Water on a Sea Star

Lord… our heart is restless, till it rests in Thee. ~ Augustine

About the Book

Haunted by events from her childhood, Madeline Linville chooses to live a secluded life in her remote coastal home. That is, until a man from her past reappears, challenging her to confront her fears and truly begin living.

Following the death of his father, Samuel Warren returns home to assume responsibility for his family’s ancestral estate, Bell Bennier. However, nothing could have prepared him for what he was about to face.

This story threads through generations, binding the lives of the people of Bell Forest with the unbreakable bonds of love, faith, and self-sacrifice.

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The Story Behind the Novel

Water on a Sea Star takes place on a coastal Southern plantation called Bell Bennier. The protagonist, Madeline Linville, is a resilient young woman scraping by with an independent soap-making business. Despite her hardships—including spending her childhood caring for her mentally unstable mother—she possesses a remarkably strong constitution.

Madeline lives in a small cottage on what used to be the sprawling property of Bell Bennier, a grand estate inhabited by the Warren family. Jude and Samuel Warren are two brothers who grew up with immense privilege but in a single-parent household after their mother passed away in their early childhood.

At a very young age, Madeline is taken under the wing of Lou, the Warrens’ dedicated maid. Growing up, Jude Warren becomes Madeline’s best friend. Together with the help of Bell Bennier’s wise groundskeeper, Greenberry, Lou manages to raise Madeline with a deep and enduring love of God.

Being eight years older, Samuel Warren originally had no interest in the antics of his younger brother and Jude’s down-and-out tagalong. He grew up, went off to college, and built his own business. But when he returns to Bell Bennier after their father passes away, he finds that Madeline has grown into a hauntingly beautiful woman—and thus begins a love story that will draw you in from the very first page.

With a few surprising twists at the end, this novel weaves a tale of grandeur, loss, and beauty. It is a story of deep Christian values, showing how ordinary people learn to believe in themselves, find their true niche in life, and witness God’s hand moving through their history.

Where to Order

Water on a Sea Star is available in paperback and ebook formats.

What Readers Are Saying

“Congratulations, you’ve done it again! Another endearing story of faith among the characters of Bell Forest. And, once again I’m passing it on to my impatient commuter pals who’ve scrutinized my progress daily wanting to be the next in line to treasure your second book.”

— T. Vasquez, California

“I loved this book as much as the author’s first book (Bell Forest). Annie Cole has a wonderful gift of storytelling. I did not want to put this book down, yet I didn’t want to get to the end too fast. This book is full of mystery, adventure, action, and romance—who could ask for a better combination? The characters come to life. There is a surprise around every corner… Thank you for sharing your gift.”

— Pam Sharp, Florence, Alabama

“This book, along with the first book, Bell Forest, just captivated me. The books are so well written and make you feel like you know the characters. I could see the story playing in my mind as I read. It was so hard to put down… I absolutely LOVE this author!”

— J. Minor, Sheffield, Alabama

“First time reading Annie M. Cole. I was very pleased, loved the story, the author was so descriptive I felt as though I was right there at the setting… will read more of her books.”

— Peggy Hacker

Making a Difference: The Starfish Story

One day a man was walking along the beach when he noticed a boy picking something up and gently throwing it into the ocean. Approaching the boy, he asked, “What are you doing?”

The youth replied, “Throwing sea stars back into the ocean. The surf is up and the tide is going out. If I don’t throw them back, they’ll die.”

“Son,” the man said, “don’t you realize there are miles and miles of beach and hundreds of sea stars? You can’t make a difference.”

After listening politely, the boy bent down, picked up another sea star, and threw it back into the surf. Then, smiling at the man, he said, “I made a difference for that one.”

— Loren Eiseley

Inspiration from Scripture

This beautiful quote from Isaiah is one of my personal favorites, and it holds a special place within the pages of Water on a Sea Star:

“Look at the night skies, who do you think made all this? Who marches this army of stars out each night, counts them off, calling each by name… and never overlooks a single one.” — Isaiah 40

“Thank you so much for spending your valuable time within the pages of Water on a Sea Star. In a world that can sometimes feel vast and overwhelming, it is my deepest prayer that Madeline and Samuel’s journey reminds you of a beautiful truth: that no matter how hidden we feel, God never overlooks a single one of us, and every small act of grace can make a world of difference.”