This was a sweet yet somewhat spicy story with luscious folklore and beautiful characters. The plot was well written and held my attention. I enjoyed how the story unfolded and appreciated the depiction of love. The characters leave you satisfied and the tale will capture your heart. This was a brilliant debut and the string set off of what will be a beautiful career as a storyteller for Rose. #KatyApproved

I reaf this book a year ago but forgot to review it on Netgalley.
This book took a while to pull me in, I kept putting it down and forgetting to pick it back up. But once the story sucked me in it was beautifully written and I was captured by the writing.

I went into reading this book not knowing much about it and finding out it is based around some folklore, and oh man, I was enjoying it so much. And finding out it is a sapphic historical fiction, I was in awe. I could not help but find myself rooting for Jean and Muirin. If you are looking for some spice this is not it, this was more romantic and sweet. Also can we take a moment to appreciate that cover? It is so gorgeous!

A lonely pregnant woman alone in a stormy night, in labor and stumbling to the nearby midwife's house.

This was a fun, adventure of a story. I hadn't heard of the original so this was a first for me and not the re-telling it may be for others. I loved Jean, our main character. She lives alone and keeps to herself, except to travel to the nearby homes and help deliver babies - as she's been trained as a midwife. But when the nearest neighbor (which is still very far away) shows up in the middle of the night, a woman she has only glimpsed once but she finds that she is pregnant and very much in labor, Jean jumps into action to help her deliver safely. When the husband arrives the next day, Jean is instantly on guard. Why is his wife so jumpy and why is he so keen to keep her in his sights.

This was a great story, kept me hooked with the mystery. I loved the light, sweet romance and them learning to communicate. The found family was also wonderful.

A huge thank you to the author and publisher for providing an e-ARC via Netgalley. This does not affect my opinion regarding the book.

Very predictable if you know anything about the selkie myths/abusive men, but very sweet and enjoyable nonetheless. Would love to read more sapphic fiction from this author (this is her debut novel).

Thank you to netgalley for the eARC!

A great retelling of the Selkie Wife. Absolutely loved this book! Great character development and plot.

This book delivered on the promise of a fairy tale and love story, but it's more than that. I, as a reader, suspected that the town women, especially Jean's new mothers, did not see her the way she feared, but she couldn't see it. My one wish was to have seen more of her finding out, then internalizing, the fact that the town's people really do like her.

This was the third book in a row I've read with a male antagonist that seems all too real in the worst ways. Had I not already been primed lately for that, I think I'd have found Tobias even more frightening than I did.

*A Sweet Sting of Salt* by Rose Sutherland is a beautifully written and emotionally rich contemporary romance that delves into themes of healing, love, and self-discovery. The story centers around the protagonist, Delilah, a young woman dealing with the lingering pain of a broken heart and a sense of personal loss. When she meets Alex, a man carrying his own burdens, the two begin a journey together that forces them both to confront their pasts, vulnerabilities, and the unexpected path toward healing.

Sutherland's writing is lush and evocative, creating a vivid atmosphere that brings both the emotional depth of the characters and the setting to life. The salty sea air and coastal backdrop serve as the perfect metaphor for the characters' internal struggles—often stormy and unpredictable, yet filled with moments of calm and clarity. The pacing of the novel allows for moments of reflection while still keeping readers engaged with a tender and slow-burning romance.

Delilah is a complex and relatable character. Her journey of rebuilding her sense of self after heartbreak is heartfelt, and readers will root for her as she navigates her way toward forgiveness and emotional growth. Alex, too, is a well-crafted character with his own emotional baggage, but his connection with Delilah feels natural and genuine. Their chemistry is undeniable, and the slow development of their relationship is one of the book's highlights. The romance feels earned, and while it's filled with tender moments, it doesn’t shy away from the messiness and complications of real relationships.

One of the standout elements of *A Sweet Sting of Salt* is its exploration of the healing process. The novel doesn't rely on traditional tropes to drive its narrative but instead focuses on the gradual and sometimes painful way in which people heal and change. The exploration of emotional vulnerability and the difficulties of opening up to others is handled with sensitivity and grace.

However, while the book’s character development and emotional depth are its greatest strengths, some readers may find the pacing to be a little slow in certain places, especially in the middle of the novel when there are fewer plot-driven events. Additionally, some secondary characters could have been fleshed out a bit more to add depth to the overall narrative.

Overall, *A Sweet Sting of Salt* is a poignant and heartfelt romance that will resonate with readers who enjoy books about personal growth, healing, and the power of love. Rose Sutherland has created a story that is both emotionally satisfying and beautifully atmospheric, making it a must-read for fans of contemporary romance with a deeper, introspective edge.

I was unfortunately unable to finish this book in time due to the passing of a family member; however, from the brief parts I was able to read, I very much enjoyed the premise and the prose. Definitely added to my TBR list for this year so that I may finish!

"A Sweet Sting of Salt" by Rose Sutherland is a novel that delves into themes of love, loss, and the intricacies of human relationships, all set against a stunning coastal backdrop. Sutherland's writing is both lyrical and immersive, drawing readers into the story's setting and enhancing the emotional depth of the narrative.

The protagonist, dealing with personal challenges and the aftermath of a significant loss, embarks on a journey of self-discovery and healing. Sutherland effectively portrays the protagonist's internal struggles, making her relatable and authentic. As she navigates her grief and searches for comfort, readers are invited into her emotional world, experiencing her joys and sorrows.

The coastal setting is crucial to the story, almost becoming a character itself. Sutherland’s vivid descriptions of the sea, waves, and salty air create a strong sense of place, mirroring the protagonist's emotional state and the ebb and flow of her journey. The imagery is powerful, with the natural beauty serving as both a refuge and a reminder of the past.

Character development is a standout feature of the novel. The supporting characters are well-crafted and add depth to the story, each representing different aspects of love and loss. Their interactions with the protagonist provide insight into her struggles and growth, making the relationships feel genuine and significant.

The pacing of "A Sweet Sting of Salt" is well-balanced, allowing for moments of reflection alongside the unfolding drama. Sutherland weaves a narrative that keeps readers engaged, blending heartwarming moments with thoughtful reflections on grief and resilience. The story unfolds gently, leading to a satisfying conclusion that highlights themes of healing and moving forward.

"A Sweet Sting of Salt" is a beautifully written novel that captures the complexities of the human experience. Rose Sutherland has crafted a story that resonates deeply, encouraging readers to reflect on their own journeys of love and loss. With its rich imagery, relatable characters, and emotional depth, this book is a must-read for anyone seeking a heartfelt exploration of life's complexities and the power of healing. Sutherland’s debut is a significant contribution to contemporary literature, leaving a lasting impression on readers.

Please give me more selkie stories!! I fell in love with this story for its magic and for its sapphic representation. I cannot get enough!

Wonderful story, great character development, great writing! Highly recommend this book. I thoroughly enjoyed it

In the Author’s Notes she admits her aim was “to tell a story around queer characters in the past, within the context of a reimagined folktale.” Mission accomplished. This reimagining of The Selkie’s Wife is wonderfully told with melodious pose fraught with anxiety and almost heart pounding fear of what is to come and how the tale is to play out.

There was no part that I found cumbersome, everything about the story kept drawing me in. The characters were fully sketched, completed by the the amazing settling of a rugged winter in Nova Scotia. A beautifully told tale.

Many thanks to Dell/Random House and NetGalley for a copy

*I received an e-arc via Netgalley and Dell. Thank you for the opportunity to review. All thoughts are my own*

This was definitely a solid debut from author Rose Sutherland. A Sweet Sting of Salt is a sapphic retelling of “The Selkie Wife”. If you like historical fiction and retellings, I think you’ll really enjoy this one!

Jean is a midwife in a small fishing village in Nova Scotia and lives on the outskirts of town. She is awakened in the middle of the night by crying during a terrible storm and thinks she may be dreaming. When she hears the cry again, she ventures outside and finds a woman in labor in the freezing cold, and she can barely speak a word of English. Jean assumes that she is the new wife of her closest neighbor, Tobias. He does indeed show up in search of his wife, which has Jean questioning a lot of things. His wife, Muirin completely changes her demeanor when he’s around.

Although Jean should stay out other people’s business, her growing concern and her growing feelings for Muirin won’t let her. The answers are more difficult than she ever could have imagined, and Jean is afraid that she may have put her life, Muirin’s and the baby in danger. Will Jean be able to set things, right?

I really loved Jean and Muirin and the journey they take in this story. Full of mystery, suspense, romance, and heartache. Definitely recommend!

If gay selkies are your thing, A Sweet Sting of Salt by Roese Sutherland delivers abundance! Sutherland creates a world teeming with enchanting seascapes and the alluring mystery of selkie lore. The book offers a touch of intrigue, with secrets and schemes bubbling beneath the surface of its aquatic fantasy.

That said, the intrigue wraps up a bit too quickly once the big reveals come to light. The resolution feels rushed, and the plot’s direction is too evident from the start, leaving little room for surprise. Despite these flaws, the story remains enjoyable, especially for those who appreciate queer mermaid and selkie romances.

If you’re in the mood for something light, magical, and unapologetically gay, this one is worth a dip. Just don’t expect it to wade too far into deep waters.

Rose Sutherland writes a beautiful reimagining of a Scottish folktale, The Selkie Wife. With a captivating plot and illustrious writing, this story comes to life.

I've had this arc for awhile but finally picked it up becauase I wanted to read more GCA nominees, and I am so glad I did. While not particularly complex, this was a sweet sapphic historical fiction* novel exploring the fairytale The Selkie Wife and I'd read more from Rose Sutherland in the future.

Hauntingly beautiful and sweetly sad. I fell into this world and became enamored of the characters so quickly. A sweet sting indeed!

I was so excited for this story. But I have spent so much time picking up and putting it down. I had to finally throw in the towel and admit that it wasn’t capturing my attention like I wanted it to. I kept forgetting what I had already read which was incredibly frustrating. Maybe this books isn’t what I want to read at the moment, I’m hoping to come back around to it sometime soon.

Thank you to Random House Publishing for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

Never let your husband stop you from finding your wife. This was a beautifully written, emotionally resonant novel with vivid descriptions and rich character development. I love the way it explored love, loss, and healing. The prose is poetic and compelling and I highly recommended.