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A House Between Sea and Sky
In 1920s California, two people in need of healing find strange refuge in a house with a mind of its own in an enthralling fantasy by the author of A Thousand Recipes for Revenge.
Grieving Hollywood writer Fayette Wynne arrives in Carmel-by-the-Sea in 1926 to finish her latest project in peace. All alone, save for the preternatural sourdough starter her family has nurtured for years, Fayette is also resentful. The proven healing powers of the bread made with her starter were insufficient to save her beloved mother. For Fayette, it’s time to try and push past the pain and anger and move on.
Then, during a violent storm, Fayette saves rising star Rex Hallstrom during a moment of crisis. Their a peculiar cliffside house, its door flung open as if beckoning them. Sentient, curious, and lonely, it recognizes in Fayette a unique magic even older than its own.
In the days that follow, as a friendship grows between Fayette and Rex, they discover local legends surrounding the isolated It appeared in the span of a single night, its cursed origins said to be Hell itself. But for two souls who need to move forward, it provides unexpected comfort and hope. In fact, Fayette and Rex have never felt more alive. Neither has the house, whose mysteries are unending and whose wicked history may be too powerful to ignore.
Grieving Hollywood writer Fayette Wynne arrives in Carmel-by-the-Sea in 1926 to finish her latest project in peace. All alone, save for the preternatural sourdough starter her family has nurtured for years, Fayette is also resentful. The proven healing powers of the bread made with her starter were insufficient to save her beloved mother. For Fayette, it’s time to try and push past the pain and anger and move on.
Then, during a violent storm, Fayette saves rising star Rex Hallstrom during a moment of crisis. Their a peculiar cliffside house, its door flung open as if beckoning them. Sentient, curious, and lonely, it recognizes in Fayette a unique magic even older than its own.
In the days that follow, as a friendship grows between Fayette and Rex, they discover local legends surrounding the isolated It appeared in the span of a single night, its cursed origins said to be Hell itself. But for two souls who need to move forward, it provides unexpected comfort and hope. In fact, Fayette and Rex have never felt more alive. Neither has the house, whose mysteries are unending and whose wicked history may be too powerful to ignore.
303 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 2025
4484 people are currently reading
8306 people want to read
About the author
Beth Cato
131 books693 followersBeth Cato hails from Hanford, California, but currently writes and bakes cookies in Red Wing, Minnesota. She usually has one or two cats in close orbit. A 2015 Nebula finalist, she is the author of the cozy mystery CHEDDAR LUCK NEXT TIME as well as fantasy like A THOUSAND RECIPES FOR REVENGE. Her short stories can be found in publications ranging from Beneath Ceaseless Skies to Uncanny Magazine. In 2019 and 2022, she won the Rhysling Award for short speculative poetry. Her website BethCato.com includes not only a vast bibliography, but a treasure trove of recipes for delectable goodies. Find her on BlueSky as @BethCato and Instagram as @catocatsandcheese.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 360 reviews
November 25, 2025
Thank you Netgalley and Brilliance Publishing/ Brilliance Audio for an ALC of this book!
This book is like a handheld himalayan salt lamp. The whole aura of this book is just really Zen and relaxing. From the beautiful cover to the whimsical, borderline lyrical story in between While confirming carbs are magical this book stands tall as an all around great example of comfort food for the soul.
I'm not always the biggest fan of books where the house has a point of view however this house i absolutely loved.
If you're feeling like you need a hug or a spirit lifter, this would be an excellent book to pick up!
Until next time,
Hades
🩵
This book is like a handheld himalayan salt lamp. The whole aura of this book is just really Zen and relaxing. From the beautiful cover to the whimsical, borderline lyrical story in between While confirming carbs are magical this book stands tall as an all around great example of comfort food for the soul.
I'm not always the biggest fan of books where the house has a point of view however this house i absolutely loved.
If you're feeling like you need a hug or a spirit lifter, this would be an excellent book to pick up!
Until next time,
Hades
🩵
August 26, 2025
DNF @ 53%
I wasn’t going to rate or review this book since I only made it halfway through it. But for that exact reason, I think I’m entitled to voice my opinion on A House Between Sea and Sky.
I really wanted to love this book. The writing is lovely and there were pieces of the story I appreciated but it really was not the book for me.
My biggest struggle was the pacing. It’s painfully slow. Like, nothing actually happens until at least 53%. And honestly, I don’t even know if anything does actually happen after that because that was, again, when I decided to stop reading it. I don’t mind a leisurely build but this was a bit much even for me.
The characters didn’t help much either. They came across one-dimensional, contradictory and a little too unrealistic for me to care about. The one character I actually found interesting was the house itself. But the chapters in which we were offered a few glimpses of its personality were short and repetitive. They were not enough to make me push myself through the rest of the book.
I did enjoy that the FMC is an older woman (45!!) who builds a sweet friendship with the MMC. But even then I couldn’t connect to her. She felt impulsive without reason and more frustrating than endearing.
The setting is supposed to take place in the 1920s but it didn’t feel relatable to that time period at all. It read like a mashup of different eras which made it hard to immerse myself in the world.
A thank you to the author, the publisher and NetGalley for providing me a copy of the book in exchange for an unbiased and honest review.
I wasn’t going to rate or review this book since I only made it halfway through it. But for that exact reason, I think I’m entitled to voice my opinion on A House Between Sea and Sky.
I really wanted to love this book. The writing is lovely and there were pieces of the story I appreciated but it really was not the book for me.
My biggest struggle was the pacing. It’s painfully slow. Like, nothing actually happens until at least 53%. And honestly, I don’t even know if anything does actually happen after that because that was, again, when I decided to stop reading it. I don’t mind a leisurely build but this was a bit much even for me.
The characters didn’t help much either. They came across one-dimensional, contradictory and a little too unrealistic for me to care about. The one character I actually found interesting was the house itself. But the chapters in which we were offered a few glimpses of its personality were short and repetitive. They were not enough to make me push myself through the rest of the book.
I did enjoy that the FMC is an older woman (45!!) who builds a sweet friendship with the MMC. But even then I couldn’t connect to her. She felt impulsive without reason and more frustrating than endearing.
The setting is supposed to take place in the 1920s but it didn’t feel relatable to that time period at all. It read like a mashup of different eras which made it hard to immerse myself in the world.
A thank you to the author, the publisher and NetGalley for providing me a copy of the book in exchange for an unbiased and honest review.
June 17, 2025
⋆⁺₊⋆ ☀︎5 stars for house and mother. I demand a spin off with these two.☀︎ ⋆⁺₊⋆
⁺₊⋆ ARC courtesy of NetGalley⋆⁺₊
~A House Between Sea and Sky~ was odd in the best possible way. I never (let me repeat louder, so the void can hear, - NEVER) thought a house would be my favorite character in a book, but I would defend this cutie-pa-tootie with my life. Don’t even test me on this. An incredibly sweet, mysterious, and quite addicting read. I love the idea of objects being magically sentient and Cato’s storytelling was just what I needed right now. A lot of joy was experienced while reading this, and I’m so happy to exist with all these quirky characters.
⁺₊⋆ ARC courtesy of NetGalley⋆⁺₊
~A House Between Sea and Sky~ was odd in the best possible way. I never (let me repeat louder, so the void can hear, - NEVER) thought a house would be my favorite character in a book, but I would defend this cutie-pa-tootie with my life. Don’t even test me on this. An incredibly sweet, mysterious, and quite addicting read. I love the idea of objects being magically sentient and Cato’s storytelling was just what I needed right now. A lot of joy was experienced while reading this, and I’m so happy to exist with all these quirky characters.
September 26, 2025
Clever, quirky, and ultimately soothing. This is the welcoming and relaxing sort of book so many people need right now. Of course Cato would deliver it.
September 25, 2025
Charming fantasy
Enchanting story about a magical and mysterious house that ipens its doors to those who need it and rejects those whose motives are questionable. I love the element of Russian tales. Well done!
Enchanting story about a magical and mysterious house that ipens its doors to those who need it and rejects those whose motives are questionable. I love the element of Russian tales. Well done!
October 5, 2025
This book is charming. A tale of love among friends, the book is so positive. Written in a light way, it is a well-handled, warm story.
August 19, 2025
3.5 stars
read it for house and mother!!
the plot had a lot going on, there were side stories left and right and i really would love to dive into each of them in more depth. here's my bid for this to become the start of some interconnected standalone books where we get to follow the various characters lives either before or after the events of house between because i just do not feel like we got spend enough time with any one of them. the loving friendship that develops throughout the book is the best part, even though it is slightly overshadowed by the fantasy elements of the story.
the "people" - which includes a sentient house, and a sourdough with personality and maybe even a bit of attitude, were delightful in each their own ways. even the initially questionable and far fetched characters. the prose is where i got a little bogged down, the book takes place in the 1920s and some of the period appropriate language took a while to get used to during the read. but about 1/3 of the way through, it got easier to the point of not being noticeable anymore.
but if for nothing else, read this one for house and for mother.
thanks to netgalley and 47north for providing me early access to read this book!
read it for house and mother!!
the plot had a lot going on, there were side stories left and right and i really would love to dive into each of them in more depth. here's my bid for this to become the start of some interconnected standalone books where we get to follow the various characters lives either before or after the events of house between because i just do not feel like we got spend enough time with any one of them. the loving friendship that develops throughout the book is the best part, even though it is slightly overshadowed by the fantasy elements of the story.
the "people" - which includes a sentient house, and a sourdough with personality and maybe even a bit of attitude, were delightful in each their own ways. even the initially questionable and far fetched characters. the prose is where i got a little bogged down, the book takes place in the 1920s and some of the period appropriate language took a while to get used to during the read. but about 1/3 of the way through, it got easier to the point of not being noticeable anymore.
but if for nothing else, read this one for house and for mother.
thanks to netgalley and 47north for providing me early access to read this book!
September 16, 2025
Magical realism isn’t always my go to, but this book was lovely. Cato does a fantastic job breathing life into every character, giving them depth and heart each in their own way. A poignant portrayal of the different ways we process grief, healing, and love that binds us to our humanity.
September 18, 2025
I absolutely adored this book. I love stories that include folklore. Especially Baba Yaga. Anything witchy or paranormal almost always gets added to my TBR. I’ll definitely have to read more of her work.
October 15, 2025
Compared to what I usually read this was so relaxing and refreshing. I have only ever read one other story that had parts told from the perspective of the house, and I have to admit it's quirky but I like it. I think some of the house chapters were my absolute favorite especially as far as narration goes.
I received a copy in exchange for my honest review.
I received a copy in exchange for my honest review.
April 29, 2025
✨2.5 stars✨
Firstly, thank you to NetGalley and 47North for the ARC of this book.
Going into this book, the premise of a magic sourdough starter and a strong female lead character was what drew me to read this story. It seemed whimsical and suspenseful.
It started off engaging as I got to know Fayette, Mrs. Fitz, and Rex. I do have to note that the character development of Fayette and Rex was especially strong, and I enjoyed following their journey.
However, as the plot progressed, I found that certain elements became unclear, with a few narrative gaps that left me feeling a bit lost. While I understand it’s a work of fiction, the portrayal of the 1920s setting didn’t always feel authentic or fully grounded in the era.
Additionally, some of the supporting characters felt underdeveloped, which made it harder to connect with them. Overall, the idea behind the story was cute and fun, but parts of the execution felt a bit muddy. It had potential, but I was left wanting a bit more cohesion and depth.
Firstly, thank you to NetGalley and 47North for the ARC of this book.
Going into this book, the premise of a magic sourdough starter and a strong female lead character was what drew me to read this story. It seemed whimsical and suspenseful.
It started off engaging as I got to know Fayette, Mrs. Fitz, and Rex. I do have to note that the character development of Fayette and Rex was especially strong, and I enjoyed following their journey.
However, as the plot progressed, I found that certain elements became unclear, with a few narrative gaps that left me feeling a bit lost. While I understand it’s a work of fiction, the portrayal of the 1920s setting didn’t always feel authentic or fully grounded in the era.
Additionally, some of the supporting characters felt underdeveloped, which made it harder to connect with them. Overall, the idea behind the story was cute and fun, but parts of the execution felt a bit muddy. It had potential, but I was left wanting a bit more cohesion and depth.
September 26, 2025
Sweet Magical Realism
This book was fantastic. It’s like getting a hug from your Kindle. It’s set in 1920s California. Fayette is a wonderful FMC working for a Hollywood studio creating screenplays. She escapes to Carmel and rents from a woman with a husband suffering from WWI trauma. She brings along Mother, her trusty family sourdough starter. While there, she meets a Hollywood star, Rex, and a house that is a snarky golden retriever.
The research done in the book to touch on real events while also Russian folklore is well done. The found family during a time people were forced to hide their true selves was poignant.
There was a little slowness of the plot in parts and some meandering in the plot but this is a character study and not an action packed adventure novel. If you like found family, magical realism, healing journeys, and sourdough bread, this book is for you!
Who’s a good house? You are! Yes you are.
This book was fantastic. It’s like getting a hug from your Kindle. It’s set in 1920s California. Fayette is a wonderful FMC working for a Hollywood studio creating screenplays. She escapes to Carmel and rents from a woman with a husband suffering from WWI trauma. She brings along Mother, her trusty family sourdough starter. While there, she meets a Hollywood star, Rex, and a house that is a snarky golden retriever.
The research done in the book to touch on real events while also Russian folklore is well done. The found family during a time people were forced to hide their true selves was poignant.
There was a little slowness of the plot in parts and some meandering in the plot but this is a character study and not an action packed adventure novel. If you like found family, magical realism, healing journeys, and sourdough bread, this book is for you!
Who’s a good house? You are! Yes you are.
July 20, 2025
3.5 stars...first off thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for this eARC of the book. I've read Beth Cato's other series and enjoyed this one just as much. It was a fun read. It's set in the 1920's and features one of my favorite places in California to visit near the ocean(carmel). It's got magic, sentient houses,Witches, LGBTQIA+ representation, Hollywood references, magic sourdough starters and a stinky psychic. It references Baba Yaga as well. It was a little slow but all in all a good read. I would recommend it if you enjoy a good historical fantasy/fiction story.
October 10, 2025
What did I just read?! The way this author swung for the fences with every trope and twist she could pack into a short novel, just to end up in the dugout. I kept reading just to see how this finished, which honestly gave me a good laugh - it was just as wild as the rest of the book, I was not disappointed.
*Spoiler: What do you get when you mix a magical sourdough starter, a suicidal film star, the reincarnation of Princess Anastasia, an unexpected lavender marriage proposal, and a magical door through which Agatha Christie walks? A House Between Sea and Sky
*Spoiler: What do you get when you mix a magical sourdough starter, a suicidal film star, the reincarnation of Princess Anastasia, an unexpected lavender marriage proposal, and a magical door through which Agatha Christie walks? A House Between Sea and Sky
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 22, 2025
Magical Realism with a Russian Fairy Tale Twist
Beth Cato’s, “A House Between Sea and Sky,” is a prohibition-era tale set in Carmel by the Sea featuring Hollywood stars and workers caught-up in the pressures of studio drama and morality clauses notorious in the day. This is a surprisingly sweet story of unexpected friendships; the characters quick camaraderie; the exploration of life’s deepest challenges, as well as the sharing of nourishment from miraculously healing, healthy, heavenly sourdough bread ~ all set in a most memorable locale ~ an ancient Russian flying house that’s unexpectedly roosted upon the breakers of the Pacific Ocean on a beautiful craggy islet across from California’s central shoreline.
Beth Cato’s, “A House Between Sea and Sky,” is a prohibition-era tale set in Carmel by the Sea featuring Hollywood stars and workers caught-up in the pressures of studio drama and morality clauses notorious in the day. This is a surprisingly sweet story of unexpected friendships; the characters quick camaraderie; the exploration of life’s deepest challenges, as well as the sharing of nourishment from miraculously healing, healthy, heavenly sourdough bread ~ all set in a most memorable locale ~ an ancient Russian flying house that’s unexpectedly roosted upon the breakers of the Pacific Ocean on a beautiful craggy islet across from California’s central shoreline.
October 6, 2025
So slow. So very slow. A very convenient plot with very little surprise. But the bones were enchanting enough to keep me in it.
October 21, 2025
4.25⭐️. This book would not be for everyone because of the supernatural aspects but it was a really excellent read.
October 25, 2025
I found the time setting curious. It felt like an older story by 100 years. It’s difficult for me to critique this because magical realism isn’t my cup of tea. I felt the book was a little longer than it needed to be.
I liked the characters and the independent Fayette. I had to look a couple words up because the word screenwriter was replaced by what must be an older term.
I read a book for Russian Folktales and this certainly seems as though it belongs in that genre.
I liked the characters and the independent Fayette. I had to look a couple words up because the word screenwriter was replaced by what must be an older term.
I read a book for Russian Folktales and this certainly seems as though it belongs in that genre.
October 29, 2025
2.5 rounded up.
This was a cute little story. It incorporates magical realism, folk tales, historical fiction, and spooky stuff. I liked the protagonists (a plucky woman script writer, a dashing young movie star with a secret, and a lost Baba Yaga house) and enjoyed their interactions. The novel was imaginative and easy to read although it definitely felt more like a YA novel than I was expecting.
This was a cute little story. It incorporates magical realism, folk tales, historical fiction, and spooky stuff. I liked the protagonists (a plucky woman script writer, a dashing young movie star with a secret, and a lost Baba Yaga house) and enjoyed their interactions. The novel was imaginative and easy to read although it definitely felt more like a YA novel than I was expecting.
September 24, 2025
Overall, really enjoyed this story. Carmel is a wonderful place. Likes how she used so many different ideas of magic to tell the tale.
October 2, 2025
Stupid. I hated it.
September 14, 2025
It's the roaring 20s and the movie industry is making magic on the silver screen, but an older magic, not dependent on camera tricks, still exists for those with the eyes to see it. Anyone familiar with Russian folklore will immediately recognize the strange little hut that has planted itself on a cliffside near Carmel, California. It's resident witch dead, the house awaits a new mistress. But the chosen witch replacement is reluctant to take charge. Lonely for companionship, the sentient house admits two strangers, one of whom is the caretaker for a different sort of magic, based on healing, kindness, and love.
This is a charming tale of transformation, not only of the house but of the humans who interact with it. I love the way the author throws out enough subtle clues, that the reader is often aware of underlying truths before the story characters catch on. Caution: it's a hard book to put down, and then is over too soon.
This is a charming tale of transformation, not only of the house but of the humans who interact with it. I love the way the author throws out enough subtle clues, that the reader is often aware of underlying truths before the story characters catch on. Caution: it's a hard book to put down, and then is over too soon.
May 16, 2025
Book Review: A House Between Sea and Sky by Beth Cato
A Whimsical Haven of Healing and Magic
Beth Cato’s A House Between Sea and Sky is a spellbinding blend of historical fiction and cozy fantasy, set against the misty backdrop of 1920s California. The novel follows two fractured souls—war-scarred veteran Arlen and grief-stricken widow Marjorie—as they stumble upon a sentient house that breathes, hums, and heals. What unfolds is a tender exploration of resilience, friendship, and the quiet magic of places that remember.
Narrative and Themes
Cato’s prose is lyrical yet grounded, weaving atmospheric descriptions of the house’s shifting halls and whispering gardens with poignant emotional depth. The central theme—home as a living entity—elevates the story beyond mere whimsy. The house becomes a character itself, mirroring the protagonists’ wounds and gently nudging them toward redemption. Themes of post-war trauma, female autonomy, and the solace of nature resonate throughout.
Character Development
Arlen and Marjorie are beautifully flawed anchors. Arlen’s gruff exterior hides vulnerability, while Marjorie’s quiet strength masks simmering anger. Their slow-burn friendship (with hints of romance) feels organic, avoiding clichés. Secondary characters, like the enigmatic neighbor Mrs. Peabody and the house’s spectral previous occupants, add layers of mystery and warmth.
World-Building and Pacing
The 1920s setting is lightly but effectively rendered, with period details (Prohibition-era tensions, early feminism) enriching the backdrop. The house’s magic is delightfully ambiguous—neither fully explained nor needing to be—which preserves its wonder. Pacing is deliberate, suited to the novel’s reflective tone, though some readers may crave more plot momentum in the first act.
Reading Experience
This is a book to savor, like a cup of tea by a crackling fire. Cato’s imagery lingers (e.g., “the house exhaled salt and sage”), and the emotional payoff is deeply satisfying. Fans of The Ten Thousand Doors of January or The House in the Cerulean Sea will find a kindred spirit here.
Score Breakdown (Out of 5)
-Conceptual Originality: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5) – A fresh twist on sentient spaces.
-Emotional Impact: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5) – Quietly devastating and uplifting.
-Prose Quality: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½ (4.5/5) – Lush without being florid.
-Pacing: ⭐⭐⭐ (3/5) – Slow start, rewarding finish.
-World-Building: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5) – Magic and history harmonize beautifully.
Overall: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5) – A gem for lovers of character-driven fantasy.
Ideal Reader:
-Fans of cozy fantasy with historical roots
-Those seeking stories about healing and second chances
-Readers who adore atmospheric, setting-as-character narratives
Gratitude:
Thank you to NetGalley and Beth Cato for the advance review copy. This novel was a balm for the soul—a reminder that even the most broken places (and people) can become whole again.
Final Assessment:
A House Between Sea and Sky is a tender, luminous tale that lingers like the scent of ocean brine on a coastal wind. Cato crafts magic not with wands or spells, but with the quiet alchemy of empathy and place. A perfect read for when you need to believe in the possibility of healing.
A Whimsical Haven of Healing and Magic
Beth Cato’s A House Between Sea and Sky is a spellbinding blend of historical fiction and cozy fantasy, set against the misty backdrop of 1920s California. The novel follows two fractured souls—war-scarred veteran Arlen and grief-stricken widow Marjorie—as they stumble upon a sentient house that breathes, hums, and heals. What unfolds is a tender exploration of resilience, friendship, and the quiet magic of places that remember.
Narrative and Themes
Cato’s prose is lyrical yet grounded, weaving atmospheric descriptions of the house’s shifting halls and whispering gardens with poignant emotional depth. The central theme—home as a living entity—elevates the story beyond mere whimsy. The house becomes a character itself, mirroring the protagonists’ wounds and gently nudging them toward redemption. Themes of post-war trauma, female autonomy, and the solace of nature resonate throughout.
Character Development
Arlen and Marjorie are beautifully flawed anchors. Arlen’s gruff exterior hides vulnerability, while Marjorie’s quiet strength masks simmering anger. Their slow-burn friendship (with hints of romance) feels organic, avoiding clichés. Secondary characters, like the enigmatic neighbor Mrs. Peabody and the house’s spectral previous occupants, add layers of mystery and warmth.
World-Building and Pacing
The 1920s setting is lightly but effectively rendered, with period details (Prohibition-era tensions, early feminism) enriching the backdrop. The house’s magic is delightfully ambiguous—neither fully explained nor needing to be—which preserves its wonder. Pacing is deliberate, suited to the novel’s reflective tone, though some readers may crave more plot momentum in the first act.
Reading Experience
This is a book to savor, like a cup of tea by a crackling fire. Cato’s imagery lingers (e.g., “the house exhaled salt and sage”), and the emotional payoff is deeply satisfying. Fans of The Ten Thousand Doors of January or The House in the Cerulean Sea will find a kindred spirit here.
Score Breakdown (Out of 5)
-Conceptual Originality: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5) – A fresh twist on sentient spaces.
-Emotional Impact: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5) – Quietly devastating and uplifting.
-Prose Quality: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½ (4.5/5) – Lush without being florid.
-Pacing: ⭐⭐⭐ (3/5) – Slow start, rewarding finish.
-World-Building: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5) – Magic and history harmonize beautifully.
Overall: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5) – A gem for lovers of character-driven fantasy.
Ideal Reader:
-Fans of cozy fantasy with historical roots
-Those seeking stories about healing and second chances
-Readers who adore atmospheric, setting-as-character narratives
Gratitude:
Thank you to NetGalley and Beth Cato for the advance review copy. This novel was a balm for the soul—a reminder that even the most broken places (and people) can become whole again.
Final Assessment:
A House Between Sea and Sky is a tender, luminous tale that lingers like the scent of ocean brine on a coastal wind. Cato crafts magic not with wands or spells, but with the quiet alchemy of empathy and place. A perfect read for when you need to believe in the possibility of healing.
June 18, 2025
First of all, thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the pleasure of reading this ARC.
I thoroughly enjoyed the cast of characters, and found this to be a uniquely cozy read. I was fully immersed in the setting, and really appreciate the author's thoughtful depiction of LGBTQ+ identities in the context of 1920s era. From start to finish, I was wholly invested in the story and was pleasantly surprised by the ending. I can easily see this becoming a comfort read, and I look forward to revisiting Fayette and Mother soon.
4/5 Stars: I highly recommend this for seasoned fantasy readers and those new to the genre alike!
I thoroughly enjoyed the cast of characters, and found this to be a uniquely cozy read. I was fully immersed in the setting, and really appreciate the author's thoughtful depiction of LGBTQ+ identities in the context of 1920s era. From start to finish, I was wholly invested in the story and was pleasantly surprised by the ending. I can easily see this becoming a comfort read, and I look forward to revisiting Fayette and Mother soon.
4/5 Stars: I highly recommend this for seasoned fantasy readers and those new to the genre alike!
November 11, 2025
I really enjoyed A House Between Sea and Sky. I think that most readers will like this, but especially those who like historical fiction or are pagan and mythology buffs. This novel is an interesting mix of a retelling of Baba Yaga set in late 1920s California which collides with the one and only lost Grand Duchess Anastasia served with a side of magical healing sourdough starter. We also see another famous historical figure, but I won’t spoil it too much in this review.
Firstly, I have to say, I personally liked how well historical fiction and mythology were blended along with the author’s creative liberties which requires knowing history and the myths well enough to bend them into some fantastic magical realism and posit some creative theories about certain events with a certain famous author who went missing for a short time. Beth Cato researched everything well which really shows, but also don’t skip the author note and her citations for further reading!
Anyway, in Russian mythology Baba Yaga is either one witch or a trio of sisters depending on the myths and in this book she’s represented by the latter although she’s referred to as many instead of just three witches. Each Baba Yaga has her own house which has its own aesthetic, but they all still have similar wings and chicken legs and they all function as magical, sentient houses that do their respective witch’s bidding. All of the houses are siblings from the same brood. My favorite thing about this book besides Fayetteville, Rex and Art is the House! I love a sentient house. Especially one with a personality as adorable as this house’s. I really liked how the difference in Baba Yaga’s temperament in the myths is represented through the houses primarily. We see very little of either witch except for Heidi.
Secondly, I have to say I suspected Heidi may have been the one breaking into Fayette’s cottage to find Mother (the aforementioned magical healing sourdough starter) and that she was perhaps the new Baba Yaga for the House perched in Carmel, but I was not prepared for the actual twist and who she really is. For the why of her being chosen for the House.
I also appreciated the historical accuracy in this novel from the Hays Code (I fear we may very well find ourselves in a Hays Code 2.0 era soon), to the very real issues women and gay actors of the time faced, to the spiritualism of the 1920s and even actual real people of Carmel, California. All in all this was a cozy read with a some history, mystery and myth despite some of the darker aspects that our characters deal with.
Firstly, I have to say, I personally liked how well historical fiction and mythology were blended along with the author’s creative liberties which requires knowing history and the myths well enough to bend them into some fantastic magical realism and posit some creative theories about certain events with a certain famous author who went missing for a short time. Beth Cato researched everything well which really shows, but also don’t skip the author note and her citations for further reading!
Anyway, in Russian mythology Baba Yaga is either one witch or a trio of sisters depending on the myths and in this book she’s represented by the latter although she’s referred to as many instead of just three witches. Each Baba Yaga has her own house which has its own aesthetic, but they all still have similar wings and chicken legs and they all function as magical, sentient houses that do their respective witch’s bidding. All of the houses are siblings from the same brood. My favorite thing about this book besides Fayetteville, Rex and Art is the House! I love a sentient house. Especially one with a personality as adorable as this house’s. I really liked how the difference in Baba Yaga’s temperament in the myths is represented through the houses primarily. We see very little of either witch except for Heidi.
Secondly, I have to say I suspected Heidi may have been the one breaking into Fayette’s cottage to find Mother (the aforementioned magical healing sourdough starter) and that she was perhaps the new Baba Yaga for the House perched in Carmel, but I was not prepared for the actual twist and who she really is. For the why of her being chosen for the House.
I also appreciated the historical accuracy in this novel from the Hays Code (I fear we may very well find ourselves in a Hays Code 2.0 era soon), to the very real issues women and gay actors of the time faced, to the spiritualism of the 1920s and even actual real people of Carmel, California. All in all this was a cozy read with a some history, mystery and myth despite some of the darker aspects that our characters deal with.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 30, 2025
This is a quirky historical fantasy read set in beautiful Carmel-by-the-Sea in the 1920s. Our main character is a single woman in her 40s dealing with the grief of her mother's death and looming work deadlines, so she takes a trip up the California coast. She finds an unlikely friend in a visiting movie star who is dealing with social pressure and depression. They find a sentient house and connect over its weirdness. There is also a semi-sentient sourdough starter called Mother (not to be confused with the mother that died).
This was such a unique story and I really enjoyed it. If you are a fan of magical realism and want a book that focuses on friendship instead of romance, you should try this one out!
Thank you to 47North and NetGalley for providing me with a free e-ARC of this book in exchange for my review.
This was such a unique story and I really enjoyed it. If you are a fan of magical realism and want a book that focuses on friendship instead of romance, you should try this one out!
Thank you to 47North and NetGalley for providing me with a free e-ARC of this book in exchange for my review.
October 11, 2025
Beth Cato's A House Between Sea and Sky is a truly lovely story beautifully grounded in Russian traditional literature. The narrative possesses a gentle, evocative magic, perfectly balancing wonder with a touching sense of human connection. The characters are so well written and developed—from the compassionate house spirit to the complex array of personalities—that their voices resonate long after the final page. Finishing the book brings a deep sense of satisfaction mixed with the wistful feeling of sadness that it has ended. What a wonderful book this is—warm, enchanting, and unforgettable.
October 31, 2025
I really liked this. It felt fresh and interesting in style and plot, I loved the writing style and tone, and the mystical elements were very well done as well.
Nice Russian themes in a quiet coastal town in California, focussed on two interesting characters who are in the founding stages of the movie industry. Fayette was an excellent FMC, and it was nice to have a break from romance to instead focus on friendships, family and a story about caring for each other, even if one of the characters in the story is a sentient Russian house and an ancient sourdough starter…
Nice Russian themes in a quiet coastal town in California, focussed on two interesting characters who are in the founding stages of the movie industry. Fayette was an excellent FMC, and it was nice to have a break from romance to instead focus on friendships, family and a story about caring for each other, even if one of the characters in the story is a sentient Russian house and an ancient sourdough starter…
October 1, 2025
I got this book free from Amazon First Reads for September. I chose this book because I really enjoyed the Thousand Recipes series from this author and was looking forward to reading other works of hers. I did enjoy this book, but not as much as the others. I was torn between 3 or 4 stars. I'd probably put it as as 3.5 rounded up. I did find the story dragged at times and seemed to cover so many different issues. The story is about a woman who has lost all her family and after the death of her mother is struggling to cope, and do her job working in a budget film studio writing scripts. She has a sour dough starter which is supposed to be magical but she resents it for not curing her family illnesses. She comes across a house which only appears to certain people and then tries to help them. She comes into contact with a famous actor who is also struggling and they develop a friendship and an understanding of the house, which leads onto many aspects of how society treats people. Lots of yummy bread gets made and eaten - what more could you ask for?
September 12, 2025
I enjoyed this book so much more than expected! Fayette is a bereaved silent film writer and owner of an enchanted sourdough starter who schedules a getaway after losing her mother. She stumbles across and befriends a magical house, the real star of the book imo. House's narrative is both sad and endearing, and I find myself still thinking about its plight.
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