Secret of the Selkies by Laura Keohane

‘They came from the sea, shrouded in cloaks and mystery’

A lonely summer looms ahead for Lana, with only Nan and Grandad for company. Still, it’s better than being stuck at home, living in her perfect brother’s shadow. But Carrig Cottage has magic and secrets of its own. When Lana finds a strange coat in the attic, and a book about mysterious, magical seal people – selkies – she also uncovers an incredible family secret. Lana is on the edge of a whole new, impossible world. Is this where she truly belongs?

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A lonely summer, a mysterious coat, and a girl discovering she may belong to the sea.

Pre-Reading Thoughts

Selkies, coastal secrets, and a lonely summer with Nan and Grandad sounds like a lovely setup for a tween magical adventure. I’m expecting atmosphere, family revelations, and a gentle journey toward understanding where Lana truly belongs.

Post-Reading

As I thought…
The seaside setting brings a lovely sense of atmosphere to the story - windswept beaches, old cottages, and the quiet mystery of the ocean. Lana is an engaging protagonist, and the discovery of her selkie heritage unfolds in a way that keeps the adventure moving while still focusing on her feelings and family connections.

It surprised me by…
Just how much heart there is beneath the magical premise. Lana’s loneliness at the start of the summer gives the story emotional grounding, and the revelations about her family gradually transform that loneliness into a sense of belonging and possibility.

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Music Pairing

🎵 Featured Song: Orinoco Flow - Enya

🎶 Vibe Album: Sea Change - Sea Change

🎧 Artist Recommendation: Clannad - dreamy, atmospheric, and perfectly suited to coastal folklore.

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Vibe Check

Colour Palette: seafoam green, silver grey, deep ocean blue

Soundtrack: waves breaking on rocks, distant seabirds, wind through the grass

Season: summer by the sea - long days and cool evening breezes

Mood: magical, introspective, quietly adventurous

Scent: salt air, damp stone, old books in an attic

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Tarot Pull

Page of Cups

The Page of Cups represents emotional openness, imagination, and the wonder of discovering something new about yourself. Lana’s journey into her selkie heritage captures that same sense of curiosity and heartfelt discovery.

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For Fans Of

Book: The Secret of Platform 13 by Eva Ibbotson

Movie: Song of the Sea - folklore, family, and the magic of the ocean.

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Secret of the Selkies publishes on the 4th of May, 2026. I received a free copy and am giving an honest review.