REVIEW - THE WHEELWRIGHT'S DAUGHTER - spellbinding

The Wheelwright's Daughter by Eleanor Porter

Date read: 4th July 2026

My rating: 4.5*
Genre I reckon: Historical Fiction (witchy) 

Buy link: Amazon  

Gargh! I didn't realise this wasn't a stand-alone book. So, when I got to the end it was abrupt and surprising. In my defence, the two books aren't linked as a series on the Amazon website.

This story takes place in Elizabethan England. The witch hunts are yet to launch into full swing, but that doesn't hold these folk back. 

I love that it focuses on the peasant villagers. The wealthy manor owners are peripheral yet intrinsic. For all lives are interwoven in Tudor England. 

The priest is suitably zealous and hypocritical. And there are villagers who would use this to their advantage. But will Martha buy into his dark beliefs? 

There are moments of doubt and madness, but also healing. And the very earth reflects this.

The research was clearly immense, but definitely worth it. I fell into this twisted landscape along with Martha. 

A marvellously dark tale of superstition and witch accusation. 

Always in love and light,

TL

REVIEW - GLASS AND GROUNDWORK - flaming good

Glass & Groundwork by Duckie Mack

Date read: 12th June 2026

My rating: 5*
Genre I reckon: Sweet Crafter Romance (m/m) 

Buy link: Amazon  

Confession: I pre-ordered this book that came out in Nov, but saved it until I needed a comfort read.

The thing I love most about Duckie Mack books is that I know they'll always bring me joy. They're like a hug in a book. And have wonderfully diverse LGBTQIA+ characters. 

Jasper has rigid, old-fashioned parents. But he's desperate to make his craft his career.

Gio is everyone's papa, and is the kindest human. 

Their story involves a fake marriage, but also some references to food insecurity and mean people. But that shouldn't put you off. The whole bunch of featured characters are positive and lovable.

The care and compassion are off the charts.

Overall, there is the sweetness I know to expect from Heartcraft books. I'm only sad that this is the last of the series, but what a wonderful ending. And there are hints of more like it - hooray! 

Frolicsome found family!

Always in love and light,

TL

REVIEW - TRIAL BY FURY - Mediums are tricksy

Trial by Fury by Saffron Amatti

Date read: 19th April 2026

My rating: 5*
Genre I reckon: 1920s Ghost Cosy Mystery 

Buy link: Amazon 

A sleuth who has to solve the murders of the ghosts he sees may not be an obvious comfort read. But it's my comfort read. I seek out Lucas Rathbone books when I need a good read with great writing. 

Poor Lucas - will he ever get a ghost who actually tells him what he needs to know in order to help them? Lady Clementine Rosillo doesn't seem to be that one! And there are several people who wanted her dead; she knew how to rile folk up. 

Tommy is navigating his relationship, and throwing a spanner in the works. Lucas is starting a new job, and upsets his colleague. Does the gang need any more stress? Sure they do!  

This book kept me reading late into the night. 

As expected, this was just the book I was looking for. Ghost Whisperer meets Miss Marple. 

A murder to solve in 1920s London, with an unhelpful ghost and my favourite characters.

A scintillating sleuthy tale.

Always in love and light,

TL

The Witchfinder's Assistant by Ruth Goldstraw

Date read: 11th March 2026

My rating: 5*
Genre I reckon: Historical Murder Mystery (17c Witch hunt)

Buy link: Amazon 

Ahhh, I love this book! 

So, we have Wem in England during the 17th century (& the civil war) as a backdrop. Excellent; a time period not explored enough imho. 

Then we have a dashing hero, John Carne, who has the patience of a saint. Poor man is shunned by his wife, set apart from society, and has been cornered into helping the 'godly man' of a magistrate. 

And then weird dead bodies are found in The Moss - the town is turned upside down as superstition and rumour infect all. 

Can John remain the calm voice of reason? Will anyone listen? 

~ This story starts of suitably slowly. One gets to feel the difficulty of daily life through the pacing as well as the plot. And then you're rewarded with plenty of action towards the end.

All the characters are all well-written, even if some are downright unlovable. There are definitely some you will love to hate! And I don't want to give anything away by naming those I adore.

The character arcs are wonderful. 

The real vibes of the dangers of witch hunts and bigotry are incredible. 

And the historical accuracy is portrayed in such a way as to make you feel like you're inhabiting the book. 

Excellent!

Read this book now if you enjoy murder mysteries and/or historical fiction.

Always in love and light,

TL

REVIEW - ABOMINATION - heartbreakingly beautiful

Abomination by Jeza Belle

Date read: 15th January 2026

My rating: 5*
Genre I reckon: Bible Story Retelling (m/m)

Buy link: Amazon 

Caution: this is not a romance story - it has no HEA. But nor does it pretend to be. It is a retelling, and thus is constrained by the real Bible story (found in the Book of Samuel). It takes these soulmates and gives them a fuller story full of love and violence and tragedy. 

David is a humble son of a sheep farmer - a very pretty, blond one. His talent: playing the lyre (harp). 

Jonathan is the son of Saul, King of Israel. And a brown-haired warrior.

When David famously slays Goliath he is supposed to be rewarded by King Saul. But the king gets jealous, and is a little bit cray-cray. 

In the KJV Bible, we read, "Then Jonathan and David made a covenant, because he loved him as his own soul." Their souls were knit. They are not condemned for this. 

This story is excellently written. It gives Bible vibes without being bogged down by its tedious narrative doctrine. 

The steam is high. And there is an acceptance of these guys being bi. They must take wives to procreate; it was the way of things, and it was refreshing to bring love into those relationships too.

The story is brought to life in vivid, gut-wrenching detail in the most marvellous way.

The various meetings and partings of David and Jonathan rent my heart in pieces! Oh, these two!!! 

If you want a read that'll change your brain chemistry, and possibly alter your views on the Bible, you should definitely pick this one up. 

Always in love and light,

TL

REVIEW - THE FROST FAIR MURDERS - as juicy as a figgy pudding

The Frost Fair Murders by Ellis Blackwood

Date read: 27th December 2025

My rating: 5*
Genre I reckon: Historical (Restoration) Mystery

Buy link: Amazon 

I am aware this book is far into series, so is not the best book to start with. However, it's Christmas and I'm a mood reader. I've probably given myself spoilers as I definitely want to go back and read more of this series!

The intriguing characters of this book completely inhabit their accurate world!

We have Samuel Pepys and his Inquisitors (one male, one female which is refreshing), slipping across the frozen Thames as they try to solve a murder. But then more bodies show up, and Pepys seems more and more involved. But who is truly behind these dastardly deeds? 

Welcome to the seedy underbelly of London in 1666. The Great Plague and the Fire have both happened, and it's a harsh, cold winter. 

There is one character in a side story who is very interesting, but I'm not sure what he has to do with this story? I feel like his thread was left a bit? But maybe it's me, and I just missed it. Or he was just a red herring? 

I loved all the realistic, historical details - given appropriately and really immersed me into 17th century London. 

Obviously, the real Samuel Pepys is fictionalised, but in a marvellous way which feels right. And the whole host of characters have depth. 

The plot is as juicy as a figgy pudding! 

A wonderfully devious, festive read. More of an icy than a cosy mystery.

Always in love and light,

TL

 

REVIEW - THE WICCAN GUIDE TO SELF-CARE - Magickally Healing

The Wiccan Guide to Self-Care by Marie Bruce

Date read: 10th December 2025

My rating: 5*
Genre I reckon: Magickal Self Help

Buy link: Amazon 

This book appeared in my life, as if by magick, at just the right time. 

Marie is a qualified, experienced psychotherapist but also a wiccan. In easily absorbed chapters, she takes you gently, step-by-step, into clearing away some gloom, making way for the good. 

Shadow work is essential. And I've done a lot of it. But I needed more. 

I loved how each section had a 'high level' and a 'deeper dive' option, so you could go at your own pace. 

I have an essential oil diffuser I use each night. Yet I was struggling to sleep properly. This book prompted me to make my own pillow spray, and it (much to my surprise) really helped. 

There are fun things to make with deep meaning. There are spells and mantras. And encouragement to take time to meditate/create/reflect. But don't let that mislead you. 

Real mental health challenges are fully explored, with tips to get you through. It looks into the root cause of behaviours/patterns, and offers compassionate understanding. 

I honestly feel like I've done some spiritual cleaning, in readiness for the new year ahead. I feel more positive and prepared. 

This book came beautifully packaged via the Piscean Goddess shop: https://thepisceangoddess.co.uk/ 

Always in love and light,

TL