At the Water's Edge - Hardcover

"If I needed a reminder why I am such a fan of Sara Gruen's books, her latest novel provides plenty. Unique in its setting and scope, this impeccably researched historical fiction is full of the gorgeous prose I've come to expect from this author. And even after the final page, its message still resonates with me: The monsters we seek may be right in front of us. In fact, the only fault I can find with this book is that I've already finished it."--Jodi Picoult, "New York Times" bestselling author of "Leaving Time"
"I devoured this book. Once again Sara Gruen has proven herself to be one of America's most compelling storytellers. You might be tempted to rush to get to the answers at the end--but don't, or you'll miss the delectable journey that is Gruen's prose."--Kathryn Stockett, "New York Times "bestselling author of "The Help"
"Magical . . . "At the Water's Edge" skillfully transports us to a small, tenacious Scottish village in the grip of war, and into the heart of Madeline Hyde, a woman who is a stranger to herself until forces convene to rock her awake. Sara Gruen is a wizard at capturing the essence of her historical setting, and does so here in spades, but it's Maddie's unexpected transformation that grounds and drives the novel. As her husband and best friend search the surface of the Loch, desperate for a sign of the elusive creature, Maddie learns to plumb her own depths, and comes fully alive to the world around her."--Paula McLain, "New York Times" bestselling author of "The Paris Wife"
" "
""At the Water's Edge" is a rich, beautiful novel. Elegantly written and compulsively readable, it is at once a gripping love story, a profound examination of the effects of war on ordinary women, and a compelling portrait of female friendship. While delving into powerful themes, Sara Gruen never loses sight of what matters: her characters. This story of one privileged young woman, coming of age in a time of impossible upheaval and terrible choices, will keep you riveted until the very last page."--Kristin Hannah, "New York Times" bestselling author of "The Nightingale"
"Intoxicating . . . Sara Gruen has an exquisite eye for detail, and she evokes the haunted--and haunting--Scottish landscape with her signature passion, freshness, and scope. Atmospheric and gritty, the compelling tale of Madeline's struggle to redefine herself in a world gone mad will linger long after you turn the final page. I love this marvelous, marvelous book."--Joshilyn Jackson, "New York Times" bestselling author of "Someone Else's Love Story"

"A gripping, compelling story . . . wholly diverting and well written. I read it in one sitting. . . . "At the Water's Edge" will likely fly off bookstore shelves."--"The Boston Globe"
" "
"Powerfully evocative."--"USA Today"
"Bestselling author Sara Gruen returns with the breathtaking tale of a young Philadelphia socialite who reluctantly follows her husband to a remote town in Scotland in search of the Loch Ness Monster. At the same time another monster, Hitler, threatens to tear their world apart. "At the Water's Edge" is a daring story of adventure, friendship, and love in the shadow of WWII."--"Harper's Bazaar"
" "
"A page-turner of a novel that rollicks along with crisp historical detail, waves of deep emotions and a dash of Scottish mystical mythology."--"Fort Worth Star-Telegram"
" "
"Gruen skillfully weaves in historical reference points, making Maddie's story seem larger than that individual focus. The author conveys the lure of the Scottish Highlands, and its storied lore and mystery help create her novel's riveting, ethereal atmosphere. Maddie's growing self-awareness is presented in stark--and welcome--contrast to her husband's spiral into conceit and self-deception. "At the Water's Edge" captivates with its drama, intrigue and glimpses of both the dark and light of humanity. As Jane Austen once wrote, 'with due exceptions, woman feels for woman very promptly and compassionately.' For all her faults, Maddie's tragic history and her courage in the face of her present predicament will win readers to her side."--"BookPage" (Top Pick)
"If I needed a reminder why I am such a fan of Sara Gruen's books, her latest novel provides plenty. Unique in its setting and scope, this impeccably researched historical fiction is full of the gorgeous prose I've come to expect from this author. And even after the final page, its message still resonates with me: The monsters we seek may be right in front of us. In fact, the only fault I can find with this book is that I've already finished it."--Jodi Picoult, "New York Times" bestselling author of "Leaving Time"
"I devoured this book. Once again Sara Gruen has proven herself to be one of America's most compelling storytellers. You might be tempted to rush to get to the answers at the end--but don't, or you'll miss the delectable journey that is Gruen's prose."--Kathryn Stockett, "New York Times "bestselling author of "The Help"
"Magical . . . "At the Water's Edge" skillfully transports us to a small, tenacious Scottish village in the grip of war, and into the heart of Madeline Hyde, a woman who is a stranger to herself until forces convene to rock her awake. Sara Gruen is a wizard at capturing the essence of her historical setting, and does so here in spades, but it's Maddie's unexpected transformation that grounds and drives the novel. As her husband and best friend search the surface of the Loch, desperate for a sign of the elusive creature, Maddie learns to plumb her own depths, and comes fully alive to the world around her."--Paula McLain, "New York Times" bestselling author of "The Paris Wife"
" "
""At the Water's Edge" is a rich, beautiful novel. Elegantly written and compulsively readable, it is at once a gripping love story, a profound examination of the effects of war on ordinary women, and a compelling portrait of female friendship. While delving into powerful themes, Sara Gruen never loses sight of what matters: her characters. This story of one privileged young woman, coming of age in a time of impossible upheaval and terrible choices, will keep you riveted until the very last page."--Kristin Hannah, "New York Times" bestselling author of "The Nightingale"
"Intoxicating . . . Sara Gruen has an exquisite eye for detail, and she evokes the haunted--and haunting--Scottish landscape with her signature passion, freshness, and scope. Atmospheric and gritty, the compelling tale of Madeline's struggle to redefine herself in a world gone mad will linger long after you turn the final page. I love this marvelous, marvelous book."--Joshilyn Jackson, "New York Times" bestselling author of "Someone Else's Love Story"

A gripping, compelling story . . . wholly diverting and well written. I read it in one sitting. . . . "At the Water s Edge" will likely fly off bookstore shelves. "The Boston Globe"
""
Powerfully evocative. "USA Today"
Bestselling author Sara Gruen returns with the breathtaking tale of a young Philadelphia socialite who reluctantly follows her husband to a remote town in Scotland in search of the Loch Ness Monster. At the same time another monster, Hitler, threatens to tear their world apart. "At the Water s Edge" is a daring story of adventure, friendship, and love in the shadow of WWII. "Harper s Bazaar"
""
A page-turner of a novel that rollicks along with crisp historical detail, waves of deep emotions and a dash of Scottish mystical mythology. "Fort Worth Star-Telegram"
""
Gruen skillfully weaves in historical reference points, making Maddie s story seem larger than that individual focus. The author conveys the lure of the Scottish Highlands, and its storied lore and mystery help create her novel s riveting, ethereal atmosphere. Maddie s growing self-awareness is presented in stark and welcome contrast to her husband s spiral into conceit and self-deception. "At the Water s Edge" captivates with its drama, intrigue and glimpses of both the dark and light of humanity. As Jane Austen once wrote, with due exceptions, woman feels for woman very promptly and compassionately. For all her faults, Maddie s tragic history and her courage in the face of her present predicament will win readers to her side. "BookPage" (Top Pick)
If I needed a reminder why I am such a fan of Sara Gruen s books, her latest novel provides plenty. Unique in its setting and scope, this impeccably researched historical fiction is full of the gorgeous prose I ve come to expect from this author. And even after the final page, its message still resonates with me: The monsters we seek may be right in front of us. In fact, the only fault I can find with this book is that I ve already finished it. Jodi Picoult, "New York Times" bestselling author of "Leaving Time"
I devoured this book. Once again Sara Gruen has proven herself to be one of America s most compelling storytellers. You might be tempted to rush to get to the answers at the end but don t, or you ll miss the delectable journey that is Gruen s prose. Kathryn Stockett, "New York Times "bestselling author of "The Help"
Magical . . . "At the Water s Edge" skillfully transports us to a small, tenacious Scottish village in the grip of war, and into the heart of Madeline Hyde, a woman who is a stranger to herself until forces convene to rock her awake. Sara Gruen is a wizard at capturing the essence of her historical setting, and does so here in spades, but it s Maddie s unexpected transformation that grounds and drives the novel. As her husband and best friend search the surface of the Loch, desperate for a sign of the elusive creature, Maddie learns to plumb her own depths, and comes fully alive to the world around her. Paula McLain, "New York Times" bestselling author of "The Paris Wife"
""
"At the Water s Edge" is a rich, beautiful novel. Elegantly written and compulsively readable, it is at once a gripping love story, a profound examination of the effects of war on ordinary women, and a compelling portrait of female friendship. While delving into powerful themes, Sara Gruen never loses sight of what matters: her characters. This story of one privileged young woman, coming of age in a time of impossible upheaval and terrible choices, will keep you riveted until the very last page. Kristin Hannah, "New York Times" bestselling author of "The Nightingale"
Intoxicating . . . Sara Gruen has an exquisite eye for detail, and she evokes the haunted and haunting Scottish landscape with her signature passion, freshness, and scope. Atmospheric and gritty, the compelling tale of Madeline s struggle to redefine herself in a world gone mad will linger long after you turn the final page. I love this marvelous, marvelous book. Joshilyn Jackson, "New York Times" bestselling author of "Someone Else s Love Story""

Breathtaking . . . a daring story of adventure, friendship, and love in the shadow of WWII. "Harper s Bazaar"
""
A gripping, compelling story . . . [Sara] Gruen s characters are vividly drawn and her scenes are perfectly paced. "The Boston Globe"
A page-turner of a novel that rollicks along with crisp historical detail. "Fort Worth Star-Telegram"
Powerfully evocative. " USA Today"
""
Gruen is a master at the period piece and [this] novel is just another stunning example of that craft. "Glamour"
A captivating tale. " Us Weekly"
""
Utterly winning. " The Miami Herald"
""
A compelling, enthralling read, a novel which captivates and rewards, paying off in a series of emotional and narrative twists . . . comfort reading of the highest order. " The Globe and Mail"
""
A super steamy love story. " Good Housekeeping"
""
[Gruen] conveys the lure of the Scottish Highlands. . . . "At the Water s Edge "captivates with its drama, intrigue and glimpses of both the dark and light of humanity. "BookPage"
A heartwarming story about life, and the places it can potentially take you. " InStyle "
""
A natural for the book-club set. " Booklist"
If I needed a reminder why I am such a fan of Sara Gruen s books, her latest novel provides plenty. Unique in its setting and scope, this impeccably researched historical fiction is full of the gorgeous prose I ve come to expect from this author. And even after the final page, its message still resonates with me: The monsters we seek may be right in front of us. In fact, the only fault I can find with this book is that I ve already finished it. Jodi Picoult, "New York Times" bestselling author of "Leaving Time"
I devoured this book. Once again Sara Gruen has proven herself to be one of America s most compelling storytellers. You might be tempted to rush to get to the answers at the end but don t, or you ll miss the delectable journey that is Gruen s prose. Kathryn Stockett, "New York Times "bestselling author of "The Help"
Magical . . . "At the Water s Edge" skillfully transports us to a small, tenacious Scottish village in the grip of war, and into the heart of Madeline Hyde, a woman who is a stranger to herself until forces convene to rock her awake. Sara Gruen is a wizard at capturing the essence of her historical setting, and does so here in spades, but it s Maddie s unexpected transformation that grounds and drives the novel. As her husband and best friend search the surface of the Loch, desperate for a sign of the elusive creature, Maddie learns to plumb her own depths, and comes fully alive to the world around her. Paula McLain, "New York Times" bestselling author of "The Paris Wife"
""
"At the Water s Edge" is a rich, beautiful novel. Elegantly written and compulsively readable, it is at once a gripping love story, a profound examination of the effects of war on ordinary women, and a compelling portrait of female friendship. While delving into powerful themes, Sara Gruen never loses sight of what matters: her characters. This story of one privileged young woman, coming of age in a time of impossible upheaval and terrible choices, will keep you riveted until the very last page. Kristin Hannah, "New York Times" bestselling author of "The Nightingale"
Intoxicating . . . Sara Gruen has an exquisite eye for detail, and she evokes the haunted and haunting Scottish landscape with her signature passion, freshness, and scope. Atmospheric and gritty, the compelling tale of Madeline s struggle to redefine herself in a world gone mad will linger long after you turn the final page. I love this marvelous, marvelous book. Joshilyn Jackson, "New York Times" bestselling author of "Someone Else s Love Story""

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER

In this thrilling new novel from the author of Water for Elephants, Sara Gruen again demonstrates her talent for creating spellbinding period pieces.At the Water’s Edge is a gripping and poignant love story about a privileged young woman’s awakening as she experiences the devastation of World War II in a tiny village in the Scottish Highlands.

After disgracing themselves at a high society New Year’s Eve party in Philadelphia in 1944, Madeline Hyde and her husband, Ellis, are cut off financially by his father, a former army colonel who is already ashamed of his son’s inability to serve in the war. When Ellis and his best friend, Hank, decide that the only way to regain the Colonel’s favor is to succeed where the Colonel very publicly failed—by hunting down the famous Loch Ness monster—Maddie reluctantly follows them across the Atlantic, leaving her sheltered world behind.

The trio find themselves in a remote village in the Scottish Highlands, where the locals have nothing but contempt for the privileged interlopers. Maddie is left on her own at the isolated inn, where food is rationed, fuel is scarce, and a knock from the postman can bring tragic news. Yet she finds herself falling in love with the stark beauty and subtle magic of the Scottish countryside. Gradually she comes to know the villagers, and the friendships she forms with two young women open her up to a larger world than she knew existed. Maddie begins to see that nothing is as it first appears: the values she holds dear prove unsustainable, and monsters lurk where they are least expected.

As she embraces a fuller sense of who she might be, Maddie becomes aware not only of the dark forces around her, but of life’s beauty and surprising possibilities.

Praise for At the Water’s Edge

“Breathtaking . . . a daring story of adventure, friendship, and love in the shadow of WWII.”—Harper’s Bazaar

“A gripping, compelling story . . . Gruen’s characters are vividly drawn and her scenes are perfectly paced.”—The Boston Globe

“A page-turner of a novel that rollicks along with crisp historical detail.”—Fort Worth Star-Telegram

“Powerfully evocative.”—USA Today

“Gruen is a master at the period piece—and [this] novel is just another stunning example of that craft.”—Glamour

“A captivating tale.”—Us Weekly

“Compulsively readable . . . a rich, beautiful novel . . . at once a gripping love story, a profound examination of the effects of war on ordinary women, and a compelling portrait of female friendship.”—Kristin Hannah

“Utterly winning.”—The Miami Herald

“A compelling, enthralling read, a novel which captivates and rewards, paying off in a series of emotional and narrative twists . . . comfort reading of the highest order.”—The Globe and Mail

“A super steamy love story.”—Good Housekeeping

“Unique in its setting and scope, this impeccably researched historical fiction is full of the gorgeous prose I’ve come to expect from this author.”—Jodi Picoult

“[Gruen] conveys the lure of the Scottish Highlands. . . . At the Water’s Edgecaptivates with its drama, intrigue and glimpses of both the dark and light of humanity.”—BookPage