The debut novel from NZ writer, Susan Paterson is historical fiction set in 19th century London, Melbourne and NZ’s South Island and the seas in between.

A beautiful love story about Tom Rutherford, a poor sailor and Catherine Ogilvie, born into wealth but limited in opportunity because she is a woman. They are brought together through their love of painting and art.

If you like English Romantic painter, J.M.W. Turner, known for his maritime masterpieces, and who Paterson includes references to in the first part of the story, then I think you will enjoy this book.

While it is a slow read for the first half I enjoyed the pace as Paterson writes such beautiful descriptive prose about painting, art and life at sea. Paterson’s thorough research is evident and the detail immerses you in a story of love, grief and hope. The reading experience was like seeing Turner’s paintings come to life.

While the characters are fiction Paterson explains her inspiration at the end, which is a delightful story on its own, which I won’t spoil.

Recommended if you like historical fiction set in the Victorian era, if you like art, or if you like stories set at sea. I didn’t think I would be interested in a sea story but this one is worth the read. Just a lovely read from @littlecollisions - who I hope writes more books.

Thanks to #NetGalley and @simonschusterau for the e-book in return for an honest review.

This is a story of two people, very different yet in some ways the same. It is a story of love and friendship, passion for what you love in life. It is the story of Ton, a sailor and painter and Catherine, a privileged woman who loves art and painting.

This book is about how their two worlds collide.

I liked the characters but in some respects it was a bit predictable, but having said that it was still an enjoyable book to read. It did start a bit slow but did build up and therefore made me want to read more. And I am glad I did. I liked the historical aspect of the story and the heart-warming nature of it. I also enjoyed the connection with the sea and art which brought a bit more interest to the story.

Overall a good book, enjoyable and I really liked it. Thank you NetGalley and Simon & Schuster (Australia) for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book.