I had zero expectations going into the book. I'd heard of the author before but hadn't read anything by her. I have had Waterlilies #2 on my shelf forever, so decided I should finally get around to reading the first in the series.

I liked this book. It's a very different take on mermaids, and had a very sensual, lush narration. I really liked how Alice and Griffin were both finding themselves together, and how the plot line ties into very intriguing backstories of the sisters.

Plotwise, this book was a four. But the writing seemed a bit unpolished and simplistic. And I thought the endnotes by "Lilith" were a little too cutesy, but did appreciate the extra information about the Water People. ( )

I enjoyed reading this book. The story about modern day mermaids was interesting and unique. I don't remember ever reading a book on the subject. The character Alice was a bit too much of a victim for me, but by the end of the book she had found herself. All the women in the book had a tragic past, I don't know why they couldn't have any happiness. But the story was well written and made me want to learn more about the characters. ( )

Alice has always been the odd one in her small Appalachian community. She loves water, her hair grows incredibly fast, her feet are slightly webbed, and somehow her personality has just never "fit in." She's done her best all her life to blend into the background, but she gets quite a bit of publicity when she rescues someone. She hates being in the public eye, but ultimately it brings her to the attention of some women who can give her answers about her past and why she's so different.

Let me say right up front that I won this book in a GR giveaway. I don't think that's affected my rating and review, but in the interest of full disclosure, there it is.

The book started off a little disjointed for me because I wasn't very clear about what to expect. But by the time I was 20-30 pages in, it was all coming together and I was starting to enjoy the book. It only got better all the way through. I liked the characters and the mystery of what happened the night a boat sank, 40 years ago. I liked the family histories and legends of the characters. I particularly liked the way that the fantasy element was woven in like it was no big deal. Just make this one little leap of faith and all of a sudden you've got the real world with a little more magic in it. That's always fun.

The book had a feel (but not a plot) a little like the movie Practical Magic and the book Garden Spells, with maybe just a little of the drama and mystery of The Pilot's Wife thrown in. Fans of these books would certainly enjoy this one. ( )

I expected chick lit when I started Alice at Heart, but this book is far from. There's romance, sure, and the Bonavendier sisters have an eye for fashion. Even the author seems to want to advertise these women as spoiled Southern belles-- but that's just skimming the surface.While those elements are present, particularly that tone of Southern mystery and charm, there's a consistent feeling of knowing, of deep, sad wisdom, present in the novel that suits the ageless characters with their dear dignity so well that when they make grand declarations about life or invent metaphors about love, it comes off as romantic and fitting rather than saccharine or cheesy. There were a lot of moments between characters, simple moments I might have read a hundred times before, that the author reinvents and gives beautiful meaning. Smith doesn't try to burden her story with imagined misunderstandings or aimless resistance. Nothing feels contrived. In such a mystical setting, Alice and Griffin are as commonplace as anyone can be, unhappy and alone. When they meet, their connection is so sweet and simple and pure, so timeless and instantaneous and inviolate. They love each other and that's a foregone conclusion, never doubted. The conflict arises because they are enemies in the most unfortunate, tragic, unstoppable sense of the word. Unwilling, but wise.There are real, important hurdles, within and without themselves, that they have to climb, issues of trust and family. Indeed, the relationships of family are just as important in this novel, and that makes the story more real, more complete because life is about family and struggle and those other concerns. I've concentrated on emotion in this review. Smith writes that the "Water People" are all about emotion, downright vibrating with it-- and that is precisely what sets this book apart. The emotions the characters feel are natural and basic and so moving. I began the book fearing that the three aging, magical sisters would turn into Disney cheese --can you blame me?-- but each of the Bonavendiers is first and foremost a woman, with passions and dreams, and as you learn about them, you come to care for each one, as well as Alice, who brings them all together.I haven't read anything moving in a while, so this book certainly came as a surprise. I'm glad I had the opportunity. It's not my usual reading, it's not as dark, but it was well worth it. I would definitely recommend this book to my friends and any fans of old-fashioned, pure romance with a touch of Southern magic and customs. Yes, there is a bit of the supernatural. It's not just a metaphor, LOL. Very sweet and uplifting. I'm looking forward to learning more about these mermaids (the different kinds too). That word smacks of Disney, but the story's never cheesy, I promise. I was between four stars and five. ( )

Its a charming story of water people, excepting differences in our selves and others. Alice lived most of her life being hated for being different. Boys assaulted her and laughed. Her family hated her. She was told her teenage mom killed herself because of her.

Alice lives alone by a lake in a cabin. Where she feels safer and more at peace swimming in the lake. Alice works at a pet store. Alice has never left her area.

One day while swimming nude in the freezing water she hears a scream of child fell into the lake. Alice is aways off but swims faster than anyone believes and can hold her breath for over an hour. Rescues the child. Instead of being grateful everyone thinks she might have done it for glory, because no one believes her truth. the child grandfather is the state govenor. Alice is given award but no one really celebrates what she did.

Her other side of the family just realizes by the paper who Alice is and comes to take her home with them and tells her about her family.

Griff is a treasure hunter and has unbelieveable talents for finding ships and exploring them. An old world war bomb explodes in the water killing everyone else but him he hears Alice in his mind telling him to breath that he can. Griff lives but has broken legs and other wounds and comes back to his home.

Alice and Griff learn together about thier families and the journeys they have gone on and what really happened and where they came from.

I enjoyed the story. ( )