I really enjoy Sarah Maine's books. Just like The House Between Tides the setting is an out-of-the-way location in Scotland which is very atmospheric and adds to the enjoyment of the story. This story harkens back to the Vikings and the Victorian era and the I found it reminiscent of the Ruth Galloway series by Elly Griffiths.

4 stars

This historical novel kept me entranced the entire time I was reading it. “Women of the Dunes” encompassed many of the factors I prefer in a novel. An atmospheric setting, on the coast of the west of Scotland; more than one time-line to give a broader look at the story via different roles and perspectives; and an interesting plot which in this case encompassed Scottish legend, folklore, oral tradition, and holy relics – with a love story thrown in for good measure.

I appreciated the mentions of Libby’s ties to Newfoundland in the book and liked that it showcased the close ties the eastern Canadian provinces have to Scotland.

I found this book to be an eminently readable amalgam of historical fiction and love story which retained a certain integrity to the past while not becoming sappy or unrealistic.

This is not my first read from this author, but it is certainly my favourite of hers so far. Recommended!

4.5 stars rounded up

I enjoyed reading this book. The book follows three different timelines. Libby arrives on the coast of Scotland to work on an archaeological dig to solve one historic mystery. While there she she uncovers another historic mystery. There is also something mysterious about the current residents of the manor house. There is a lot going on in the book but I still found the book easy to read. But with everything going all there are some plot lines that do not feel completed. The mysteries do get solved . The author does a very good job with the Scotland setting and I really enjoyed the all the characters. I look for word to reading more by this author. Enjoy

DNF @ 19%

I couldn't bring myself to enjoy this very much. The multiple narratives didn't really work because the present narrative was a lot more interesting and comprehensible than the 'past' narrative. The characters were quite plain to me, and the story took its time to unfold. Sadly, not the book for me.

I gave up on this one.
I forced myself to read up to the 55% point, but couldn't.

Many thanks to NetGalley and publisher for supplying my copy of the book in exchange of an honest review

“Women of the Dunes” by Sarah Maine is a gothic mystery set in Scotland and told in 3 different timelines. There is mystery, history, and even a bit of romance in this book.

I was thrown off by the multiple timelines, but otherwise enjoyed the story. Thanks to Netgalley and the Publisher for allowing me to read this novel.

The premise sounded interesting because it seemed to focus on the origins of Isolde and Tristan. I was also hoping for an interwoven novel that tells the story of three women from different eras.
However, this novel focused more on the modern era which was not as fascinating. Libby was a passive character. She did not have much growth. I thought Ulla’s and Ellen’s story was more captivating, but unfortunately the novel did not spend much time on them.
The writing was beautiful and was filled with vivid detail. However, the novel was slow moving and drawn out. The novel could have easily been shortened. The mystery was very predictable. Still, I love the author’s writing, but this was not her best. I do recommend this novel for fans of Kate Morton, Lucinda Riley, and Anne Fortier.

Women of the Dunes by Sarah Maine is a 2018 Atria Books publication.

“Perhaps that’s what a legend is, a memory preserved over many generations”

What a fascinating and thought- provoking Scottish tale spanning centuries and generations, examining legends, the truth behind them, and the way history tends to repeat itself.

Libby and her university team have arrived on Ullanessm Island for the summer to work on an excavation project. For Libby, the trip is just as personal as it is professional. Her great- great grandmother once lived on Sturrock estate, as a service worker.

The past timelines, beginning in the 9th century, reveal adultery, scandal, trials of faith, forbidden love, and the makings of legends. Those legends, passed down through the years, has an enormous impact on Ellen, a servant girl in the 19th century. Once more a love triangle emerges, and a man of God questions his faith, while more doubt is cast on lineage and heritage, and eventually leads the reader to Libby. As Libby works closely with the Sturrock family, she finds herself embroiled in their unconventional family dramas, where once more, scandal, lies, and greed brings the legends and myths of old, full circle, while adding and creating their own contemporary legends, sure to be pondered on and investigated by future generations.

While the pacing of the story slowly connects the three timelines, it is seamless and easy to follow, and so full of drama, angst, and tension it was hard to put the book aside for any length of time. The vivid Scottish scenery helps to create the rich atmosphere of the novel, combining historical details in with present day analogies.

I love legends, myths, folklore, and stories that are passed down from generation to generation. As is demonstrated here, the stories don’t always represent the whole truth, but, they allow us a portal to the past, and has a way of connecting families. But, one must wonder at the validity of the legends, how much truth is blended with embellishments, or if the legends were censured or exaggerated to conceal a scandal, or to protect someone, thus adding a quality of mystery and intrigue to be guessed at and debated for many generations to come.

4 stars

Her most engaging novel so far, WOMEN OF THE DUNES by Sarah Maine toys with the reader, teasing us with mysterious tidbits until the final page.

Libby Snow’s family history is entrenched in folklore, told over and over through the generations. As an archaeologist, she jumps at the chance to assist with a dig in Scotland where her family’s history supposedly took place.

Rodri Sturrock lives at Sturrock House, acting as his brother Hector’s agent regarding the upcoming excavation. He’s adamant about what they will and will not allow, even though Libby seems to soften his rough edges every time they meet.

Sarah Maine’s talent becomes more evident with every book. It’s strange, but I feel a rhythm in her style. It’s balanced like music, sing-song-like, flowing through my head artistically. She paints beautiful landscapes with her words, making the seashore dunes come alive.

The mystery builds with captivating gradations. It made me anxious and hopeful that Libby would find the truth to her family’s history. Would it be wonderful, or were they just a pack of thieves?

I was camping when I read my digital advanced copy before release day. It held me spellbound for days, but I neglected to put down my thoughts before reading another book. Good thing, too, because it gave me a reason to read it again months later. I don’t think I could have written a deserving review without that second read, and even now I’m not sure I can explain why I love this story so much, but I’ll do my best!

The characterization and scene-setting are amazing. Maine has the uncanny ability to give such unique cues to a conversation over tea, making the characters jump off the page and into your heart. I love the nuances of our hero, Rodri, and his foodie business partners. They get on like old friends who love each other as family. They’re not even close to a normal family, so their idiosyncrasies and secrets attract Libby’s curiosity. Maine gives such good attention to details that are never boring, making the book play like a movie in my head. This novel is no less entertaining the second time through. It’s so good that I didn’t dare skim for fear of missing some exquisite detail.

The story goes through three different time periods as it solves the mysteries surrounding the archaeological dig the book centers on. The main characters are the archaeologists who want the historical discovery, the local police who want to resolve a more recently buried body, and the two brothers who own or live on the estate in question. There isn’t just one mystery, so the trail is complicated and entertaining through years of folklore and misdeeds. And, of course, there is a despicable villain who becomes more appalling toward the end.

Looking back at the history, two holy men fall in love with mysterious women, which adds to the gossip surrounding the dig. Then there are three generations of warring brothers. With several points of view to tell each generation’s truth, the present-day archaeologists are searching for these same stories among the ruins. There seems to be too much going on, in the way I describe it, but it’s so mesmerizing. Loaded with deliciously addictive prose and an equally addictive plot, WOMEN OF THE DUNES is exactly the style of fiction I love. With a bit of tender romance that makes me hopeful for a fairy-tale ending, I’m begging for a sequel to catch-up with the sons when they’re grown.

Sarah Maine has a talent for setting place and time that pulls me into her stories. I especially enjoyed the main characters this time, specifically since their stories are told bit by bit as history is discovered. Maine’s talent for characterization is progressing vividly. Especially with Rodri and his family. They were so much fun that I kept rereading their scenes.

If I had to make a comparison, I feel as though WOMEN OF THE DUNES moves much faster with the same exquisite detail as THE HOUSE BETWEEN TIDES and BEYOND THE WILD RIVER, but with a depiction that leaps off the page. Although I enjoyed the latter two books, WOMEN OF THE DUNES is beyond brilliant from beginning to end.

Don’t miss this Romance Junkies’ Recommended Read!

Review by Dorine, courtesy of Romance Junkies.

Like her great-grandmother before her, Libby Snow is obsessed with Ullaness, a Scottish Island and the Viking Maiden Ulla whose legend gave the island its name. Libby is an archaeologist and she's excited to finally have permission to dig on the site where Ulla allegedly lived. Instead of finding artifacts relating to the legend, the dig uncovers human remains dating back to the Victorian age. The man was murdered, shot to death and his body unceremoniously dumped in a hollow. Clues to the murder bind all 3 women -- Ulla, Libby, and her great-grandmother Ellen -- together across time.

This book is so beautifully descriptive and emotional! I loved the story, the characters and the setting. I don't normally like books that alternate characters and different time lines, but for this story it worked perfectly. We get to share the story of all three women and learn how it all weaves together. Just a lovely story! The mystery and the legend are very engaging. The story kept my attention from beginning to end, with some interesting twists and surprises. Very well written!

Sarah Maine has written two other books including The House Between Tides and Beyond the Wild River. I'm definitely going to read her other books!

**I voluntarily read a review copy of this book from Atria Books via NetGalley. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.**

Women of the Dunes by Sarah Maine Book Review
Three tales all surrounded by mythology, secrets & tradition on the western coast of Scotland. If you're wanting to leave your life behind for a bit, head to Ullaness with Sarah Maine to meet the Women of the Dunes.

An Archaeological Dig That Uncovers Secrets
Libby Snow has deep-rooted family history to the coastal sea town of Ullaness. Growing up, her grandmother regaled her with the myth & story of the mysterious Ulla. On the surface, Libby, an archaeologist, arrives in Ullaness prepared to participate in an excavation at Sturrock House. Libby's family has history & they carry secrets from this land. Yet, here Libby is, ready to slide in with the hope of uncovering some truth.

Unexpectedly, a man is found dead prior to the start of the official excavation. There's a give & take type of relationship between the landowners & the archaeologists. Libby takes on the role of appeasing the landowners while taking part in the investigation of who this man is & what he was doing in Ullaness. Quickly, emotions, history & her family's ties to this town rise to the surface.

Sarah Maine - Three Timelines, Beautiful Scenery & a Mystery.
While I can burn through a book in a day, I savored every syllable of Women of the Dunes. I honestly cannot remember reading a book that captivated me in this way. There's something about Sarah Maine's storytelling style that reels me in. Quickly I'm transported into the story, but something tells me to pace myself. This way, I understand & appreciate every morsel of the tale.

Let's All Go to Scotland
Women of the Dunes is incredibly atmospheric. While I haven't yet visited Scotland, I was THERE. I can picture Sturrock House, the water's edge, the land, the dunes & I loved every minute of Sarah Maine setting the scene. I'm ready to read another book that takes place in Scotland immediately. I need to go back!

THE VERDICT
I am Really Into This book. Women of the Dunes is not my typical fare & I loved reading a bit outside of my comfort zone. Women of the Dunes has layers of mystery with a historical fiction type of feel. The atmospheric writing is unbeatable & you'll no doubt be entranced by Ullaness.

Special thanks to Sarah Maine , Atria Books & NetGalley for providing our copy in exchange for an honest & fair review.

Family legends, hints of murder, and long unanswered questions.....

Legends are just that - legends. As the stories are passed down from generation to generation, pieces of the stories get lost, but other stories are added in. But what if some of the family legends had more truth than originally thought?

Libby was drawn to the area where the legend started. With an archaeological dig planned there for the summer, she is excited to get started and uncover more about the stories that Ellen used to share. As her Nan shared the stories from Ellen, Libby was drawn in as a kid. But there are some surprises that are still waiting to be discovered.

Rodri is managing the estate for his brother, the current baronet. Yet there are things on his end that still shrouded in mystery. His brother has been absent for many years, and his wife, the Lady Sturrock is obsessed with wealth and material items. She is trying to sell off the estate a piece at a time, while Rodri tries to keep it intact.

What starts as an innocent encounter, quickly turns into much more. A body is revealed, but one that is much later than the time period Libby is studying, and yet, there is so much more than archaeology drawing her time and time again to the house...

The Women Of The Dunes drew me in from the beginning. Ulla, Ellen, and Libby all draw together to bring this story that spans centuries to a thrilling and exciting conclusion.

I honestly LOVED this book. I started and finished in one sitting. I could NOT put it down! Perfect for a weekend read!

I loved the author’s debut The House Between Tides, it was a Gothic mysterious story that left its mark as a unique and well written debut. That fact adds pressure to any subsequent release, with Women of the Dune I was not disappointed.

Women of the Dunes is an entertaining, tale set on the coast of Scotland with 3 distinct time periods involved. Having read my fair share of dual time period stories that sometimes overlap with a third one, this book’s plot stayed within those 3 periods and it worked. Never did I feel overwhelmed with the cast of characters.

Whether it was the 9th century Ulla, Ellen from the 1800’s or current day Libby each had great settings that put me there. The authors research was clearly spot on, the pace wasn’t rushed but steady, keeping my attention and wondering where the author was heading.

Women of the Dunes is a mysterious story with many layers, there is murder, betrayal, history and of course some romance. All the things that make for a captivating and entertaining read.

My thanks to Atria Books for an advanced copy, via Netgalley.

Women of The Dunes is a fabulous read that is in the same vein as Kate Morton. I loved the story and was so delighted to receive this for review. I always enjoy books set in Scotland and this was so well drawn of Scotland and the culture , history and people that it was a very enjoyable reading experience,
Thank you to the publisher and to Net Galley for the opportunity to review. My opinions are my own,

This story is interconnected stories of three generations of women: one from the 9th century, one from 19th century, and one in present day. Each is told from their generation and time and connecting them to each others story.

Ullaness is a island on the western coast of Scotland and named for the legend of Ulla, a woman who escaped her cruel husband with her lover and remained there with a monk until she died in childbirth.

Libby Snow, a renowned archaeologist, has arrived to excavate near a estate on the island, hoping to find clues to the legend of Ulla. She was told the tales by her Grandmother all her life and feels a deep connection to the legend , the woman and the area. An unexpected discovery of a body dating to the 19th century deepens the mysterious connection between Libby, her ancestor Ellen who lived in Ullaness in the 1800s, and the legend of Ulla.
This was a fascinating read with so many well crafted elements to the story. I loved the three different generations of stories told and how they intersect with the legends Its is a sweeping saga that kept this reader enthralled from beginning to end,. Very well done to the author.

<img class=" wp-image-10426 alignleft" src="https://novelmeals.files.wordpress.com/2018/08/womendunes.jpeg" alt="womenDunes" width="197" height="306" />

Libby Snow is a archaeologist's assistant and lands the dig of her dreams. She’s always had a pull and desire to see the area in Scotland where her ancestor Ellen McDonald lived, a place called Ullaness near the Scottish seaside. There is myth, legend, murder, and secrecy about the area. Now Libby has a chance to search through the old ruins where her ancestor lived and the ancient monk's cell where Ulla lived as well.

Ulla was an 8th century Norsewoman who arrived on Scottish shore with her wounded lover Harald. A monk tended to Harald, all the while disapproving of Ulla’s views on spirituality. Quite lively discussions there.  Her grandmother shared stories with Libby about Ellen and her obsession with Ulla & the myth surrounding her life and death.

The bones uncovered at first aren't as ancient as expected.  They belong to a man from the 1900's era.  So now we have a possible murder victim which complicates matters.  The police are brought in and the archaeological dig may be in jeopardy.

The main focus of the book is present time with Libby Snow and the Sturrock family, but we do drift into Ellen’s time and see her side of things back in the 1890’s. That's quite an eye opener and solves a few mysteries for the reader, but alas, not for Libby Snow or the Sturrock family who own the land.  There are sporadic chapters for Ulla’s story and thus, the characters of Ellen, Libby and Ulla intertwine.

Told in dual time lines I found the book to be very engaging. The scenery descriptions are wonderful and make me want to visit Scotland. It’s been on the bucket list for many a year but to bring this beautiful scenery alive with such vivid description – perfect. There is a rustic house, an inheritance, a mystery and a sprinkle of romantic attraction here – what’s not to love.

This put me in mind of Mary Stewart novels and I very much enjoyed the book. I’d like to read more by Sarah Maines.

<strong>This was a foodie book for sure.</strong> An eclectic team of folks make up a catering business that doesn’t have a main part or focus in the book but the food is mentioned quite a bit.

<strong>To name a few</strong>: Fish and chips, lots of tea, scones
Quiche, smoked cheeses, smoked fish, jams and fancies, bread, pickles
Brown bread and smoked salmon and Sancerre
Casserole and apple pie, fishcakes & fresh peas

I wanted fish and chips so badly when I read this so, we improvised and used Panko with our fish strips. So. Good. I did have oven roasted potatoes one night but went with my favorite roasted sweet potato another evening.

(Photos on my blog)

Many thanks to NetGalley for sending me a copy of this book. My opinions are mine, nice and not so nice, and I was not compensated for my review.

Linking up with
<a href="http://www.joyweesemoll.com/">Joy’s Book Blog for British Isles Friday</a>
<a href="https://www.spiritblog.net/August-2018-foodies-read/">Heather for her August Foodie Reads</a>

<img class="alignnone wp-image-10421" src="https://novelmeals.files.wordpress.com/2018/07/netgalley1.png" alt="NetGalley" width="169" height="167" />

Surrounded by the legend of Ulla as childhood stories told by her grandmother, Libby Snow gets the chance to work on an archaeological dig at the very place where these stories took place – Ullaness. She doesn’t tell anyone of her connection, especially as her great grandmother Ellen was a servant at Sturrock House in 1890 or of the strange necklace she has in her possession. Finding a body is something that was anticipated, just not the Victorian age one that was discovered. And what was the connection of the same necklace that is in Libby’s possession, as to the one that was discovered with the body.

This multi layered novel was a delight. Covering the three women, Ulla C800 AD – just small paragraphs inserted in the story, Ellen in 1890 and the modern day Libby I was transported into each story, although I did connect with Libby’s story the most. I loved the slow relationship growth there was between Libby and Rodri Sturrock as they work together and the side story of Laila, the manipulative sister in law to Rodri.

This was a story to get lost in and I’m only sad that due to real life, I couldn’t spend a day or two lost in it.
Thank you to Netgalley and the Publisher for a digital ARC to read

Well, I was quite excited to receive this story after being refused a copy of Sarah Maine's earlier book, The House Between Tides. Whoever designs the covers for Maine's books should know they are stunning and suit her stories well. However I am feeling(surprisingly) lukewarm over my reading experience. The writing is strong, the multi narrative, an intriguing story, but the pace was slow and the pagan story was probably the most fascinating and yet often played second fiddle to the contemporary storyline and that of 1890 which didn't always hold my full attention. Maybe it is me, the heat, or my itchy bug bites, but this was a real hit and miss.

I really enjoyed Sarah Maine’s The House Between Tides, and was thrilled to discover she had written a new novel. While I went into The House Between Tides without any expectations, I must admit my hopes were quite high for this latest release. Thankfully, Women of the Dunes did not disappoint; in fact, it’s safe to say I’ve found another favorite historical fiction writer.

Sarah Maine’s writing is descriptive and evocative. As was the case with her previous novel, the Scottish island setting really steals the show here. Maine masterfully captures a wonderfully vivid sense of place and atmosphere. I could easily picture the titular dunes, the sea, and the historic house and ruins. It was so enjoyable to feel transported to a windy beach in Scotland for a bit.

I loved how the dunes, treasure, and the myth itself played a cental part in each timeline. Everything came full circle in the end, and the characters in each section share something in common with one another. The ancient legend is slowly unraveled over the course of the book, and we get to see how it has changed throughout the centuries. The stories of Ulla, Ellen, and Libby overlap and diverge in compelling ways. No matter how much time separates these women, traces of the past do not lie buried forever. Secrets can always be revealed if you know where to dig.

The themes of history repeating itself, of family, of legends, and of the stories and inheritance we pass from one generation to the next, lie at the heart of Women of the Dunes. Maine does a good job at connecting these narratives and these characters, but I did find the three storylines to be a bit unbalanced. The Viking sections are the shortest and the sketchiest in nature, while the Victorian storyline is noticeably more underdeveloped than the contemporary one.

That said, I greatly preferred the modern story line over the historical ones. I really enjoyed the archaeological elements, and was pleasantly reminded of Susanna Kearsley’s Shadowy Horses. There’s also plenty of suspense and mystery here. One particularly dramatic boat scene made me think of Mary Stewart’s suspense novels. Basically, Women of the Dunes was a wonderful blend of many of my favorite fictional elements. I also favored the modern timeline due to the fact that Libby was such a lovely protagonist. I enjoyed reading about her career, her family history, and her budding relationship with Rodri. I could’ve done with a tiny bit more romance, but I did appreciate that it wasn’t the focus of the story.

Sarah Maine has woven yet another gripping tale featuring multiple narratives and timelines. Women of the Dunes is an enjoyable blend of history, mystery, suspense, and romance that should appeal to fans of well-written and atmospheric historical fiction.

⭐⭐⭐⭐

**A huge thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review**

I love a mysterious story set in Scotland! This is the perfect book for those who enjoy Kate Morton and Susanna Kearsley. This novel is structured with interconnected stories spanning three generations of women: one from the 9th century, one from 19th century, and one in present day.

Ullaness, Scotland, an island on the western coast, is named for the legend of Ulla, a woman who escaped her cruel husband with her lover and remained there with a monk until she died in childbirth. The question still remains, who was the father ─ Ulla’s husband, lover, or the monk?

Libby Snow, archaeologist, has arrived in Ullaness to excavate near the Sturrock estate, hoping to find clues to the legend of Ulla. An unexpected discovery of a body in the dunes dating to the 19th century raises more questions, and deepens the mysterious connection between Libby, her ancestor Ellen who lived in Ullaness in the 1800s, and the legend of Ulla.

This novel is a tangled story of lovers and daring escapes. There is passion, betrayal, and sacrifice. It was a fascinating puzzle that pieces together with Libby’s discoveries and her relationship to the present-day owners of the Sturrock estate.

A very enjoyable read that I tore through in a few days. Many thanks to Netgalley and Atria Books for the copy in exchange for my review.

The first book I read by Sarah Maine was THE HOUSE BETWEEN TIDES and I was blown away by the wonderful story and the atmospheric setting. I was eager to find out if WOMEN OF THE DUNES would be as good. And it was!

To be able to effortlessly write a book with three different storylines without confusing or making any of the storylines less interesting than the others is a gift and I think that Sarah Maine has this gift. I'm so used to dual storylines that getting one with three storylines feels like an oddity, in a good way.

READ THE REST OF THE REVIEW OVER AT FRESH FICTION: http://freshfiction.com/review.php?id=66419