Her father has warned her to never visit Orkney, but
Kelsey MacKenzie has to know why her mother died.
When she is asked to go specifically for research,
Kelsey can't turn the offer down based on her
father's words alone. She wants to do research
with Dr. Bracken. But Kelsey never expected to learn
that his previous assistant, Lana, had drowned. Nor does she
expect to be thrown in the direction of Dr. Cade
Douglas.
Weird things happen when Cade is
around. Although the men imply that she only dreams the events, but Kelsey recalls details. She
can't understand what's happening, nor why she is being lied to. Cade does his best to destroy her
memories, but her will is too strong. She won't let
him tamper with her mind as his grandfather insists.
By an Eldritch Sea plods along, a typical romance
including a meddler determined to keep Cade and
Kelsey apart while the real reason behind Cade's
secrecy remains hidden. The meddler proceeds to
swipe her memories, and Kelsey is left knowing only the
purpose of the research assignment and the fact that she
can't stand to be around Cade and his rude manner. But
the dreams continue to haunt her nights while Cade
haunts her days. Kelsey is about to give up and go
home when Dr. Bracken talks her into an expedition to acquire more specimens. Little does she
know that she is only along as bait.
The legends of the seals and selkies definitely makes a
normal scientist wonder about possibilities, although the
fascination may prove fatal. But for whom? The
humans? Or the seals they search?
Many stories reaching toward the unusual are either
captivating or boring. By an Eldritch Sea defies all
logic, forcing science to disprove the sightings of things
not of this world. Using the lure of the ocean and the graceful seals, author Carolee Joy gives Kelsey the chance
at love and grace that she's never before had the opportunity
to dissect for herself. As the tale plays itself out, bringing
forth the heritage Kelsey has been searching to
understand, Cade remains the elusive man biding his
time until all can be told and the forbidden woman can
be his forever.
Unheard-of characters
play vital roles, including a man named Meredith who
just wants what is best for his family, and Dr. Norlund,
who only looks after what he believes to be right. Even
so, some readers may find the hero distasteful as
his interests directly conflict with the rest of the team's -- until the truth is finally told.