Where Sea Meets Sky: A Novel

"Some people may expect nothing, Most people expect something. But you, you, should expect everything."

Is a one night stand ever really a one night stand? Not for Josh and Gemma. It leads Josh not only on the adventure of his life but back to Gemma who may just be the love of his life.

I have said many times before.....I love everything Karina Halle writes. She has a way of slowly pulling a reader in and taking them on the adventure right along with the characters. I admit I was a bit concerned with the first page of the book. I literally was like "whoa...not sure how I feel about this." But of course that changed rather quickly.

Once Josh got to New Zealand the book really picked up. I enjoyed all of the places they went to and found myself searching google to find these amazing places. I have never wanted to go to another country so much in my life!

Every character was so real. Josh, Gemma, Amber...even Nick the Dick.

There were so many quotes I loved as well and I had a hard time keeping track of them since I purchased the paperback instead of the ebook. Let me just list a few in addition to the one above:

"You are not an easy person to love because you don't seem to have any use for it. You don't want it. But the more you push, the more I pull. I fell in love with you because it was like staring at the frozen sea. I only saw the surface but I knew there was more underneath, miles of depth that no one has had a chance to discover."

“Home isn’t a country or a place … It’s where you belong.”

“I love you, I think as my heart seems to expand inside me.
And you’ll hurt me.
You’ll burn me.
You’ll mark me.
But it’s already worth it.”

Amazing job once again Karina Halle.

4.5 Stars

This was an entertaining story. From the beginning, I was looking for that happy ending for both characters, which isn't the case very often.

This is a story of not just two characters who long for one another, but it's a story of the journey of self-discovery. Finding oneself while trying to find someone else is always a journey we shouldn't mind taking. Both Josh and Gemma have their own selves to find while trying to find the balance of their budding friendship-relationship.

This journey takes place while traveling acorss New Zealand. What better way to find yourself than on a leisure trip across any country. Broke. A long way from home. No one but them, their two traveling companions. This story is a test for these characters.

I liked getting both sides of the story as it went on. The dual voices made the story flow and move at a comfortable pace while I was reading. I did hope for a little more interactions. There were parts that seemed to go on forever that seemed insignificant to me. Whereas, there were parts that I felt I needed more out of them.

Overall, this is a good book. One that you can easily find yourself lost in for a while.

Josh meets Gemma at a Halloween party and after their one night stand he can't stop thinking about her. Problem is, he only gets one night with her before she's on her way back to New Zealand. Josh decides to take his own trip to New Zealand in hopes of finding Gemma, but he doesn't even know her last name. Will Josh spend his time searching for a girl who turned his world upside down or worse, if he does find her, will she be happy to see him?

I really enjoyed this story. I am a huge fan of Karina Halle's and I have yet to read one of her books and be disappointed. Her writing skills are incredible. I've never been to New Zealand and I'll probably never get to go but Karina's details of New Zealand in this story were amazing. I felt like I was experiencing everything the characters were. I really admired Josh. The guy had no money and didn't know anything about New Zealand and just up and went and by himself which is scary enough. I've always wanted to do something like that but hell I've never even been on a plane before. I also learned new vocabulary. Who knew "tramping" meant hiking. Ha, I would've never guessed. Great story, great characters, and Karina if you see this, I want to be friends with you because you are great!

Where the Sea Meets the Sky
Karina Halle does such an incredible service for the travel industry. Honestly, every location Halle writes about I want to visit. She has an ability to make me feel as if I am there with her and her characters. I want to repel walls, feel the sand between my toes, see the starry lights of glow worms while floating through caves, feel the blustery winds whip hair across my face on picturesque beachside cliffs and ultimately, I want to feel it all while holding hand of the man I love. It is literary magic, a song to my avid reader’s heart, and the best escape a book can give.

After a once in a lifetime night of amazing sex and conversation with a backpacker that’s on her last night in town, Joshua Miles has an epiphany. He hasn’t truly experienced anything grand or life changing before. His sister has, and this beauty that ensnared him for night has, but he, however, has not. Joshua is comfortable in a “meh” job and has just been accepted to an art school. With little time before he begins school, Joshua feels the need to escape, explore, and discover the wonders of the unknown. He’ll just do it in the way of his one night stand. Too bad he doesn’t even know her name.

Gemma Henare is struggling to find herself. She thought a break in her normal life and having time spent alone traveling would be just the thing. Especially after finding herself spending the last night before flying home with a guy she could talk to, and that she felt a connection with. She can be strong, start over, and change her life, her situation and her thinking. Well, until she arrives home and instantly falls back to who she has been.

With the help of some fellow travelers, Joshua finds his elusive Gemma and gets himself invited along for a trek across New Zealand. The only problem is - they aren’t alone. Gemma brings along her cousin and a pretty big piece of her unfinished past.

Where Sea Meets Sky is angst, drama, and a lesson in forgiving, loving, letting go, and moving on. Deciding what is best for yourself and learning that what you want isn’t always what’s best for your heart. It’s also a lesson in throwing caution to the wind, trying something new, and being willing to be scared, yet trying anyway.

Get your highlighters ready, it’s that kind of read :)

“You won’t see anything more inspiring than this,” I say, gesturing to the sky, now gold. “Recreate it, capture it. Let it be wild, let it be messy. It’s the first sunrise of many more to come. You can’t screw it up. If you do, there’s always tomorrow.”

I love intense and witty romance novels, I love books about traveling and I love New Zealand - that's why Where Sea Meets Sky was the perfect book for me. I had so much fun traveling through New Zealand alongside Josh, Gemma and their friends (and their trusty Volkswagen van). You can tell that Karina Halle knows what she's talking about when she describes all the famous (and quite a few not so famous but equally breathtaking) sights and activities New Zealand has to offer. The author really has a knack for making you feel like you're *there*.
I also loved the romance. Josh and Gemma are great characters that I fell in love with immediately even if they aren't the easiest people. But easy is boring anyway.
If you want a great romance, a fantastic scenery and just that special little something extra then this is the book for you.

Lindy's Thoughts:

Where Sea Meets Sky is vastly different from Ms. Halle's other stories. I love her writing style, and when I saw the beautiful book cover for this story, and read the synopsis, I knew I had to read it!

Where Sea Meets sky is a deeply romantic story, with a beautiful and descriptive setting, and about letting go of fear, taking chances, and finding your passion. I love that this story had so much depth and emotional layers. It was so much more than I initially had anticipated, and for this I am grateful. I love a story that makes me look inside of myself, and contemplate my fears, passions, and actions. This story made me contemplate what it means to be truly alive, and how when we open ourselves up, and truly feel, we may be risking pain, but we are in danger of not really living if we don't take that risk.

In this story we meet Josh and Gemma. Josh is from Canada (Vancouver), and meets Gemma one night at a Halloween party. She has been traveling around the world, but after this last stop, she is returning to New Zealand. Josh and Gemma click. They talk all night long, laugh, and share the most intense and passionate lovemaking of their lives. They are very sad to say goodbye, and will never forget one another.

Josh is unhappy in his life. He's living at home with his mom, has an unfulfilling job, and needs a change in his life. He has gotten in to Art School, but doesn't start for another two months. So he makes the decision to use his savings and travel to New Zealand to hopefully find Gemma and have an adventure. However, when Josh gets to New Zealand not everything goes as planned. Gemma talks Josh in to taking a road trip, along with two others to see all of the sights that New Zealand has to offer. Unfortunately, while Josh and Gemma begin to create wonderful memories, and fall for one another, Josh has his work cut out for him when it comes to breaking the walls that Gemma has erected around her heart. Will she let love in? Or, will fear stop Gemma from being happy and learning the meaning of truly living?

The setting of New Zealand was exotic, and truly breathtaking. As Gemma and Josh traveled, I felt like I was traveling in the vintage RV, "Mr. Orange," with them and the rest of the group listening to Pink Floyd. We stayed in various hostels, went camping, hiking, cave diving, black water rafting, swam with the dolphins, and saw mini blue penguins. I learned new terminology and phraseology. Ms. Halle put a lot of research in to this story, and it paid off. I could visualize all of the beautiful landscapes, and various terrain all over New Zealand.

Josh was an extremely likable character. He was very patient, kind, compassionate, and attentive to Gemma. She continuously pushed him away, and was not easy to love. She was filled with such deep pain that she preferred to be numb inside, and it really took someone as special as Josh to break down all of her barriers. These two had such intense passion, but it was all of the emotion that made this love story so powerful.

My Rating:

I give, Where Sea Meets Sky, by Karina Halle, 4 Taking a Chance on Love, Lessons in Living, Passion and Emotion Filled Stars! If you are a Karina Halle fan, don't expect this story to be like her others, because it is very different. However, it is such a great story about love, passion, heartbreak, and finding who you are, and what you want in your life.

4.5 stars!!

What an amazing book! Only Karina could take you on an entire tour of a country in a book and make you feel like you're right there experiencing it with the characters!! Not only where there views to die for as she described them but there was also the growing relationship between two people that was supposed to be a one night stand. I've liked Josh since Love, In English but him being the lead in this book was simply amazing. The depth of his love and feelings for Gemma transcend over continents and hard-headed, stubborn women. Gemma who is running from any and all feelings learns that maybe there's more to life than what she's been living. If you loved Vera and Mateo's journey then you will love Josh and Gemma's!!!

4.5 Kia Ora stars!! In the acknowledgments, Karina states this book is her love letter to New Zealand and also to those who are finding their way in life, who are too afraid to take risks and chances. I believe a lot of readers can relate to this. I know I do. I'm in awe of how courageous Karina is as well as her characters. I've visited New Zealand, the land of the long white cloud and this book made me relive my memories from my trip and also want to go back and explore what I haven't seen. It makes me want to take that life changing trip/experience even knowing I probably won't be brave enough to do so!

Karina Halle takes romance abroad once again in Where Sea Meets Sky, a luminous love story fraught with serious angst and impossible odds against the backdrop of a stunningly beautiful location. Halle puts her unforgettable characters through the gamut in this story, crossing oceans and crossing lines, Josh and Gemma have a world of obstacles between them. But traversing the mountain of impossibility separating them proves to be a far greater feat than traveling the globe. This story is as rife with excitement as it is with heartbreak; as wrought with frustration and pain as it is with joy and romance. Far more more than an adventure through beautiful New Zealand, this is an adventure of the heart, two people putting everything on the line, risking it all for the unknown and suffering through the devastation when it all burns to ash.

While the story reads from alternating points of view of both Gemma and Josh, this feels like it's Josh's story... His trek across the world, his facing his private fears, his self-discovery and growth, his inner-turmoil of sharing an old Volkswagen van with the woman he pines for and her boyfriend. Gemma clearly has her own secrets, her own demons she's battling, and I loved seeing those layers peeled back. But there was something so addictive about being in Josh's headspace. He sees the world through such an interesting set of eyes and his inner monologue was like a breath of fresh air. He's a guy's guy, he's witty and endearing and I felt wholly captivated by him.

The dynamic between Gemma and Josh was such a refreshing one, knowing the gravity of the chemistry and attraction they felt one night in Canada, and then watching them pretend it never happened in New Zealand. The quiet frustration, the profound longing... It made for a spectacularly addictive read, one I was ravenous to get through yet never wanted to end. I felt every ounce of the build of this story, their acute yearning, the masks of indifference they both perfected for the sake of this trip. I so appreciated that Halle executed this story in such a way that it was far more than a tumultuous romance, but also an epic journey of self discovery. Both needed to prove their own worth to themselves, that they were brave enough to step outside the comfort zone and live. Josh's decision to defy his own uncertainty, his lack of direction, his stagnate existence all changed that night he met Gemma. And while she may have been the catalyst that lit the fire under his desire to see another country, she unconsciously catapulted his drive to become the man he wanted to be.

The vivid imagery Karina Halle uses to illustrate the lush landscapes of the exotic vistas, dark caverns and crisp mountains and beaches made me feel as though I was right there in this story. As she did with the hot, sultry air of Spain in 'Love, In English,' the beauty of New Zealand transcends the pages of this story and demands that the reader come along for this adventure. It's clear through her glorious descriptions that Karina Halle loves travel and experiencing these landscapes as deeply as she loves to write her poignant love stories. Where Sea Meets Sky took me on such a captivating journey, evoking a powerful desire to see the beauty of New Zealand through Josh's eyes just as much as I wanted to see him fall in love. This is an all-consuming story that overloaded my senses. The sights and sounds and smells and tastes emanating from these pages made my heart sing, all the while my stomach knotted over the sexual tension and lust-filled romance that felt just out of reach.

Josh enduring the excruciating day to day with Gemma and her boyfriend was brutal to read. It's one thing knowing that the person you long for is in a relationship, it's an entirely different beast when that relationship's proverbial headboard is banging on the tent next door, so to speak. But watching Josh accept what was and stick it out on this road trip only made me respect him that much more. It reaffirmed that this trip wasn't just about Gemma, it was about a lot more than some superficial attraction to a woman he shared an unforgettable one night stand with. This was Josh's opportunity to see and feel and think and find inspiration before he went back to his life. This was him feeling free and it was just as pivotal to his story as whatever the future held with regard to a romance.

Karina Halle is a genius storyteller. Her propensity for writing brilliant romances about the most unlikely pair of lovers, crafting a wholly captivating story around them and keeping me on tenuous line between pleasure and pain the whole way through continually has me coming back for more. Where Sea Meets Sky is Karina Halle's most flawless writing to date. This story gripped me from the very first page and completely held me in it's grasp the entire way through. Her words are as poignant and melodic as her storyline is breathtaking. It's refreshing to read a story that isn't so sickly sweet romantic, so overtly sexual the entire time. Sometimes the slow burn, the illicit sensuality, the mounting sexual tension packs a bigger punch. The pacing and timing and the painstaking build, this picturesque location, these mesmerizing characters, every profoundly evocative facet of this story all culminate into one wholly unforgettable story that I loved beyond measure.

Where Sea Meets Sky by Karina Halle is hands down one of my favorite reads of 2015. I know it’s only 3 months in so that doesn’t seem like a big deal. But I can, with certainty, say that it most likely will still be the case in December.

I loved the main characters, Josh and Gemma, from the moment I dove into this book. Josh is so easy to love and I was already excited for his book after meeting him in Love, in English. He’s funny, sexy, confident and tatted up. What’s not to love?! And then there is Gemma. Once again, Karina created a female character that I adore and relate to in so many ways. There are so many female characters out there that make me roll my eyes constantly but I truly enjoy reading Karina’s female MCs. Faults and all they are just so relatable and fun to get to know.

In WSMS Josh and Gemma's connection was instant but, to me, absolutely believable. I'm a huge believer of instalove IF – and only if - it is delivered in the right way. Some insta-love scenarios seem forced and somewhat annoying but I could truly feel the electricity between Josh and Gemma. I was instantly rooting for them and my heart hurt for them as they struggled with the realities of life instead of just falling into an easy relationship together. As always the case with KH novels their story felt real to me. She successfully showcases that no matter how strong the love it's not always rainbows and butterflies. There will always be struggles, trials and tribulations. It’s how a couple deals and comes out in the end that is the true love story. Josh and Gemma will have you guessing until the end and it’s a ride definitely worth taking!

In my opinion, one of my favorite parts of WSMS is that it's not JUST a love story. For lack of a better word, it's also an amazing adventure. I adored the feeling that I was traveling right along with Josh, Gemma and Amber in the Volkswagen Bus. The sights that Karina described in their adventures were absolutely incredible. I found myself looking up so much of what I was reading about because just the description was blowing me away and I needed visuals to go along with it. I truly haven’t stopped thinking about New Zealand and talking about how I MUST get there someday!

All in all I can’t find one thing to complain about with this book. It grabbed me from the first few pages and held me in its clutches until I finished. A few months later I’m still in love with the story and can’t wait for all of you to read it so I can have more people to discuss with!

P.S.
Yes, I am well aware that with every Karjna Halle book I read a raving review is then delivered. To me, she gets better and better as time goes on and I can’t help but love everything she writes. It's easy to love every book of hers because they are all so unique in their own way. Different genres, different types of MCs, different levels of angst, different kinds of love. They all just work for me and I wish that more people would take my advice and read them. All of them. Every single one ;) But honestly, if you've never read a KH book I'm not quite sure what you're waiting for. So many options for all types of readers. Do yourself a favor and go pick one up now!

Full Review, Links & Teasers available at:
<a href="https://kmbookhaven.wordpress.com/2015/03/31/where-sea-meets-sky-by-karina-halle-is-live-krystles-5%E2%98%85-review-more/">K&M's Book Haven</a>

Where Sea Meets Sky opened my eyes to the beautiful world that is New Zealand. It has never been on my list of places to travel to, but it sure is now.

Gemma's side of this story has left me all kinds of emotional. I felt everything she felt. There's no way anyone reading this wouldn't feel the raw feelings and pain that radiated from this story. Unless you're a rock.

Josh must be my favorite Karina Halle dude so far. The way he tended to Gemma, the way he did everything had my heart melting.

This story was more than perfect. I don't feel this much that often with a book, but when I do I feel every single damn thing but I don't mind. That's the beauty of reading, isn't it?

Didn't think anyone could top Mateo? Well, Joshua is going to give him a run for his money.

I fell for the brief glimpses of the misguided and seemingly unfocused Joshua in Love, In English/Spanish. Now he has his turn at a HEA but like Karina always does, your heart will be put through the wringer to get there.

Joshua meets Gemma right before she is due to go home to New Zealand. They share one incredible night together that leaves Joshua questioning everything. He realizes he needs more focus, more direction but what better way to start off than by taking a little trip to 'discover himself'? He sets off to New Zealand, hoping but not convinced he will ever see Gemma again.

It doesn't take long for them to find each other again and the sparks fly even as Gemma is now dating someone else. *queue my first desire to throw my kindle*

We get an alternating POV story with two characters who are so clearly perfect for each other but at the same time really need to discover who they are on their own before they can handle a relationship. There are bumps along the way, of course. Gemma is actually more directionless with her life than Josh and sometimes I just wanted to kind of smack the girl. I loved her, don't get me wrong but I am very glad we got her POV so we could understand why she does some of the things she does.

Beautifully written, this book will want to make you pack up and go to New Zealand from all of the amazingly descriptive locations. Karina's attention to detail will make you feel like you are on vacation! Albeit one that's a bit frustrating while Josh and Gemma get their lives together. So yes, there is a decent amount of angst in this book. But it's well balanced with lighter moments and a few very hot sexy moments. Holy wowzers, Josh is moving to the top of my book boyfriend list.

I highly recommend this book and although it would be nice if you've read Love, In English first you really don't have to. This can stand alone. Five amazing stars!

This book takes you on a literal and figurative journey. I was very anxious to get an ARC of this book because the premise seemed very interesting to me. Josh and Gemma meet on Gemma's last night in Canada. They have instant chemistry but because of distance that seems to be all to their story. However, Josh decides to leave his mundane life and travels to Gemma' home land of New Zealand. He doesn't understand why she won't get out of his head. However, he makes the trek and has no expectations. He doesn't even know her last name. However, he eventually finds her and is invited on a month long trip with her across New Zealand. However, it isn't a trip just for the two of them, they have a big part of Gemma's past with her too. As they travel and discover New Zealand they discover things about themselves and each other. In the process of all the angst and drama, they learn lessons of going after things without caution. They both learn about trying new things and going after what they want even if there is risk involved. I loved reading about the places they visited and about what they learned about themselves. This book made me want to visit New Zealand!! I could imagine everything with the vivid storytelling.

There are a zillion-thousand and one books out there, and Where Sea Meets Sky falls somewhere right smack in the middle. It was well written. It wasn't bad. It was good. But that is honestly where my review could end. Nothing really stood out.

I really don't mean for that to sound as harsh as it does. It is obvious that Karina Halle has a true talent. Her prose in depicting an adventurous road trip through New Zealand gave this story a realistic, almost tangible quality, but it was the plot that I found a little generic. There are so many books out there. I needed something that connected me with this book. These characters. Instead I found an extremely well written book, but one I set down several times only to return to later, and when I finished. It was over. No lingering feelings, or emotions.

My overall response could best be described as extremely linear. It was a book. I read it. It was good.

But like I said, with so many books out there, I need more.

Perhaps those who truly appreciate the artistry of a well written book, but don't necessarily want to spend days recovering from a book hangover should definitely give it a go. She really does do a beautiful job making the reader feel like they are actually on a road trip through New Zealand. Not to mention a pretty passionate scene involving a tree ;-)

READ ON!

I have just finished another truly outstanding book from Karina Halle. It's one that I didn't want to end and I wish I could read it again for the first time. I adored Love, in English and Love, in Spanish and this was as good as those. I read this within 24 hours as I couldn't put it down unless forced and every spare minute I picked it up again. Thank you once again Karina Halle for a beautiful, heart felt read.

Honestly after reading Love in Spanish/Love in English, I didn't think I'd like reading about Vera's brother Josh. I'm not really into one night stand and falling in love asap books. However, because I could read this one for free through the library, I decided to give it a go, and it totally took me by surprise! I was a backpacker in the 80's and met my Aussie husband on an Italian train, so could totally relate to the story of Josh and Gemma. I can't wait to read her next backpacker novel, Racing the Sun now!

“Will you destroy something before you have the chance to lose it?”

It’s Gemma’s last day in Canada after backpacking around North America for the last few weeks. She ends up at a Halloween party and that’s where she meets Josh.

Josh is an artist living at home with his mom working as a food line cook. When he spends the night with Gemma he realizes that he needs more out of his life. After getting the acceptance letter into a local art school, he decides to make a trip to New Zealand before classes start to explore and find himself; and maybe find that one girl whom he can’t stop thinking about who gave him a push to go overseas.

“Gemma,” he whispers into my hair, kissing the top of my head. “You’re beautiful. And that’s all I can say -- you’re beautiful inside and out, and I’m only here because of you. You’ve given me the life that I needed, just being by your side, just being there for a f***ing night, let alone all these ones we’ve spent together. If you could only see how amazing you really are, you wouldn’t be so hard on yourself. Maybe you wouldn’t feel that ache.”

I really enjoyed this story. The backpacking through New Zealand was so beautifully written and it made me want to take a trip there immediately. The characters were so complex and real that they brought the story to life. Gemma and Josh’s story was what most, if not all, mid-twenty-year-olds dream to do, but never have the funds or courage to do it.

Karina Halle painted a beautiful picture throughout WHERE SEA MEETS SKY. Her details were so vivid and descriptive I could visualize what she was describing. Several times I Googled different scenes and was utterly amazed by the beauty.

Not only was her writing with the scenery beautiful, but so was her writing with the characters. I loved Josh’s transformation from the beginning. He was unsure what his life held for him, but the trip helped define who he wanted to be.

“Well, coming here has helped,” he says. “I feel like I’m actually living my life instead of just getting by. I’m doing something, being somebody. Before this. . . I was just going through the motions. Now I am the motion.”

Not to mention Gemma and Josh were hot together; so intense and magnetic.

WHERE SEA MEETS SKY is a love story about self-discovery during the hardest years of a person’s life. It’s about navigating through life and love and takes place in one of the most beautiful countries I’ve ever read about.

Karina certainly has a way with words. She has the best insults ever. Aside from the insults, the rest of the book was very well written. I loved getting to know Josh. I never fully connected with the characters, but the story did elicit some emotions from me. Overall this was an enjoyable and satisfying read.

I really enjoyed WSMS, the story and characters were very unique and the way New Zealand was pictured here sounded amazing, a perfect place to visit - I wish I get a chance to experience such adventurous road trip someday. We also got some Vera and Mateo cameos and can't wait for Amber's book!

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Sarah - LitSlaveBlog's review Mar 31, 15 · edit
3 of 5 stars
Read in February, 2015

I went into this book mostly blind, really not knowing what to expect. As a fan of Karina Halle's, I was hoping for some delicious angst, a unique story, and some serious steam. I ended up getting the unique story and steam, an overload of frustrating angst, along with something I didn't expect: a new love for a country across the world.

Josh Miles' one night stand with Gemma Henare lights a spark in his otherwise dull existence. Their night together, and the intrigue and promise that Gemma shows Josh causes him to make the huge decision to take a trip across the world. With only her first name and very little money, Josh tracks Gemma down and they end up on a whirlwind road trip of New Zealand together. What happens next between Josh and Gemma is far from an easy vacation love affair.

This was one seriously complicated relationship. I usually don't mind that. I love the delicious angst of a slow burn romance, but this relationship dynamic just didn't work for me. While I really enjoyed Josh's character, I just wasn't a fan of Gemma. I know she had a horrific event from her past, along with some family drama that seriously stunted her emotionally, but she had a good thing right in front of her in Josh, and she just continued to push and shove him away. I questioned quite a few of Gemma's decisions, and felt the urge to reach into my Kindle and give her a good shake more than once. It very nearly got to the point that I hoped Josh would just forget about Gemma and move onto someone more deserving.

New Zealand was the star of Where Sea Meets Sky, hands down. Karina Halle's past as a travel writer absolutely shines in this book! I've never physically been to New Zealand, but the trip she allowed me to take in my mind because of her words was amazing in itself.

This was a really hard review to write, because I was left with such mixed feelings. I loved some parts, but really didn't care for others, and am left trying to piece my feelings together for a middle ground. There is still no doubt in my mind that Karina Halle is a gifted writer, but this book just missed the mark for me overall. I look forward to more of her writing in the future.

Lindy's Thoughts:

Where Sea Meets Sky is vastly different from Ms. Halle's other stories. I love her writing style, and when I saw the beautiful book cover for this story, and read the synopsis, I knew I had to read it!

Where Sea Meets sky is a deeply romantic story, with a beautiful and descriptive setting, and about letting go of fear, taking chances, and finding your passion. I love that this story had so much depth and emotional layers. It was so much more than I initially had anticipated, and for this I am grateful. I love a story that makes me look inside of myself, and contemplate my fears, passions, and actions. This story made me contemplate what it means to be truly alive, and how when we open ourselves up, and truly feel, we may be risking pain, but we are in danger of not really living if we don't take that risk.

In this story we meet Josh and Gemma. Josh is from Canada (Vancouver), and meets Gemma one night at a Halloween party. She has been traveling around the world, but after this last stop, she is returning to New Zealand. Josh and Gemma click. They talk all night long, laugh, and share the most intense and passionate lovemaking of their lives. They are very sad to say goodbye, and will never forget one another.

Josh is unhappy in his life. He's living at home with his mom, has an unfulfilling job, and needs a change in his life. He has gotten in to Art School, but doesn't start for another two months. So he makes the decision to use his savings and travel to New Zealand to hopefully find Gemma and have an adventure. However, when Josh gets to New Zealand not everything goes as planned. Gemma talks Josh in to taking a road trip, along with two others to see all of the sights that New Zealand has to offer. Unfortunately, while Josh and Gemma begin to create wonderful memories, and fall for one another, Josh has his work cut out for him when it comes to breaking the walls that Gemma has erected around her heart. Will she let love in? Or, will fear stop Gemma from being happy and learning the meaning of truly living?

The setting of New Zealand was exotic, and truly breathtaking. As Gemma and Josh traveled, I felt like I was traveling in the vintage RV, "Mr. Orange," with them and the rest of the group listening to Pink Floyd. We stayed in various hostels, went camping, hiking, cave diving, black water rafting, swam with the dolphins, and saw mini blue penguins. I learned new terminology and phraseology. Ms. Halle put a lot of research in to this story, and it paid off. I could visualize all of the beautiful landscapes, and various terrain all over New Zealand.

Josh was an extremely likable character. He was very patient, kind, compassionate, and attentive to Gemma. She continuously pushed him away, and was not easy to love. She was filled with such deep pain that she preferred to be numb inside, and it really took someone as special as Josh to break down all of her barriers. These two had such intense passion, but it was all of the emotion that made this love story so powerful.

My Rating:

I give, Where Sea Meets Sky, by Karina Halle, 4 Taking a Chance on Love, Lessons in Living, Passion and Emotion Filled Stars! If you are a Karina Halle fan, don't expect this story to be like her others, because it is very different. However, it is such a great story about love, passion, heartbreak, and finding who you are, and what you want in your life.

Josh and Gemma meet at a Halloween party- sparks fly, next day she is flying back home to New Zealand. Josh is sort of lost in his life takes a chance and decides to book a trip to New Zealand hoping maybe to find Gemma thought he doesn't even know her last name. I loved their connection through art. I really enjoyed the travels they had all around New Zealand- totally on my dream vacation list. They became friends which is the best place for any love to start. I liked a hint of his sister Vera from Love in Spanish and Love in English. Looking forward to next book Racing the Sun following Amber on the rest of her journey. Love Karina's writing.

I just finished Where Sea Meets Sky. Not only did Karina Halle write a passion filled story, but she brought New Zealand to life. My fourth grade teacher (back in 1965, I think) had a pen pal in New Zealand and I always wanted to go there. Now, after all these years, I feel like I've gotten a touch of what that country is like.

Josh and Gemma bring some serious angst to the story. Throw in Amber & Nick, and things get interesting!

We also get a brief moment with Vera (Josh's sister) and Mateo (from Love in English and Love in Spanish)!

Karina Halle has an unique writing style that pulls you into a story and keeps you there to the end. I, personally, loved Where Sea Meets Sky.

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Sarah - LitSlaveBlog's review Mar 31, 15 · edit
3 of 5 stars
Read in February, 2015

I went into this book mostly blind, really not knowing what to expect. As a fan of Karina Halle's, I was hoping for some delicious angst, a unique story, and some serious steam. I ended up getting the unique story and steam, an overload of frustrating angst, along with something I didn't expect: a new love for a country across the world.

Josh Miles' one night stand with Gemma Henare lights a spark in his otherwise dull existence. Their night together, and the intrigue and promise that Gemma shows Josh causes him to make the huge decision to take a trip across the world. With only her first name and very little money, Josh tracks Gemma down and they end up on a whirlwind road trip of New Zealand together. What happens next between Josh and Gemma is far from an easy vacation love affair.

This was one seriously complicated relationship. I usually don't mind that. I love the delicious angst of a slow burn romance, but this relationship dynamic just didn't work for me. While I really enjoyed Josh's character, I just wasn't a fan of Gemma. I know she had a horrific event from her past, along with some family drama that seriously stunted her emotionally, but she had a good thing right in front of her in Josh, and she just continued to push and shove him away. I questioned quite a few of Gemma's decisions, and felt the urge to reach into my Kindle and give her a good shake more than once. It very nearly got to the point that I hoped Josh would just forget about Gemma and move onto someone more deserving.

New Zealand was the star of Where Sea Meets Sky, hands down. Karina Halle's past as a travel writer absolutely shines in this book! I've never physically been to New Zealand, but the trip she allowed me to take in my mind because of her words was amazing in itself.

This was a really hard review to write, because I was left with such mixed feelings. I loved some parts, but really didn't care for others, and am left trying to piece my feelings together for a middle ground. There is still no doubt in my mind that Karina Halle is a gifted writer, but this book just missed the mark for me overall. I look forward to more of her writing in the future.