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

My own book news (and hear what I sound like)

I have so much news; it's all so exciting!

Firstly, my Darkness & Light Duology is now available on Amazon.

Love Bites is the first book. 

Even better, if you're in Kindle Unlimited you get this one for free!
(*update* no longer in KU but is available on all platforms and is now an award-winning book)

My cover images were drawn by the very talented Mark Manley

and then the marvellous Robin Ludwig put it together with words 

Also, by popular demand, you can finally hear what I sound like! 

I've recorded me reading some of Love Bites.

Watch said video on YouTube

Book Blurb (Love Bites; book 1): 

Shakira didn’t fit in.
The reason why is tragic…
…but the solution is unbelievable.

Moving to Wales is her chance for a new start, a quest for somewhere to belong.
Something unknown draws Shakira to the seemingly random location; whispering to her subconscious, pulling on her inner compass.

But things don’t always go as planned.
First to emerge are the dreams of strange beings with glowing eyes, haunting Shakira from the darkest depths of the forest.

Then she meets him.
Can one kiss magickally change her life?
She doesn’t believe in fairy tales. But then again, this is no bedtime story. Who says it’s a change for the better?

With dark forces lurking in the shadows, can Shakira become the peacemaker she was meant to be? Or will the clan carry out their sentence?

Perhaps some family secrets are best kept hidden.

A rich tale of witches, elinefae and dragons for all who dare to believe.

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“Action packed paranormal. Highly recommended.” ~ Susan ★★★★★

“A magical extravaganza. I absolutely loved Love Bites. Pryderi is all sorts of fascinating.” ~ Beckie Bookworm ★★★★★

“Magnificent. Clark’s design and development of characters, including a new and unique species of creatures, and of rich and varied settings, is elegant and complex.” ~ MapleLeafAussie ★★★★★

“Love Bites is a powerful, imaginative fantasy that swept me off my feet from the very beginning.” ~ Daccari Buchelli ★★★★★

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NB This is part 1 of The Darkness & Light duology.
Mature content.
May not be suitable for vegetarians.

**READERS' FAVORITE INTERNATIONAL BOOK AWARDS 2018 MEDAL WINNER**

(cover has been updated to this)

My many thanks go out to all my helpers, from all the people mentioned/linked to here, to my beta reader, proof readers, and of course, to my long suffering hubby.

This series has been 18 months in the making.
It's been a long time, and I have been sidetracked by illness at times.
But it's all been worth it to reach this point.
I have had so many people helping me throughout. I thank you all.


Phew! Enough excitement for one post?
I'm a very busy bee, so will run off and do many author things now.


Always in love and light,
TL
(don't forget to buy the books!)

Review - Sewing Can be Dangerous - very crafty!

Sewing Can Be Dangerous And Other Small Threads
by S.R. Mallery 

Rating: 5*

Read: August 2015

Reconed categories: Witches/Folklore

What a wonderful book. Very different stories excellently ‘stitched’ together in one location.

There are different stories from different cultures and eras, written in the same lovely, relaxed style whilst remaining true to the culture of that tale, and each containing a sewing theme.

I was excited by every one. This is no mean feat. It feels like you’re sitting around a hearth listening to folk tales being told.

It’s rare, but I really can’t fault this.

I may even take up quilting!? Intrigue this way lies…

Goodreads Book Link