A Sweet Sting of Salt by Rose Sutherland is a queer reimagining of the Irish folktalke The Selkie Wife. Set in Nova Scotia in the 1830s, this story follows Jean, a young midwife, who discovers a woman in labor on the beach behind her property. She brings the woman in and soon helps her successfully deliver a healthy baby boy (albeit a baby boy with some odd features, such as webbing between his fingers). The woman, Muirin, can barely speak any English but makes it abundantly clear to Jean that she does not want to go home with her husband, Tobias, who shows up the next morning looking for her. Jean convinces Tobias that she must keep Muirin and the baby at her house for a few days to make sure they’re ok. In those few days, Jean and Muirin grow close and form an easy friendship (and attraction to each other).
Once Muirin returns home with Tobias, Jean pays a house visit to check on her and the baby. Tobias is hostile and wants her nowhere near his house. Why is Muirin being kept under lock and key? Why is Tobias so nasty towards Jean? Jean is determined to dig up his secrets and protect the woman she’s grown to love, no matter the risk to her safety or reputation.
This was a beautifully atmospheric book filled with mystery and romance, perfect to curl up with on a cold, blustery day. Recommended to those who enjoy retellings or historical romance.