The House By The Sea

*The Top 10 Bestseller* 'A tender, heart-breaking, page-turning read' Rachel Hore 'The perfect combination of page-turning thriller and deeply emotional family story. Superb.’ Nicola Cornick The new chilling and captivating novel from the bestselling author of Richard & Judy pick The Secrets Between Us. When Edie’s mother-in-law, Anna DeLuca, dies, she is relieved. Edie blames Anna for the accident that destroyed her family. So, when her will lures Edie to Sicily and the long-abandoned Villa della Madonna del Mare, she sees through Anna’s games. Suspecting Anna is meddling from beyond the grave to try to reunite her and her ex-husband Joe, Edie is determined to leave Italy as soon as possible. But before she can, the villa starts to shed its mysterious secrets. Who are the girls beside Anna in her childhood photos, and why has one of them been scratched out? Why does someone, or something, want them to leave the past untouched? The villa is a place where old ghosts feel at home, but does their legacy need to be laid to rest before Edie and Joe can move on... Bestselling author Louise Douglas returns with a captivating, chilling and unforgettable tale of betrayal, jealousy and the mysteries hidden in every family history. Praise for Louise Douglas: ‘Kept me guessing until the last few pages and the explosive ending took my breath away.' C.L. Taylor, author of The Accident on Your Beautiful Lies ‘Beautifully written, chillingly atmospheric and utterly compelling, The Secret by the Lake is Louise Douglas at her brilliant best’ Tammy Cohen, author of The Broken ‘A master of her craft, Louise Douglas ratchets up the tension in this haunting and exquisitely written tale of buried secrets and past tragedy.’ Amanda Jennings, author of Sworn Secret ‘A clammy, atmospheric and suspenseful novel, it builds in tension all the way through to the startling final pages.’ Sunday Express, S Magazine What readers are saying about The House By The Sea: 'The House by the Sea is a new favorite book of mine! I adored the heck out of this book and I'm so glad I read it' 'This book entirely consumed me from its opening pages until I reluctantly reached the final page.' 'I really loved this book – it’s an enthralling story, haunting in its every detail, so beautifully written. The character development is quite exceptional – and the whole book had an unforgettable impact. Highly, highly recommended.' 'Beautifully written tale filled with suspense and intrigue. Louise Douglas always gets the thumbs up from me.' 'Definite page turner! Well written with a good use of vocabulary. Kept me on the edge of my seat.' 'Douglas is a master storyteller and really kept my attention from the start. I enjoyed the mysterious component and the suspenseful romance in the story. I highly recommend this book.' 'Beautifully written, I was transported to Sicily and swept up in the story of Edie and Joe'

A tale spanning four decades and ranging from the Tuscan countryside to the English coast reveals how the power of love can heal loss and endure the test of time.

A moving and mysterious tale of love and forgiveness, spanning four decades and sweeping from the Italian countryside to the English coast. From international bestselling author Santa Montefiore, whose books have sold more than six million copies worldwide. Ten-year-old Floriana dreams of a better life. Abandoned by her mother and living with her alcoholic father, she finds solace in the beauty of the magnificent Tuscan villa that overlooks the sea just outside her small village. When Dante, the son of the town’s most powerful businessman, catches her spying from the crumbling wall, he invites her inside the garden. Even though the two are from opposite worlds, they form a fast friendship that blossoms into romance. But what they don’t realize is that there are other forces working to keep them apart. Decades later and hundreds of miles away, a beautiful old country house hotel on England’s Devon coast has fallen on hard times after the financial crash of 2008. Desperate to bring in business, Marina, the hotel’s owner, advertises for an artist to stay the summer and teach the guests how to paint. The man she hires is handsome and charismatic and soon begins to transform the fortunes of the hotel. But as the summer wears on, his presence also brings up secrets long buried in the past. Spanning time and continents, The House by the Sea is an unforgettable novel about the enduring ties of family and the power of love to mend broken hearts.

A NEW YORK TIMES, USA TODAY, and WASHINGTON POST BESTSELLER! A 2021 Alex Award winner! The 2021 RUSA Reading List: Fantasy Winner! An Indie Next Pick! One of Publishers Weekly's "Most Anticipated Books of Spring 2020" One of Book Riot’s “20 Must-Read Feel-Good Fantasies” Lambda Literary Award-winning author TJ Klune’s bestselling, breakout contemporary fantasy that's "1984 meets The Umbrella Academy with a pinch of Douglas Adams thrown in." (Gail Carriger) Linus Baker is a by-the-book case worker in the Department in Charge of Magical Youth. He's tasked with determining whether six dangerous magical children are likely to bring about the end of the world. Arthur Parnassus is the master of the orphanage. He would do anything to keep the children safe, even if it means the world will burn. And his secrets will come to light. The House in the Cerulean Sea is an enchanting love story, masterfully told, about the profound experience of discovering an unlikely family in an unexpected place—and realizing that family is yours. "1984 meets The Umbrella Academy with a pinch of Douglas Adams thrown in." —Gail Carriger, New York Times bestselling author of Soulless At the Publisher's request, this title is being sold without Digital Rights Management Software (DRM) applied.

Author and renowned designer Bunny Williams has been at the top of the interior design world for more than 40 years. Her new book invites readers to explore La Colina, Williams’s lovely Caribbean retreat tucked into lush, tropical gardens by the sea. The book explores every facet of the property—from outdoor rooms and garden plantings and design to the delightful, island-living luxury of the villa’s interiors, furnishings, and collections. Woven into each chapter are essays written by friends who have visited the property: Gil Schafer details the villa’s architecture; Page Dickey tours the gardens; Roxana Robinson offers a peek at a weekend stay; Angus Wilkie discusses the delights of collecting; and Jane Garmey revels in the pleasures of cooking, food, and friends. Also available from Bunny Williams: An Affair with a House and Bunny Williams On Garden Style.

The author and poet’s graceful elegy about life, love, work, and growing older: “The most moving and the most thoughtful [of her] journal-memoirs” (The Plain Dealer, Cleveland). When May Sarton uprooted her life after fifteen years in the refurbished New Hampshire house with the garden she tended so lovingly, she relied solely on instinct. And something told her it was time to move on. Accompanied by her wild cat, Bramble, and Tamas, a Shetland shepherd puppy—the first dog she ever owned—Sarton embarked on the next chapter of her life. The house she chose by the sea in the Maine village of York is completely isolated except during the summer months. Surrounded by nothing but endless ocean, woods, and vast skies, Sarton experiences a rare sense of peace. She creates a new garden and fears that in this tranquil state, she may never write again. But in her solitude—with its occasional interruptions for trips away and visits from friends—she realizes that creativity is constantly renewing itself. This journal offers fascinating insight into a remarkable woman and the work and friendships that form the twin pillars of her life. This ebook features an extended biography of May Sarton.

The story of a middle aged and lonely woman who inherits some money and buys a house by the sea in Cornwall. Here she seeks to be herself and encounters an American soldier.

Forensic archeologist, Dr. Ruth Galloway is back--this time investigating a gruesome World War II war crime.

Ruth and her husband move into a dilapidated old vicarage on a stunning island in the Outer Hebrides and set about turning the unloved house into a family home. Ruth's much-needed stability is threatened when they discover the remains of a baby buried beneath the house, its legs fused together into one limb - a mermaid child. When Ruth researches the history of the house, she uncovers the heart-breaking story of Reverend Alexander Ferguson, an amateur evolutionary scientist.

FROM THE NUMBER ONE BESTSELLING AUTHOR A sweeping story of love that stretches across the years The war has ended and Rita Fairweather is waiting for George Bolton, her childhood sweetheart, to return home to Devon. She wants their future to be a continuing reassurance of their past. But George comes back as a man changed by the horrors he has experienced. Unable to settle back into a small-town life, George decides to travel to Argentina. And Rita promises to wait. But George faces irresistible temptation and an agonising choice. As the years pass, Rita keeps her word... but how long should she wait for the love of her life? ***PRAISE FOR SANTA MONTEFIORE*** ‘Nobody does epic romance like Santa Montefiore’ JOJO MOYES ‘An enchanting read overflowing with deliciously poignant moments’ DINAH JEFFERIES on Songs of Love and War ‘Santa Montefiore hits the spot for my like few other writers’ SARRA MANNING ‘One of our personal favourites’ THE TIMES on The Last Secret of the Deverills ‘Accomplished and poetic’ Daily Mail ‘Santa Montefiore is a marvel’ Sunday Express

The architect Klaus Lehmann loves his wife, Elsa, with a passion that continues throughout their married life, despite long periods of separation. Almost half a century after Lehmann's death in the village of Steerborough, a young woman, Lily, arrives to research his life and work. Poring over Klaus's letters to Elsa, Lily pieces together the story of their lives. And alone in her rented cottage by the sea, she begins to sense an absence in her own life that may not be filled by simply going home.

Fisherman Sam McFinn moves into a little house by the sea with his dog, Jock. Nobody has lived there for a long time, but the house is home to lots of others - sheep, sparrows, rabbits, mice and a stray cat. What will happen to them when a human wants to live there too? They needn't worry, as all are welcome. Sam and Jock are soon used to their new home, and go out every day to catch fish. They also take people on a trip to Smuggler's Island. Join them as they head to the island and spot seals, seagulls, puffins and arrive at the Smuggler's Cave, where Sam tells them stories of pirates and treasure.

From the attic of Driftwood House there are stunning views of the deep green sea and sapphire sky. But Rosie can’t tear her eyes away from the faded photograph in her hands, and the words written on the back that will change everything… Back in the tiny seaside village of Heaven’s Cove after the death of her mother, all Rosie Merchant wants is to hide her tears, rent out her childhood home, and get back to her ‘real’ life, away from the gossiping villagers and wild Devon weather she escaped from years ago. She’s surprised to find a smiling man in hiking boots – local farmer Liam – waiting on the stone doorstep. His kind offer to help clear crumbling, isolated Driftwood House is hard to refuse, and despite Rosie’s determination not to let anyone get close, soon they’re walking and laughing together along the clifftops. As clouds scud across the endless sky and green waves crash against the shore, Rosie is reminded that nowhere is more beautiful than home. Then, up in the attic of Driftwood House, Rosie stumbles across a photo which exposes the heart-stopping truth about how her mother came to live at Driftwood House years ago… and Liam only seems concerned about the implications for his own nearby farm. Did he know this painful secret all along, and should she run from Heaven’s Cove for good? Or will facing up to her devastating family history mean Rosie can finally put down roots in this beautiful place? This book can be enjoyed as a standalone. Get whisked away to the rugged, sweeping Devon coastline in this gripping story about old secrets, learning how to trust, and finding where home is. Fans of Debbie Macomber, Barbara O’Neal and Mary Alice Monroe will adore this gorgeous and uplifting read. Read what everyone’s saying about Secrets at the Last House Before the Sea: ‘Wow, wow, wow!!!! I absolutely loved this book!!!... I was captivated… The tears began flowing before I got to the end of the first chapter… my heart literally broke… wonderful… stunning… kept me hooked until the very last word… Loved, loved, loved it!!!’ Stardust Book Reviews, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Captivating and heart-warming… A perfect summer read… I was absolutely hooked from page one until 1.30am in the morning when I finished having not been able to put it down.’ Bookworm1986, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Absolutely breathtaking! From the first chapter, I was hooked and loved every moment… truly a beautiful tale… outstanding.’ Cara's Book Boudoir, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Had me gripped and wanting more… I had to tear myself away from reading to head off to work… absolutely loved this book.’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Gorgeous… I was mesmerised… This is a story that keeps you guessing… beautiful… idyllic… fabulous… pure escapism, heart-warming, and left me with a smile on my face.’ Whispering Stories, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Liz Eeles whisked me away… vivid and gorgeous… amazing… exceptional… wonderful… delightful.’ Berit Talks Books ‘Put on the kettle for some tea and grab yourself a scone… because you are going to want to binge read Secrets at the Last House Before the Sea… gripping and emotional page-turner!’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘A wonderfully addictive read… I read this book in a day and would whole-heartedly recommend it.’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘This was a gem of a novel!... Beautiful characters in a beautiful story!’ Goodreads reviewer ‘A charming, cozy, uplifting book… absolutely loved.’ Goodreads reviewer

Some of the most architecturally beautiful houses grace the Pacific Coast of Mexico. The lighting, color and dramatic landscape make this a captivating book.

THE BRAND NEW NOVEL FROM THE NUMBER ONE BESTSELLING AUTHOR 'Nobody does epic romance like Santa Montefiore' JOJO MOYES Pure escapism on every page, The Distant Shores tells the story of a family torn apart, and the woman who will bring them back together. Margot Hart travels to Ireland to write a biography of the famous Deverill family. She knows she must speak to the current Lord Deverill – JP – if she is to uncover the secrets of the past. A notorious recluse, JP won’t be an easy man to crack. But Margot is determined – and she is not a woman who is easily put off. What she never expected was to form a close bond with JP and be drawn into his family disputes. Shouldering the blame for running up debts that forced him to sell the family castle, JP is isolated and vulnerable. With help from his handsome son Colm, it seems as though Margot might be the only one who can restore JP’s fortunes. Will the family ever succeed in healing rifts that have been centuries in the making? Praise for Santa Montefiore: 'An enchanting read, overflowing with deliciously poignant moments' DINAH JEFFERIES 'Santa Montefiore hits the spot for me like few other writers' SARRA MANNING 'One of our personal favourites' The Times ‘Funny, sad, poignant and heart-warming’ Choice Magazine

A spellbinding novel about marriage, passion, loss, renewal, and the healing power of love from the number one bestselling author of Songs of Love and War. Married couple, Miranda and David, move out of London into a beautiful country house with an idyllic garden. But reality turns out to be very different from their bucolic dream. Soon the latent unhappiness in the family begins to come to the surface, isolating each family member in a bubble of resentment and loneliness. Then a mysterious Frenchman arrives on their doorstep. With the wisdom of nature, he slowly begins to heal the past and the present. But who is he? When Miranda discovers his secret in the cottage by the garden, the whole family learns that a garden, like love itself, can restore the human spirit, not just season after season, but generation after generation. Wise and winsome, poignant and powerfully moving, The French Gardener combines the savvy of contemporary women's fiction with an old fashioned sensibility steeped in the importance of family and the magical power of love.

Something has always lived in Winthrop House... After his book becomes a best-seller, novelist Jack Ripley moves into a house on the edge of Cutler Harbor with his wife and two daughters. Nearly a century old, Winthrop House is newly-restored and boasts a gorgeous oceanfront view. But everything is not what it seems. Though picturesque, Jack learns that the house has been shunned for decades by the locals, owing to a number of mysterious disappearances and inexplicable deaths on the grounds. The Ripleys begin to grapple with the property's vile reputation, learning more about its sordid history and experiencing strange things within its walls. What was once a dream home quickly becomes a nightmare for the family as they encounter the terrifying presence that has existed there since times immemorial. A House By The Sea is a full-length novel of supernatural horror and suspense by Ambrose Ibsen.

A married couple, Carl and Linda Anderson, buy a house by the sea to spend their weekends. But one weekend Linda does not arrive at the house and Carl begins to worry. What has happened to her? Who is the taxi driver that follows Carl? And how much do the people in the village really know?

In a genre all her own, Sandy Gingras mixes prose, poetry and artwork to delight readers with witty observation, reflection, and a depth of feeling in her deceptively simple series of books. In a House by the Sea -- a collection of short essays, stories, prose and illustrated vignettes, inspired by a metaphorical beach house -- is about emotion and feeling as much as place, mood and memory as much as the beach. In the essay ''This is What Makes Me,'' she writes of being ''oriented in life by a beach (more emotional than geographic) that I keep walking on; a summer (more attitude than season) that I keep longing for.'' ''A is for Attitude'' offers a whimsical beach womans A-to-Z (A is for Away. Away, beach woman, away with you to the beach! You've had enough reality.). ''A Beach House -- What the Realtor Should Have Told You'' and ''What the Beach House is For'' remind us that what we really desire at the beach (or anywhere) can not be bought. This book is a sweet, gentle reminder that simplicity and happiness emerge from living in the moment, from finding beauty in one's surroundings and an awareness of the moods and feelings that make life whole.

BOOKER PRIZE WINNER • NATIONAL BESTSELLER • An “extraordinary meditation on mortality, grief, death, childhood and memory" (USA Today) about a middle-aged Irishman who has gone back to the seaside to grieve the loss of his wife. In this luminous novel, John Banville introduces us to Max Morden, a middle-aged Irishman who has gone back to the seaside town where he spent his summer holidays as a child to cope with the recent loss of his wife. It is also a return to the place where he met the Graces, the well-heeled family with whom he experienced the strange suddenness of both love and death for the first time. What Max comes to understand about the past, and about its indelible effects on him, is at the center of this elegiac, gorgeously written novel—among the finest we have had from this masterful writer.