Grieving Hollywood writer Fayette Wynne arrives in Carmel-by-the-Sea in 1926 to finish her latest project in peace. All alone, save for the preternatural sourdough starter her family has nurtured for years, Fayette is also resentful. The proven healing powers of the bread made with her starter were insufficient to save her beloved mother. For Fayette, it's time to try and push past the pain and anger and move on.

Then, during a violent storm, Fayette saves rising star Rex Hallstrom during a moment of crisis. Their shelter: a peculiar cliffside house, its door flung open as if beckoning them. Sentient, curious, and lonely, it recognizes in Fayette a unique magic even older than its own.

In the days that follow, as a friendship grows between Fayette and Rex, they discover local legends surrounding the isolated house: It appeared in the span of a single night, its cursed origins said to be Hell itself. But for two souls who need to move forward, it provides unexpected comfort and hope. In fact, Fayette and Rex have never felt more alive. Neither has the house, whose mysteries are unending and whose wicked history may be too powerful to ignore.

A House Between Sea and Sky by Beth Cato is magical and cozy, a story about friendship fueled by mystery, magic and historical drama. One of the best elements of the novel is the blend of historical drama, Hollywood truths and Russian mythology. It is also infused with a bit of what-if regarding Russian history during the 1920's. What makes it so well-written is the way the friendship between Fayette and Rex along with the house is the cornerstone of the story. Not only do we get Fayette's point of view but also the house's. Fayette is driven by loss and that loss is lessened by her friendship with Rex as they attempt to discover the mystery of the mysterious house. The magical house is a wonderful twist on the Baba Yaga legends and well -researched in detail. With Beth's telltale signature of bread being integrated into the story, this is a fun, magical and cozy story full of friendship and unconventional love.

If you like Beth Cato's work, you will love this new addition to her work. If you haven't read her books, this one is a good starting point as a standalone book. I also think lovers of history, mystery and magic will like the story and the characters of Fayette and Rex. The voices of the characters stand out and are unique as is the blend of magic and historical drama. I loved the story and especially the ending which came to a very satisfying conclusion for those of you who like happy endings.

Rating: 5 out of 5 sourdough starters. ~~ Andrea Rittschof

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