Wimsett's novel is quickly paced without the events of the story feeling rushed. Margret's desire to expand her skills in oil paints, combined with the necessity to keep them secret, adds an intriguing level of suspense. The inclusion of a selkie and supernatural elements strikes just the right balance without pushing the plot into the realm of absurdity. Engaging characters and the right amount of fantasy help elevate the novel above standard genre trappings while retaining enough of the conventional elements of historical fiction. Margaret is an engaging protagonist whose ruthless pursuit of happiness will likely captivate readers.

- Publishers Weekly's Booklife Prize

The wonderful romantic plot of the book with its magical twist and turns gives substance and resonance to Margaret's multiple dilemmas. Beyond the Shallow Bank presents a delightful picture of a Nova Scotia fishing village with all its characters: the madman inventor and the man who carries the ashes of his dead wife around with him. Beyond the Shallow Bank contains descriptive passages of the sea which are wonderfully poetic. The writing in this book has both depth and psychological complexity, as well as humor, in the interactions of its large cast of village characters. Perhaps best of all, for the lifelong reader, it is a book to sink into, put down reluctantly, and wonder about long afterwards.

- Susan Haley, author of Petitot, A Nest of Singing Birds and Getting Married in Buffalo Jump