What do you think?
Rate this book
Where the Heart Meets the Sea: A Novel
An emotionally rich love story with themes of lost and found family in a stunning Norwegian island setting.
Twenty-nine-year-old Ella Nilsen has never known her parents—or even how her mother died. Raised by her emotionally distant Norwegian grandmother, Hilda, Ella has long accepted that the topic of her parents is off-limits. When Hilda passes away, Ella is shocked to find that her inheritance includes a summer cottage perched above the sea in a place called Lyngør, a remote island in Norway. To sell it, she’ll have to visit the cottage and take stock of what’s there—and maybe Lyngør holds the key to her mother’s mysterious passing, if she can get the locals to talk.
For as long as he can remember, Leif Arnesen, a thirty-four-year-old boatbuilder in Lyngør, has carried grief and shame from his father’s death, an accident that upended their small community. When Ella breezes into Lyngør looking for answers, her very presence stirs up old ghosts and earns her the villagers’ suspicions. As sparks begin to fly between Leif and Ella and their relationship blossoms quickly, everything Leif knows to be true threatens to capsize.
Perfect for fans of Jennifer Probst’s Our Italian Summer and set amid the rough and wild beauty of the Norwegian archipelagoes, Kimbra Drake’s Where the Heart Meets the Sea asks what happens when we’re forced to rewrite the stories that have defined our lives—and what we do with the next chapters.
Twenty-nine-year-old Ella Nilsen has never known her parents—or even how her mother died. Raised by her emotionally distant Norwegian grandmother, Hilda, Ella has long accepted that the topic of her parents is off-limits. When Hilda passes away, Ella is shocked to find that her inheritance includes a summer cottage perched above the sea in a place called Lyngør, a remote island in Norway. To sell it, she’ll have to visit the cottage and take stock of what’s there—and maybe Lyngør holds the key to her mother’s mysterious passing, if she can get the locals to talk.
For as long as he can remember, Leif Arnesen, a thirty-four-year-old boatbuilder in Lyngør, has carried grief and shame from his father’s death, an accident that upended their small community. When Ella breezes into Lyngør looking for answers, her very presence stirs up old ghosts and earns her the villagers’ suspicions. As sparks begin to fly between Leif and Ella and their relationship blossoms quickly, everything Leif knows to be true threatens to capsize.
Perfect for fans of Jennifer Probst’s Our Italian Summer and set amid the rough and wild beauty of the Norwegian archipelagoes, Kimbra Drake’s Where the Heart Meets the Sea asks what happens when we’re forced to rewrite the stories that have defined our lives—and what we do with the next chapters.
318 pages, Paperback
Published January 20, 2026
51 people are currently reading
8323 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 121 reviews
November 26, 2025
A beautifully written heartfelt love story between Ella and Leif set on a remote island in Norway -- a place about which I've read so little but am now inexorably drawn because of this stunning book. Highly recommended for fans of exquisite romance tales who also love when "place" in a story is as important as its characters.
January 26, 2026
Where the Heart Meets the Sea is a beautiful story set in a small village by the sea in Norway.
Ella, an American from Boulder, CO, sets off to Lyngør to sell the cottage she had inherited from her Norwegian grandmother who raised her.
While there, Ella befriends the locals, including Leif, a local boatbuilder. While there, Ella uncovers the tragic story of her mother and the mystery of her mother’s passing which her grandmother never spoke of.
This book was a deep dive into the Norwegian culture and land and I found it absolutely stunning. The setting is a character in itself and although the land is so beautiful, it could be very deadly with the storms that would sweep through the sea.
I adored all of the characters, but especially Leif, and the slow build of he and Ella’s romance. Typically, romances are not my preferred genre, but Kimbra sucked me right in with the setting, the mystery, and the twists.
I’m so happy I read this and I look forward to what this debut author writes next!
*Thanks so much to the author for the gifted eARC!*
Ella, an American from Boulder, CO, sets off to Lyngør to sell the cottage she had inherited from her Norwegian grandmother who raised her.
While there, Ella befriends the locals, including Leif, a local boatbuilder. While there, Ella uncovers the tragic story of her mother and the mystery of her mother’s passing which her grandmother never spoke of.
This book was a deep dive into the Norwegian culture and land and I found it absolutely stunning. The setting is a character in itself and although the land is so beautiful, it could be very deadly with the storms that would sweep through the sea.
I adored all of the characters, but especially Leif, and the slow build of he and Ella’s romance. Typically, romances are not my preferred genre, but Kimbra sucked me right in with the setting, the mystery, and the twists.
I’m so happy I read this and I look forward to what this debut author writes next!
*Thanks so much to the author for the gifted eARC!*
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book was absolutely fantastic! A swoon-worthy romance that took me to a remote island in Norway and had me feeling all the feels.
Ella Nielson travels to Norway from Colorado to learn about her past after her grandmother passes away. Her grandmother, who raised her, never spoke about Ella's mother or her homeland of Norway but left her a sea cottage on Lyngør. Ella hopes to sell the cottage quickly and learn about the mother she never knew while she's there. But when she meets Leif Arneson, the beautiful local boat builder, she may just have to extend her stay a bit.
This book was exceptionally captivating, from its descriptive writing to its complex characters. I really felt like I was in Lyngør with Ella. It was definitely more than just a romance. There were family secrets to unveil, drama with the locals, and even some danger. I loved the references to Norse mythology, the sense of adventure, and the found family. A truly immersive, heartfelt, entertaining read that I enjoyed SO much! I would HIGHLY recommend adding this debut to your TBR🩷
Ella Nielson travels to Norway from Colorado to learn about her past after her grandmother passes away. Her grandmother, who raised her, never spoke about Ella's mother or her homeland of Norway but left her a sea cottage on Lyngør. Ella hopes to sell the cottage quickly and learn about the mother she never knew while she's there. But when she meets Leif Arneson, the beautiful local boat builder, she may just have to extend her stay a bit.
This book was exceptionally captivating, from its descriptive writing to its complex characters. I really felt like I was in Lyngør with Ella. It was definitely more than just a romance. There were family secrets to unveil, drama with the locals, and even some danger. I loved the references to Norse mythology, the sense of adventure, and the found family. A truly immersive, heartfelt, entertaining read that I enjoyed SO much! I would HIGHLY recommend adding this debut to your TBR🩷
November 24, 2025
Ella travels to Lyngor, Norway to see the cottage property left to her by her maternal grandmother, who raised her after her mother's death. Hilda, Ella's grandmother, was prickly and strict, finding it difficult to show emotion or affection. She also refused to discuss Ella's mother and her death, or who her father was. Thus Ella arrives in Lyngor, determined to sell the cottage and its contents while also finding answers about her unknown past. Leif, a talented and creative young boat-builder and artist in Lyngor, was raised by Erik, his father's best friend, after his father died in a boating accident years ago. When Ella and Leif meet, sparks fly, but can they overcome the scars of their past to see a future together?
In a nutshell, a charming romance which will transport you to another country. I enjoyed the depiction of the Scandinavian characters - having Danish relations in the family I will say that the mannerisms and speech rang true to me. It was quite easy to visualize the landscape from the author's descriptions as well, which gives the reader a mini literary vacation. It feels like Leif falls somewhat too quickly to be completely believable, but then I guess we have all known people who met and got married quickly so it isn't completely illogical.
If you enjoy a closed door romance set in a beautiful locale then this one is for you! Thank you to the author for providing a copy to read and review.
In a nutshell, a charming romance which will transport you to another country. I enjoyed the depiction of the Scandinavian characters - having Danish relations in the family I will say that the mannerisms and speech rang true to me. It was quite easy to visualize the landscape from the author's descriptions as well, which gives the reader a mini literary vacation. It feels like Leif falls somewhat too quickly to be completely believable, but then I guess we have all known people who met and got married quickly so it isn't completely illogical.
If you enjoy a closed door romance set in a beautiful locale then this one is for you! Thank you to the author for providing a copy to read and review.
December 30, 2025
From the moment you meet Ella, as she arrives at the remote island of Lyngør in Norway, she charms you with her artsy and quirky ways.
This story is enchanting, full of romance, intrigue, mystery, and real-life challenges in a stunning setting on the coast of Norway. Ella only intends to sell her grandmother's cottage and get back to her life in Boulder but Lyngør and its inhabitants and the mystery about her mother's death all converge to ultimately change Ella's mind. Meeting Leif, a local boatbuilder with his own tragedy in his past, doesn't hurt either though his friends try to dissuade him from getting to know Ella better.
This book was a delightful read and Kimbra's ability to invoke such a strong sense of place and the people who live there make it a book to remember. The romance doesn't hurt either - and though it may seem quick in the beginning, it feels authentic and real, especially after some missteps, challenges and a near-death experience.
I recommend it for people who love being immersed in a different culture and setting, and enjoy characters who are real and full of foibles and contradictions but transcend them to forge a new life.
Thank you to Kimbra Drake for providing a copy for me to read and review. All opinions are my own.
This story is enchanting, full of romance, intrigue, mystery, and real-life challenges in a stunning setting on the coast of Norway. Ella only intends to sell her grandmother's cottage and get back to her life in Boulder but Lyngør and its inhabitants and the mystery about her mother's death all converge to ultimately change Ella's mind. Meeting Leif, a local boatbuilder with his own tragedy in his past, doesn't hurt either though his friends try to dissuade him from getting to know Ella better.
This book was a delightful read and Kimbra's ability to invoke such a strong sense of place and the people who live there make it a book to remember. The romance doesn't hurt either - and though it may seem quick in the beginning, it feels authentic and real, especially after some missteps, challenges and a near-death experience.
I recommend it for people who love being immersed in a different culture and setting, and enjoy characters who are real and full of foibles and contradictions but transcend them to forge a new life.
Thank you to Kimbra Drake for providing a copy for me to read and review. All opinions are my own.
February 22, 2026
Beautiful story of love, loss and secrets.
When Ella travels to the Norweigan island of Lyngor to get together her grandmother's cottage ready to sell, we are taken on a beautifully rich, emotive and vivid journey of love, loss and family secrets.
Kimbra Drake has the most exquisite writing style, through every word I felt like I was walking beside Ella and was fully immersed in Norwegian life. The characters that we meet throughout are portrayed with authenticity and rawness. Some are not the nicest of people but I loved the sense of community and the connections that were built. I really connected with Ella and felt all that she went through, and Leif was also a beautiful character. I enjoyed their connection. Ella and Leif shared more than they first realised in terms of life experiences. Through her time in Lyngor Ella also realises that the story she has been told growing up isn't exactly the complete truth.
There was real emotional depth to this book which made it an easy 5* read for me and I cannot wait to uncover more of Drakes work. This book has my whole heart! 🥹❤️
When Ella travels to the Norweigan island of Lyngor to get together her grandmother's cottage ready to sell, we are taken on a beautifully rich, emotive and vivid journey of love, loss and family secrets.
Kimbra Drake has the most exquisite writing style, through every word I felt like I was walking beside Ella and was fully immersed in Norwegian life. The characters that we meet throughout are portrayed with authenticity and rawness. Some are not the nicest of people but I loved the sense of community and the connections that were built. I really connected with Ella and felt all that she went through, and Leif was also a beautiful character. I enjoyed their connection. Ella and Leif shared more than they first realised in terms of life experiences. Through her time in Lyngor Ella also realises that the story she has been told growing up isn't exactly the complete truth.
There was real emotional depth to this book which made it an easy 5* read for me and I cannot wait to uncover more of Drakes work. This book has my whole heart! 🥹❤️
February 23, 2026
What a beautiful story, the setting and the story woven into the Norway coastal seascape.
I love all the tropes! My interest was piqued by the mystery that Ella doesn’t even know about until her grandmother passes. How would you feel if everything you’ve be raised to believe is based on half truths, how do you find your reality when the secret keeper is gone?
I want to book a ticket to Norway after traveling with Ella to Lyngor. The author paints the setting so vividly, you feel like you are walking through the cottage with Ella. You can see Mia in her little store with everything on the island. Having to take a dinghy around the island to shop, to visit, to be with friends.
The tension of the locals vs tourists, the disdain felt by some for the outsiders is well written. Inger is such a gruff character, but you sense there’s going to be so much more to her. Loved all the character development with the leading to the supporting cast!
The romance is lovely, a love at first sight, can’t live another day without each other! Clean, closed door, just sweet. You root for Lief and Ella immediately from the first glance!
I didn’t want it to end, and now I want to read it again!
I love all the tropes! My interest was piqued by the mystery that Ella doesn’t even know about until her grandmother passes. How would you feel if everything you’ve be raised to believe is based on half truths, how do you find your reality when the secret keeper is gone?
I want to book a ticket to Norway after traveling with Ella to Lyngor. The author paints the setting so vividly, you feel like you are walking through the cottage with Ella. You can see Mia in her little store with everything on the island. Having to take a dinghy around the island to shop, to visit, to be with friends.
The tension of the locals vs tourists, the disdain felt by some for the outsiders is well written. Inger is such a gruff character, but you sense there’s going to be so much more to her. Loved all the character development with the leading to the supporting cast!
The romance is lovely, a love at first sight, can’t live another day without each other! Clean, closed door, just sweet. You root for Lief and Ella immediately from the first glance!
I didn’t want it to end, and now I want to read it again!
January 18, 2026
WHERE THE HEART MEETS THE SEA took me on a trip to Norway, a place that I have never been. So this was a great start for me and it only got better from there! A nice romance genre with some family drama included. I thought it was excellent and I hope you will as well!
Many thanks to Kimbra Drake for my gifted copy.
This review will be shared to my Instagram account (@coffee.break.book.reviews) in the future.
Many thanks to Kimbra Drake for my gifted copy.
This review will be shared to my Instagram account (@coffee.break.book.reviews) in the future.
December 31, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and Bleecker street books for the early copy of this book.
This book transported me to the most beautiful place with turquoise water, beautiful cottages and shops and friendly people. It made me want to jump into the pages and take a stroll through the island or take a little boat out to sea.
The love story here was so sweet. I really loved Leif. He was so sweet and romantic with his acts of service for Ella. I love how he spoke to her and treated her so lovingly.
I also loved Ella’s character. She was strong and witty. She knew what she wanted and was determined to find it. I loved her quirks and how she found the beauty in everything even after her rough childhood with her Mormor.
The whole mystery of the book was just tragic. It was so sad and so heartbreaking for all of the people involved but it all led to a happy ending that left me satisfied.
I struggled to read this only because it was in the third person so it took me longer to read but I did enjoy it. It was a nice story.
This book transported me to the most beautiful place with turquoise water, beautiful cottages and shops and friendly people. It made me want to jump into the pages and take a stroll through the island or take a little boat out to sea.
The love story here was so sweet. I really loved Leif. He was so sweet and romantic with his acts of service for Ella. I love how he spoke to her and treated her so lovingly.
I also loved Ella’s character. She was strong and witty. She knew what she wanted and was determined to find it. I loved her quirks and how she found the beauty in everything even after her rough childhood with her Mormor.
The whole mystery of the book was just tragic. It was so sad and so heartbreaking for all of the people involved but it all led to a happy ending that left me satisfied.
I struggled to read this only because it was in the third person so it took me longer to read but I did enjoy it. It was a nice story.
January 20, 2026
When her grandmother passes, Ella returns to Norway, where she learns that she’s inherited a cottage. There she finds clues to what may have happened to her mother, who died when she was very young.
Leif Arnesan has carried grief and shame for years due to his father’s death in a boating accident. The people of Lyngør are tight-knit and don’t take kindly to outsiders coming in and asking a lot of questions. But Ella really wants to know the truth of what happened to her mother.
I especially enjoyed learning about Norwegian life and the customs. The islands sound absolutely beautiful.
Read this for |
•Family heritage
•Norse mythology
•Romance
•Secrets and deception
•Norwegian culture
•Tense moments
My ancestors come from Denmark, so I enjoyed reading a book set in this area of the world.
Thank you to the author for the complimentary e-arc in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to NetGalley as well. 3.75/5 stars
Leif Arnesan has carried grief and shame for years due to his father’s death in a boating accident. The people of Lyngør are tight-knit and don’t take kindly to outsiders coming in and asking a lot of questions. But Ella really wants to know the truth of what happened to her mother.
I especially enjoyed learning about Norwegian life and the customs. The islands sound absolutely beautiful.
Read this for |
•Family heritage
•Norse mythology
•Romance
•Secrets and deception
•Norwegian culture
•Tense moments
My ancestors come from Denmark, so I enjoyed reading a book set in this area of the world.
Thank you to the author for the complimentary e-arc in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to NetGalley as well. 3.75/5 stars
February 1, 2026
Are you looking for a Small Town Romance set in Norway with found-family themes? Look no more! When the Heart Meets the Sea by Kimbra Drake has all of that and more!
The way Author Kimbra Drake describes Norway in When the Heart Meets the Sea makes me feel like I'm there myself, along with Ellie. And dear Ellie, discovering what she could about the parents she never knew was quite the adventure she took on.
Described as perfect for fans of Jennifer Probst’s Our Italian Summer, I can see the similar vibes it gives, having read some of this author's books. The romance weaves in slowly alongside the mystery as Ellie learns more about her family, and through her efforts, she reveals her own inner journey as she heals.
Thank you to Kate Rocks Book Tours and Author Kimbra Drake for the gifted e-copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The way Author Kimbra Drake describes Norway in When the Heart Meets the Sea makes me feel like I'm there myself, along with Ellie. And dear Ellie, discovering what she could about the parents she never knew was quite the adventure she took on.
Described as perfect for fans of Jennifer Probst’s Our Italian Summer, I can see the similar vibes it gives, having read some of this author's books. The romance weaves in slowly alongside the mystery as Ellie learns more about her family, and through her efforts, she reveals her own inner journey as she heals.
Thank you to Kate Rocks Book Tours and Author Kimbra Drake for the gifted e-copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 16, 2026
I came for the seaside vibes and left with my heart fully wrecked!🌊💙
Where the Heart Meets the Sea swept me straight to a remote Norwegian island where secrets cling as tightly as the salt air. Ella’s journey into her family’s past had me glued to the pages and the slow-burn connection between her and Leif? Tender, aching, and so easy to root for. I loved how the story balances small-town tension, buried grief, and that irresistible feeling of finding home where you least expect it. Emotional, atmospheric, and quietly romantic, this one lingered with me long after the final page.
✨️Thank you, Kate Rock Book Tours and Kimbra Drake, for sharing Where the Heart Meets the Sea with me!
Where the Heart Meets the Sea swept me straight to a remote Norwegian island where secrets cling as tightly as the salt air. Ella’s journey into her family’s past had me glued to the pages and the slow-burn connection between her and Leif? Tender, aching, and so easy to root for. I loved how the story balances small-town tension, buried grief, and that irresistible feeling of finding home where you least expect it. Emotional, atmospheric, and quietly romantic, this one lingered with me long after the final page.
✨️Thank you, Kate Rock Book Tours and Kimbra Drake, for sharing Where the Heart Meets the Sea with me!
February 7, 2026
Stop getting your panties in a wad, Leif. Melodrama, two-week honeymooners. Give me the cottage, keep the boat boy 😘
Review of advance copy received from Author
I have loved this book so much, this is my first time reading this author and she had me captivated from the beginning! The descriptions of Lyngør and the ambience, the family secrets that will be revealed, the lovely main character Ella trying to achieve her dreams and ambitions, the nice people from Norway, and everything in between.
I like the characters developments and their relationships, the new found family, new love, new adventures to be had. I even learned some new words, that really helped to feel like you were there in this beautiful and cozy place.
I'd like to thank Kimbra for sending me the ebook before it was released, I truly enjoyed it. I was given the ARC by the author in exchange for an honest review.
I like the characters developments and their relationships, the new found family, new love, new adventures to be had. I even learned some new words, that really helped to feel like you were there in this beautiful and cozy place.
I'd like to thank Kimbra for sending me the ebook before it was released, I truly enjoyed it. I was given the ARC by the author in exchange for an honest review.
October 19, 2025
Kimbra Drake’s Where the Heart Meets the Sea is a deeply moving and gorgeously written novel that blends romance, mystery, and self-discovery in a setting as evocative as its characters are unforgettable. Set in the remote island village of Lyngør, Norway, the story follows Ella Nilsen, a 29-year-old fashion designer from Boulder, Colorado, who inherits a seaside cottage from her estranged Norwegian grandmother. What begins as a practical trip to sell the property quickly becomes a transformative quest to uncover long-buried family secrets and redefine her sense of home.
Drake’s prose is lush and immersive, painting the Norwegian landscape with vivid sensory detail—salt air, heather-covered hills, and the ever-present sea become characters in their own right. The novel’s emotional depth is anchored in Ella’s journey: her grief over her mother’s mysterious death, her fear of water, and her longing for connection. These themes are explored with nuance and compassion, never veering into melodrama. The romance between Ella and Leif Arnesen, a local boatbuilder haunted by his own family tragedy, is tender and slow-burning. Their chemistry is palpable, but what makes their relationship compelling is its emotional honesty. Both characters are wounded, both are searching, and their bond grows not just through attraction but through shared vulnerability and mutual respect.
Drake excels at weaving together multiple threads—Norwegian folklore, artistic inspiration, community dynamics, and the tension between locals and outsiders. The supporting cast, especially Mia, Inger, and Erik, are well-drawn and complex, each contributing to the novel’s exploration of belonging and forgiveness.
The novel’s structure—alternating perspectives between Ella and Leif—adds richness and intimacy, allowing readers to inhabit both characters’ inner worlds. The pacing is deliberate but never slow, with revelations and emotional turning points unfolding organically.
Drake’s prose is lush and immersive, painting the Norwegian landscape with vivid sensory detail—salt air, heather-covered hills, and the ever-present sea become characters in their own right. The novel’s emotional depth is anchored in Ella’s journey: her grief over her mother’s mysterious death, her fear of water, and her longing for connection. These themes are explored with nuance and compassion, never veering into melodrama. The romance between Ella and Leif Arnesen, a local boatbuilder haunted by his own family tragedy, is tender and slow-burning. Their chemistry is palpable, but what makes their relationship compelling is its emotional honesty. Both characters are wounded, both are searching, and their bond grows not just through attraction but through shared vulnerability and mutual respect.
Drake excels at weaving together multiple threads—Norwegian folklore, artistic inspiration, community dynamics, and the tension between locals and outsiders. The supporting cast, especially Mia, Inger, and Erik, are well-drawn and complex, each contributing to the novel’s exploration of belonging and forgiveness.
The novel’s structure—alternating perspectives between Ella and Leif—adds richness and intimacy, allowing readers to inhabit both characters’ inner worlds. The pacing is deliberate but never slow, with revelations and emotional turning points unfolding organically.
October 18, 2025
Kimbra Drake, the Author of “Where the Heart Meets the Sea” has written a captivating and heartfelt novel. In this well written novel, the author describes the scenery, the setting, the story, and the colorful and dramatic characters. I love Kimbra Drake’s descriptions of Norway, the cottages, the sea, and how everything appeals to the senses. I also enjoyed the description of the various art describing nature and custom. The characters are complex, and complicated. The female protagonist Ella Nilsen has never met her parents. Her grandmother raised her in America. Ella has just opened a boutique and has rent to pay. When her Norwegian grandmother passes away, she finds out that she has inherited a cottage in Lyngor, Norway set by the sea. Ella’s grandmother would not talk much about her parents, and was secretive about this cottage. Ella is determined to sell the cottage, and go back home. As Ella is going through the cottage, she finds artwork from her mother and pictures. It seems Ella’s mother was very talented and what happened is a mystery that Ella is determined to find more information about. Ella does have a fear of the sea, and has a vest, and wears an amethyst for good luck.
Ella does meet other people from the area. Some of the people are not welcoming to her. Leif Arnesen is a boat builder and extremely creative as well. Leif ’s father was in an accident at sea, and was supposedly drunk at the time. Leif starts to help Ella, and shows her around. The two of them are attracted to one another. Leif helps Ella with her mystery to unlock the timeline of the past. They start to find secrets, betrayals, and danger. I highly recommend this memorable and thought-provoking book. There are twists and turns, and surprises.
Ella does meet other people from the area. Some of the people are not welcoming to her. Leif Arnesen is a boat builder and extremely creative as well. Leif ’s father was in an accident at sea, and was supposedly drunk at the time. Leif starts to help Ella, and shows her around. The two of them are attracted to one another. Leif helps Ella with her mystery to unlock the timeline of the past. They start to find secrets, betrayals, and danger. I highly recommend this memorable and thought-provoking book. There are twists and turns, and surprises.
February 22, 2026
Grief doesn’t knock politely; it drags you across an ocean, drops you on a dock in the cold, and whispers, “Now ask the questions no one wanted you to ask.” In Where the Heart Meets the Sea by Kimbra Drake, that reckoning unfolds on a remote Norwegian island where memory hangs in the mist and the sea keeps better records than the people do.
I picked this up thinking I’d get a comforting escape: inherited cottage, broody local, scenic coastline. And yes, those elements are here. But what surprised me was how emotionally layered the experience felt. Ella Nilsen isn’t just chasing paperwork and property deeds. She’s chasing a version of her mother she never got to know and a truth her grandmother refused to give her. Raised in Boulder by a woman who treated the past like contraband, Ella has learned to live with blanks in her history. Watching her step into Lyngør, surrounded by neighbors who remember everything yet say almost nothing, made my chest tighten. The silence isn’t neutral. It’s heavy.
Leif Arnesen, the island’s gifted boatbuilder, carries his own inheritance of grief. His father’s fatal accident still ripples through the community, and shame clings to him in ways that feel unfair and deeply human. What I appreciated most about Ella and Leif’s connection is that it isn’t built on instant fantasy. It grows out of recognition. They see in each other that same tired question: what if the story I was told isn’t the whole story? Their chemistry is warm, sometimes impulsive, occasionally messy, but always grounded in vulnerability. He steadies her fear of the water. She nudges his fear of change. It feels like two guarded people choosing, cautiously, to risk softness.
There’s a line that stopped me: “The ocean keeps what it wants.” That sentence echoes through the entire novel. The sea is breathtaking in Drake’s hands, but it’s also watchful and unforgiving. Storms roll in without apology. Docks creak like they’re remembering something. The cottage itself feels alive with old art, letters, and half-buried truths. I could almost smell the salt air and feel the damp chill in my bones. The Norwegian setting isn’t decorative; it shapes every choice these characters make.
Emotionally, reading this felt like standing on a cliff in strong wind. Exposed, reflective, a little unsteady. The mystery surrounding Ella’s mother unfolds gradually, and while some reveals are predictable, the emotional impact still lands because it forces Ella to reconsider who her grandmother was, who her mother was, and who she wants to be. There’s found family here, but it’s hard-earned. Some villagers are kind. Others are territorial, even cruel. That tension makes the eventual warmth feel deserved rather than convenient.
I’m giving this 4 out of 5 stars. It isn’t flawless, but it’s immersive, heartfelt, and quietly powerful. If you love small-town settings with emotional undercurrents, romances rooted in shared healing, artistic heroines, steady-handed craftsmen, and stories about rewriting inherited narratives, this book will speak to you.
It’s perfect for readers who crave atmosphere as much as plot, who want to feel transported, and who don’t mind a love story that unfolds alongside grief instead of replacing it. If you’ve ever wondered how much of your life was shaped by secrets you didn’t choose, you’ll find something here that resonates.
So I’m curious: if you uncovered a truth that could fracture a community but finally set you free, would you stay silent or let the tide roll in?
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
#WhereTheHeartMeetsTheSea #KimbraDrake #BookReview #LiteraryRomance #WomensFiction #FoundFamily #NorwayFiction #RomanceReads #BooksWithHeart #BooksSetInNorway #ContemporaryRomance
I picked this up thinking I’d get a comforting escape: inherited cottage, broody local, scenic coastline. And yes, those elements are here. But what surprised me was how emotionally layered the experience felt. Ella Nilsen isn’t just chasing paperwork and property deeds. She’s chasing a version of her mother she never got to know and a truth her grandmother refused to give her. Raised in Boulder by a woman who treated the past like contraband, Ella has learned to live with blanks in her history. Watching her step into Lyngør, surrounded by neighbors who remember everything yet say almost nothing, made my chest tighten. The silence isn’t neutral. It’s heavy.
Leif Arnesen, the island’s gifted boatbuilder, carries his own inheritance of grief. His father’s fatal accident still ripples through the community, and shame clings to him in ways that feel unfair and deeply human. What I appreciated most about Ella and Leif’s connection is that it isn’t built on instant fantasy. It grows out of recognition. They see in each other that same tired question: what if the story I was told isn’t the whole story? Their chemistry is warm, sometimes impulsive, occasionally messy, but always grounded in vulnerability. He steadies her fear of the water. She nudges his fear of change. It feels like two guarded people choosing, cautiously, to risk softness.
There’s a line that stopped me: “The ocean keeps what it wants.” That sentence echoes through the entire novel. The sea is breathtaking in Drake’s hands, but it’s also watchful and unforgiving. Storms roll in without apology. Docks creak like they’re remembering something. The cottage itself feels alive with old art, letters, and half-buried truths. I could almost smell the salt air and feel the damp chill in my bones. The Norwegian setting isn’t decorative; it shapes every choice these characters make.
Emotionally, reading this felt like standing on a cliff in strong wind. Exposed, reflective, a little unsteady. The mystery surrounding Ella’s mother unfolds gradually, and while some reveals are predictable, the emotional impact still lands because it forces Ella to reconsider who her grandmother was, who her mother was, and who she wants to be. There’s found family here, but it’s hard-earned. Some villagers are kind. Others are territorial, even cruel. That tension makes the eventual warmth feel deserved rather than convenient.
I’m giving this 4 out of 5 stars. It isn’t flawless, but it’s immersive, heartfelt, and quietly powerful. If you love small-town settings with emotional undercurrents, romances rooted in shared healing, artistic heroines, steady-handed craftsmen, and stories about rewriting inherited narratives, this book will speak to you.
It’s perfect for readers who crave atmosphere as much as plot, who want to feel transported, and who don’t mind a love story that unfolds alongside grief instead of replacing it. If you’ve ever wondered how much of your life was shaped by secrets you didn’t choose, you’ll find something here that resonates.
So I’m curious: if you uncovered a truth that could fracture a community but finally set you free, would you stay silent or let the tide roll in?
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
#WhereTheHeartMeetsTheSea #KimbraDrake #BookReview #LiteraryRomance #WomensFiction #FoundFamily #NorwayFiction #RomanceReads #BooksWithHeart #BooksSetInNorway #ContemporaryRomance
January 31, 2026
Kimbra Drake's Where the Heart Meets the Sea drops you onto the rocky shores of Lyngør, a car-free archipelago off the southern coast of Norway, and refuses to let you leave until you've felt the salt air on your skin and the weight of unspoken history in your chest.
Twenty-nine-year-old Ella Nilsen has never known her parents. Raised by a grandmother who answered every question about the past with silence, she's built a life as a textile artist in Boulder, Colorado, threading together the only kind of continuity available to her. When that grandmother dies and leaves her a summer cottage perched above the Norwegian sea, Ella's plan is simple: fly over, sell it, save her struggling boutique. In and out.
The archipelago has other ideas.
What Ella finds isn't just a cottage but an archive, her mother's artwork, a community that watches her with suspicion, and questions that have been waiting decades for someone to finally ask them. At the center of this unwelcoming welcome stands Leif Arnesen, a local boatbuilder carrying his own inherited burden: a father who died in a boating accident that the village has never forgiven or forgotten.
Drake, who lived in Lyngør herself, writes the setting with the kind of intimacy that only comes from genuine experience. The "toffee-eyed seals," the "heather-carpeted rocks," the way the absence of cars forces every interaction to unfold at the pace of water and tide, these aren't backdrop details. They're the heartbeat of the narrative. In a genre often saturated with Tuscan sunsets, the choice of this rugged, isolated corner of Norway feels bracingly original.
What elevates this beyond a standard "inheritance romance" is how Drake handles the theme of legacy. Ella doesn't just inherit property; she inherits trauma, silence, and talent she never knew ran in her blood. Leif doesn't just carry grief; he carries a story the community tells about his family, one he's never been allowed to rewrite. Watching these two people, both artists in their own right, help each other excavate the truth is genuinely moving.
The romance unfolds as a slow burn, rooted in something more durable than instant attraction: the recognition of a kindred wound. For readers who want their love stories earned rather than declared, this delivers.
A note for those who come primarily for plot: the mystery of what really happened in the past propels the narrative with enough twists to keep pages turning. But the real suspense is emotional. Will Ella learn to stop wearing the metaphorical safety vest she's brought to every corner of her life? Will Leif allow himself to be seen as something other than his father's son?
For those who read to feel a place, to sink into atmosphere and emerge changed, this novel brings the best kinds of feels.
Drake has written a love letter to the liminal, to shorelines and secrets, to the space between what we inherit and what we choose. The ending is satisfying and warm, a promise kept.
If you're looking for your next armchair escape, make it this wild, windswept archipelago. Just don't expect to leave unchanged.
Twenty-nine-year-old Ella Nilsen has never known her parents. Raised by a grandmother who answered every question about the past with silence, she's built a life as a textile artist in Boulder, Colorado, threading together the only kind of continuity available to her. When that grandmother dies and leaves her a summer cottage perched above the Norwegian sea, Ella's plan is simple: fly over, sell it, save her struggling boutique. In and out.
The archipelago has other ideas.
What Ella finds isn't just a cottage but an archive, her mother's artwork, a community that watches her with suspicion, and questions that have been waiting decades for someone to finally ask them. At the center of this unwelcoming welcome stands Leif Arnesen, a local boatbuilder carrying his own inherited burden: a father who died in a boating accident that the village has never forgiven or forgotten.
Drake, who lived in Lyngør herself, writes the setting with the kind of intimacy that only comes from genuine experience. The "toffee-eyed seals," the "heather-carpeted rocks," the way the absence of cars forces every interaction to unfold at the pace of water and tide, these aren't backdrop details. They're the heartbeat of the narrative. In a genre often saturated with Tuscan sunsets, the choice of this rugged, isolated corner of Norway feels bracingly original.
What elevates this beyond a standard "inheritance romance" is how Drake handles the theme of legacy. Ella doesn't just inherit property; she inherits trauma, silence, and talent she never knew ran in her blood. Leif doesn't just carry grief; he carries a story the community tells about his family, one he's never been allowed to rewrite. Watching these two people, both artists in their own right, help each other excavate the truth is genuinely moving.
The romance unfolds as a slow burn, rooted in something more durable than instant attraction: the recognition of a kindred wound. For readers who want their love stories earned rather than declared, this delivers.
A note for those who come primarily for plot: the mystery of what really happened in the past propels the narrative with enough twists to keep pages turning. But the real suspense is emotional. Will Ella learn to stop wearing the metaphorical safety vest she's brought to every corner of her life? Will Leif allow himself to be seen as something other than his father's son?
For those who read to feel a place, to sink into atmosphere and emerge changed, this novel brings the best kinds of feels.
Drake has written a love letter to the liminal, to shorelines and secrets, to the space between what we inherit and what we choose. The ending is satisfying and warm, a promise kept.
If you're looking for your next armchair escape, make it this wild, windswept archipelago. Just don't expect to leave unchanged.
November 30, 2025
Where the Heart Meets the Sea, a new novel by Kimbra Drake, is set in the early 1990s in the scenic village of Lyngør, located on a remote island off the southeast coast or Norway.
Flavored with Norse mythology, this entertaining story is full of mystery and romance, danger and adventure, with characters so real you feel like you know them. Readers who remember life before cellphones and the internet will appreciate times when a character might need to borrow a neighbor’s phone.
At the heart of this story is Ella, a gifted designer and artist from Boulder, Colorado, who comes to Lyngør to sell a cottage she inherited but has never stepped foot in until now. Why is Ella afraid of the water, and why didn’t her Norwegian grandmother who raised her tell her about the cottage the locals call Ring Point? But even more importantly, why did Ella’s grandmother keep so many secrets from Ella about her mom?
And then there’s Leif, the local boatbuilder with an artistic flair and his own questions about his father’s tragic death when Leif was a young boy. Leif is an easygoing guy who is popular among the locals. When Ella and Leif meet, there’s a mutual attraction that goes deeper than romance. But there’s the sense that others in the village want to keep them apart and send Ella packing for Boulder.
Normally a slow reader, I found myself reading at an accelerated pace through much of this story as I was desperate to find out what happened next. What are the long held secrets that keep swirling and tossing Ella and Leif about? Written in tight prose and told in third person viewpoint that shifts between Ella and Leif, this is a real page turner with dialogue that rings true.
The last few chapters pulled at every emotion as I felt like I was Ella and Leif caught in a terrifying situation. Will they meet the same fate as others or will the truth finally come out and save them?
My ancestors on my mother’s side immigrated from Norway long ago. I’ve never been there physically, but I felt like I was there the whole time I was reading this novel. The author is skilled at creating a strong sense of place and characters who live on in your mind and heart long after the story has ended. This is an excellent read.
Flavored with Norse mythology, this entertaining story is full of mystery and romance, danger and adventure, with characters so real you feel like you know them. Readers who remember life before cellphones and the internet will appreciate times when a character might need to borrow a neighbor’s phone.
At the heart of this story is Ella, a gifted designer and artist from Boulder, Colorado, who comes to Lyngør to sell a cottage she inherited but has never stepped foot in until now. Why is Ella afraid of the water, and why didn’t her Norwegian grandmother who raised her tell her about the cottage the locals call Ring Point? But even more importantly, why did Ella’s grandmother keep so many secrets from Ella about her mom?
And then there’s Leif, the local boatbuilder with an artistic flair and his own questions about his father’s tragic death when Leif was a young boy. Leif is an easygoing guy who is popular among the locals. When Ella and Leif meet, there’s a mutual attraction that goes deeper than romance. But there’s the sense that others in the village want to keep them apart and send Ella packing for Boulder.
Normally a slow reader, I found myself reading at an accelerated pace through much of this story as I was desperate to find out what happened next. What are the long held secrets that keep swirling and tossing Ella and Leif about? Written in tight prose and told in third person viewpoint that shifts between Ella and Leif, this is a real page turner with dialogue that rings true.
The last few chapters pulled at every emotion as I felt like I was Ella and Leif caught in a terrifying situation. Will they meet the same fate as others or will the truth finally come out and save them?
My ancestors on my mother’s side immigrated from Norway long ago. I’ve never been there physically, but I felt like I was there the whole time I was reading this novel. The author is skilled at creating a strong sense of place and characters who live on in your mind and heart long after the story has ended. This is an excellent read.
October 23, 2025
Where the Heart Meets the Sea
A novel by Kimbra Drake
If you have ever had the wish to go boldly into unknown territory, where mystery, romance and adventure await you, Kimbra Drake’s Where the Heart Meets the Sea, might just fit the bill.
Ella Nilsen, from Boulder, Colorado, travels to the remote island of Lyngor to sell her newly inherited summer cottage, Ringpynten. Hilda, her Norwegian grandmother, never mentioned owning such a beautiful place- but like so many other secrets, it only became known after her grandmother’s death. Ella had always wondered so many things about her mother, but the only thing that she was told was that she died when Ella was born. Ella hopes that perhaps there will be some on the island who knew her mother and can tell her more about the woman she never knew.
Upon her arrival to Lyngor, Ella meets several of the small island residents. While some of the islanders are warm and helpful, others are more reluctant in welcoming a stranger. Leif Arnesen, a thirty-four-year-old boat builder, is among the welcoming and shares his knowledge and expertise of the island. Ella and Leif develop a strong friendship that quickly progresses into something more.
From the opening page, I was drawn into this story. It felt like stepping into a different world of wild beauty and Nordic tradition. The element of the sea is a character in itself, shaping the livelihoods of the characters and events that unfold. I liked the uncomplicated writing style of the author and how the story moves along with natural dialogue, revealing the various personalities.
I also loved Ella’s strength and determination: she has specific goals and confidence in her own abilities. She also recognizes Leif’s artistic talent and encourages him to trust in his creative aspirations.
Reading Kimbra Drake’s, Where the Heart Meets the Sea, was well spent time for me, providing a mixture of romance and mystery with a rich story that lingers a while, long after the last page is turned.
A novel by Kimbra Drake
If you have ever had the wish to go boldly into unknown territory, where mystery, romance and adventure await you, Kimbra Drake’s Where the Heart Meets the Sea, might just fit the bill.
Ella Nilsen, from Boulder, Colorado, travels to the remote island of Lyngor to sell her newly inherited summer cottage, Ringpynten. Hilda, her Norwegian grandmother, never mentioned owning such a beautiful place- but like so many other secrets, it only became known after her grandmother’s death. Ella had always wondered so many things about her mother, but the only thing that she was told was that she died when Ella was born. Ella hopes that perhaps there will be some on the island who knew her mother and can tell her more about the woman she never knew.
Upon her arrival to Lyngor, Ella meets several of the small island residents. While some of the islanders are warm and helpful, others are more reluctant in welcoming a stranger. Leif Arnesen, a thirty-four-year-old boat builder, is among the welcoming and shares his knowledge and expertise of the island. Ella and Leif develop a strong friendship that quickly progresses into something more.
From the opening page, I was drawn into this story. It felt like stepping into a different world of wild beauty and Nordic tradition. The element of the sea is a character in itself, shaping the livelihoods of the characters and events that unfold. I liked the uncomplicated writing style of the author and how the story moves along with natural dialogue, revealing the various personalities.
I also loved Ella’s strength and determination: she has specific goals and confidence in her own abilities. She also recognizes Leif’s artistic talent and encourages him to trust in his creative aspirations.
Reading Kimbra Drake’s, Where the Heart Meets the Sea, was well spent time for me, providing a mixture of romance and mystery with a rich story that lingers a while, long after the last page is turned.
October 5, 2025
The novel tells the story of Ella who was raised in the States by her exceedingly grumpy Norwegian grandmother after the death of her mother. Their relationship is quite contentious. Ella’s endless questions about her mother and father are met with silence and stubborn refusal to give any information. It’s only with the passing of her grandmother that Ella discovers she has inherited a cottage on a remote island in Norway. Perhaps a visit to to Lyngor is Ella’s chance to meet with locals and discover the truth about her heritage.
Once she arrives, Ella quickly realizes the locals aren’t thrilled about her presence. They see her curiosity as a disruption to old wounds best left buried. The exception is Leif, an orphan with his own history of loss. Their connection is immediate, and together they begin to piece together the story of Ellas mother, Sara.
The author beautifully transports readers into life on a remote Norwegian island, where boats replace cars and everyone knows your story. The setting feels deeply authentic, enriched with cultural details that show just how well the author understands this part of the world. Having visited Norway last year, I was completely absorbed with the vivid descriptions making me feel as if I were back among the fjords again. The pacing is steady, with just enough clues dropped to keep the mystery unfolding naturally. While I guessed a few facts, the ending tied things together in a satisfying way.
This was one of those happy Bookstagram discoveries I might have otherwise overlooked. It’s a heartfelt story about identity, love and belonging, written with warmth and a sense of place that lingers long after you close the book. The storytelling was so strong that I will now be keeping an eye out for whatever this author writes next.
I rate this a 4.5 upgraded to 5
Thank you to NetGalley for providing this advance copy.
Once she arrives, Ella quickly realizes the locals aren’t thrilled about her presence. They see her curiosity as a disruption to old wounds best left buried. The exception is Leif, an orphan with his own history of loss. Their connection is immediate, and together they begin to piece together the story of Ellas mother, Sara.
The author beautifully transports readers into life on a remote Norwegian island, where boats replace cars and everyone knows your story. The setting feels deeply authentic, enriched with cultural details that show just how well the author understands this part of the world. Having visited Norway last year, I was completely absorbed with the vivid descriptions making me feel as if I were back among the fjords again. The pacing is steady, with just enough clues dropped to keep the mystery unfolding naturally. While I guessed a few facts, the ending tied things together in a satisfying way.
This was one of those happy Bookstagram discoveries I might have otherwise overlooked. It’s a heartfelt story about identity, love and belonging, written with warmth and a sense of place that lingers long after you close the book. The storytelling was so strong that I will now be keeping an eye out for whatever this author writes next.
I rate this a 4.5 upgraded to 5
Thank you to NetGalley for providing this advance copy.
Review of advance copy received from Author
4.5 stars
This book can be categorized as a Romance or Literary Fiction, but it also has a bit of intrigue which I loved. The main character is Ella Nilsen who was raised by her grandmother in Colorado. After her grandmother's death, Ella unexpectedly inherits Hilda's summer college on a remote island in Norway. She visits the island of Lyngor to prepare to sell the cottage and spread her grandmother's ashes, but she is also hoping to get information about her mother who she never knew and her grandmother wouldn't discuss. The people of Lyngor don't want to discuss her mother either, but Ella won't give up. However, those old secrets could destroy her relationship with boatbuilder Leif Arnesen and her chance for a new life.
This is such a beautifully written book! The language is poetic with beautiful descriptions of the setting, which plays such a big part in the book. Stories from Norwegian folklore are seamlessly incorporated throughout the story. These details enhance the story without interrupting the pace.
In addition, the memorable characters are vividly described in such a way that their personalities come to life. There are chapters from both Ella and Leif's points-of-view, so we get to know both of them equally well. There is so much chemistry between the two when they are together. Ella and Leif are interesting, good people but as in life, not all the characters are as likable. Some of the characters cause real problems for Ella as well as her growing romance with Leif. The stakes and the drama build as the story continues, and more than one secret comes to light before the satisfying ending. I enjoyed the book while I was reading it and have found that it's also a story that has stayed with me since I've finished it.
I received an advance copy of the book from the author, but my review is voluntary and unbiased.
This book can be categorized as a Romance or Literary Fiction, but it also has a bit of intrigue which I loved. The main character is Ella Nilsen who was raised by her grandmother in Colorado. After her grandmother's death, Ella unexpectedly inherits Hilda's summer college on a remote island in Norway. She visits the island of Lyngor to prepare to sell the cottage and spread her grandmother's ashes, but she is also hoping to get information about her mother who she never knew and her grandmother wouldn't discuss. The people of Lyngor don't want to discuss her mother either, but Ella won't give up. However, those old secrets could destroy her relationship with boatbuilder Leif Arnesen and her chance for a new life.
This is such a beautifully written book! The language is poetic with beautiful descriptions of the setting, which plays such a big part in the book. Stories from Norwegian folklore are seamlessly incorporated throughout the story. These details enhance the story without interrupting the pace.
In addition, the memorable characters are vividly described in such a way that their personalities come to life. There are chapters from both Ella and Leif's points-of-view, so we get to know both of them equally well. There is so much chemistry between the two when they are together. Ella and Leif are interesting, good people but as in life, not all the characters are as likable. Some of the characters cause real problems for Ella as well as her growing romance with Leif. The stakes and the drama build as the story continues, and more than one secret comes to light before the satisfying ending. I enjoyed the book while I was reading it and have found that it's also a story that has stayed with me since I've finished it.
I received an advance copy of the book from the author, but my review is voluntary and unbiased.
February 2, 2026
I wasn’t sure what to expect with When the Heart Meets the Sea. However, it called to me as a book that has a character who was grieving the recent loss of a parental figure and with me still in the mire that is grief; I wondered if I’d resonate with her emotions.
The author’s writing brings this setting of the story, the island of Lyngør to life in such a beautiful and vivid manner so you feel like you’ve set onto this Norwegian isle alongside the main character as she begins her journey. Having never read anything by this author before I was intrigued as I say, and as I read well into the early hours of the morning wondering what secrets were hidden not just for Ella, our main protagonist, but perhaps for more of the residents of Lyngør. As with any places that are steeped with legend or myth, this remote and idyllic Norwegian isle has kept its secrets probably since the coves, rock formations and other natural monuments were first named.
I loved this book, and am so glad I got an opportunity to read it because it was so much more than a girl discovering her past, and in part her present, the author gave us a story of loss, of secrets long kept that can forever change a person even if they weren’t a part of it. There’s also a found family, and romance too which was so sweet and made me hope they’d get a happy ever after. The storytelling is perfectly done in such a manner that you as the reader feel as though you’re either alongside the cast of characters or unintentionally peeking in on them and sometimes learning secrets. It felt as though the many threads so many of them carry weave back together into Ella’s sense of self makes sense and she’s freed from the shadows of the past.
I only wish I could have actually stepped onto that shore - perhaps not in bad weather and experienced the beauty of this small and relatively untouched and wild area of Norway because it sounds like heaven to be somewhere so quiet in comparison to where I live.
The author’s writing brings this setting of the story, the island of Lyngør to life in such a beautiful and vivid manner so you feel like you’ve set onto this Norwegian isle alongside the main character as she begins her journey. Having never read anything by this author before I was intrigued as I say, and as I read well into the early hours of the morning wondering what secrets were hidden not just for Ella, our main protagonist, but perhaps for more of the residents of Lyngør. As with any places that are steeped with legend or myth, this remote and idyllic Norwegian isle has kept its secrets probably since the coves, rock formations and other natural monuments were first named.
I loved this book, and am so glad I got an opportunity to read it because it was so much more than a girl discovering her past, and in part her present, the author gave us a story of loss, of secrets long kept that can forever change a person even if they weren’t a part of it. There’s also a found family, and romance too which was so sweet and made me hope they’d get a happy ever after. The storytelling is perfectly done in such a manner that you as the reader feel as though you’re either alongside the cast of characters or unintentionally peeking in on them and sometimes learning secrets. It felt as though the many threads so many of them carry weave back together into Ella’s sense of self makes sense and she’s freed from the shadows of the past.
I only wish I could have actually stepped onto that shore - perhaps not in bad weather and experienced the beauty of this small and relatively untouched and wild area of Norway because it sounds like heaven to be somewhere so quiet in comparison to where I live.
October 31, 2025
I was completely mezmerized by Kimbra Drake’s book “Where the Heart Meets the Sea!"” The characters that were likable were truly likable and the obstacles that Ella, the main character, faced felt threatening, mysterious, and real. One of my favorite things is to see people evolve over the course of a book and that happened beautifully in this book in a gratifying way.
The main conflict for Ella is that her mother died when she was very young and her grandmother, who raised her, told her almost nothing about her mother or how it happened. Upon her grandmother’s death, Ella is forced to visit her grandmother’s original home on a Norwegian island to spread her ashes. While there, Ella learns that her grandmother in fact owns a very valuable property on the island despite living her life in very modest circumstances as she was raising Ella and never having mentioned this fact. While there, Ella plans to put the house on the market and then immediately head back home to develop her design company – that is, until she meets the handsome Nordic god named Leif. It becomes very clear as soon as Ella arrives that many local people don’t want her there and she has no idea why. The hostile games begin!
I have to add that the Norwegian village is a character unto itself as is the sea both of which are gorgeous, sinister, and holders of secrets. I loved the way the story rolled out describing Norwegian foods, customs, holidays. If you want to immerse yourself in a story that has a mystery, romance, a beautiful, intriguing locale, and characters whom you will love spending time with, pick this book up. You won’t regret it, and you won’t want to put it down once you start. Highly recommend!
November 18, 2025
Ella Nilsen is only twenty nine when her Mormor Hilda (grandmother) dies. Having grown up in Boulder, Colorado Hilda did everything she could to take care of Ella, orphaned since she was a baby. Hilda spoke very little of her daughter Sara (who died in childbirth) and literally divulged nothing regarding Ella’s biological father. Broken hearted Hilda began a new life in America and erased their entire past. Hilda’s last request upon her death was for her ashes be placed in Lyngor, Norway where she bequeathed Ella a summer home she never knew existed. As an artist and fashion designer, Ella was in the midst of opening her own shop when she took off two weeks to travel to Norway and follow Hilda’s wishes. Even though they hadn’t always gotten along, Ella was very curious about her Norwegian family history that has been buried away on this little island. Immediately after arriving Ella is befriended by Mia who has been the caretaker and rental agent for the cottage and Leif, who is a handy man boatbuilder and looks like a mythical Norweigan god. Naturally, sparks immediately fly! Although the locals are reluctant to speak about the past and tragic accident that took Leif’s own father’s life, Ella slowly uncovers the details of Sara and what happened on that tragic day. The setting was absolutely beautiful and I loved the characters — all in all a wonderful story. The writing was average and I think thats probably a combination of editing and experience, especially as the end had a hard time winding up. That being said, I thoroughly enjoyed this novel and would definitely try another from this author!
January 20, 2026
REVIEW
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
STORYLINE :
The family secrets storyline was okay and I liked it. The grandma who was harsh and traumatised and kept the secrets of the mother from the daughter was s nice storyline and I liked how Ella worked hard to find out about her mother and what happened to her.
But, I hated the love story between Ella and Leif. I didn't feel any chemistry between them and it happened way too fast. They had already fallen for each other in 14 days, so unrealistic! I would have preferred it if the romance was light.
CHARACTERS:
The characters were okay on their own; We have Ella who traveled from America to Norway to find out more about her family and tie up some loose ends. She's a talented fashion designer.
The MMC, Leif a superstitious boat builder. He was okay too.
However, I didn't like them together.
The side characters were okay too
WRITING STYLE:
It was really okay, I had no issues with it. I liked that there was an immediate translation for the Norwegian words.
SETTINGS:
My favourite part of the book and the main reason I requested this book. This is the first book I'll ever read set in Norway and it was amazing to visit the country. I loved the author's description of the small town, the food and other things. It was really good.
The book was also set in 1992.
OVERALL:
The book was okay. I liked the Norwegian settingand I'm ready to read more books set in Norway
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
STORYLINE :
The family secrets storyline was okay and I liked it. The grandma who was harsh and traumatised and kept the secrets of the mother from the daughter was s nice storyline and I liked how Ella worked hard to find out about her mother and what happened to her.
But, I hated the love story between Ella and Leif. I didn't feel any chemistry between them and it happened way too fast. They had already fallen for each other in 14 days, so unrealistic! I would have preferred it if the romance was light.
CHARACTERS:
The characters were okay on their own; We have Ella who traveled from America to Norway to find out more about her family and tie up some loose ends. She's a talented fashion designer.
The MMC, Leif a superstitious boat builder. He was okay too.
However, I didn't like them together.
The side characters were okay too
WRITING STYLE:
It was really okay, I had no issues with it. I liked that there was an immediate translation for the Norwegian words.
SETTINGS:
My favourite part of the book and the main reason I requested this book. This is the first book I'll ever read set in Norway and it was amazing to visit the country. I loved the author's description of the small town, the food and other things. It was really good.
The book was also set in 1992.
OVERALL:
The book was okay. I liked the Norwegian settingand I'm ready to read more books set in Norway
February 15, 2026
Tropes:
family secrets
found family
grief
Where the Heart Meets the Sea is an adult fiction story that takes place in Norway. I actually really enjoyed the backdrop of this story, as I don't feel like you see many stories happening in Norway and from the description, it sounds beautiful. I'd love to visit the islands of Norway now!
What Where the Heart Meets the Sea gives us is grief, romance, a desire to belong, the need to learn one's past, and friendships. I enjoyed the story and kinda wish for a prequel story now! Ella is an American who was raised by her Norwegian grandmother. She never knew her parents, being told her mother died when she was born. Ella's mormor refused to bring up the past and they struggled quite a bit between the two of them if we're honest. When her grandmother dies, she unexpectedly leaves Ella property in Norway, putting Ella on a path that will change everything.
I can't imagine growing up with questions of who my parents were and never having answers, especially when there was someone who could have given them to you. My heart ached for Ella and I found her mormor to be a tough old bird. But the further into the story, I realized/felt for her grandmother and while I don't agree with her why, I also can understand her a little more. I really enjoyed this mission to find the truth about Ella's mother in Where the Heart Meets the Sea, which leads us to Leif, his relationships with his found family, and his connection to Ella. One critque I have is that I wanted more emotion from the beginning of their relationship- Ella and Leif's. I felt like they hung out and then suddenly they both felt they were falling for the other.
family secrets
found family
grief
Where the Heart Meets the Sea is an adult fiction story that takes place in Norway. I actually really enjoyed the backdrop of this story, as I don't feel like you see many stories happening in Norway and from the description, it sounds beautiful. I'd love to visit the islands of Norway now!
What Where the Heart Meets the Sea gives us is grief, romance, a desire to belong, the need to learn one's past, and friendships. I enjoyed the story and kinda wish for a prequel story now! Ella is an American who was raised by her Norwegian grandmother. She never knew her parents, being told her mother died when she was born. Ella's mormor refused to bring up the past and they struggled quite a bit between the two of them if we're honest. When her grandmother dies, she unexpectedly leaves Ella property in Norway, putting Ella on a path that will change everything.
I can't imagine growing up with questions of who my parents were and never having answers, especially when there was someone who could have given them to you. My heart ached for Ella and I found her mormor to be a tough old bird. But the further into the story, I realized/felt for her grandmother and while I don't agree with her why, I also can understand her a little more. I really enjoyed this mission to find the truth about Ella's mother in Where the Heart Meets the Sea, which leads us to Leif, his relationships with his found family, and his connection to Ella. One critque I have is that I wanted more emotion from the beginning of their relationship- Ella and Leif's. I felt like they hung out and then suddenly they both felt they were falling for the other.
February 24, 2026
My first book in February took me to a small fishing town on a remote Norwegian Island. Thank you @kimberly_engebrigtsen and @katerockliteraryservices for the gifted book.
Ella Nielsen never knew her parents and was raised by her emotionally distant grandmother. When her grandmother dies, Ella learns she has inherited a summer cottage on the Norway Island of Lyngor. Ella goes to the remote island to see the cottage and hopefully finds some answers to her mother's mysterious passing. She meets boatbuilder Leif Arnesen who has carried grief and shame from his father's accidental death. What Ella learns about her mother will change both their lives.
Ella never felt at home in Colorado and her grandmother always told her she was just like her mother but she wouldn't tell Ella why. Ella finds she is more at home on the Island. She is making friends (and some enemies) as she searches for clues about her mother. Lyngor is a close knit community which holds secrets about the past. I like that Ella was a free spirit and didn't let people dictate what clothes she would wear or design. Ella and Leif had a close connection from the beginning. Both believe it was fate that brought them together because they both wear the same aquamarine talisman. There is some suspense and secrets are revealed. It is a story of found family and second chances. I enjoyed Norwegian folklore and learning about the viking gods and goddesses. I read this book in one day and was very happy with the ending.
Ella Nielsen never knew her parents and was raised by her emotionally distant grandmother. When her grandmother dies, Ella learns she has inherited a summer cottage on the Norway Island of Lyngor. Ella goes to the remote island to see the cottage and hopefully finds some answers to her mother's mysterious passing. She meets boatbuilder Leif Arnesen who has carried grief and shame from his father's accidental death. What Ella learns about her mother will change both their lives.
Ella never felt at home in Colorado and her grandmother always told her she was just like her mother but she wouldn't tell Ella why. Ella finds she is more at home on the Island. She is making friends (and some enemies) as she searches for clues about her mother. Lyngor is a close knit community which holds secrets about the past. I like that Ella was a free spirit and didn't let people dictate what clothes she would wear or design. Ella and Leif had a close connection from the beginning. Both believe it was fate that brought them together because they both wear the same aquamarine talisman. There is some suspense and secrets are revealed. It is a story of found family and second chances. I enjoyed Norwegian folklore and learning about the viking gods and goddesses. I read this book in one day and was very happy with the ending.
December 9, 2025
Ella Nilsen is a 29 year old artistic free spirited soul living in Boulder, CO. When her grandmother dies and leaves her the family cottage in Lingor, Norway, Ella must temporarily leave her dreams in Boulder behind, and travel to Norway to hopefully sell the cottage. Ella was raised by her grandmother, who refused to tell her anything about her mother or what happened to her, other than they lived in Norway at one time and her mother died in childbirth.
Leif Arnesan is a boat builder and craftsman in Lingor. Raised by his dad’s best friend Erik, he knows the local story of how his dad was drunk and driving a boat that caused several people’s deaths, including his own.
Ella arrives in Lingor, she and Leif strike up a cautious friendship. Ella is terrified of the water, due to her grandmother’s constant tirade of how dangerous the water can be and she should never be close to it. Leif patiently tries to show Ella the beauty in the water, and encourages her to trust him and it. Slowly, she begins to think of the people in this small community as her family.
Not everyone is welcoming - there are those who want to see her go back to the States. When she discovers secrets about her past, she’s caught between wanting to know the truth, and fearing hurting those in her new-found community.
Family drama against the beauty of Norway - I really enjoyed this novel! Thanks to the NetGalley, Bleecker Books, and the author for an ARC; all opinions are my own.
Leif Arnesan is a boat builder and craftsman in Lingor. Raised by his dad’s best friend Erik, he knows the local story of how his dad was drunk and driving a boat that caused several people’s deaths, including his own.
Ella arrives in Lingor, she and Leif strike up a cautious friendship. Ella is terrified of the water, due to her grandmother’s constant tirade of how dangerous the water can be and she should never be close to it. Leif patiently tries to show Ella the beauty in the water, and encourages her to trust him and it. Slowly, she begins to think of the people in this small community as her family.
Not everyone is welcoming - there are those who want to see her go back to the States. When she discovers secrets about her past, she’s caught between wanting to know the truth, and fearing hurting those in her new-found community.
Family drama against the beauty of Norway - I really enjoyed this novel! Thanks to the NetGalley, Bleecker Books, and the author for an ARC; all opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Set on a remote Norwegian island, this romance with a side of mystery and dashes of Norwegian folklore sweeps you away while remaining grounded in heartfelt emotion and engaging writing.
Atmospheric and immersive, I felt transported to Norway and loved the vivid descriptions of the island, its food, culture, and folklore. The place is a character in itself, and world-building is fantastic. The folklore is not only interesting but also adds layers of richness to the setting and reflects various aspects of the plot. The island comes alive, serving as a beautiful and haunting backdrop for this story, with themes of self-discovery, love, and found family.
Primarily character-driven, we get the dual perspectives of MCs Ella and Leif, who are both well-developed characters. Their romance develops gradually as they divulge past struggles and uncover a shared history between their families that reveals secrets, making their connection feel genuine rather than surface-level. Pasts are confronted, grief is explored, and the story becomes emotional and reflective at times, though the book's overall tone is hopeful and heartwarming.
The love story and mystery are blended in a balanced way, with twists and turns and a satisfying ending. This book will appeal to fans of women's fiction and romance reads with a strong sense of place.
Thank you to the publisher and author for the gifted review copy, all opinions are my own.
Atmospheric and immersive, I felt transported to Norway and loved the vivid descriptions of the island, its food, culture, and folklore. The place is a character in itself, and world-building is fantastic. The folklore is not only interesting but also adds layers of richness to the setting and reflects various aspects of the plot. The island comes alive, serving as a beautiful and haunting backdrop for this story, with themes of self-discovery, love, and found family.
Primarily character-driven, we get the dual perspectives of MCs Ella and Leif, who are both well-developed characters. Their romance develops gradually as they divulge past struggles and uncover a shared history between their families that reveals secrets, making their connection feel genuine rather than surface-level. Pasts are confronted, grief is explored, and the story becomes emotional and reflective at times, though the book's overall tone is hopeful and heartwarming.
The love story and mystery are blended in a balanced way, with twists and turns and a satisfying ending. This book will appeal to fans of women's fiction and romance reads with a strong sense of place.
Thank you to the publisher and author for the gifted review copy, all opinions are my own.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 121 reviews