“From the very first page, this book drew me deep into its setting and held me completely captive. As I followed Alba toward the beach, I could almost feel the sea breeze and the cool, salty touch on my skin. The bond between Yurika and Alba lies at the heart of the story, imbuing it with a warm, emotional depth—two women at different stages of life, where the past of one becomes the key to the future of the other. I found this concept deeply moving, and I particularly admired how their stories were woven together so naturally. But what truly captivated me was Lisa’s unique sensitivity to the setting. Her depiction of the Baltic coast is vivid and sensory; you don’t just see the landscape—you feel it, hear it, and smell it. The wind, the sea, the salt in the air, the rugged coastline, the amber-hued sands, the ships, and the ever-changing weather—all are seamlessly integrated into the emotional fabric of the narrative.” Lisa’s writing style makes everything feel almost tangible. I became so immersed in this coastal world that the landscape itself felt like another character in the novel—beautiful and raw, yet constantly shifting.
I truly hope this wonderful novel finds a home with publishers in other countries.”
— From the Dutch publisher

“...This novel offers an impressive exploration of the many forms that love can take.” — Dörte Apel, *Seitenweise Glück* podcast (*Bild der Frau* magazine)

“A reading highlight: If you appreciate stories with a calm, understated narrative style that carry profound meaning, this book is the perfect choice for you.” — Annett Spiegel

“This book paints a moving portrait of the many facets of life and encourages readers to follow the path of their own hearts.” — Barbara Schulze (literary blogger)

“This book is truly wonderful—full of love and strength... For me, it’s a brilliant work, and I hope many more people get the chance to read it.” — Antje Milde

“...This is about so much more than just two women.” “It tells a story of home, memories, and family—reminding us that it’s never too late… to start over.” — Maike Schröder

“Beautifully atmospheric and full of summer vibes.” — Thomas Schürmann (*Gong* | *Bild Funk* | *HÖRZU*)

“An inspiring tale of passion and self-liberation.” — *Freundin* magazine

“A deeply moving story.” — *Beste Woche* magazine

“A true treasure trove for beachcombers and those in search of hidden gems.” — Katja Weise (NDR Kultur)

“Delicate, understated, and deeply engaging—set against the magnificent backdrop of the Baltic Sea!” — *TV Hören und Sehen* magazine

“A must-read for this summer.” — *Grazia* magazine

“Subtle, gentle, and heart-stirring—set against the stunning backdrop of the Baltic Sea!” — *TV Hören und Sehen* magazine
“A true treasure trove for those who wander the coastline and seek out new opportunities.” — NDR Kultur

“Among the vast sea of ​​books, the name Lisa Quentin is destined to stand out.” — *Büchermagazin*

“Emotionally resonant and brimming with the spirit of summer.” — *Hörzu*

“A touching story.” — *Beste Woche*

“A story that truly touches the heart!” — *Rätsel total*

“A must-read for all Baltic Sea enthusiasts.” — NDR’s *DAS!*

“...This novel offers an impressive exploration of the many different facets of love.” — *Bild der Frau*

“Heartfelt, moving, and full of summer charm.” — *Gong* | *Bild Funk* | *HÖRZU*

★ A profound exploration of female friendship and personal growth that resonates deeply with readers
The narrative centers on the encounter between two vastly different women—Ebba, an amber collector nearing her ninetieth year, and Ulrika, a driven, fast-paced doctoral student. Through the tangible motif of "amber," the story weaves together themes of love, loss, and rebirth. Beyond depicting intergenerational female support, the book captures the resilient strength with which women seek inner freedom amidst adversity—a theme guaranteed to strike a chord with readers worldwide.

★ A unique blend of regional culture, science, and the humanities, offering a distinctive reading experience
Set against the captivating backdrop of the Baltic coast, the story brings the niche profession of "amber collecting" into the public eye. It delves into history and culture, skillfully marrying the rational beauty of geological science with the emotional warmth of the human experience. This fusion of intellectual substance and literary quality sets the work apart, making it highly memorable. The author, Lisa Kunz—herself an avid enthusiast and researcher of amber culture—possesses an intimate knowledge of the Baltic region’s local customs and the history of amber. This expertise lends the novel an authentic, immersive atmosphere, imbuing the story with an irreplaceable sense of realism and human warmth.

★ Perfectly positioned within the high-potential "Upmarket Fiction" category
The book aligns seamlessly with the current international market demand for "upmarket fiction"—a genre that bridges the gap between accessible commercial storytelling and the depth of literary fiction. With its compelling plot and multi-dimensional characterizations, it occupies that sought-after space between mainstream bestsellers and serious literature—a category that consistently draws the attention of both the publishing industry and literary award committees.

★ Rights already sold for Dutch, Polish, and Estonian editions. A full English translation is available for reference.

A novel about two women and their quest for inner freedom.
By day, doctoral student Ulrika immerses herself in the ancient worlds revealed under her microscope—ferns, lizards, and traces of life from primeval forests millions of years old, all perfectly preserved in resin. Yet, by night, as she cares for her ailing mother, her own life feels at a standstill. Everything changes when Ulrika discovers a unique inclusion within a piece of amber—a discovery that leads her to the Baltic coast and into the life of Ebba, a woman who has always forged her own path. An amber collector, Ebba had found that extraordinary specimen long ago. Now nearly ninety and living in seclusion following the loss of her beloved Leo, Ebba finds her solitary existence transformed. Through their shared fascination with amber, the two women forge a delicate bond—one that helps them break free from stagnation and embark on a new journey.
High on the cliffs overlooking the sea, Ulrika uncovers a love story that has weathered decades of storms and the twists of fate—a story that offers the courage to believe in new beginnings.

Synopsis: Two remarkable women cross paths. Ebba, nearing ninety, lives an independent, reclusive life as an artist on the Baltic coast. Ulrika, a young researcher, discovers an unusual inclusion inside a large piece of amber; the wasp trapped within could potentially upend established scientific understanding of Earth’s history. Seeking answers, Ulrika sets out to find Ebba—the very person who discovered the amber as a child, decades earlier. A tender friendship blossoms between the two, fostering personal growth and empowering each to reshape her own life.

Like Ebba, the author, Lisa Quentin, resides on the Baltic coast with her husband and three children. Until recently, amber was simply one of many small treasures—alongside seashells and stones—that her children would bring home from the beach. Later, while conducting some research, she stumbled upon the profession of "amber fishing," which opened up an entirely new world to her.
As they read this manuscript, readers will find themselves deeply drawn into the stories of Ebba and Ulrika. Though they belong to different eras, both women strive to forge their own paths in life while remaining heavily burdened by caregiving responsibilities and the expectations of their families. For Ebba, amber offers a medium to create unique works of art, while for Ulrika, it provides solace through scientific study. The intergenerational friendship that blossoms between these two women is truly moving—and it is a delight to see the first stirrings of a romance for Ulrika as well.

In the German book market, the category of "upmarket fiction"—a genre that bridges the gap between commercial and literary fiction—is currently highly competitive. Now, at last, comes a work of such exceptional quality. It is a book that is as empowering as it is comforting.
P.S. "Upmarket fiction" refers to a genre that combines commercial appeal (engaging plots, high readability) with literary merit (refined prose, profound themes, complex character development), occupying a broad space between popular fiction and literary fiction.

Lisa Quentin
Born in 1985, she studied German literature and psychology in Freiburg. After spending a decade working as a copywriter and online editor, she turned to a career in writing. She lives in Lübeck with her husband and their three children.
Upon discovering the profession of amber collecting, she became instantly captivated. She began researching the fascinating—and often legendary—cultural history of this fossilized resin. Her fascination with amber has never waned; it is a material that can tell us so much about the prehistoric era of our planet.