"I love Liane Moriarty and have never disliked any of her books. This one was solidly good! I personally really enjoyed the structure of the novel where the reader is held in suspense for quite a while concerning what actually happened at the barbecue. I don't want to spoil it, but I will say I was not emotionally prepared for the direction this book went once everything was revealed 🥹 I feel like every time I review one of Moriarty's books I make the same observation which is that she has a great sense of dark humor sprinkled throughout her novels. I found the characters in this book to be especially rich. I loved each couple, and that many characters had compelling back stories. Clementine and Erika's friendship was very relatable for me and I simply enjoyed seeing everything unfold."

"This book is a lovely historical fiction set in Scotland in 1613. It’s a story about good people in difficult circumstances being good. This isn’t a fast paced, adventure. It’s a story that unfolds over time filled with tender moments. It has a mystery that is intriguing, and it’s based on historic events. It weaves real and fictional characters together seamlessly to form a story that is compelling.

Let’s talk about the romance! It’s got a beautiful slow build to it. I loved watching Phoebe and Andrew come together. Neither one of them is perfect. Both of them have to let go of preconceived ideas. Their character arcs are subtle and brilliant.

I loved several of the side characters. They were loyal and fierce. So many of the interactions between the characters show the tenderness and genuine goodness of the characters.

This is a book to read when you want a reminder that there are good people in the world who make the right choice even when it’s hard. Read it when you want a story that envelopes you in warmth, and when you need something gentle.

I listened to the audio which is duo narrated. The males voices were excellent as he switched from an English to Scottish accent.

This book contains no profanity and has kissing.
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"5 stars alone for the audio! Thank you to MacMillan Audio and NetGalley for this!

4.5 stars for the story- rounded up to 5 for goodreads!

What a landslide of a historical fiction novel! I love a good cat and mouse story- and this one about Andrew Logan who is sent as a king's messanger to fetch Sir David, the bedchamber fellow for the recently deceased Prince Henry (son of King James- THE King James). Thinking that Sir David was responsbile for the demise of the young Prince Henry, Andrew alongside Phoebe and her father and young Hector must get David back to the King to stand trial.

Phoebe was such an awesome female character! I loved her observations and how her character evolved from the beginning of the book to the end. I adored her father and really liked how soft spoken he was. The magical realism of Sight was fascinating and I enjoyed the role it played throughout the story.

My only complaint was Sir David REALLY was longwinded with his tales of Prince Henry and while they were interesting I felt the story could have cut back drastically on them. I also am not convinced about how long it took them to travel from Scotland back to London (literally weeks and weeks AND weeks) when it only took them 4 days by boat, with Andrew having rode his way there before that time to meet them. But if the journey had been a quick one, well we wouldn't have had our story now would we?

Excellently researched and gives an alternative view of King James (spoilers HE IS A BADDIE) which I found refreshing. Loved the multiple POV. Overall well done and I need to read The Winter Sea!

Content: really nothing of note. *one fade to black scene"