Thursday, April 03, 2014

Review: Seldom Come By by Sherryl Caulfield

Genre: Historical Fiction
Series: Iceberg Trilogy #1
Publication Date: 10th December 2013
Pages: 490
Book Source: From author for review

Synopsis: Two years after the sinking of the Titanic, fifteen year-old Rebeca Crowe’s fascination with icebergs leads her to save a shipwrecked survivor, Samuel Dalton, the nineteen-year old son of a Toronto medical family. 

Love sparks in the crystal cave of an iceberg but is thwarted by an unreasonable father and the Great War that drags Samuel and his brother, Matthew, to the Western Front as medical officers. Knowing Rebecca is home safe in Newfoundland brings Samuel great comfort. But as the war moves towards its final harrowing days, they both discover that tragedy and terror can strike anywhere, setting their love on an unforeseen path.

Only when Samuel and Rebecca can fully come to terms with such devastating loss and their impossible choices can their love soar. With an emotional intensity reminiscent of The Bronze Horseman, Seldom Come By, named after an actual place in Newfoundland, is an unforgettable journey across waves and time and the full spectrum of human emotions.

My Thoughts: 
I'm so happy I said yes to reading this beautiful story, it was everything promised and more, and the lovely Sherryl Caulfield is a local Brisbane author. Three of Sherryl's favourite authors are also mine, Diana Gabaldon, Sarah Donati and Paullina Simons ... big shoes to fill but Sherryl Caulfield proved more than up to the task and Seldom Come By stands very much on its own merit. It also reminded me of Gabriele Wills' Muskoka Trilogy, which I adored, set in the same era.  

Following the Crowe family of Second Chance Island, Newfoundland and the Dalton family of Toronto, Rebecca and Samuel's love story spans continents, the Great War, triumph and adversity ... it's a love that endures.  

There's so much to love; the scenery and icebergs of Newfoundland ... harsh, unforgiving, stark beauty. The severity of the Crowe family's life in sharp contrast to Rebecca's thirst for knowledge and enthusiasm for life. A wonderful blending of historical fact and mesmerising tale, lyrical prose, characters to love and loathe, with a tangible sense of hope throughout. 

Halfway through there is an event so shocking, so devastating I was completely overwhelmed with emotion and nausea, yes nausea, it felt that real. 

To be so completely transported and immersed in characters' lives is testament to an author's care and skill, and despite the heartache I loved every minute. 

Seldom Come By is an exquisite tale of love and loss, forgiveness and healing. 

I want need the next book NOW! 

Connect with Sherryl Caulfield
Website
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Purchase Seldom Come By
@Amazon
@B&N
@Kobi




21 comments:

  1. Ice berg, I am confused, oh well

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    1. Lol B, was I too vague with my review? Newfoundland ... icebergs ;)

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  2. I am definitely going to read this book Teddyree after reading your review. I've been seeking out a good historical read for some time recently and I am pleased to have found my next read!

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    1. Can't wait to hear what you think Karen, I haven't read anything set in Newfoundland so that was refreshing and the love story is definitely epic!

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  3. Replies
    1. Thanks for stopping by Julie ... it sure is and I can't wait for the 2nd installment!

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  4. Nice - Australian author and Canadian setting. I think I need to read this one. :)

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    1. Hope you love it as much as I did Chrystal!

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  5. I can see you are really enthused by this book, have put it on my wishlist, perhaps I should wait till all 3 books are out!

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    1. No evil cliffhanger Kathryn, the next book is about Rebecca & Samuel's daughter :)

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  6. I have this. Need to read it!!

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    1. get to it now Marg lol ... hope you love it too :)

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  7. Sounds pretty good - adding it to my list :)

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  8. :) hope you don't have to wait too long Felicia, it's a treasure!

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  9. Sounds like an interesting book, and I love the cover.

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    1. me too Ryan, the scenery descriptions are just as stunning as the cover

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  10. sounds like a terrific read that I would enjoy!!

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  11. Sounds interesting and anyone that likes Diana Gabaldon is ok with me.

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