Words in Deep Blue

Words in Deep Blue by Cath Crowley is a compelling and heartwarming novel that delves into the lives of two teenagers navigating loss, love, and the transformative power of words. Set against the enchanting backdrop of Howling Books, a second-hand bookshop teeming with hidden treasures and cherished letters, the story beautifully weaves together the past and present.

Henry Jones and Rachel Sweetie were once inseparable, sharing everything from their deepest secrets to their growing love for literature. Their friendship, however, was torn apart when Rachel moved away to live near the sea. Now, years later, Rachel returns to their hometown, still shattered by the grief of losing her brother, Cal. She takes up a job at Howling Books with hopes of finding solace in the very words that once connected her to happier times.

The heart of the bookstore is its Letter Library, where readers correspond through notes and letters tucked inside the pages of books. It's here that Rachel grapples with her sorrow and searches for a way to move forward. Meanwhile, Henry is dealing with his own challenges, including a painful breakup, familial responsibilities, and the possible sale of the beloved bookshop. As they rekindle their friendship, the two teens discover that sometimes, the best way to heal is through the connections we find in unexpected places and the hope preserved in written words.

Cath Crowley, acclaimed for her ability to capture the intricacies of human emotions, delivers another masterpiece with this novel. Words in Deep Blue doesn't just tell a love story; it pays homage to the magic of books, the comfort they provide, and the myriad ways they bring people together.

Praise for Words in Deep Blue:

"Words in Deep Blue is a beautiful examination of grief, love and the power of words. Told in a dual narrative and littered with excerpts from letters and notes left in books at the shop, Cath Crowley has created a sweeping story about self-discovery and growing up, filled with complicated and flawed characters ...this is a love letter to books and bookshops, to the ocean, to falling in love and finding your way." – Bookseller+Publisher

"Cath Crowley's Words in Deep Blue is what dreams are made of ...It's a story that will stay with me forever." – Nick and Nereyda's Infinite Booklist

"Would I recommend it? Without a doubt. Words in Deep Blue is a gorgeous novel that'll pull your heartstrings, make you giggle, and fill you to the brim with different kinds of love." – Trust in Tales

Winner of the Indie Book Awards Young Adult Fiction of the Year 2017, Words in Deep Blue is an unforgettable exploration of the ways we cope with loss, the enduring impact of love, and the profound connections words can create.