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Ailish Sinclair
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The Mermaid and The Bear (The Manteith Collection Book 1) Kindle Edition

by Ailish Sinclair (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.4 out of 5 stars 203 ratings
Isobell needs to escape. She has to. Her life depends on it.

She has a plan and it’s a well thought-out, well observed plan, to flee her privileged life in London and the cruel man who would marry her, and ruin her, and make a fresh start in Scotland.

She dreams of faery castles, surrounded by ancient woodlands and misty lochs… and maybe even romance, in the dark and haunted eyes of a mysterious Laird.

Despite the superstitious nature of the time and place, her dreams seem to be coming true, as she finds friendship and warmth, love and safety. And the chance for a new beginning…

Until the past catches up with her.

Set in the late sixteenth century, at the height of the Scottish witchcraft accusations, The Mermaid and The Bear is a story of triumph over evil, hope through adversity, faith in humankind and – above all – love.
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  1. Book 1 of 2
    The Manteith Collection
  2. Print length
    250 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Publication date
    October 18, 2019
  5. File size
    1.3 MB
  6. Page Flip
    Enabled
  7. Word Wise
    Enabled
  8. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
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Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B07XH2FV98
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ GWL Publishing
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ October 18, 2019
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 1.3 MB
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 250 pages
  • Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Book 1 of 2 ‏ : ‎ The Manteith Collection
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.4 out of 5 stars 203 ratings

About the author

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Ailish Sinclair

Ailish Sinclair

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Ailish Sinclair trained as a dancer and taught dance for many years, before working in schools to help children with special needs.

She now lives beside a loch with her husband and two children where she still dances (medical conditions allowing) and writes and eats rather too much chocolate.

Customer reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars
203 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find this book to be a fascinating historical romance that transports readers to 16th Century Scotland. The writing style receives praise for its beautiful prose, and customers appreciate the well-developed characters. They describe it as an entertaining and satisfying read, with one customer noting how it intertwines history with fantasy and magic.

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17 customers mention "Romance"17 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the romance in this book, appreciating its rich history and slightly magical elements, with one customer noting how it intertwines history with fantasy and magic.

"...I was not mistaken. The story of Isobell is historical fiction based on real events and people in history. At times I was smiling as I read...." Read more

"...The first half is a sweet and rather sentimental love story, which is tempered by the beautiful prose and detailed description of the wild Scottish..." Read more

"...What is most precious about this book is its deep and powerful embrace of joy and happiness; not the tra-la-la kind, but the kind that's tempered by..." Read more

"...of the book would suit my appreciation of well told tales and sweet romance, as well. The pairing was artfully done!..." Read more

12 customers mention "Writing style"12 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the writing style of the book, praising its beautiful prose, with one customer noting it's written in the style of fairy tales.

"...This is a story so well written that you feel what the character feels, see what they see. You become the character...." Read more

"...sweet and rather sentimental love story, which is tempered by the beautiful prose and detailed description of the wild Scottish setting...." Read more

"...A genuine fairy tale, it revolves around a young woman who is indeed innocent and naïve, but with an instinct for what's good and right that's honed..." Read more

"...All have been well written, but Sinclair’s description of not only the treatment of the accused witches and the bodily harm that they endured, but..." Read more

11 customers mention "Character development"11 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the well-developed characters in the book, with one customer highlighting the extraordinary strength of women portrayed.

"...This is a story so well written that you feel what the character feels, see what they see. You become the character...." Read more

"...That said, the characters are fully realized people, with personalities and motivations that feel authentic...." Read more

"...Sinclair’s development of characters is charming, making you love the characters she loves and hate the characters that she hates...." Read more

"...I loved the characters and was eager to return to their story-world...." Read more

11 customers mention "Readability"11 positive0 negative

Customers find the book wonderful and satisfying to read, with one customer describing it as the most beautifully written book.

"This is one of the most beautifully written books I have ever read...." Read more

"...Before I go into detail, I'll declare this an entertaining and satisfying read with a playful and dear aspect that kept it at the top of my reading..." Read more

"This book is really wonderful until about halfway through, then it turns dark and feels disappointing...." Read more

"I completely enjoyed this book. Well written and full of rich history. I felt as though I was taken back in time. Highly recommended." Read more

8 customers mention "Imagery"8 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the book's imagery, with several noting how it transports readers to 16th Century Scotland. One customer particularly highlights the beautiful and spiritual countryside, while another mentions the detailed description of the wild Scottish setting.

"...pictures and descriptions of Scotland, its castles and many beautiful beaches...." Read more

"...which is tempered by the beautiful prose and detailed description of the wild Scottish setting...." Read more

"...Isobell finds solace in the beautiful and spiritual countryside of Scotland and I loved viewing her world and experiencing it all over again through..." Read more

"This novel transports the reader to 16th Century Scotland in an engaging tale that is at once ancient and modern--a timeless tale of romance, or the..." Read more

3 customers mention "Fun storytelling"3 positive0 negative

Customers find the storytelling fun and entertaining, with one describing it as lively and joyous.

"...Before I go into detail, I'll declare this an entertaining and satisfying read with a playful and dear aspect that kept it at the top of my reading..." Read more

"...Those experiences are frightening, exciting, heartbreaking, and joyous...." Read more

"...a bit of everything in the story - romance, adventure, mystery, fun, fantasy and darkness, all rolled into one beautiful tale. Bravo Ms. Sinclair!..." Read more

Exceptional reading
5 out of 5 stars
Exceptional reading
I originally discovered Ms. Sinclairs writing through her articles with captivating pictures and descriptions of Scotland, its castles and many beautiful beaches. I also had the pleasure of conversing with her regarding these and her upcoming book. I told her I was sure someone who could bring you with her to the places she visited as if through her eyes would have to make an excellent novelist. I was not mistaken. The story of Isobell is historical fiction based on real events and people in history. At times I was smiling as I read. At others I cried. History was brought to life through Isobells story and history is not always kind. This is a story so well written that you feel what the character feels, see what they see. You become the character. To be able to write this way is a rare talent. Ailish Sinclair has that talent.
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Top reviews from the United States

  • Scarlettrhett
    5.0 out of 5 stars Exceptional reading
    Reviewed in the United States on November 4, 2019
    Verified Purchase
    I originally discovered Ms. Sinclairs writing through her articles with captivating pictures and descriptions of Scotland, its castles and many beautiful beaches. I also had the pleasure of conversing with her regarding these and her upcoming book. I told her I was sure someone who could bring you with her to the places she visited as if through her eyes would have to make an excellent novelist. I was not mistaken. The story of Isobell is historical fiction based on real events and people in history. At times I was smiling as I read. At others I cried. History was brought to life through Isobells story and history is not always kind. This is a story so well written that you feel what the character feels, see what they see. You become the character. To be able to write this way is a rare talent. Ailish Sinclair has that talent.
    Customer image
    Scarlettrhett
    5.0 out of 5 stars
    Exceptional reading

    Reviewed in the United States on November 4, 2019
    I originally discovered Ms. Sinclairs writing through her articles with captivating pictures and descriptions of Scotland, its castles and many beautiful beaches. I also had the pleasure of conversing with her regarding these and her upcoming book. I told her I was sure someone who could bring you with her to the places she visited as if through her eyes would have to make an excellent novelist. I was not mistaken. The story of Isobell is historical fiction based on real events and people in history. At times I was smiling as I read. At others I cried. History was brought to life through Isobells story and history is not always kind. This is a story so well written that you feel what the character feels, see what they see. You become the character. To be able to write this way is a rare talent. Ailish Sinclair has that talent.
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  • Chris
    4.0 out of 5 stars Recommended for fans of historical romance!
    Reviewed in the United States on September 4, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    What a book of two halves this is! The first half is a sweet and rather sentimental love story, which is tempered by the beautiful prose and detailed description of the wild Scottish setting. Seen through the eyes of protagonist, Isobell, the Laird's castle and its cast of characters really come to life and you can almost feel the warmth of the roaring fire in the great hall and smell the scent of the heather outside. Then the author, who has lulled you, and poor Isobell, into a false sense of security, hits you with a deep and unexpected dark and dreadful turn. The author pulls no punches when the three women who have been accused of witchcraft are tortured in a tower.

    I particularly liked the magical, mythical references to selkies and mermaids, and the exploration of the ancient religion linked to the local standing stones, alongside the contemporary subjugation of the Catholic religion by the Protestant.

    Based on well-researched, true events of the witchcraft trials in 16th century Scotland, the author does allow Isobell a much better end than her historical counterpart.

    Definitely recommended for fans of historical romance.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Gerania
    5.0 out of 5 stars An Archetypal Woman's Story
    Reviewed in the United States on November 15, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    This book made me realize what a jaded reader I've become. I skimmed through the first two chapters, expecting more of the bad writing and stupidly naïve heroines I'd run across in the previous several books I'd sampled. By the third chapter of this book I was riveted, and when I was done I began from the beginning to give attention to what I'd missed. A genuine fairy tale, it revolves around a young woman who is indeed innocent and naïve, but with an instinct for what's good and right that's honed by experience with what's bad and wrong. The book is written in the way of fairy tales, and I can't describe how that's different from contemporary writing, but it surrounds you in another, slightly magical and dangerous world, assisted by the atmospherics of the Scottish countryside, castles, folklore, and history. That said, the characters are fully realized people, with personalities and motivations that feel authentic. What is most precious about this book is its deep and powerful embrace of joy and happiness; not the tra-la-la kind, but the kind that's tempered by the knowledge of omnipresent darkness and impermanence. It's an archetypal woman's story, and what a gift to the historical Isobell Manteith – to have her humanity restored via a writer's imagination.
    One person found this helpful
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  • tonya brown
    5.0 out of 5 stars Beautifully written
    Reviewed in the United States on September 27, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    This is one of the most beautifully written books I have ever read. Yes, it is written in one of my favorite time periods, and yes it takes place in one of my favorite places in all the world, but when you combine that with the almost poetic style of Sinclair’s writing—sigh!

    Ok, I know it sounds like I’m gushing, and maybe I am, but deservedly so. Sinclair’s development of characters is charming, making you love the characters she loves and hate the characters that she hates. Or, if she doesn’t hate them, she sure does a good job at making me do it for her.

    Isobell is an English girl trying to escape the prospects of an abusive marriage to a wicked man. She comes up with a plan to escape to Scotland, leaving her privileged life behind to serve as a kitchen maid on the estate of the young Laird, Thomas Manteith. Isobell finds solace in the beautiful and spiritual countryside of Scotland and I loved viewing her world and experiencing it all over again through her eyes. From the flowering trees, the birds and other wildlife to the ancient stone circles and rocky cliffs of this magical land, Sinclair’s writing is a treat for the senses.

    The storyline is beautiful too. And while I enjoyed experiencing all the wonderful sights with Isobell, I was always waiting for the proverbial “other shoe to drop”, and Sinclair did not disappoint!

    I have read several books having to do with witch trials, from the North Berwick witch trials in Scotland, to the Salem witch trials in America. All have been well written, but Sinclair’s description of not only the treatment of the accused witches and the bodily harm that they endured, but the spiritual, mental and emotional trauma that these accused women (and men, at times) must have endured, is brilliant.

    I will read this book again. Now that I know there is a beautiful end for Isobell (admittedly not the end I was expecting!), I will read it for the pure enjoyment of meandering the deeply moving countryside of Scotland once more.
    2 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

  • Ranjana
    4.0 out of 5 stars A fantastic historical romance inspired by the gruesome past of witch-hunt in Scotland.
    Reviewed in India on June 2, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    I wanted to read this book for a very long time. 2023 seems to be the year to turn my mood towards historical fiction for both action and romance.
    I can imagine how the great castles amd history of Scotland must have inspired the writer to tell the tale of The Mermaid and the Bear.
    The mermaid, Isobel, arrives at the Scottish land with her brothers, after fleeing from her brutal husband from a recent marriage. She finds refuge as a governess and maid, supportive friends, and of course the bear. The owner of the castle is Thomas, who is referred to as the bear who slowly falls in love with the mermaid while she is taking care of his son from his earlier marriage. As the part one of the novel is coming to an end, I doubted that their happiness seemed to be too good to be true. Part two is the darker shade of the novel with the witch-hunt engulfing everyone and everything in its fire. I got drawn towards the anticipation of events than the portrayal of the characters. Adding the witch-hunt history of Scotland knocks down the fairytale visual of the reader.
    The author Ailish tries to bring justice to the characters because in reality these women were tortured beyond mercy unfairly.
    Just like the name of the novel, the story is both the high and low points, romance as well as brutality, kings and governesses, good and evil.
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  • Cyndi
    5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing story you must read
    Reviewed in Australia on April 26, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    Amazing story. I really enjoyd it and then all thetorture horror pain tears from that grizzly witch bit. At least it turned about a little at the end.
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  • christina jaffe
    5.0 out of 5 stars historical novel
    Reviewed in Germany on January 21, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    The Mermaid and the Bear is more than a good read. Set in 17th century Scotland, It's based on well researched historical facts, so that the smells, sounds and tastes of the time come alive. The rounded characters inflame the reader's imagination, so that their stories transport you back to another era. There is inspiring interaction between the women characters… who wouldn't wish for a Bessie in the background, that personification of common sense and solidarity? Passages are sheer poetry, breathing in a kind of beauty that enhances the narrative. The musical tongue of the Doric, the language of North East Scotland unashamedly peppers the dialogues.
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  • DGKaye
    5.0 out of 5 stars Scottish witch trials
    Reviewed in Canada on August 21, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    This was a bit different of read than my usual genres, and although my genre of choice is historical fiction, I tend to shy away from books (and definitely parts) that describe violence, just as I turn my head or the channel when I see physical abuse done to a human being. I did also feel a bit slow of a pace to where it was going for almost half the book, but felt invested in the protagonist Isobel who'd escaped from London by ship, fleeing to Scotland away from an arranged marriage with a bad man.

    Isobel and her brother Jasper and his friend Ian, all end up living at and working for the Laird in his castle, and like most fairytales, we're interested in the eventual attraction between Isobel and Laird Thomas Monteith. Now, I'll stop here because this is where the plot "thickens", shortly after the romance grows to marriage, halfway thru the book, it takes a wild 180 with action. But when Isobel's past comes back to bite her, sign of the times - burning 'accused' witches at the stake was a popular sport in those days for greedy and abusive men who led the Aberdeen witch trials, the tension builds as some of the scenes become disturbing.

    The story was beautifully written, no matter how I couldn't tolerate the abusive parts, and I may have skipped over a few painful descriptions. Also characters spoke with their Scottish tongue which was interesting and easy to translate in context. With Isobel working and living in the Laird's castle, eventually sparks fly between her and the Laird, and the story heats up with the graduation of their growing love and leading to marriage just before her past catches up with her, and not only Isobel, but her past will eventually encompass and affect the lives of everyone in the castle.

    This book was an engaging read and a compelling tale with wonderfully written characters who all kept me engaged and feeling all the emotions each and every character were experiencing in this Scottish saga. If you enjoy historical fiction blended with romance and suspense with a slice of witch trials, you are sure to enjoy this book.
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  • keatsie
    5.0 out of 5 stars A delight in book form
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on July 24, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    A delight in book form. This story of love, history, loss and witches is so beautifully written it was a joy to read. The settings, so well described I felt I could see them and the characters, in all their quirky glory, felt like old friends, or enemies. Add the odd Shakespeare reference, and what more could anyone want?
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