"Weyward" by Emilia Hart

"Weyward" by Emilia Hart is a captivating novel that takes readers on a journey through time and space, weaving together the stories of three women who are bound by their connection to the natural world and their ability to harness its power. The novel combines historical fiction, fantasy, magical realism, and paranormal elements to create a truly unique reading experience.

The novel follows the lives of three women who are separated by centuries but linked by their experiences as "weywards," women who are deemed unusual and dangerous because of their connection to the natural world. The first woman we meet is Kate, a modern-day woman who flees London to take refuge in Weyward Cottage, which she inherited from a great aunt she barely remembers. The cottage is overgrown and in disrepair, but Kate begins to suspect that her great-aunt had a secret, one that is connected to the witch hunts of the 17th century.

The second woman we meet is Altha, a woman living in 1619 who is awaiting trial for the murder of a local farmer. Altha's mother taught her a kind of magic that is rooted in the natural world, but as evidence of witchcraft is set out against her, she must use all her powers to maintain her freedom.

The third woman we meet is Violet, who lives in 1942 on a grand estate but is trapped by societal conventions. She longs for the robust education her brother receives and for her mother, who was rumored to have gone mad before her death. Violet's only connection to her mother is a locket bearing the initial W and the word "weyward" scratched into the baseboard of her bedroom.

The three women's stories are interwoven, and as their experiences unfold, readers are drawn into a world where the natural world and its power are central to the lives of these women. The novel explores themes of resilience, transformation, and the importance of connections to the natural world. It is a beautiful and thought-provoking story that will stay with readers long after they have finished reading.

One of the strengths of the novel is its vivid and evocative descriptions of the natural world. Hart's writing is lyrical and poetic, and she has a gift for creating vivid imagery that brings the natural world to life. The novel is also well-paced, with the three women's stories unfolding in a way that keeps readers engaged and invested in their lives.

Overall, "Weyward" is a beautifully written and captivating novel that will appeal to fans of historical fiction, fantasy, and magical realism. It is a powerful story of resilience, transformation, and the importance of connection to the natural world. Highly recommended for anyone looking for a thought-provoking and engaging read.

Buy Now: "Weyward" by Emilia Hart at Amazon

"Homecoming" by Kate Morton

Kate Morton’s Homecoming is a gripping novel that explores the power of family secrets and the lengths that people will go to protect the ones they love. The book follows the story of Jess, a journalist who is struggling to make ends meet after losing her job in London. When she receives a call that her beloved grandmother, Nora, has fallen and been rushed to the hospital, Jess returns to Sydney to be with her.

While in Nora’s house, Jess discovers a true crime book chronicling the police investigation into a tragedy that happened sixty years ago. The Turner Family Tragedy of Christmas Eve, 1959, was one of the most shocking and perplexing murder cases in the history of South Australia. As Jess delves deeper into the book, she uncovers a shocking connection between her own family and the crime that has never been resolved satisfactorily.

Morton’s writing style is rich and evocative, transporting readers to the hot and dusty Adelaide Hills of 1959 and the bustling city of Sydney in the present day. Her characters are complex and fully realized, and their motivations are always clear. The plot is intricately woven, with twists and turns that keep readers guessing until the very end.

At its heart, Homecoming is a story about the power of family and the lengths that people will go to protect their loved ones. It explores the corrosive effects of secrets and the healing nature of truth, and it asks important questions about what we would do for those we love. Overall, this is a beguiling and immensely satisfying novel from one of the finest writers working today.

One of the strengths of the book is the way in which Morton manages to juggle multiple timelines and storylines without ever losing the reader. The novel spans generations and is told from multiple perspectives, but each thread is expertly woven into the larger tapestry of the story. The book also explores important themes such as the corrosive nature of tightly held secrets and the power of motherhood.

Overall, Homecoming is an excellent novel that will appeal to fans of historical fiction and mystery thrillers. It is a deeply satisfying read that will keep readers guessing until the very end. Morton’s writing is rich and evocative, and her characters are complex and fully realized. Highly recommended for anyone looking for a compelling and thought-provoking read.

Buy Now: "Homecoming" by Kate Morton at Amazon

"The London Séance Society" by Sarah Penner

Sarah Penner’s “The London Séance Society” is a spellbinding historical fiction novel that seamlessly blends mystery and the paranormal, taking readers on a journey through the dangerous art of conjuring the dead. Set in 1873, the story follows Lenna Wickes, a woman who travels to Paris to investigate her sister’s mysterious death. To uncover the truth, she must put her logical mind aside and embrace the world of spiritualism, which she has always been skeptical of.

At an abandoned château on the outskirts of Paris, Lenna meets Vaudeline D’Allaire, a renowned spiritualist who specializes in communicating with the spirits of murder victims to identify their killers. When Vaudeline is called to England to help solve a high-profile murder case, Lenna joins her as an understudy. As they team up with London’s exclusive Séance Society, they begin to unravel the mystery, only to find themselves caught up in a web of deceit and danger.

Penner’s writing style is captivating and atmospheric, transporting readers to the eerie world of Victorian-era London and Paris. The characters are well-developed, with Lenna’s internal struggle between her logical mind and her growing fascination with spiritualism adding depth to her character. The relationship between Lenna and Vaudeline is particularly interesting, as they come from different worlds but share a common goal.

The plot is well-paced, with plenty of twists and turns to keep readers engaged. The paranormal elements add an extra layer of intrigue to the mystery, and Penner’s attention to historical detail adds to the authenticity of the story. The themes of sisterhood, justice, and the power of belief are woven seamlessly into the narrative.

Overall, “The London Séance Society” is a captivating and well-crafted historical fiction novel that will appeal to fans of mystery, the paranormal, and Victorian-era literature. Penner’s ability to blend genres and create a unique story is a testament to her talent as a writer, and readers will eagerly anticipate her next work.

Buy Now: "The London Séance Society" by Sarah Penner at Amazon