I am part of the book tour for The Witch’s Tree by Elena Collins. I have apologies to make, yet again, I am (get used to them for now) late for my date but finally here! So many thanks to Rachel’s Random Resources and Boldwood Books for the copy of this book for me to take part.
A tale as old as time. A spirit that has never rested.
Present day
As a love affair comes to an end, and with it her dreams for her future, artist Selena needs a retreat. The picture-postcard Sloe Cottage in the Somerset village of Ashcombe promises to be the perfect place to forget her problems, and Selena settles into her new home as spring arrives. But it isn’t long before Selena hears the past whispering to her. Sloe Cottage is keeping secrets which refuse to stay hidden.
1682
Grace Cotter longs for nothing more than a husband and family of her own. Content enough with her work on the farm, looking after her father, and learning the secrets of her grandmother Bett’s healing hands, nevertheless Grace still hopes for love. But these are dangerous times for dreamers, and rumours and gossip can be deadly.
One mis-move and Grace’s fate looks set…
Separated by three hundred years, two women are drawn together by a home bathed in blood and magic. Grace Cotter’s spirit needs to rest, and only Selena can help her now.
A story with a dual timeline always catches my attention and this one did just that. The Witch’s Tree is told from the present and from the year 1682. I was whisked away with this fascinating story.
We meet Selena,in the current day, a professional artist. She has retreated to a cottage in Somerset after a traumatic relationship breakdown. In the 1700s there is Grace, a milkmaid who lives with her father in a tied cottage. She lives a simple life and only wants a husband and to learn from her grandmother. These times are dangerous. Dreamers and healers aren’t looked at kindly and Grace is walking a deadly line.
Full of magic, romance, betrayal and friendship, this was a captivating read. Elena Collins has created both women so well. I could almost feel their presence as I read. This is a story about women, through the ages. How they have been manipulated, scorned and even belittled, or even killed, just to fit an agenda. Grace’s story was one that happened time and time again during that time, and my heart went out to her. Selena’s was a modern day woman’s issue but both women are victims of other people’s problems. Its a tale that shows me that you just need to be true to yourself, constantly.
The cottage was almost a character in itself. It was described so well I could see it there in the beautiful Somerset countryside. I have been to Somerset tons of times and this book makes me want to go back.
I loved this novel. Both womens story’s were emotional and so enthralling. I was so connected to them both. They made me care so much about them, this is testament to Elena Collins quality of writing. Good pacing throughout and one of them stories you just read and read without realising the time. A very enjoyable dual timeline story
Purchase Link – https://amzn.to/3Cl2rVF
Author Bio
Elena Collins is the pen name of Judy Leigh. Judy Leigh is the bestselling author of Five French Hens, A Grand Old Time and The Age of Misadventure and the doyenne of the ‘it’s never too late’ genre of women’s fiction. She has lived all over the UK from Liverpool to Cornwall, but currently resides in Somerset.
Social Media Links.
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/judyleighuk
Twitter https://twitter.com/judyleighwriter
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/judyrleigh/
Newsletter Sign Up https://bit.ly/JudyLeighNews
sharonbeyondthebooks.uk 