INTERVIEW
What a powerful transforming family story! The Sisters at the Last House Before the Sea is book six of the Heaven’s’ Cove series by Liz Eeles. I have loved every one of these mesmerising gems but this one holds an extra special place in my heart with its even greater complex mystery and moving themes. But before I even started reading the story, I fell in love with the gorgeous cover. It is a true reflection of the inside, too. The beautiful descriptions, memorable characters and riveting plot match the vivid, uplifting and breathtaking scenery and colours on the outside. The Sisters at the Last House Before the Sea took me on a heart-warming journey to Heaven’s Cove once again, made me shed numerous tears and then set a smile on my face at the end. Each character is wonderfully distinct. They all have different personalities —making each one a stand-out. In fact, the whole delightful package is extremely memorable.
This story is about two sisters, Caitlin and Isla who have been apart and not spoken for many years. They are brought back together through the death of their grandmother, Jessie. They harbour many secrets from each other. But Jessie had a plan to draw these two sisters close again (as they used to be). She leaves behind a riddle for them to solve forcing them to work together. This is made known in her will. A most intriguing mystery that involves a relative of her family (Edith) from the early 1900s. There is also a letter from a man (William) to his beloved (Jessie’s, Caitlin’s and Isla’s ancestor). This couple from the opposite sides of the Atlantic Ocean (England and United States) have an intriguing love story that needs to be uncovered. Little do the sisters know, there are lessons to be learned from the experience and life-changing knowledge gained. Yet Jesse’s riddle is a tough one and there’s not much to go on in the letter! I won’t give anything away but it is very clever and original plot.
Fifteen years earlier, Caitlan moved away to London as she was trying to escape her life in Heaven’s Cove. She wanted a fresh start; distance from the heavy responsibilities she once carried. But in leaving, she abandons not only her family but someone else she loves. Unfortunately, her life does not turn out as well as she had hoped. She is married to a man who has some serious issues and her step-daughter is not the friendliest. But Caitlin is committed to being a wife and stepmother. Her sense of guilt from her past mistakes keeps her motivated but when something worse happens with her husband that is too great to ignore, she must face the facts and decide her future. Initially she wanted Isla to sell the cottage because she needed money to help her husband and stepdaughter but as the story unfolds many things shift in Caitlin. And the place and people she ran away from years ago, become her solution and save her.
The younger sister, Isla, stayed in Heaven’s Cove in the cottage to care for her grandmother whom she loved dearly. As a result, Jessie’s passing has hit Isla hard. Initially she feels almost lost without her grandmother. For Jessie was her rock. Although Isla’s life has not been easy, and she has missed her sister’s communication and friendship, she has done her best to move forward without her. But has it led her into the arms of a man who seems to want to control and belittle her? This verbal and mental abuse has diminished Isla’s self confidence. It has even made her question her own identity and dreams. Although others can see that Paul is not good for her, she is unable to recognise or accept this truth. A classic case of relationship abuse. Not until this search for the truth about Edith and William is in progress, and major revelations come to light, does she begin to see her situation. And meeting Ben the American turns everything around as he awakens in her the wonder of travel and life beyond her small world.
This is an incredibly moving and layered story. Isla and Caitlin are very appealing characters, even with their human flaws. We can feel great emotion for them, care about their dilemmas, relate to their sorrow and cheer at their triumphs. Jessie is a clever lady with her riddle ‘making things right from beyond the grave.’ Maisie is tough at the start but softens from the love she is shown. I loved how the strange woman on the hill is part of Maisie’s healing and brings out the best in her. There’s Ben who starts out as the grumpy reluctant visitor but Heaven’s Cove works its magic on him. And wonderful Sean, a love from Caitlin’s past, who re-enters her life. Of course, Paul and Stuart are two unlikeable characters (as they were meant to be) unworthy of the sisters.
This is a story about love, sacrifice, family, healing and a lover’s tale past and present. There’s a creative mystery for the sisters to solve with lots of twists and turns and surprises! I could not put this book down for I was completely lost in the story. Heaven’s Cove is a place we all want to visit (or live) to soak in the magic, mist and memories of this divine setting and enchanting community. I highly recommend The Sisters at the Last House Before the Sea. 5 Brilliant Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thanks to Bookouture and Netgalley for a review copy.
