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Her kind treats her as less-than-human, but she’s always been so much more.

Mermaid life has never been easy for Verona. Her scars give evidence of her abuse. When her day of reckoning arrives, she is determined to endure exile. According to her father’s experience, exile is better than becoming a land-walker and risking her life among the humans.

However, when she saves the life of a drowning human boy, she inadvertently sets off a chain of events which force her to choose a stay with the humans she has become attached to or return home to a life of scorn. A savage hunter draws closer, threatening even the humans. Her only hope is to keep everyone safe until the next full moon, but those around her devise their own plans.

If you love mermaid tales or paranormal romance, pre-order this coming-of-age story of shifters, first love, and learning what it means to be human.

292 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 15, 2017

82 people are currently reading
289 people want to read

About the author

Pauline Creeden

75 books578 followers
Pauline Creeden is an award-winning author, horse trainer, and overall book ninja. She becomes the main character in each of her stories, and because she has ADD, she will get bored if she pretends to be one person for too long.

Armored Hearts, her joint effort with author Melissa Turner Lee, has been a #1 Bestseller in Christian Fantasy and been awarded the Crowned Heart for Excellence by InDtale Magazine. Her debut novel, Sanctuary, won 1st Place Christian YA Title 2013 Dante Rosetti Award and 2014 Gold Award for First Place YA Horror Novel.

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5 stars
56 (37%)
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54 (36%)
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29 (19%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
Profile Image for Ronda  Tutt.
863 reviews55 followers
June 6, 2018
Well Built Magical World

*NOTE: read SCALES before reading SALT*
Verona's world begins as she starts a new life as a land walker and just when you think she may have some solidarity and happiness in her life, the paranormal wolf shifter's and a mean witch has other plans.

This is an amazing story. I was a little confused at first because I was expecting to learn more about Verona and Bailey (Merman who helped Verona survive once she was exiled from their clan). But that's not what we get, no Verona's fate brings her to rescue the human Logan.

Logan is an awesome character that I fall in love with immediately. He lives with his grand mother Mama Wend and all his life after his mother passed his grandmother has traveled the world with him until now when they come back to their home. He is a very considerate young man, handsome, sexy, and has a heart of gold but he's not one to push around and several times he has been forced to hold his own and protect the weak Alex.

Unfortunately he becomes the butt of the joke at a boat party from a bully and ends up diving off a boat into the ocean to save his new friend Alex's watch. While in water the boat of partying friends leaves him behind in the middle of the ocean and this is where Verona comes in.

The story is amazing and I fell in love with Moma Wend immediately also. There is something special about her right off.

The author makes it easy for the reader to dive right into this world and it's surroundings. I love the fact that Verona learns that there are others of her kind living secretly amongst the humans around her, but the more she learns the more dangerous it becomes for her especially if she leaves the island.

As the story goes along, Logan's long lost father shows up mysteriously and it's still not too clear what his role will play in the future, and it's not clear why he left Logan with his grandmother after his mother died. Hopefully this will all be revealed in the next book - just so many unanswered questions.

I loved the closeness and buildup between Verona and Logan. All the characters just get to you and you just have to hang on to their every word and action. This story just gripped me from the start and I couldn't put it down. I cant wait for the next book. I look forward to learning more about these paranormal creatures of werewolves, witches, etc.... I look forward to learning if Verona ever gets happiness.

And what about Bailey. All through out the book we really didn't hear of him til towards the end when he makes an appearance to confront Verona into making a decision. I have to say I didn't like the way Bailey acted, he seemed mean. In the prequel, I rooted for him but after his interactions in this book, he seem to turn like his mean brother. I thought it was cool that Verona realizes that the fears and stories she learned from her clan were false. She even has some power and the fact that there are others like her on the island really opens her eyes to her clans dishonesty.

There is just so much to this world that I hope the author gives us more of both the mermaid world and the paranormal world on land. Everything is in place for the perfect climax with well built characters and a small island full of magic surrounding it - So please don't leave us hanging.

Excellent read!

Profile Image for Candyce Kirk.
1,318 reviews53 followers
December 23, 2017
I love stories about mermaids, so I was excited to get started. This book didn't disappoint. We meet Verona and Logan. Logan just moved back to the island with Mama Wend (his grandmother). Ever since he was little and his mother passed away, they have moved all over the place. Seeing how he always moved around he's never really built a group of friends. When he's invited to a party on a boat, he has it's doubts. He knows these kind of kids, but the neighbor kid gets him to go. During the party he realizes he was right and when he does something to help Alex out, he's left behind in the ocean when a storm starts. This is when Verona comes in. She's a Mer, but has been keeping an eye out on the human world. She sees Logan get in trouble and helps him. Because this happens her tail dries and she gains her legs. This means she can stay on land and go back to sea at the next full moon. Verona stays with Logan's family on the island and she finds out there is a lot more going on and that she has more choices than she knew of. This also brings dangers. Logan doesn't trust her, but can that change?
I have to say I really enjoyed this concept of this book. A different take on mermaids and how their world works. Verona isn't naive, but she definitely still has a lot to learn about the human world. Watching soap operas with a woman who lives on a boat. She is very curious though.
Logan finds it hard to settle now after he's been moving around all his life. The only person he is really close to is Mama Wend. She is so sweet! I would want her as a grandmother. During the book Logan tries to build up a life while Verona tries figuring out the human world. This brings them close together and when things get tough they have each other. This makes Verona's choice harder when she has to decide whether to go back to the ocean or not.
I love how I connected with these characters and how the story developed. I would've loved to known more about Verona's life. We learn some things, but I think a bit more would've been nice. I definitely want to see more of these characters.

Full review to come soon: thebookdutchesses.wordpress.com
Profile Image for Joetta Spurling.
Author 2 books7 followers
September 17, 2017
I'm an independent reviewer for Romance Authors That Rock.
🎶Go on and kiss the girl 🎶
This is a sweet little story for the YA... No sexual content... Even at my age I enjoyed it... Verona saves Logan when he "falls" into the ocean... Now she is stuck in human form for a month... Living with Logan and his grandmother is eye opening for her... I loved the relationship between Logan and his grandmother it was very sweet and heartwarming...
20 reviews
October 16, 2017
Love it

This book is a can't put down book. I was happy, sad, angry right along with them. I sat on the edge of my chair. Love mermaids
Profile Image for Jessica.
1,596 reviews54 followers
September 6, 2019
I haven’t read many mermaid tales so I was really excited to get into this series. I think I picked the right series to start with because Pauline Creeden’s writing is wonderful and I was immediately sucked into this story.

The characters were deep and written well. I was connected with them throughout and I think this was a really great character-driven novel. On top of that, the world-building was awesome. It’s easy to get lost in this story.

I recommend checking this out. I think it’s a great start to what will be a fun series.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Promotional Book Tours. All opinions are my own.*

Find this review and more on my blog: https://jessicabelmont.wordpress.com/
Profile Image for Kat.
940 reviews32 followers
August 7, 2017
*** I voluntarily reviewed this book, I gained no monetary incentives nor was I specifically requested to review the book, these are my honest ramblings and I hope you enjoy reading them - kat***

I wasn't going to start the book straight away, but I needed to escape into fantasy land after reviewing a non-fiction book, and I didn't put it down.
I've only read one or two mermaids, book's and the cover drew me to sign up to review it, and I was hooked with the first chapter.

Verona's status in life is not really explained in detail but she has had a rough life and has the scars to prove it, the life in a Mer Clan is Caste based and she is a 'bottom feeder.
Abused and cast out to fend for herself for a year, she has lived in a small island bay, watching the humans as she tries to survive.

One night she saves the life of Logan, who has just returned to the island with his grandma (Mama Wend), she inadvertently beaches herself and ends up with legs... when she is taken in by Mama Wend and Logan, who think she is is a runaway, she explores life as a human, but Verona has till the next full moon to decide if she stays in the world of humans or return home to a life of scorn.

When danger comes to the sleepy town, Supernaturals who want to capture Verona for her life blood, putting Logan and the other townsfolk in danger, Verona has to rely on her faith in her strength to resist their spells.

The book has lots of avenues to explore, the Caste system in the Mer people using twists in the truth to use the weaker merfolk to do their bidding hopefully will be explored more in book 2. Verona's experience with living with the humans shows her that everything she was told by the Mer's is biased to their advantage, but with the threat of being an attractive ingredient to the witches who exist, Verona, is also worried for Her new friends safety.

Verona and Logan have a connection, will she stay with him or go back to being derided by her people?

There is a prequel that I am going to check out, to see if it gives more information on Verona's life before her 'Reckoning' began.

It's an enjoyable story which will lead into the next book and hopefully more about the Mer and the Humans who have become family to Verona.
Profile Image for C. Erani Kole.
1,709 reviews51 followers
August 9, 2017
*voluntarily and honestly reviewed the ARC I received from Lady Amber's PR*

Loooooved this. I loved the tone, the writing style, the setting, the characters, but most of all, I loved the way it made me feel. It started off beautifully with Logan and Mama Wend coming back from living in all fifty states. They've had their adventure and now it's time to return home, but although not everyone is as welcoming to Logan as some, the eighteen-year-old protagonist doesn't mind because home is where Mama Wend is, and she raised him right.

Verona is going through her reckoning (her story is the novella prequel) but when she sees something she can't ignore, she ends up on the shore... with legs. With nowhere else to go and no one to turn to, she finds her solace in Logan Clarke, and what starts off as something full of wariness and suspicion soon turns into something a lot better than either protagonist could have imagined.

I really enjoyed this book. I love mermaids and small towns, so reading this wasn't hard to do. Told from Verona and Logan's POV, the story makes you wish you too were with them, experiencing everything they are. Logan was a refreshing male character with sincere manners and although he was still quite a hellion with some of the things that he couldn't handle, I still thought him totally swoon worthy. Verona was adorable and I loved her sweet exuberance. She and Logan were such two different personalities but their inner feels and what they found important were the same, and I more than enjoyed seeing them come together. The addition of Verona being a fish out of water, plus the danger that comes with being a Mer on land, and the blooming cuteness and usual drama of teen life left me more than satisfied. I absolutely loved this.
Profile Image for Lindy Lu Reviews.
314 reviews3 followers
August 10, 2017
I loved this story, I am loving the whole mermaid tale. It is very exotic. I enjoy reading books by this author because her books are very clean and more about a story not lots of fluff. I loved naive Verona, she has been sheltered most of her life. Her clan shuns her and makes her feel like she is lower than pond scum. She has to live among the humans but she has no intention of this, until a fluke happens and she kinda has no other option.

So what can I say about this story, it was sweet and innocent. I liked this story, it gave me the feels. I loved Grandma Wend she was such a sweet classic grandma that loved fully. Logan was sort of broody at first , the way he treated Verona wasn't to great. I guess I get it this stranger just washes up on shore the way the world is nowadays she could most likely be taking advantage. Logan got over his broodish ways though and realized that the weird girl was just weird so he was able to show how cool he was.

I liked the sweetness of this story not so much heavy, there was some heavy towards the end but I enjoyed the light heavy moments.There wasn't as much romance as I would have liked, I did think there would be more . She did have a decision to make though did she return to her clan or live among the humans. I was actually surprised by the outcome, I thought she would chose different but alas I was wrong. Find out the ending read the story!
Profile Image for Autumn.
2,332 reviews47 followers
April 8, 2018
http://fallenoverbookreviews.blogspot...
I received this book to give an honest review.

I never thought I would like a mermaid story so much, the last mermaid story I fell in love with was a book by my favorite author. Being a mermaid is not all glamour like everyone would like for you to think. Verona is what you would call a bottom feeder which is just a social standing within the mermaid world. Her reckoning was a bit heartbreaking because I didn't realize it would be that harsh. Verona slowly sees how people live on land while trying to stay in exile away from her people. Though they don't make it easy. Then we are introduced to Logan who is just a normal kid who has moved back to his grandmother's hometown. When Logan is saved from drowning and Verona is found with him Verona will have a choice to make, either stay human or go back to being a mermaid. It is a hard decision for her as she gets to see how the human world really is, and it is way different than what is on the shows she would watch. Verona is totally innocent while on land and we see how it bothers Logan so much yet it slowly starts to make him enjoy being in her presence.

As the moon cycle gets closer Verona will learn that there is a reason she should stay on the island because she is being hunted by something that wants a mermaid's blood, and she has to come to a decision.
Profile Image for Lindsay.
Author 0 books58 followers
August 7, 2017
A show of hands... who wants to be a mermaid? If you put your hand up and screamed "ME ME!" then this is definitely the book for you. It's clean and sweet, with just a touch of darkness. Pauline Creeden has presented our world through a fresh set of eyes, showing the reader the absurdity of human lives through a mermaid's perspective.

I will admit, it's not quite the romance I was expecting it to be. There is a slow build in romantic tension, but it was almost subtle enough that I doubted its presence would make itself known. I know for sure the next book in the series will have a chance to build on it. In fact, there are a few plot threads that were started but I found them leading into the sequel, so I'll have to try my best to be patient and wait for more.

Speaking of more, if you haven't read the prequel, Scales, you probably should. It's a short story about Verona's life before land, and is hinted at strongly throughout Salt. It's certainly not required in order to follow along with the story, but it adds to the overall story. And it's... FREE! Seriously, nothing is stopping you. Go get it, now.

A copy of this book was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.

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Profile Image for Gina.
477 reviews9 followers
August 3, 2017
Salt is the follow up book to prequel short story Scales. I recommend reading Scales first to understand the back story to this book.

This story starts with Logan and his Grandmother “Mama Wend” move back to their hometown. Logan hasn't lived there since he was 6 so he's the “new kid in town”. He is adjusting to being back where his family is from. Not everyone is excited about the new kid.

In the meantime Verona is a mermaid that is now a land walker. She is adjusting to live on land, a life she's ever dreamed of. It's more difficult in ways than she's ever thought.

This is one of those books that grab you from the beginning and you don't want it to end. Unfortunately it's also one of those books that's hard to leave a review for without giving away spoilers.

I'll just say...RUN to where ever you purchase books from (either online or brick & Mortar) and purchase book books at the same time. You won't be sorry.

I received this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions in this review are 100% my own.
Profile Image for Sue Brooks.
465 reviews8 followers
July 19, 2017
WOW WOW WOW - Pauline Creeden never ceases to amaze the reader!!!

I will start by saying that although you don't have to read the series in order -- it is good to have read SCALES before reading SALT. Besides, who doesn't want to read a really good book by a really good author!!! SALT starts off with Logan and his grandmother - MAMA WEND -- move back to the little island where they used to live when Logan was young. Upon arriving, he met some kids that he knew when he was 6. They invited him to a party on a boat and as things go - he jumped in the water to retrieve something for his neighbor friend. Then the boat left him there and he started swimming to shore. I don't write spoilers --- BUT, that is where the majority of the fun begins. This book is so good that you will want to continue reading until you reach the end. THEN - you will say how mad you are that the next book in the series doesn't come out until the summer of 2018. (At least that is what I thought!!!)

Profile Image for Laura  Hernandez.
799 reviews84 followers
August 18, 2017
I will start by saying that requesting a copy to review was one of the best things I have done so far this year. This author immediately transports you into a beautifully written story that keeps you hooked until the end. I quickly fell in love with the characters and the world building. I do not like sharing spoilers, but I will tell you that if you decide on reading just one mermaid book this year, then this is the one to go with as this author will not disappoint you. I loved every single moment of this tale, and I thank Ms. Creeden for her wonderful creative writing style.

{I requested a copy for review purposes and made no guarantees of a favorable review. The opinions expressed here are unbiased and my own.}
Profile Image for Susan Harrowa.
239 reviews
May 19, 2018
Love this!

Fairy tale retellings are done of my favorite stories. And this one is no exception. I absolutely love the style this one is written in. And the characters are sweetly adorable, except the bullies and bad guys. You'll hate them.....which is perfect. But I especially liked the the added details of the witch and werewolf that sets this Little Mermaid apart from the rest. That twist made it unique. I look forward to the second book and where it takes Verona and Logan. And Ms. Creeden, if you see this review, please tell me Alex gets a book too!!
Profile Image for Amanda Jane  Williams.
96 reviews1 follower
August 16, 2017
What do you really know about mermaids? Not much. Well, Salt lets you see inside the life of at least one.
Salt is very well written and I will be reading that of them to find out what happens between Logan and Verona.
I think we all have a Mama Wend in our lives as well.
I would recommend this book to anyone that even remotely likes mermaids. It gives you some interesting insight on what life is like for our sea dwelling friends. A very good read for a young adult as well.
Profile Image for Marie Pedrick.
120 reviews3 followers
August 17, 2017
If you like fantasy then this book is for you. It fallows Logan ( a human) after he moves to Cinciteague and Verona a mermaid in exile from her people and what happens after she accidentally becomes human after saving Logan in a storm. The story follows the ups and downs of their relationship and everything that follows after. I enjoyed reading this book immensely and would definitely recommend it.
This review was written on behalf of Amo and Sarah's book corner.
Profile Image for Gladys.
13.6k reviews157 followers
August 30, 2017
Salt ( a mermaid tale ) by Pauline Creeden is an amazing read. Heartwarming and full of charm this story is about Verona and Logan. Complex and well written it is a joy to read. I recommend you read the prequel book Scales to get a full understanding of Verona. I am posting an honest review after reading an ARC copy of this book.
Profile Image for Melody Spencer.
234 reviews3 followers
February 2, 2018
I absolutely loved this story! It is so much more than just a simple Mermaid tale. I was happily following along learning about Verona’s experience with humans and getting to know these characters and then bam, the author introduced so much more depth, emotion, suspense, paranormal, I was blown away and I cannot wait to read more!
51 reviews
June 6, 2018
A wonderful book for teens and adults

Salt is a great read, once I started I couldn’t stop. The story was well written and kept me guessing all the way l really enjoyed the main characters and I wouldn’t have a problem with younger teens reading it. I’m hoping the next book will be out soon although Salt can be read on its own and I’m sure most readers will really enjoy it
Profile Image for Kim  Gregory.
1,147 reviews19 followers
August 14, 2017
I started to read this story but ran into a cuss word near the beginning. I hate to bring down a non-Christian author's rating because there is not an expectation of a clean read - but I do want to let others know who are looking for clean reads, that this book isn't one.
37 reviews
March 29, 2018
A wonderful tail!

I love everything written in this book.it had merfolk,wolves and witch.I like that it had Logan and Verona POV.it made me smile,cry,a rollercoaster of emotion.Would recommend that you read it yourself.
Profile Image for Lisa Whitehead.
552 reviews5 followers
March 31, 2018
Edge of the seat read.

If you like a dystopian or fantasy kind of story I would recommend this book.
An interesting story of a mermaid who is thought of as the lowest of the low ends up on shore.
An enjoyable and catchy story from start to finish.
Profile Image for Teya Teya.
Author 9 books102 followers
May 16, 2018
I have a hard time giving out 5 stars but when I do it's well deserved. I questioned having witches and werewolves in the story as well but It worked well with the storyline. I have thoroughly enjoyed this author and look forward to more books written by her and to see how the saga turns out.
Profile Image for Spunky N Sassy.
5,375 reviews118 followers
August 15, 2017
Spunky N Sassy Rating: 4.0

~~~~~~~~~~~Lindsey's ★★★★ Review~~~~~~~~~~

This is a riveting book that left me captivated from the first page to the absolutely last line.
5 reviews
September 5, 2017
Salt

Finally, a mermaid story. I loved it! More please! I am going to purchase Scales so I must go for now.
312 reviews1 follower
September 7, 2017
Amazing mermaid tale

This is a great story! I love mermaids, and anyone who likes mermaid stories will like this one! It is also a great tale of coming of age and perseverance.
Profile Image for Nancy Phy.
314 reviews6 followers
January 6, 2018
Enchanting

This is a wonderful enchanting fantasy with unforgettable characters. I wholeheartedly recommend this book to everyone who enjoys a sweet story.
6 reviews
April 20, 2018
I couldn't out it down. Can't wait for the next one

Fantasy retelling of the little mermaid. Can't wait for more of Verona and logan! And what about mama wend?!?! I gotta know
Profile Image for Helgaleena Healingline.
Author 2 books30 followers
January 1, 2020
This series, despite their steamy covers, is for young adults. Much of the tension and drama comes from the characters struggling to mature in hostile or unfavorable social situations, whether it's the cut-throat Mer pecking order or the great reaches of dry land America.

Having grown up with the 'Misty of Chincoteague' books, I was glad to see them used as a setting, even if the emphasis is on covert paranormal infiltration of human society by other magical species.
Submerged and Scales are prequels to this book, laying the foundation for what happens here. Surfacing is the heart-breaking conclusion. If you can only read one and not the whole set, Salt is the one to choose.

All deal with the young mermaid Verona, whose bottom rung status in Mer society has landed her in a state of Reckoning-- if she survives on her own in the ocean or alternately on the land with the Moon's help, she may return as a full-fledged Mer. The odds are always against it. But Verona gets help; first from a Mer her own age named Bailey, then from a human named Logan she saves from drowning in a storm. Once ashore, she has to face those paranormals who prey on land dwelling Mer and don't let humans get in their way.

I'm a lucky one who has read them all. You will wish you were that lucky.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews

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