A House Between Sea and Sky

A Novel

By: Beth Cato

Narrated by: Hollis McCarthy, Pete Cross

In 1920s California, two people in need of healing find strange refuge in a house with a mind of its own in an enthralling fantasy by the author of A Thousand Recipes for Revenge.

Grieving Hollywood writer Fayette Wynne arrives in Carmel-by-the-Sea in 1926 to finish her latest project in peace. All alone, save for the preternatural sourdough starter her family has nurtured for years, Fayette is also resentful. The proven healing powers of the bread made with her starter were insufficient to save her beloved mother. For Fayette, it’s time to try and push past the pain and anger and move on.

Then, during a violent storm, Fayette saves rising star Rex Hallstrom during a moment of crisis. Their shelter: a peculiar cliffside house, its door flung open as if beckoning them. Sentient, curious, and lonely, it recognizes in Fayette a unique magic even older than its own.

In the days that follow, as a friendship grows between Fayette and Rex, they discover local legends surrounding the isolated house: It appeared in the span of a single night, its cursed origins said to be Hell itself. But for two souls who need to move forward, it provides unexpected comfort and hope. In fact, Fayette and Rex have never felt more alive. Neither has the house, whose mysteries are unending and whose wicked history may be too powerful to ignore.

©2025 by Beth Cato. (P)2025 Brilliance Publishing, Inc., all rights reserved.

Critic reviews

“Cato’s latest is a Slavic folklore-inspired cozy fantasy that will bring warmth to any collection. Perfect for those who loved Howl’s Moving Castle by Diana Wynne Jones and Every Heart A Doorway by Seanan McGuire.”—Library Journal

“A House between Sea and Sky reads like homemade sourdough fresh from the oven—that is, comforting and delightful, even nourishing to the soul—but with the right amount of danger and excitement found in crunchy crust and the challenge of a well-developed chewy crumb.”—Historical Novels Review

Adorable feel good novel!

Absolutely loved this novel. It was like a warm hug on a cold day. Absolutely loved all the characters, the plot, and the ending. I will definitely be re listening to this one over and over again. 1000/10 would recommend!

Confused and underwhelmed

The story was slow to start and didn't begin to make sense until maybe the 10th chapter, however, there was still confusion throughout the story. The only redeeming factors for the storyline was the House, and the found family.

The narrators were fine, at times the accents were annoying, and the the Russian accents were crap.

I struggled with keeping my attention whilst listening to the book. Honestly, ! would have DNF'd this book if I had to read it.
Read from: Oct 14, 2025 - Oct 28, 2025

Book of wonder

Wonderful writing, unique deftly drawn situations, and characters full of the joys and perils of being human in an imperfect and wondrous world.

Surprise Baba Yaga/Thistlefoot story!

Phenomenal narration that really brought this baba yaga, found family story to life. I personally loved the voice of the house. This felt like such a unique idea for characterization of the house and I would love to see more stories like it.

Absolutely delightful

Excellent story, clever and mysterious with good historical references and a whimsical dip into magic. LOVED it