Well, this weekend has been a wonderful treat! I do adore a book that transports me away, somewhere else, almost by magic. And, speaking of magic… this book has it in spades.
If you’re a fan of dual timeline historical fiction, with a healthy dose of the paranormal, this is one of the best I’ve read in some time. Read on for more info:
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Now: When Ruthie gets the part of one of Macbeth’s famous three witches she can’t wait to get started. Inspired by the beauty of the film’s Scottish locations and the camaraderie of the cast and crew, she can leave behind the expectations of her family and her lacklustre love life, at least for now. But as echoes from the past begin whispering in Ruthie’s ear and a restless spirit draws her further into its centuries-old secrets, it soon becomes clear that only she can uncover the truth of a terrible injustice.
1050 Scotland: Isobel and her two sisters have learnt about healing from their loving mother Sidheag, and she in turn has kept them safe. But without the protection of their late father, Sidheag knows that her daughters must find husbands or their futures are at risk.
Isobel believes in love over duty and when she catches sight of King Macbeth’s stepson Lulach she can picture a happiness she had hardly dare imagine. But as heir to a Scottish throne that is drenched in blood, Lulach’s destiny is to be a warrior. When Isobel’s actions leave her and her sisters vulnerable to accusations of witchcraft there may be nothing that can keep the three women safe, not even the great Macbeth himself.
As the calls from the past grow ever louder, Ruthie has no choice. Macbeth’s witches have a story that needs to be told and the truth can no longer stay hidden…
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What I loved:
- As usual for me, a sense of period and setting is paramount. The author did that exceptionally well here. I could really feel the crispness of the Morayshire air and imagine the wild heath on which the sisters danced on Midsummer.
- Dialogue is tricky for most authors, but Collins has nailed it – for both parts of the story but especially that which takes place in the past. I loved the way Isobel and her mother and sisters refer to the plants that they use in making cures for ailments, and their general language: mostly brisk, economical and functional, but also affectionate at times.
- This was a highly emotional story that tugged me in all sorts of directions. I was genuinely sad when it ended, because I had to leave that world behind and rejoin the current time. It’s a book that will leave you feeling exhilarated. You may even need a lie down!
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Author Bio
Elena Collins is the pseudonym for Judy Leigh, the million-selling author of Five French Hens, The Old Girls’ Network and The Silver Haired Sisterhood.
Judy writes uplifting novels in the ‘second chances’ and ‘it’s never too late’ genre of women’s fiction. Elena Collins’ novels are historical/ dual timelines.
In 2025, her novel The Wicked Lady received the RNA award in this category.
Judy has lived all over the UK from Liverpool to Cornwall, but currently resides in Somerset.
Facebook: @judyleighuk
Twitter: @JudyLeighWriter
Instagram: @judyrleigh
Newsletter Sign Up: https://bit.ly/ElenaCollinsnewsletter
Bookbub profile: @elenacollins
One response
Thank you so much for your wonderful and insightful review. Sending best wishes, J x