“A tale of magic, self-acceptance, and love that will leave you spellbound.” — Bailey Cavender, Reedsy Discovery

There is a place on the coast of New England where a salty sailor gives sage advice, and a legendary mermaid appears at least once a century. Madeline owns an antique store in this charming town and knows everyone by name. But she keeps a secret buried deep inside–her ability to touch an object and feel the essence of the previous owner.

After purchasing a mysterious box at an estate sale, she has startlingly vivid dreams about Maria, a young headstrong Puritan whose “knowing” could get her branded as a witch, and whose forbidden love for a poor sailor caused a scandal.

Desperate for answers, Madeline turns to Evan, a handsome history professor who tempts her to believe in love. Together they uncover Maria’s story, helpless to stop its trajectory toward tragedy. With Evan’s support, maybe she can lay the ghosts of the past to rest—including her own.

Note: This debut novel was inspired by the real-life story of Maria Hallett and her love affair with the notorious pirate Black Sam Bellamy.