Joan Haste

In the windswept marshes of England’s east coast, a crumbling abbey looms over the silent waters that have swallowed an ancient city. The nearby fishing village of Bradmouth clings to its red‑tiled roofs, while the surrounding meres reflect a bleak sky, setting a mood of lingering loss and quiet mystery. Into this backdrop walks Joan Haste, a thoughtful young woman whose restless curiosity ignites a yearning to uncover what lies hidden beneath the stones and the tide.

Soon Joan encounters Samuel Rock, a determined stranger whose arrival stirs both hope and tension among the close‑knit locals. Their early conversations hint at buried family secrets, a looming threat to the village, and a promise of adventure beyond the desolate heath. As the story unfolds, Joan must balance her sense of duty with a growing desire to grasp the truth before the sea claims another secret.