What readers think of Water, Stone, Heart, plus links to write your own review.

This book is principally about two people finding themselves and their way back after heart-breaking life events. I loved all of the quicky characters and the descriptions of the artistry involved in stone hedge building. I did find the quickness in which Nicola was able to trust Andrew after her extremely abusive past a little unrealistic. However, having experienced some of this on a smaller scale, the over-all message left me feeling like we can heal and their is hope and life after loss. A little too-good-to-be-true for me but overall an uplifting and encouraging read.

Loved this book about the small English seaside town of Boscastle with its quirky, endearing characters. The sense of community and comradery made me wish I lived there. Andrew, an American architect, finds his way there to learn the art of hedge building. He finds architecture, interesting people, and romance. He also learns about the spirit and backbone of these people as they face a natural disaster. Loved the book - wish I hadn't finished it so soon!

Will North's vivid descriptions of Bocastle, England and it's inhabitants made me feel as if I were the proverbial fly on the wall, watching the story unfold before me. Although it was a great story, there were some awkward aspects for me. The use of witchcraft didn't really feel quite right; it felt like a case of too little or too much to belong. There is also a relationship with a main character's ex-father in law which was unnecessary because she is such a strong woman on her own. Past lives, self discovery and a love story build up to a true life catastrophy and makes for an enjoyable read despite it's minor flaws.

Will North's writing brings to life his characters and the village of Boscastle, England. He makes the reader feel like they are a part of the village. Mr. North's skill at story development is wonderful and I enjoyed it immensely. Some of the plot was unnecessary and could have used some tightened editing. The story and the main characters stay with you long after you've put it down. It's a great read ... would be a great beach read for the coming summer months.

Loved the beautiful Cornwall settings, the building of stone "hedges" and especially appreciated that this was a true flood. Climax builds with "The Perfect Storm" like weather reports. Quirky, warm villagers, a Real Witch Museum and the back stories of the two main characters all enrich an easy, enjoyable read.

Andrew Stratton is running away from a divorce, Lee is the quirky kid who relates better to adults than people her age and Nicola is fleeing an abusive ex-husband. These three, along with some colorful ancillary characters, bring this quasi-predictable storyline alive with some excellent characterization, unlikely friendships and a tender romance. The setting, the beautiful Boscastle, England, almost becomes a character as well when Andrew must grapple with his physical and metaphorical stones in his hedge-building class. (Hedges are those picturesque English stone walls - called walls in some parts of the country and hedges in others.) Noth ties in actual Boscastle history and the history of witchcraft to bring about a well-written, gentle novel. While there is physical abuse "off the page" and a harrowing rescue scene, the book has the pace one might imagine in of a small tourist town in Cornwall.

The first 150 pages kept me interested with the location description and the character introductions. The stone hedge building was a different addition to a novel about the UK. Around page 170, I started to skim as I was losing interest. The book ended with a ho-hum. It had potential in the first half but lost me in the second half.
The characters in the hedge building class were colorful and I would have enjoyed it if they were followed to the end of the book. The love scene was not exciting. Disappointing second half. It was a decent enough story to be made into a Lifetime Movie for Women or just a summer beach read requiring little attention.

I loved this book for everything but the romance! Will North’s descriptions of Boscastle and the Cornwall hedges were so vivid, I felt transported to this region. The true-life account of the storm at the end of the book was incredible, and having the weather report woven through the book leading up to the storm was very creative. I did not, however, find the romance between Andrew and Nicola exciting at all. As I read, I couldn’t help but wonder just how many tragic events from their lives could two people reveal to each other in one week!