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The Village Healer’s Book of Cures
In seventeenth-century England, a female healer enflames the fury of a witchfinder in this propulsive novel about murder, revenge, and the dangerous power of knowledge.
Mary Fawcett refines the healing recipes she’s inherited from generations of Fawcett women before her—an uncanny and moral calling to empathize with the sick. When witchfinder Matthew Hopkins arrives in her small village, stoking the fires of hate, he sees not healing but the devil at work. Mary’s benevolent skills have now cast her and her young brother under suspicion of witchery.
Soon, the husband of one of Mary’s patients is found murdered, his body carved with strange symbols. For Hopkins, it’s further evidence of dark arts. When the whispering village turns against her, Mary dares to trust a stranger: an enigmatic alchemist, scarred body and soul, who knows the dead man’s secrets.
As Hopkins’s fervor escalates, Mary must outsmart the devil himself to save her life and the lives of those she loves. Unfolding the true potential of her gifts could make Mary a more empowered adversary than a witchfinder ever feared.
Mary Fawcett refines the healing recipes she’s inherited from generations of Fawcett women before her—an uncanny and moral calling to empathize with the sick. When witchfinder Matthew Hopkins arrives in her small village, stoking the fires of hate, he sees not healing but the devil at work. Mary’s benevolent skills have now cast her and her young brother under suspicion of witchery.
Soon, the husband of one of Mary’s patients is found murdered, his body carved with strange symbols. For Hopkins, it’s further evidence of dark arts. When the whispering village turns against her, Mary dares to trust a stranger: an enigmatic alchemist, scarred body and soul, who knows the dead man’s secrets.
As Hopkins’s fervor escalates, Mary must outsmart the devil himself to save her life and the lives of those she loves. Unfolding the true potential of her gifts could make Mary a more empowered adversary than a witchfinder ever feared.
282 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 3, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 688 reviews
October 2, 2023
Gifted Healer or Witch?
This is not a fanciful story of a young woman with magical powers. This is far more serious because it's set in England in the 17th Century when vulnerable women were accused of witchcraft. It even has the most terrifying witchfinder of all in it, Matthew Hopkins. Besides the theme of witchcraft, there is also the obsessions of alchemy that consumed men in this era. How strange that women healers were instantly suspected but alchemists were treated as men of science. Methinks I detect a gender issue here.
This is an impressive debut novel, well-written and deeply researched... a great October read.
This is not a fanciful story of a young woman with magical powers. This is far more serious because it's set in England in the 17th Century when vulnerable women were accused of witchcraft. It even has the most terrifying witchfinder of all in it, Matthew Hopkins. Besides the theme of witchcraft, there is also the obsessions of alchemy that consumed men in this era. How strange that women healers were instantly suspected but alchemists were treated as men of science. Methinks I detect a gender issue here.
This is an impressive debut novel, well-written and deeply researched... a great October read.
May 23, 2023
Excellent, raw, and real! A stunning achievement in historical fiction. THE VILLAGE HEALER’S BOOK OF CURES is by turns a work of luminous beauty and a harrowingly dark exploration of the perilous role cunning women played in a society rife with suspicion.
Mary Fawcett is an unforgettable heroine and Roberts’s nimble prose enchants with its honesty. An exquisite, wise, and ambitious debut.
Mary Fawcett is an unforgettable heroine and Roberts’s nimble prose enchants with its honesty. An exquisite, wise, and ambitious debut.
July 16, 2024
I found this book to be very interesting and easy to read. Of course I was constantly pestering my mother about the "old remedies" and such until "can't you Google that stuff"
Ofcurse but it's much more fun to exercise her mind since she does on occasion reference things she's seen or heard of as child growing up of this nature. Of course we shall all have stories to tell our children and so on. However we have jumped to much higher levels of healing now and the old ways are lost to us now.
Mary was a true healer heart & soul. May you find your own path of love, Lies, and Hatred thru The Village Healers Book of Cures.
Decide which side of the fence you shall fall on, Be it good or evil.
In seventeenth-century England, a female healer enflames the fury of a witchfinder in this propulsive novel about murder, revenge, and the dangerous power of knowledge.
Mary Fawcett refines the healing recipes she’s inherited from generations of Fawcett women before her—an uncanny and moral calling to empathize with the sick. When witchfinder Matthew Hopkins arrives in her small village, stoking the fires of hate, he sees not healing but the devil at work. Mary’s benevolent skills have now cast her and her young brother under suspicion of witchery.
Soon, the husband of one of Mary’s patients is found murdered, his body carved with strange symbols. For Hopkins, it’s further evidence of dark arts. When the whispering village turns against her, Mary dares to trust a stranger: an enigmatic alchemist, scarred body and soul, who knows the dead man’s secrets.
As Hopkins’s fervor escalates, Mary must outsmart the devil himself to save her life and the lives of those she loves. Unfolding the true potential of her gifts could make Mary a more empowered adversary than a witchfinder ever feared.
Ofcurse but it's much more fun to exercise her mind since she does on occasion reference things she's seen or heard of as child growing up of this nature. Of course we shall all have stories to tell our children and so on. However we have jumped to much higher levels of healing now and the old ways are lost to us now.
Mary was a true healer heart & soul. May you find your own path of love, Lies, and Hatred thru The Village Healers Book of Cures.
Decide which side of the fence you shall fall on, Be it good or evil.
In seventeenth-century England, a female healer enflames the fury of a witchfinder in this propulsive novel about murder, revenge, and the dangerous power of knowledge.
Mary Fawcett refines the healing recipes she’s inherited from generations of Fawcett women before her—an uncanny and moral calling to empathize with the sick. When witchfinder Matthew Hopkins arrives in her small village, stoking the fires of hate, he sees not healing but the devil at work. Mary’s benevolent skills have now cast her and her young brother under suspicion of witchery.
Soon, the husband of one of Mary’s patients is found murdered, his body carved with strange symbols. For Hopkins, it’s further evidence of dark arts. When the whispering village turns against her, Mary dares to trust a stranger: an enigmatic alchemist, scarred body and soul, who knows the dead man’s secrets.
As Hopkins’s fervor escalates, Mary must outsmart the devil himself to save her life and the lives of those she loves. Unfolding the true potential of her gifts could make Mary a more empowered adversary than a witchfinder ever feared.
October 4, 2023
For my full review, visit me at: https://mrsbrownsbooks.wordpress.com/...
I liked this book but I didn’t love it because I didn’t feel it was too dissimilar to historical books centred on witchcraft – it felt too much like other plots. Furthermore, when the plot moved to London, I lost interest: the story was becoming more of a historical mystery rather than the representation of the witch trials in England.
I liked this book but I didn’t love it because I didn’t feel it was too dissimilar to historical books centred on witchcraft – it felt too much like other plots. Furthermore, when the plot moved to London, I lost interest: the story was becoming more of a historical mystery rather than the representation of the witch trials in England.
November 6, 2023
Fairly quick read! I really enjoyed the main characters, especially Mary and the first 60% or so of her story. Then it became a little disjointed and went down a strange path… 3 ⭐️overall!
January 10, 2024
A powerful novel of revenge and gender inequality in 17th century England. Bold and well researched, this novel examines the brutal double standard between men and women in regard to the pursuit of knowledge, the act leadership, and the air of confidence. Following our compelling protagonist Mary as she fights for not only her right to heal and learn, but also her very right to exist, we see the enduring legacy of misogyny and the hatred for anything outside the borders of acceptable, controllable. Through her eyes, we see the many contradictions of human nature, the many hypocrisies and judgements, as well as the kindness and courage. We see the sides of love and betrayal are often aligned, and the space between friend and foe closer than we would like to admit. A strong historical debut of the ways in which well intentioned women are often painted as villains.
October 12, 2023
Consider yourself warned.
You probably read from other reviews what this book is about so I won’t bother. The only reason I plowed onto the finish was because writing a review on a book unfinished lacks legitimacy. Suffice it to say my vocabulary lacks the pejorative words for ‘bad’ that adequately describe how bad it was. But I’ll try. Dreadful. Horrendous. Terrible. Ludicrous. Preposterous. Awful. Atrocious. Abominable. And to boot, Boring and Gruesome.
You probably read from other reviews what this book is about so I won’t bother. The only reason I plowed onto the finish was because writing a review on a book unfinished lacks legitimacy. Suffice it to say my vocabulary lacks the pejorative words for ‘bad’ that adequately describe how bad it was. But I’ll try. Dreadful. Horrendous. Terrible. Ludicrous. Preposterous. Awful. Atrocious. Abominable. And to boot, Boring and Gruesome.
April 11, 2025
The tornado that was witch-hunting in the seventeenth century is what sparked the joy that ended out in this book in our hands:
The Village Healer's Book of Cures
, by author Jennifer Sherman Roberts. She was studying up on a real witch hunter who caused the deaths of 300 women so accused.
Being a healer in those days seems to have been a damned-if-you-do, damned-if-you-don't proposition, and of course it fell most often to the women of the family/castle/county/village - they nursed the sick back to health by hook or crook or herb or special recipe. Should it go wrong, they were in a heap of trouble, and from there to You're A Witch! was a very short step. Add to that old hurts and jealousies, and revenge ignites all.
Fun for those readers who like hands-on experiences with their reads, recipes are included. They came from the Wellcome Library in London, in case a reader wanted to fire up their bunsen burner - useful, that.
There are triggers herein - which can be off-putting to sensitive readers, so beware if that's you. It was a terribly rough time to be a woman, or a helpful man, or a child of any age. Keep a cudgel handy, and your teeth sharp.
*A sincere thank you to Jennifer Sherman Roberts, Lake Union Publishing, and NetGalley for and ARC to read and review independently.* #TheVillageHealtersBookofCures #NetGalley 25|52:10b
Being a healer in those days seems to have been a damned-if-you-do, damned-if-you-don't proposition, and of course it fell most often to the women of the family/castle/county/village - they nursed the sick back to health by hook or crook or herb or special recipe. Should it go wrong, they were in a heap of trouble, and from there to You're A Witch! was a very short step. Add to that old hurts and jealousies, and revenge ignites all.
Fun for those readers who like hands-on experiences with their reads, recipes are included. They came from the Wellcome Library in London, in case a reader wanted to fire up their bunsen burner - useful, that.
There are triggers herein - which can be off-putting to sensitive readers, so beware if that's you. It was a terribly rough time to be a woman, or a helpful man, or a child of any age. Keep a cudgel handy, and your teeth sharp.
*A sincere thank you to Jennifer Sherman Roberts, Lake Union Publishing, and NetGalley for and ARC to read and review independently.* #TheVillageHealtersBookofCures #NetGalley 25|52:10b
October 16, 2023
Fair to middling
An incoherent tale with thin characters and huge holes in the narrative. Feels like a first attempt at an adolescent novel.
An incoherent tale with thin characters and huge holes in the narrative. Feels like a first attempt at an adolescent novel.
October 19, 2023
3.5 stars
If you're American, when you hear about witch trials, you immediately think of Salem, Massachusetts. But similar events were happening in England (and maybe elsewhere?). Witchcraft was just an excuse, a means to be cruel or evil to someone or to get back at them for a perceived slight. (Some things never change.)
This book was pretty good. It was one of my two Kindle First Reads for October 2023.
I like historical novels. What I especially enjoyed were all the little comments about daily life. What was a toy for Tom? Or a children's game? How did Mary make her possets and medicines? What kind of aches and pains were common for working people in 17th century England? Where did one hide something? What was a prison like? It all felt very real and true.
I also enjoyed reading the excerpts, at the beginning of each chapter, from real recipes for various medications and dishes at that time. There are some interesting notes at the end about the recipes, people's literacy at that time, etc. Don't miss it.
This book is primarily a mystery/thriller. There is not much character development, nor did I expect any. Mary, the main character, tends to flip-flop back and forth, change her mind a lot. She's fairly young (no age given), meaning that for all her sensitivities towards her patients, sometimes other reasons for other people's actions just don't occur to her.
She is raising Tom, her very young brother, as their parents both died when he was a baby. A sweet boy, he has a clubfoot, and other children shun him. While he's lovely, he comes across as quite babyish, although I seem to remember that he's eight years old. Once or twice, he's described as "tiny," which an eight-year-old is not. I'm not sure what the intention was for this character, but I liked him.
There are some really bad characters, and some really traumatized characters, as you would expect. But again, their stories were minimal, because the point here was to tell an interesting, mysterious story. In that, the author succeeded.
One more thing to note: The author chose to have all the characters speak in a generic modern-day English. They don't sound 17th-century, nor do they sound particularly British. At one point, Tom mentions that someone was "okay," a word that wasn't even invented till the 19th century. I often get bogged down in language in a novel, when it's anachronistic. I decided for this book to ignore it, mostly, because it was consistent.
So, I enjoyed the book, and it was entertaining to read, but not a great literary classic.
If you're American, when you hear about witch trials, you immediately think of Salem, Massachusetts. But similar events were happening in England (and maybe elsewhere?). Witchcraft was just an excuse, a means to be cruel or evil to someone or to get back at them for a perceived slight. (Some things never change.)
This book was pretty good. It was one of my two Kindle First Reads for October 2023.
I like historical novels. What I especially enjoyed were all the little comments about daily life. What was a toy for Tom? Or a children's game? How did Mary make her possets and medicines? What kind of aches and pains were common for working people in 17th century England? Where did one hide something? What was a prison like? It all felt very real and true.
I also enjoyed reading the excerpts, at the beginning of each chapter, from real recipes for various medications and dishes at that time. There are some interesting notes at the end about the recipes, people's literacy at that time, etc. Don't miss it.
This book is primarily a mystery/thriller. There is not much character development, nor did I expect any. Mary, the main character, tends to flip-flop back and forth, change her mind a lot. She's fairly young (no age given), meaning that for all her sensitivities towards her patients, sometimes other reasons for other people's actions just don't occur to her.
She is raising Tom, her very young brother, as their parents both died when he was a baby. A sweet boy, he has a clubfoot, and other children shun him. While he's lovely, he comes across as quite babyish, although I seem to remember that he's eight years old. Once or twice, he's described as "tiny," which an eight-year-old is not. I'm not sure what the intention was for this character, but I liked him.
There are some really bad characters, and some really traumatized characters, as you would expect. But again, their stories were minimal, because the point here was to tell an interesting, mysterious story. In that, the author succeeded.
One more thing to note: The author chose to have all the characters speak in a generic modern-day English. They don't sound 17th-century, nor do they sound particularly British. At one point, Tom mentions that someone was "okay," a word that wasn't even invented till the 19th century. I often get bogged down in language in a novel, when it's anachronistic. I decided for this book to ignore it, mostly, because it was consistent.
So, I enjoyed the book, and it was entertaining to read, but not a great literary classic.
November 30, 2023
This was an Amazon First Reads book I got for free. It was interesting and included real healing recipes from the 17th century. I have issues with the plot, though: Bad guy who is vicious for the sake of being vicious. Woman who is a legit medicine woman, but has mystical powers that go unexplained/undeveloped in the plot. Little brother seems to have powers that go undeveloped in the plot. He seemed babyish in some instances and mature above his age in others. The ending was just not good, and it felt like the author gave up trying to keep it interesting. The final part in the woodsman's cottage was entirely ridiculous.
September 3, 2023
Great read! A historical “who dunnit” but much more. Wonderful characters I hope to read more of in the future. I felt like I was present in the thought process of Mary as she used her intellect and recipes to help her friends, and solve a mystery.
October 23, 2023
Amazon first read. Meh. MC is a self righteous prig. The bad guys are bad to the point of being caricatures. The plot is all over the place and leaves you feeling a little bit grubby. Some of the scenes feel like they’re included for shock value alone. Not good.
October 17, 2024
Jennifer Sherman Roberts' "The Village Healer's Book of Cures" is a compelling historical novel set in 17th century England. The story follows Mary Fawcett, a skilled healer whose knowledge puts her at odds with the infamous witchfinder Matthew Hopkins.
The tension builds nicely as Mary faces growing suspicion from her village. When a murder victim is found with strange symbols carved into the body, the stakes rise dramatically. Mary's struggle against ignorance and superstition is both frustrating and engaging. I found the introduction of the enigmatic alchemist adds another layer to the exploration of knowledge and power in a time of fear and persecution.
Roberts' research shines throughout the book, especially in the authentic healing recipes included which are an interesting addition to the story, although not sure I will be trying them anytime soon 😅.
There are a few gruesome scenes and without giving away too much, I didn’t appreciate the details of animal abuse/torture hence I deducted a star - that being said it was probably typical of the era .
This book should appeal to fans of historical fiction who appreciate well-researched details and don't mind a touch of the supernatural. Roberts has crafted a thought-provoking story about the dangers faced by knowledgeable women in a superstitious era.
The tension builds nicely as Mary faces growing suspicion from her village. When a murder victim is found with strange symbols carved into the body, the stakes rise dramatically. Mary's struggle against ignorance and superstition is both frustrating and engaging. I found the introduction of the enigmatic alchemist adds another layer to the exploration of knowledge and power in a time of fear and persecution.
Roberts' research shines throughout the book, especially in the authentic healing recipes included which are an interesting addition to the story, although not sure I will be trying them anytime soon 😅.
There are a few gruesome scenes and without giving away too much, I didn’t appreciate the details of animal abuse/torture hence I deducted a star - that being said it was probably typical of the era .
This book should appeal to fans of historical fiction who appreciate well-researched details and don't mind a touch of the supernatural. Roberts has crafted a thought-provoking story about the dangers faced by knowledgeable women in a superstitious era.
October 11, 2023
Book of cures
I liked the first half a lot then it took a turn. It was still ok but not as great. I would read more by this author but I would not continue if this turns into a series.
I liked the first half a lot then it took a turn. It was still ok but not as great. I would read more by this author but I would not continue if this turns into a series.
October 12, 2023
This book was free from Amazon Prime. That is the right price for this book. I wouldn't recommend paying more for it. Some interesting parts (the recipes are real from 17th century) but otherwise just a mediocre mystery.
January 14, 2024
one of my pet peeves in historical novels is when the writing and dialogue is so drab and simple it could just as easily be from 1945 as 1645... where is the spice... where is the flavour
November 7, 2023
Amazon Prime First Reads - did not request this, just showed up on my Kindle but I will certainly enjoy it! Thank you, Lake Union, and author Jennifer Sherman Roberts for sharing your hard work with me. I have read The Village Healer's Book of Cures of my own volition, and this review reflects my honest opinion of this work. I am pleased to recommend Jennifer Sherman Roberts to friends and family. I thoroughly enjoyed this work, and think you will, as well. There is a twist here that I never did see coming. Maybe you will?
We are in the late 17th century, Mary Fawcett is the latest in a long line of Healers, using the generations of passed-down recipes and the techniques learned from her mother and grandmother to help her fellow citizens in sickness, injury, or despair. Mary is a widow, losing her baby daughter and her husband much too soon. Now the sole surviving family of her 8-year-old brother Tom, she and her neighbors get along just fine year after year in their isolated neighborhood in Bicknacre, taking care of each other through thick and thin - until Witchfinder Matthew Hopkins enters their small village with a grudge and a bad attitude. Mary is not concerned until the death of one of her neighbors - and fellow healer and friend Agnes is immediately imprisoned, accused of using the dark arts to murder wealthy Mr. Chamberlen. We are with Mary through thick and thin, trying to keep her little brother safe, clear her friend's name, and stay herself out of the crosshairs of the Witchfinder. She will find help in the oddest places. And the recipes that begin each chapter are occasionally a hoot, and sometimes gross, but it was the 1600s and medicine was not yet a fine art... and nor of course was police investigating and crime fighting.
pub date November 1, 2023
Lake Union Publishers
Reviewed on October 23 at Goodreads. Reviewed on November 5, 2023, at AmazonSmile, Barnes&Noble, and BookBub. Not available for review on Kobo.
We are in the late 17th century, Mary Fawcett is the latest in a long line of Healers, using the generations of passed-down recipes and the techniques learned from her mother and grandmother to help her fellow citizens in sickness, injury, or despair. Mary is a widow, losing her baby daughter and her husband much too soon. Now the sole surviving family of her 8-year-old brother Tom, she and her neighbors get along just fine year after year in their isolated neighborhood in Bicknacre, taking care of each other through thick and thin - until Witchfinder Matthew Hopkins enters their small village with a grudge and a bad attitude. Mary is not concerned until the death of one of her neighbors - and fellow healer and friend Agnes is immediately imprisoned, accused of using the dark arts to murder wealthy Mr. Chamberlen. We are with Mary through thick and thin, trying to keep her little brother safe, clear her friend's name, and stay herself out of the crosshairs of the Witchfinder. She will find help in the oddest places. And the recipes that begin each chapter are occasionally a hoot, and sometimes gross, but it was the 1600s and medicine was not yet a fine art... and nor of course was police investigating and crime fighting.
pub date November 1, 2023
Lake Union Publishers
Reviewed on October 23 at Goodreads. Reviewed on November 5, 2023, at AmazonSmile, Barnes&Noble, and BookBub. Not available for review on Kobo.
October 22, 2023
3.8⭐️ This was very intriguing- it was a little mystical, a little historical in time period and had a lot of surprises throughout. I liked the characters and the strife they all endured with the drama. Some parts felt a teeny bit lengthy in description and in-between “events” but clever writing and loved the recipes for cures!
December 6, 2023
Fans of historical fiction surrounding witchcraft will thoroughly enjoy this book. The perfect read for escaping into another world.
January 5, 2024
Seriously Stupid!
Well, they do say 'write what you know'. That is advice the author should have followed - or at least she could have done a bit of research to avoid being a laughing stock!
Instead, she chooses to set a story in 17th century rural England. Her heroine is a poor villager, who was surviving on nothing but porridge and vegetables, earning a living selling simples to support herself and her young brother. Astonishingly, she could manage to buy ginger to put in her medicines - a spice that, apart from her, only the very rich could afford, since importing it from hotter climes was so very slow and perilous in sailing ships. No doubt, she learnt about ginger and mallet leaves from her reference book. Again, other poor people normally only owned a bible at most (probably heavily subsidised when initially purchased and passed down through generations). I wonder where she got her, very special, book from... Mallet leaves, you are asking? Well yes, I hadn't heard of them either, so I looked them up on the internet. Apparently, they come from an Australian tree. So handy for a rural peasant in England. Perhaps she got them from Amazon?
Still, despite her hunger, our happy villager clearly enjoyed her walk, watching the hummingbirds as she strolled. To be fair, I would have enjoyed that, too. I would need a time machine to spot them in the wild though, as there have been no hummingbirds in Europe for 30 million years.
Still, thus far, our heroine, far-fetched though she is, has my sympathy. Right up until she buries her poor, sickly little daughter on the 50th day of her life. I went right off her then. She might at least have waited until the poor little mite had died.
All this, and I haven't yet struggled my way through 10% of the book. I shall leave more intrepid readers to struggle onwards if they wish. I admire imagination, but ignorance and stupidity is another matter entirely.
Well, they do say 'write what you know'. That is advice the author should have followed - or at least she could have done a bit of research to avoid being a laughing stock!
Instead, she chooses to set a story in 17th century rural England. Her heroine is a poor villager, who was surviving on nothing but porridge and vegetables, earning a living selling simples to support herself and her young brother. Astonishingly, she could manage to buy ginger to put in her medicines - a spice that, apart from her, only the very rich could afford, since importing it from hotter climes was so very slow and perilous in sailing ships. No doubt, she learnt about ginger and mallet leaves from her reference book. Again, other poor people normally only owned a bible at most (probably heavily subsidised when initially purchased and passed down through generations). I wonder where she got her, very special, book from... Mallet leaves, you are asking? Well yes, I hadn't heard of them either, so I looked them up on the internet. Apparently, they come from an Australian tree. So handy for a rural peasant in England. Perhaps she got them from Amazon?
Still, despite her hunger, our happy villager clearly enjoyed her walk, watching the hummingbirds as she strolled. To be fair, I would have enjoyed that, too. I would need a time machine to spot them in the wild though, as there have been no hummingbirds in Europe for 30 million years.
Still, thus far, our heroine, far-fetched though she is, has my sympathy. Right up until she buries her poor, sickly little daughter on the 50th day of her life. I went right off her then. She might at least have waited until the poor little mite had died.
All this, and I haven't yet struggled my way through 10% of the book. I shall leave more intrepid readers to struggle onwards if they wish. I admire imagination, but ignorance and stupidity is another matter entirely.
October 4, 2023
Pretty Good Read
I really enjoyed this author. I had no idea about what would have been like in the 1600's but she really brought it to life for me. Good plot twists and honest approach to character feelings. Nice job.
I really enjoyed this author. I had no idea about what would have been like in the 1600's but she really brought it to life for me. Good plot twists and honest approach to character feelings. Nice job.
October 5, 2023
An Amazing Debut Novel
How many superlatives can you think of? Well, use those to describe Roberts' novel of witchcraft, magic, the good and horrible sides of human behavior. Add in great characters, relationships, and excitement, and you have a fantastic, very engaging, story. I really liked the real recipes and the nod to true historical events during the 1600's. The narrative gives you insights into what life was like during this time period.
When is the next book going to be available? I can't wait!!
How many superlatives can you think of? Well, use those to describe Roberts' novel of witchcraft, magic, the good and horrible sides of human behavior. Add in great characters, relationships, and excitement, and you have a fantastic, very engaging, story. I really liked the real recipes and the nod to true historical events during the 1600's. The narrative gives you insights into what life was like during this time period.
When is the next book going to be available? I can't wait!!
October 5, 2023
Could not put it down
I started this book at 9:pm thinking it would help lull me to sleep as I was exhausted. It’s now 3:am and I am done with the book and wide awake. I can’t wait to read what Ms. Jennifer cooks up next!
The title tells you everything you need to know about the story. Lots of drama, adventure, a bit of comedy, and even some romance thrown in there. A Great Read.
I started this book at 9:pm thinking it would help lull me to sleep as I was exhausted. It’s now 3:am and I am done with the book and wide awake. I can’t wait to read what Ms. Jennifer cooks up next!
The title tells you everything you need to know about the story. Lots of drama, adventure, a bit of comedy, and even some romance thrown in there. A Great Read.
October 5, 2023
Wonderful
I really didn't know what to expect with this book and I'm not a fantasy fan (witches). I AM a fan of well researched historical fiction and I found this book to be a real treat. Character depth, tight plot and excellent readability. I recommend it.
I really didn't know what to expect with this book and I'm not a fantasy fan (witches). I AM a fan of well researched historical fiction and I found this book to be a real treat. Character depth, tight plot and excellent readability. I recommend it.
October 4, 2023
ITS SO GOOD! It’s got witch craft, maybe, it’s got murder, it’s got whodunit, it’s got romance— even if you didn’t think you’d care for it. Such a wonderful debut. 👏👏👏👏 15/10. Highly recommend!
October 6, 2023
I liked this book. It was a quick read, under 300pgs. I liked the touch of having recipes at each chapter page. It had historical drama and loveable characters as well as a surprise twist towards the end. I loved that the author had notes at the end as well. They were fascinating. My favorite exerpt would be in Ch.10 pg 117, scene in the jail cell with the bird. Loved that.
My favorite quotes are:
"Witches aren’t discovered, but rather created in the minds of the people."
"People wanted to believe there was a reason for their bad luck and misfortune. Blaming Mary Fawcett was easier than blaming God."
“I can think of no other way to terrify me than to threaten you.”
And I LOVE when authors use delicious as an adjective not pertaining to food. Love it.
"deliciously soft bed"
My favorite quotes are:
"Witches aren’t discovered, but rather created in the minds of the people."
"People wanted to believe there was a reason for their bad luck and misfortune. Blaming Mary Fawcett was easier than blaming God."
“I can think of no other way to terrify me than to threaten you.”
And I LOVE when authors use delicious as an adjective not pertaining to food. Love it.
"deliciously soft bed"
October 19, 2023
This had a lot of promise, and there was a lot to like specifically related to the greed and internal community strife that resulted in tens of thousands of women being murdered as witches. There were a couple things that kept me from enjoying it to the full depth I wanted to, however, and while some are spoilers overall I think it could be summed up with the book indecisive of what it wanted to be.
If the idea is to show the very real lives and struggles of women healers, then the supernatural needed to be kept out of it. In real life, these women really were tortured and murdered over jealousy, greed, petty squabbles, and religious irrational fear. Throwing in her healing magic was fairly innocuous as it bordered on a very deep level of empathy and understanding. The lean in to the alchemy may be real unsettled me because again, in reality there were actually people who thought occult magic was very real and were willing to murder over it - but it wasn't.
Oddly enough, though, the switch from historical fiction to alternate history fantasy didn't bother me as much as the other characters' reactions to Mary's very real issues and concerns with B. Despite the fact she was literally verbally assaulted by this character, having very real threat to her life from this character, two 'friends' were not only extremely dismissive of her valid feelings but told Mary SHE was the problem and B wasn't that bad of a person, really. Literally asking Mary if you forgave the other character involved, why not this one? And there was never any correction to that, never any calling out that horrendous logic as being absolutely monstrous. As a reminder, despite the fact that yes the other character absolutely should be the one held more accountable, they acknowledged they did wrong, and were actively trying to do better. B has treated her like subhuman ever since - yet Mary is somehow in the wrong for acknowledging that B is a bad person? Accepting who someone is and acknowledging they have nuance doesn't mean they aren't treating YOU like shit and it certainly doesn't mean you need to forgive them even if they aren't still actively trying to cause you more harm.
If the idea is to show the very real lives and struggles of women healers, then the supernatural needed to be kept out of it. In real life, these women really were tortured and murdered over jealousy, greed, petty squabbles, and religious irrational fear. Throwing in her healing magic was fairly innocuous as it bordered on a very deep level of empathy and understanding. The lean in to the alchemy may be real unsettled me because again, in reality there were actually people who thought occult magic was very real and were willing to murder over it - but it wasn't.
Oddly enough, though, the switch from historical fiction to alternate history fantasy didn't bother me as much as the other characters' reactions to Mary's very real issues and concerns with B. Despite the fact she was literally verbally assaulted by this character, having very real threat to her life from this character, two 'friends' were not only extremely dismissive of her valid feelings but told Mary SHE was the problem and B wasn't that bad of a person, really. Literally asking Mary if you forgave the other character involved, why not this one? And there was never any correction to that, never any calling out that horrendous logic as being absolutely monstrous. As a reminder, despite the fact that yes the other character absolutely should be the one held more accountable, they acknowledged they did wrong, and were actively trying to do better. B has treated her like subhuman ever since - yet Mary is somehow in the wrong for acknowledging that B is a bad person? Accepting who someone is and acknowledging they have nuance doesn't mean they aren't treating YOU like shit and it certainly doesn't mean you need to forgive them even if they aren't still actively trying to cause you more harm.
October 13, 2023
Best First Read I've had in a long time!
This book was suspenseful & engaging from the beginning. I stayed up way too late a couple nights to see how something turned out. I liked the plot twists toward the end as well as the explanation of how witch hunters used people's fears against them.
This book was suspenseful & engaging from the beginning. I stayed up way too late a couple nights to see how something turned out. I liked the plot twists toward the end as well as the explanation of how witch hunters used people's fears against them.
October 14, 2023
my new favorite book
The story of Mary, the healer, and her little brother, Tom, their mistreatment by and eventual reconciliation with the people of Bicknacre is a compelling read and an accidental lesson in history and human nature. Read it for the story and pay attention for the allegory.
The story of Mary, the healer, and her little brother, Tom, their mistreatment by and eventual reconciliation with the people of Bicknacre is a compelling read and an accidental lesson in history and human nature. Read it for the story and pay attention for the allegory.
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