My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it
Synopsis
Had fate and nature not conspired, Alyce Redgrave would have been a child of wealth and privilege. But the night of her birth was shadowed by an eerie Devils Moon and her christening day marred by a fierce hailstorm—ill omens that led the superstitious peasants to seek Alyce's life. Desperate to save her infant daughter, Alyce's mother flees with her baby, finding shelter and goodwill at the isolated farm of strangers . . .
There, Alyce's life is filled with secrets, unanswered questions, and a sense of foreboding. Her worst fears are realized when she narrowly escapes the clutches of a murderer by fleeing into the forest. Fate steps in once more to change the course of her life when Alyce is found and taken in by Elspeth, a wise woman with the uncanny ability to commune with nature. Trained by Elspeth in the art of healing, Alyce remains haunted by the puzzle of her past until she discovers her mother's lost pendant. With the help of this object and the aid of the enchanting William Pascoe, Alyce finally holds the key to who she once was and who she will become.
My Review
Had fate and nature not conspired, Alyce Redgrave would have been a child of wealth and privilege. But the night of her birth was shadowed by an eerie Devils Moon and her christening day marred by a fierce hailstorm—ill omens that led the superstitious peasants to seek Alyce's life. Desperate to save her infant daughter, Alyce's mother flees with her baby, finding shelter and goodwill at the isolated farm of strangers . . .
There, Alyce's life is filled with secrets, unanswered questions, and a sense of foreboding. Her worst fears are realized when she narrowly escapes the clutches of a murderer by fleeing into the forest. Fate steps in once more to change the course of her life when Alyce is found and taken in by Elspeth, a wise woman with the uncanny ability to commune with nature. Trained by Elspeth in the art of healing, Alyce remains haunted by the puzzle of her past until she discovers her mother's lost pendant. With the help of this object and the aid of the enchanting William Pascoe, Alyce finally holds the key to who she once was and who she will become.
My Review
The title of this book had me intrigued and I found the story and writing to be just as intriguing. It's a unique story that takes place in an earlier era than I'm used to reading- early 1700's England, and the ambiance was steeped in mystery and mystical beliefs, while still being grounded in a realistic environment. There is a strong theme of motherhood and the family we choose to have as we draw close to certain people in our lives. The pace begins slowly but is steady as we journey with Alyce through the events that take her life on unexpected paths and the women who help her develop as a person. I enjoyed the sweet romance between Alyce and William, and would have loved more between them. Overall this was a standout book that delved into a culture and period that I find fascinating and I'm glad I read it. Recommend to fans of historical fiction and women's fiction that is lighter on the romance.
(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)
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