It’s such a pleasure today to be joining the blog tour for The Ghost of Seagull Cottage by Anne Allen, the ninth of her lovely Guernsey Novels, published on 14th May and now available both for kindle and in paperback. My thanks to Anne Cater of Random Things Tours for the invitation and support, and to the author for my advance reading e-copy.
My goodness, was it really 2021 when I read, enjoyed and reviewed Her Previous Self, the last book in this series (you’ll find that review here)? I’ve always really enjoyed Anne Allen’s wonderful story-telling and spending time in her beloved Guernsey – ever since I reviewed the first two Guernsey novels, Dangerous Waters and Finding Mother, way back in 2014 (you’ll find those reviews here). Do I have a personal favourite? With my love of timeslip, I would have said Echoes of Time – and you can read my review again (with links to the earlier books) here. But then came The Inheritance, with its fascinating story and such depth of research into the life of Victor Hugo – one of my 2019 Books of the Year, and you can read my review of that one again here. I was so delighted to hear there was another book on its way, and with such an intriguing premise…
A haunting tale of love, loss and finding one’s place in the world
Widowed artist Annabel returns to Guernsey seeking a fresh start for herself and her young daughter away from her late husband’s controlling family. Seagull Cottage appears perfect, by the sea and with a low rent. The snag is it comes with a resident ghost, Daniel, a sea captain who died 70 years ago in 1946. He built the cottage and objects to anyone not family living there. He and Annabel have to come to terms with sharing what he still considers to be his home.
After a difficult start they begin to share their pasts and an unlikely friendship blooms, becoming deeper as they spend more time together. Annabel realises she’s falling for him but would she truly prefer a ghost to a real live man?
Blending elements of romance, mystery and the supernatural into a compelling tale about the power of human connection and presenting a modern twist on R.A. Dick’s novel The Ghost and Mrs Muir and the classic movie of the same name.
Set in the present day, Annabel has returned to her home island of Guernsey after the death of her husband, looking for a new home and fresh start for herself and her young daughter Emylia. There’s a reason why Seagull Cottage is so affordable – a resident ghost, a former sea captain, who frequently shows his displeasure at having to share his former home. But it’s perfect for their needs – a fully renovated kitchen, a nearby school for Emylia, a light and airy attic perfect for her to use as an art studio – and, after agreeing a few rules of engagement, Annabel and the captain become friends. And that friendship helps her regain her lost confidence – resuming her painting and securing an exhibition, having an unexpected brush with the world of publishing, making new friends in the community, and becoming ready to consider a new relationship.
I have to admit that I’m not familiar with the classic film – something I should remedy, I think – but that was no obstacle to finding this book an absolute delight. I’m not always comfortable with tales of the supernatural, but the unusual relationship in this book is quite perfectly handled and nothing that would give even the most sensitive reader sleepless nights – they’re both particularly likeable individuals and so well drawn, the warmth between them is palpable, and there are some lovely touches of gentle humour too.
We share Annabel’s journey outside the cottage as she finds new friendships – some with characters who’ll be familiar to readers of the earlier books, but no problem if you’re reading this one as a standalone – and rediscovers the delights of Guernsey, with the loveliest descriptions inspired by the author’s love of her former home. She does make a few wrong turns and unwise choices along her way, but I really enjoyed sharing her new experiences as she slowly found her feet and began to feel at home. There are emotional moments too, even a few tears as the story drew to a close – but the ending couldn’t have been any more perfect.
This really was the loveliest addition to a series I’ve thoroughly enjoyed – but also a delightful read for anyone who might not have already discovered the author’s writing, and highly recommended to all. And, if you enjoy this one as much as I did, I’d highly recommend you try some of the earlier books too – engaging and very different stories, all set in the most beautiful location, and with the finest of writing.
About the author
Anne was born in Rugby to a Welsh father and an English mother. As a result, she spent many summers with her Welsh grandparents in Anglesey and learned to love the sea. Now she is based in Devon to be near her daughter and two small grandchildren. Her restless spirit has meant many moves, the longest stay being in Guernsey for nearly fourteen years after falling in love with the island and the people. She contrived to leave one son behind to ensure a valid reason for frequent returns. Her younger son is based in London – ideal for city breaks.
By profession, Anne was a psychotherapist who long had a desire to write and Dangerous Waters, her first novel, was published in 2012. It was awarded Silver (Adult Fiction) in TheWishingShelfAwards 2012. Since then she has published seven more books in The Guernsey Novels series; Finding Mother, Guernsey Retreat, The Family Divided, Echoes of Time (winner of The Diamond Book Award 2017, a finalist in Readers favorite awards, and granted a ChillWithABookAward), The Betrayal, The Inheritance, and Her Previous Self. The books focus on love, mystery, drama and relationships. In her spare time she dabbles in art and very occasionally housework.
To find out more about Anne, do visit her website: you can also find her on Twitter and Instagram.
Thanks for the blog tour support x
I’ve enjoyed books in this series too. Great review Anne.
Thanks Joanne – I think this is one you’d really enjoy too!
Thank you Anne for joining in the tour and for your lovely review! I always look forward to reading your thoughts on my books and greatly relieved when you’ve enjoyd them.☺
A book I was really looking forward to reading, and one I thoroughly enjoyed – the review was a pleasure! xx
Intriguing. A ghost who takes such pride in his work, and cares about his family too ? Would like to meet Daniel. Sadly, living with a ghost for three years, my experience was less positive., but it has inspired a book.