I couldn't bring myself to finish it. It's well written just doesn't seem to be edited... at all... whatsoever. I made it to the discovery of the whale at the beach and was tired of everyone but Christabel. Poor, neglected Christabel who is possibly the only worthwhile character (the veg allows herself to be called that and Digby is clearly spoiled) who could have gotten her character and desires across in 2 pages rather than ALL the pages of the first segment before the whale. Her step mother and uncle could better be described in a paragraph as self absorbed, neglectful stereotypes.
That said, the prose was wonderful just exhaustingly detailed and unnecessary. I do look forward to better edited works by the author.

This book is historical fiction that reads like a true book. It was sent to me electronically for review from Netgalley. Although the story moves a little slowly, it is worth it to read to the end. The characters are likable...some of them...others maybe not too much...the whale...the others...history...what to do next? Why? What happened? Questions that will be answered in the book by this talented author. I look forward to more books by her. Try this one...wrap up in a warm afghan, enjoy a cup of steaming hot herbal tea...be transported for an afternoon...