Once again, Kathleen McGurl has given us an incredible dual time line story that sparks the imagination. She has a gift that I think is unique to the combo past and present novel realm. I loved both timelines equally for they sing of sacrifice, discovery, mystery, romance, danger and fulfilment.
With every story of Kathleen’s, you get a generous slice of intriguing history, and each one seems to climb even higher up the scale of perfection (if that is possible). The Storm Girl shines (particularly in the past timeline) with a fresh advanced skill of craftmanship (I hasten to add that her books are all well written but there’s a little dash of something extra in this one). This genuine complex thread must have required much research, too. Possibly because Kathleen knows this region well and may have walked past all the areas she describes in great detail. In doing so, she has absorbed its atmospheric elements and natural beauty to the point she is able to deliver a very believable setting (even in transporting us back to the past). It is obvious she is writing from the depths of her heart, for a special care of the topic and location really shine through.
High praise, I suppose, but I believe this story, and all Kathleen’s, are worthy of the raving. And yes, I am a die-hard fan of this author but my reasons come from the experiences I have had in reading her many wonderful genealogical stories. I always learn a lot from the characters and identify with the themes and this novel is the same. Time and again she delivers such smooth transitions between two worlds and eras. I never feel once that I get lost or confused by the time shifts. I might get anxious as she leaves us at the end of each chapter dying to know more, but never muddled by or severed from each story. Kathleen is a great teller of tales and weaver of past and present lives creating a beautiful tapestry of hope and redemption.
The Storm Girl begins with an excerpt from Rudyard Kipling’s ‘A Smuggler’s Song’— an apt quote suitable to the novel’s plot. Kathleen has drawn from the fascinating local town history of Mudeford (set at the entrance to Christchurch Harbour in Dorset, England) and created an exciting, revealing story surrounding the challenges of smuggling in the 1700’s. It is a quaint setting of old fishermen’s cottages and an impressive historic Haven House Inn by the Mudeford Quay. This area and original building are linked with smuggling operations. Kathleen mentions this venue often in the story where celebrations readily occurred after a successful run. Plus she has utilised the battles that existed between the bootleggers and Customs Officers of the time.
Added to her own imaginative telling, we learn more about the Haven House Inn building and the real people involved in the background notes of the novel which are well worth reading. It has been a rich resource at her fingertips that she has utilised well, for the telling of this story is heavily soaked in adventure, drama, romance, twists and awe-inspiring revelations. Friendships, courtships and family connections fill these pages. The characters (some created and others real figures) are memorable and well fleshed out. We really get to know who they are: their past experiences, their dreams, their failures, their hopes for the future. And in some cases, their sacrifices.
The story begins in 1784 with a short ingenious Prologue, and you will understand why I say this more towards the end of the novel, for what is written in that passage sheds a whole new light on things when you look back!
Chapter One takes us to our modern day thread where we meet Millie who has split from her husband (a mutual agreement) and has purchased an old house that she is seeking to renovate. When a potential builder arrives at her door, she blurts out that her cat and kittens are up inside the old closed up fireplace and she cannot reach them. So, Nick, the builder attempts to free them and, once doing so, a discovery is made that begins an amazing historical journey.
In the past timeline, Esther Harris is a character we appreciate for she works hard to help her injured father in the pub and deals with all the secret goings on with the smugglers. She is faced with many difficult decisions—including one that requires great sacrifice. Her steadfast love for one man is challenged and the undercurrents of troubles put her in a heartbreaking position. The smugglers’ war with the Custom’s Officers stirs up her life in ways she never expected: including a possible betrayal. We, as the reader, watch these incredible scenes as they are played out. The danger elements are heightened to such a feverish pitch, we are left grasping the edge of our seats wondering what will happen next to Esther and the others involved. How will it all end? Read this beautifully crafted novel and you will see. But beware, there is more than one war in this novel: a war with the heart over head is present in ample measure in both timelines.
I am saying very little about the plot in both past and present as there is much going on that involve various character developments and misconstrued judgements. Both timelines convey how appearances are not always what they seem. But the end brings everything together into a unified fulfilling whole. Yes, there are sad and horrific moments in the story but also joyful and well-earned celebrations. And the theme of forgiveness shatters the voice of regret.
In closing, The Storm Girl is exquisitely crafted and you will be racing through the pages to see what each character and timeline offers. This is a powerful story that sparkles with creative maturity, depth and unexpected outcomes. It also has some certain unpredicted character arc developments and personality reveals. You won’t forget this one. The smuggling history is intriguing and how the past and present merge. I loved The Storm Girl from start to finish and highly recommend you partake of this dual timeline masterpiece. 5 Illuminating Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Many thanks to Kathleen McGurl and her publisher HQ (HarperCollins) for a review copy.
