The writing in this collection is really gorgeous, and the tone of the stories really appeal to me. Many of these are bittersweet and not necessarily dark, but not light either. There are magic elements, but they are not treated as fantastic, and most of the stories utilize oceanic imagery. Wood's ability to conjure a scene is fantastic. The details she includes in her descriptions really bring the setting to life.

I do feel that some of the stories sort of end at an awkward spot, almost like they are vignettes more than stories. Sometimes they end before I ever really felt like I had grasped what was happening. The title story, 'Diving Belles,' is really the standout. I think it is the one where the characters feel the most real, and the story feels like a story, rather than a scene. It unfolds slowly, which gives you time to acclimate yourself to the world in which the story exists. I also enjoyed 'Of Mothers and Little People' and 'Beachcombing,' both about the relationship between a child (one grown, one small) and a parent/grandparent.

I'm really excited to see what comes next from the author. She reminds me a little of a combination of Graham Joyce and Karen Russell, two of my favorite authors. And I feel like the world could always use more weird, bittersweet, quirky, magical, fairy-tale, fable-based stories. ( )

I really enjoyed these short stories. By far my favorite is "Notes From the House Spirits," which I have already read again. And will keep reading. It has touched me in unexpected ways! :) ( )

The first few stories were brilliant, 6 star pieces, reminded me a lot of the delightful "The rental heart" by kirsty Logan.
Sadly it went downhill a bit, but only slightly. ( )

These were ok - actually two or three of them were very good. But most of them seemed like sketches. There was an unfinished quality about many of them. And although they are set in Cornwall, I really didn't get much a sense of place.
I'd still keep an eye out for her and see what she does next. i liked the magical elements that were key in many of the plots.

I was immediately struck by the complete immersion that I felt into the worlds created in the 12 short stories of this collection. They're each a little bonkers in their own way, but the beauty and wistfulness of the language tames the bonkers down a bit. Two strong forces intertwining the stories in this collection - The Sea and Supernaturality. Either one or both of them appear in each story. After reading these, I desperately want to take a beach vacation, but wait until autumn. Seems more fitting to the mood of this collection. ( )