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For thirty-five-year-old Tess Patterson, the legend is more than folklore; it’s proof of life’s magic. A hopeless romantic who is profoundly connected to the ocean in which she lost her mother, Tess ekes out a living as a wood-carver and longs to find a love as mystical as the sea. But when she’s hired to carve the commemorative mermaid sculpture for the coming festival, a chance to win the town’s elusive acceptance might finally be in her grasp.
For Tom Grace, life’s magic was lost at eighteen, when the death of his parents left him to care for his reckless brother, Dean. Now thirty-five and the new owner of Cradle Harbor’s prized lightkeeper’s house, Tom hopes the quiet town will calm Dean’s self-destructive ways. But when Tom discovers Tess working on her sculpture, an unlikely and passionate affair ignites between them that just might be the stuff of legend itself—even as it brings to the surface a long-buried secret that could tear everything apart.
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Is there a better backdrop for a story than the ocean, beaches, lighthouses and mermaids? I think not! Erika Marks brings to life a story of The Mermaid Mutiny of 1888 to life with Lydia and Linus Harris. Linus is the lighthouse keeper in Cradle Harbor, Maine in 1887. Together they are simply a young couple setting up a home and hoping to start a family. When an unfathomable event occurs---changes everything for this couple and the town.
A century later, the legend of Lydia and Linus lives on and is celebrated with a Mermaid Festival. For Tess Patterson this is a magical time. Tess is a local artist who recently was commissioned to make a mermaid wood carved statue for the town.
Tess is looking for acceptance from the townspeople with their noses in the air. Whereas Tom Grace (new in town) isn't looking to please the community of Cradle Harbor. He just wants a fresh start for himself and younger brother, Dean.
Tom and Tess make the perfect couple, but is their desire to change their pasts going to doom their future?
I LOVED The Mermaid Collector! I had begun reading it the day before my dad passed away and finished it the week after his funeral. As I read the last few chapters, I couldn't put The Mermaid Collector down. Not only was this a fantastically written story, but Marks wrote with such truth. As I read at 3am in the morning tears fell.
Erika Marks did an amazing job of weaving the two stories together. I was completely taken in with Lydia's story. You get tid bits along the way, so you get an idea of how it will end---yet as it draws to a close you want a different ending! I just couldn't accept that was how it was going to end.
As I read about Tess & Tom I just kept wanting them to let go of their past--knowing you hinder your future if you are always looking backwards.
The only thing that could have made this a better read was if I could have read it on a New England beach, with a hot tea, wearing a cable knit sweater with the background sound of waves crashing and the tingling sounds of wind chimes.
An absolute perfect fall read! I highly recommend THE MERMAID COLLECTOR!
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.I received the book for free through Goodreads First Reads
Wow The mermaid Collector was a pleasantly delightful read. The read was light, heartwarming, sad, happy and magical. I managed to finish the book in just a day because I couldn't find myself able to put it down.
I love the way the author did the parallel time difference to show the readers were the mermaid legend originated at that town, it flowed smoothly with the current story line. The characters were interesting, the battles that they fought from losing a death one at an early age, to alcoholism to disorders made their stories unique in their struggles. Dealing with relationship between Tess and Buzz, Tess and the town, and two very different brothers.
The book was written very well, and I loved it. It touched on things and different perspectives. As sad as the Lydia story turned out, i almost ache for more. I will be looking forward to other books written by this author.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted May 17, 2013
Great second novel from an up-and-coming novelist. Marks writes beautifully and brings the Maine landscape to life.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted March 26, 2013
Nodded to him"thanks"
0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.shanbritts
Posted November 30, 2012
Excellent book, I love it
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Overview
For thirty-five-year-old Tess Patterson, the legend is more than ...