A mixture of romance and historical fiction, this book was better than I expected, given that it was a free book that could be borrowed through Amazon Prime Reading. Alice washes ashore on Cornwall in England in 1943 after her ship from Africa is torpedoed. She's rescued by Viscount Jack Trewella and becomes involved in his group's aid to the French Resistance. The romance was pretty predictable, but the historical fiction is quite good, especially the representation of everyday life in Cornwall in wartime. Alice is a very likeable character with an unusual past. Be sure to read author Lindsay Jayne Ashford's afterword, where she explains the inspiration for the story, setting, and characters - some of whom are real people. ( )

A young nun, preparing to leave her order, is shipwrecked returning from Africa and rescued by a local lord. Better than it sounds with good historical background and character development ( )

Although more romantic than historical, "The House at Mermaid's Cove" was still an enjoyable read. I really liked Alice as a protagonist. She was compassionate and brave, willing to risk her life to save others. Jack was the same although he was more reserved. Both were struggling with their pasts but were willing to help the Resistance effort. However, my favourite character was little Ned - he was such a cute kid!

The lush, detailed descriptions of the Cornish cove brought the location alive. Even the old boathouse, where Alice lived, sounded appealing, especially when she was lying outside at night listening to the waves lap the shore and watching the blanket of stars above her. I also liked being immersed in the everyday life of the villagers - school, fishing, dances, festivals and clothes shopping.

A story of faith, survival and love, "The House at Mermaid's Cove" was a sweet novel that kept me engrossed to the last page. ( )

This story captured my interest right from the start. Alice, a young woman who washes up onto the shoreline in Cornwall after the boat she was traveling on was bombed by the Germans. She is discovered by a man named Jack, who lives there. At first Jack is concerned she could be a spy, so he doesn’t share very much about his life.

Slowly they get to know one another and Alice learns that Jack is working with the resistance by helping the Allies escape from occupied France. Because of Alice’s ability to speak French, Jack asks her to help them in their work.

Despite the danger, Alice agrees. She encounters a few harrowing situations while working with the resistance, but manages to get herself to safety each time. Throughout all of this, she and Jack grow closer, making for a happy ending to the story.

Readers who enjoy romance and historical fiction, will find this book an engaging read. I found it a bit predictable, but enjoyed it all the same.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for allowing me to read an advance copy and give an honest review. ( )