I have conflicting feelings about this book. The dual timeline was well done and I didn’t get too lost when the chapters flipped perspective, but I felt a lot of it just kind of plodded along. The characters felt real and believable, but it wasn’t until into the second half that things really came together and it became harder to put the book down. Rebecca felt a bit weak and flimsy at first, but she definitely became a stronger person as time goes on. ( )

The Sea Gate by Jane Johnson is a historical fiction story that once again uses the dreaded dual time-line format. In this case I actually liked how the story was told as many of the same people appeared in both story lines, one set in WW II while the other is set today. The story unfolds in Cornwall and the isolated cliffs and beaches play an important role in the story.

The story deals with a broken family, and the secrets that they kept. Rebecca’s mother has died and while going through her things she finds letters from a cousin asking for help. As her life is going nowhere at the moment, Becky heads off to Cornwall to help this elderly cousin, Olivia. The plot jumps back and forth between Becky and how she is won over by the curmudgeonly old woman as she builds a new life in Cornwall and Olivia as a young woman during the war and the dramatic events that were to change her life.

While there were some aspects of the story that I found a little hard to swallow, I did fall in love with Olivia’s grey parrot, Gabriel, who was featured in both story-lines. Overall, The Sea Gate was an absorbing story that included love, adventure, murder and courage. ( )

While this novel had a lovely front cover, the story was ho-hum and was a chore to get through. I enjoyed the dual timeline but I felt that both plots were drawn out and became unbelievable. Unfortunately, I couldn't feel any warmth toward the two main protagonists, Rebecca and Olivia. Neither of their stories grabbed me and I was happy to let them go when I reached the last page. Other than the front cover, the only thing I loved about "The Sea Gate" was the beautiful descriptions of Cornwall. ( )

Loved this book! Exceptionally well-written novel containing all the elements of a captivating read! Beautiful descriptions of the wild landscape and the Cornwall coast, an old decrepit house with treasures in the attic and a dark and mysterious cellar; family secrets and dangerous neighbors, a dual timeline between the present and WWII, and a strong female protagonist in each time period with romance for each of them. Oh yes, and a parrot. If you like Kate Morton's novels, you must read this one. The Sea Gate is now on my favorites shelf. ( )

I loved this book! It did start a bit slow for me, but after a few chapters I was hooked. Passing between the two time era's was very cool. The drama of what happened in the present day was just as exciting as the drama going on during World War 2. I'll be seeking out more by this author for sure. ( )