The Sea Gate by Jane Johnson is an epic historical fiction that is full of intrigue, secrets and family drama. Its dual timeline and dual narration make for an incredible saga that will whisk you away to the beautiful shores of Cornwall. It is a well-written love story that will surprise and engage fans of the genre.
Title: The Sea GateAuthor: Jane Johnson
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Genres: Adult Fiction, Historical Fiction, Romance
Publication Date: November 17, 2020
Rating:
A broken family, a house of secrets—an entrancing tale of love and courage set during the Second World War.
After Rebecca’s mother dies, she must sort through her empty flat and come to terms with her loss. As she goes through her mother’s mail, she finds a handwritten envelope. In it is a letter that will change her life forever.
Olivia, her mother’s elderly cousin, needs help to save her beloved home. Rebecca immediately goes to visit Olivia in Cornwall only to find a house full of secrets—treasures in the attic and a mysterious tunnel leading from the cellar to the sea, and Olivia, nowhere to be found.
As it turns out, the old woman is stuck in hospital with no hope of being discharged until her house is made habitable again. Rebecca sets to work restoring the home to its former glory, but as she peels back the layers of paint and grime, she uncovers even more buried secrets—secrets from a time when the Second World War was raging, when Olivia was a young woman, and when both romance and danger lurked around every corner...
A sweeping and utterly spellbinding tale of a young woman’s courage in the face of war and the lengths to which she’ll go to protect those she loves against the most unexpected of enemies.
❃ I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. ❃
Review: The Sea Gate by Jane Johnson
This story takes place during WWII and present day at the mystical and dilapidated old house, Chynalls, in Cornwall. This house harbours so many mysterious and haunting stories that it really is a character on its own. There is even a resident parrot named Gabriel who adds quite a bit of humour to the very dramatic story with his profane language.
❀ Well-Developed and Enjoyable Characters
Both Becky and Olivia are well-developed characters that are enjoyable to read about. Becky has a very low self-esteem and the trip to Chynalls provides her with the opportunity to grow and become self aware. Her story is so wonderful to watch unfold because she gains so much from her experiences helping her cousin, Olivia. Olivia on the other hand, is a complete riot. She is a stubborn old woman who has really defied societal norms and is quite an inspirational character.
❀ A Beautiful Love Story
At the heart of the novel is a love story that is beautiful and intriguing, yet is doomed by the time period, family secrets, and betrayals. It is a captivating affair that is full of emotion and is heart-wrenching to read. There is even a mysterious element to this love affair that ties the whole novel together.
❀ A Must-Read
The Sea Gate by Jane Johnson is an epic tale that will captivate and sweep you off of your feet. A must-read story for historical fiction fans. I am looking forward to reading more of the author’s works.
About Jane Johnson
Jane Johnson is a novelist, historian, and publisher. She is the UK editor for George R.R. Martin, Dean Koontz, and others. She has written several novels for adults and children, including the bestselling novel The Tenth Gift. Writing under the pen name Jude Fisher, she has written the companion books to Peter Jackson’s Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit movie trilogies. Jane is married to a Berber chef she met while climbing in Morocco. She divides her time between London, Cornwall, and the Anti-Atlas Mountains.
About Lori
Avid reader. Contributor to The Candid Cover. Educator.
I’m gonna add this to my wishlist ASAP!
Stephanie @ Bookfever recently posted…2021 New Release Challenge
I hope that you love it as much as I did, Stephanie!
That cover is GORGEOUS. I really love it. And then I read the blurb and was even more intrigued. It sounded so good. I love books where the story goes back and forth in time revealing secrets. Your review is what has me really wanting to read it, though!
It is such a wonderful book! I hope that you enjoy it if you do give it a try. 🙂
Five stars Lori! Wow that must have been a hell of a read! And I llove historical fiction revolving around WWII
This one really pulled me back into the genre! Definitely one to watch for!
I love that cover, it’s so moody!
It really is!
This book sounds like it has everything I love! Thanks for sharing, definitely adding to my TBR!
I hope that you find it enjoyable, too!
I love Cornwall, it’s such a beautiful yet brooding setting. Thanks for sharing!
Heather recently posted…The Sunday Post – 6th December 2020
Yes!! It is the perfect setting!
The cover is beautiful! I haven’t read a historical fiction in a long time, but this sounds good.
It really sucked me back into the genre!
I always enjoy finding a new author!
Same! This is one to watch!
Sounds like a good read.
Looks like a great book!
This sounds like a really good story. I need to add it to my wishlist.
This sounds like a really great book.
This looks like another story I would enjoy! Thanks for the recommendation!
Sounds like a great book, thanks for sharing your review and have a sunshiny day!
This book sounds very intriguing. I love the cover.