Barbara Michaels; this one is more like Mary Stewart.

[reb922 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Carrie McClellan is a author researching material for her new book in France. While visiting her friend in Scotland she get the feeling that this is where he new story was meant to take place. The story Carrie beings to write is interwoven with Carries personal story in the current day. The Winter Sea is a well written historical novel with just the right mix of well researched historical facts and personal drama that make you feel part of the time and place if Scotland in the early 1700's.

[avidreaderlisa · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Its really hard to concentrate on packing away your bookshelves, we you find a fascinating book to read.

I love both stories in the book. The historical one and the modern one, she blended them so well it was easy to go from on to the other. I have heard several praises about her books from many people on this website, so I thought I would give one a try.

I wasn't disappointed in the least.

I am not giving away any details, because I think you should discover them on your own. I do have a favorite parts and I did get a little lost in the history, sort of makes me what to go do some research of my own.

[nwieme-1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Interesting. I know more about Scottish history than I did before I read this- some true, some fictionalized. BUT- when a book makes me look up references to other subjects- when I am intrigued by something within the book and search to read more- then I figure the author has done her job! Well done.

[sscarllet-1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

I'm a long time fan of Kearsley and I very much enjoyed this book. I love the entertwining story lines and how they interacted. I love the historical mystery aspect of it as well.

I'm just not sure why the child had to be left behind. That was just so sad for me and somehow the characters were ok with it.

[cariola_6 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

I wasn't quite sure what to expect of this book. The cover intrigued me, it was set in Scotland, and the present day main character is a writer of historical fiction, so I thought I'd give it a try. In the end, it was just OK--a bit too heavy on the romance for my taste. The novel centers around a young, successful writer who has gone to Scotland to do research for a new book that will be based on the life on one of her ancestors. Set in the 18th century and focused on the efforts to bring the Stuarts back to the throne of England, the novel shaped some of the more interesting chapters. The modern-day story involves two handsome Scottish brothers who both are attracted to Carrie, the writer. This I could definitely have done without, and I thought the concept of Carrie channeling the memories of her ancestor was also a bit of a stretch.

[theheronhouse · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Thank you Susanna Kearsley for getting me out of my book rut. Loved the double story, the historical detail and the lovely setting. Great read.

[hjjugovic · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

A lovely romance full of historical detail and sense of place. A love of Scotland really comes through.

[cfk_3 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

The Winter Sea is set in 18th Century Northern Scotland as well as the modern era. Kearsley links a contemporary writer of historical fiction with an ancestress who is involved in the efforts to bring King James to his throne. Because Kearsley's books are solidly set upon historical foundations, I find myself both caught up in the story while uncomfortably familiar with the historical outcome. True to the 'facts,' she still pulls off a truly satisfying end to her tale.

[eire2011 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Another wonderful book. Susanna has a way with words and seeming to bring characters to life. Full of intrigue, adventure and romance, it's one of my top favorites. Just when I think I've figured it out, another surprise appears. I can't wait to read more of her books!

[shuffy2_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Carrie knows how to weave a tale of fact and fiction, mixing historical narratives with imaginary characters upon a page but are they truly make-believe?Bestselling author, Carrie McClelland is writing a novel on the Jacobite Uprising of 1708. Originally, she thought France was the place to write it but from the moment she steps foot on the Scottish shore, her plans change. Will the exiled James Stewart be able to reclaim the English throne with the help of Scottish soldiers and spies? Carrie knows how history unfolded, thanks to her research, but upon writing she soon discovers her fictional musings are more than mere daydreams.It is two stories in one—present day and 1708—part historical fiction, part fantasy and part romance. I have read several books by the author and enjoy the journey she takes me through- try not to over analyze too much (genetic memory) and just enjoy the ride! As a history buff, who was looking forward to a light girlie read, this fit the bill. ((It also helps that I love Scotland and anything about the Jacobite rebellions))

[2lz · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This time travel novel is not a genre that I usually read, but I am glad that I did. The story alternates between the present and the past. It is an engaging work of historical fiction.

[judithrs · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

The Winter Sea. Susanna Kearsley. 2010. I don’t know when I have read such a romantic historical novel! Romance novels are not my usual choice, but I love European history, and the blurb on this book caught my eye. A successful young Canadian novelist visits her agent in Scotland and becomes interested in or is drawn to the ruins of Slains Castle on the coast. The more she finds out about it the more she wants to base her latest novel on the inhabitants of the castle who were involved with the 1708 attempt of the Scots and French to replace Queen Ann with the exiled James Stewart. Through her research Carrie leans that these Scots were her relatives and she feels an uncommon sense of deja vu. When she is not lost in of her landlord. So we have a modern romance based on an ancient one!

[wendytrim · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I loved this book! I must move to Scotland soon and find me a lad...

[aprilvirgo · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

LOVED this book! I loved the characters, the idea, the pace and the ability of the author to jump between the past and the present, truth and fiction. I hope Ms. Kearsley has written a lot more books because I can't wait to read them!

[dianaleez · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Reminiscent of women's fiction in the early 1960's - cliffs, isolated village, castle ruins, mystic elements. It's fun if that's what you're looking for.

[booklovers2 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Such a perfect blend of history and romance with a new concept I had never heard of before - "genetic memory" a perfect way to explain the knowing without the kookieness!

[beamis12 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I have been hearing about this books for months in different groups I belong to, everyone who has read it saying they have absolutely loved it. Finally read it and loved it too. Such an interesting mix of history, genealogy, present and past, and romance, as I read I became totally immersed in both stories.Wonderful characters and I appreciated the fact that the author included a postscript detailing exactly which characters and what part of the story was actually historical fact.