The story is told in 1st person POV by Samuel Halley, son of Sean and Claudine. Now in his 40s, Sam owns Mariner’s Books in Rockfish Cove, Oregon, where he’s lived his entire life. He leads a quiet life, a satisfactory existence. Late one night, a female silhouette leaning against a streetlight in the rain across from the bookstore catches Sam’s attention. Sam was mesmerized by her appearance, and little did he know at that moment how life would never be the same.

Scrolling through fiction book covers on my Kindle, old classic movies came to mind viewing a silhouette in a trench coat and fedora: this time, a female. I scrolled past and then came back. I’m so glad I did. It is not a fast-paced page-turner, but it was not meant to be. It’s the perfect novel to read on a rainy afternoon or evening.

This novel is a treasure for all who have delighted in working in bookstores and/or for those who play chess. Those who love seafaring stories and adventures will appreciate the books mentioned throughout the novel, the 3 Explorer Interludes, and the sailing adventures. ( )