SOLVED. Middle grade/YA Fantasy stand alone. Poor girl is asked by the mermaid prince to be his bride because she has the kindest heart but she refuses. [s]

[Louise]

This book’s MC (main character) is a girl who was rich when she was young, but after her father died, her mother became depressed and started doing nothing but laying around in bed. As the eldest child, the MC tried to take care of her younger sister and mother and the house’s finances, but being a child, she handles the money wrong they’re soon broke and kicked out of the house.

Fast forward and the MC, her sister, and the MC’s mom are living with the MC’s aunt. The sister is more favored because she is pretty and is even given a necklace which is a family heirloom by either the mom or the aunt (I don’t remember). The MC is working random jobs to earn money for her family while the sister and mother do nothing. The MC also has a kind crush.

Then some time forward in the story, the MC goes underwater and is found my merpeople. She’s then told that she has been chosen to be the mermaid prince’s bride because of she was the nicest person in the island she lived in. She could live the rest of her life in luxury as a mermaid princess, but she can never see her family again. After hearing this, she goes back to the land with her crush and family and that’s all I can remember.

[Rainbowheart]

When did you read it?

[Louise]

About 5-6 years ago.

[Louise]

It’s been a month so I’m adding an extra comment. Also, I’ve probably read this book sometime between 2015-2016.

[Kris]

Louise, how did he father die?

Where does the girl live (e.g., fantasy world or realistic Earth - country, city, town)?

[Louise]

The world was realistic (set maybe in medieval times or before that) and I think the father died because of a disease. Also, only the main character and 1 other person knew about the mermaids. Their existence wasn’t common knowledge.

[Hydrp]

I was looking for the same book I believe. Sounds like Forbidden Sea by Sheila A. Nielson.

[Rainbowheart]

Forbidden Sea for Hyrdrp's suggestion.

[Louise]

I think that’s the one, thank you!

[Kris]

Louise, here's the Google Books preview for Forbidden Sea by Sheila A. Nielson - Rainbowheart's suggestion:

https://books.google.com/books?id=Jqf... There are different cover images.

Should we mark your request as Solved?

[Louise]

Yes, please.

[Kris]

Great. Glad you found your book, Louise. Thanks for the update.