Ratings3
Average rating4.3
'A profoundly moving, beautifully written and emotional story' Louise Douglas 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. USA Today bestselling author Judy Leigh writing as Elena Collins, brings you this unforgettable, heart-breaking, gripping timeslip novel set in a world when women were hung as witches, and fates could be sealed by a wrong word. Perfect for fans of Barbara Erskine, Diana Gabaldon and Louise Douglas. Praise for Elena Collins: 'A profoundly moving, beautifully written and emotional story that skilfully combines two time frames into one unputdownable book. I was completely immersed in Grace’s story from the beginning: despite it taking place 400 years ago. The modern day storyline was also delightful with some wonderful characters. In short a wonderful book by a fabulous author, very highly recommended' Louise Douglas 'With two storylines beautifully woven together to create a seamless tale of love, loss, betrayal and, above all, hope, it’s a must-read. Collins’s detailed knowledge of the period trickles through the tale wrapping the reader in a vivid shifting world as it moves between the 14th century and present day. Cleverly researched and exquisitely written, The Lady of The Loch is a timeless story of hope, family and love. I loved it' Alexandra Walsh 'Such a lovely story of love, hardship, loss & renewal. Heartbreaking yet comforting. A place where I would love to go to and be lost in its memories' ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Reader Review
Reviews with the most likes.
The witch's tree by Elena Collins
After the double heart break of a love affair ending and the loss of their baby, Selena decides to get away from it all and go paint in a cottage to heal her heart and soul. It's not long before Selena hears the whispers of a tragic past haunting the walls of the cottage... the ghost of Grace haunts the rooms while Selena can't help but to paint what she sees.
While Selena works in the present to find out what she can about the ghost and why she can't move on, Grace's story is a tragic one filled with loss and heartache in a time where a woman with any kind of talent for herbs and healing was considered a witch... were the things that happened around Grace a coincidence? Or is there something a little supernatural about Grace?
I don't even know where to begin with this book. It was pure poetry. Like a soft whisper on the winds of summer, it was beautiful and elegant with the most delightfully beautiful entwined storylines. I loved how the author wove these two women's storylines together and the end... bawled like a baby. I loved how the whole story came to a close. My heart was in pieces for both these women. What they experienced and how they coped with the hands they were dealt.
Women had it so awful during the witch trials and how a person could turn on another because of hatred or fear.
I would have liked to know more about Gabriel, I am hoping that the author writes a sequel. It would be lovely to know how Selena's life unfolds and maybe she searches for Gabriel's past.
I fell in love with the cottage and wish I could have seen the paintings she painted. I could see them in my mind's eye but it's not the same.
This book was an amazing example of how brilliantly executed a timeslip book can be done. A book so expertly written, the storylines seamlessly flowed into a whirlwind you won't ever want to come out of.
If you love historical fictions that straddle 2 timelines with strong female characters and a little heartbreak.. then this is a must for you.
5 stars... 5 perfect stars.
Thank you so much to Netgalley and Boldwood books for my review copy in exchange for my honest opinions.