Hereβs an unusual shapeshifter story, set in an alternate but recognisable England, where magic happens and so does romance. A TALE OF SEA AND SIRENS includes all modern tech and a tail, sorry, a tale, as old as legend. Β Merwoman Shirena Murphy inhabits Lulmouth Bay in England. Far from sitting on a rock, she works hard in the familyβs boat tour business. The rest of the family includes her sister Marina, their Auntie Cord and her sons, Marlin and Finn. The merman head of the family, Shirenaβs father, Brook Murphy, is getting older, and his heart is turning more to the warm seas rather than the cool land. That starts to cause problems. Β Ben Tavistock is a recent arrival in Lulmouth, with his young daughter Gracie. Ben is widowed, but the challenge of bringing up a child is more than usually hard, because Gracie has inherited some of his magical ability, and he was never taught to use his talent, so he canβt help her. They sign up at a Magical Education Centre after the primary school canβt cope with a talented kid. Shirena rescues Gracie when the girl falls off the jetty into the sea, and Ben engages the merwoman to teach Gracie to swim. He doesnβt have time; heβs an IT specialist working remotely.
Some of the characters arenβt exactly admirable, coming across as catty, feckless and selfish by turns. Maybe this is a side effect of all the magic or the mer blood because, after all, society is still learning to live with these people. However, a non-magical lady is in charge of a town festival, so just having talent doesnβt make anyone elevated in social circles. I enjoy reading reimaginings of legend, and the merfolk story holds close to the selkie or seal-folk tales of Ireland and Scotland.Β Paula Harmon and Liz Hedgecock collaborate on the Lulmouth Bay series, which does not always feature merfolk, but seems assured to include romance and excitement. They each have several works out in the world, from Sherlock Holmes stories to tales of magical bookshops. Iβm sure if readers dip into their British urban fantasy, they will keep coming back for more. A TALE OF SEA AND SIRENS is as good a place as any to start.
Merwoman Shirena has no intention of letting any man get the better of her – though that doesn’t stop her having fun. But when she saves a young girl from drowning, she has no idea what’s in store.
Widower Ben’s just moved to the magical seaside town of Lulmouth Bay. His daughter’s magical skills are blossoming, to the point of danger. Ben hopes the training at Lulmouth will help Gracie control her magic, because he can’t. But fitting it around his IT job is proving difficult.
Shirena’s looking for a side hustle, since her family’s boat tour business earns just enough to keep them. Soon, she’s acting as Gracie’s childminder and swimming coach to get herself some fun money.
Shirena’s skills and confidence unnerve Ben. Ben’s job and seriousness bore Shirena. Yet as they get to know each other, they become friends.
Then a crisis leaves Shirena in charge of the family business, which is failing fast, and Ben offers to help. Their closeness sparks new feelings – but will they survive the pressure?
Can a merwoman and a computer whiz find their sweet spot?
A Tale of Sea and Sirens is the second book in the Lulmouth Bay fantasy romcom series.
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