Of Shells and Serendipity ~ Release Day Review

Of Shells and Serendipity

Victorians at the Beach

By Karen M. Edwards

Elsie Abercrombie has a passion for marine biology - the shapes of the various shells she finds fascinate and intrigue her. Her interest is not looked upon favorably by any of the local eligible bachelors, or many of the ladies. Her mother can't understand why she isn't more interested in the young neighbor who is determined to marry her. 

Dr. Magnus MacPherson is teaching at the St. Andrews medical school for the summer term. Medicine is his passion, and he has dreams of providing a place of healing near his beloved home on the Isle of Skye. What Magnus didn't expect was to find a young woman to capture his attention with her wit, intelligence, vibrance, and kindness. 

I loved reading this book with its wee bit of a mystery and Elsie's determination to follow her dreams. The attitudes of the other professors, scholars, and men in general would have been disheartening. It was also interesting to see the disdain the local populace had towards new residents (aka incomers) and day trippers (those visiting for the day). I always appreciate books that include a glossary and pronunciation guide for words I am unfamiliar with, which in this book was found towards the end. Altogether a lovely read.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations. All thoughts expressed are my own.

About the Book:

Elspeth “Elsie” Abercrombie is a dutiful daughter—to a point. Although her mother tries to persuade her to marry a local man, Elsie prefers to study biology, especially marine animals.

Dr. Magnus MacPherson is a physician at the University of Edinburgh Medical School, and comes to St. Andrews to teach at the medical school there for the summer term. He originally planned to return home to the Isle of Skye to establish a sanatorium until a sea change happens: a chance encounter with Miss Abercrombie and it’s love at first sight.

Can Elsie and Magnus reconcile their dreams and ambitions and find a love as deep and enduring as the constant sea?

Of Shells and Serendipity is a standalone novella in the Victorians at the Beach series, where seaside meets sweet romance.