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sigo06's review against another edition
4.0
4.2 - really enjoyed this story! The atmosphere, the characters, the plot is where the points are knocked off. The ending seemed a bit rushed but I liked what happened. I very much would like to physically read it but I recommend the audiobook. The narrator nailed all the characters and background characters
kittyhearted's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
confessions_of_a_bookaholic's review against another edition
4.0
It's 1880 and Adelaide Thom and Eleanor St Claire have opened a tea shop, specialising in cures, palmistry and potions. When Beatrice Dunn arrives seeking employment the women take her in and begin training her. All is going well until it becomes evident that Beatrice is able to talk to spirits, and whilst the witches debate how best to hone her talents Beatrice disappears. Unsure whether this is by choice or by force, Eleanor and Adelaide must confront their pasts in order to find Beatrice before she comes to harm.
This was a slow burn of a book I found, but nevertheless I enjoyed the read. The first few chapters I was wondering whether I would be able to get into the story or not, but before long I found myself engrossed.
The characters are mysterious yet compelling. I felt that I got to know them well as the book progressed, and found all three of Eleanor, Adelaide and Beatrice likeable in their own ways. I was also fond of Dr Brody, and appreciated his open minded attitude.
I thought McKay did a great job of weaving historical references into this, and bringing to life a time where it was precarious (even dangerous) to be a woman. Having the newspaper clippings interspersed throughout the book helped to give things an authentic feel, and also broke up the prose in what is otherwise a long novel.
The one main criticism I have with this was that I thought there was some loose ends left over. I originally thought this was because there was a sequel, but looking in Storygraph I can see that the follow up is a short story, and doesn't sound like it will tie things together. It's a shame because I would happily read more.
This was a slow burn of a book I found, but nevertheless I enjoyed the read. The first few chapters I was wondering whether I would be able to get into the story or not, but before long I found myself engrossed.
The characters are mysterious yet compelling. I felt that I got to know them well as the book progressed, and found all three of Eleanor, Adelaide and Beatrice likeable in their own ways. I was also fond of Dr Brody, and appreciated his open minded attitude.
I thought McKay did a great job of weaving historical references into this, and bringing to life a time where it was precarious (even dangerous) to be a woman. Having the newspaper clippings interspersed throughout the book helped to give things an authentic feel, and also broke up the prose in what is otherwise a long novel.
The one main criticism I have with this was that I thought there was some loose ends left over. I originally thought this was because there was a sequel, but looking in Storygraph I can see that the follow up is a short story, and doesn't sound like it will tie things together. It's a shame because I would happily read more.
chastitymarie's review
adventurous
dark
funny
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
thefantasticalworldofsara's review
3.0
The atmosphere in the book makes it a perfect fall read! There's witches and tea and magic and it sits on just this side of spooky. I gotta say though it wasn't my favourite. I loved the 3 main characters but the way the chapters are laid out sometimes made it confusing; sometimes we wouldn't see a character for several chapters and I wouldn't remember who they were. Also, the plot felt a bit all over the place.
Interesting book and a good fall read but not something I'd re-read.
ps. The views expressed in this review are my own and do not reflect the view of Indigo Books & Music Inc. or any of its subsidiaries. #IndigoEmployee
Interesting book and a good fall read but not something I'd re-read.
ps. The views expressed in this review are my own and do not reflect the view of Indigo Books & Music Inc. or any of its subsidiaries. #IndigoEmployee
thehungryartist's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
katiegilley's review against another edition
4.0
I LOVED this book! Rich in atmosphere and witch lore, this book is not to be missed by those who wish that magic was real. Full of magic, fairies, and supernatural visions, I looked forward to settling in with it every night. I loved the description of the time period, imagining what it would be like to create my own tea from my very own herbs, and itching to play with my tarot cards to unlock the mysteries of my own life.
elusive's review
hopeful
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
bellelouallen's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.0
There’s not much plot to this- it’s just a bunch of things happening to different people for the first 70%. So by the time the story actually kicks in, I was so over it and disconnected from the characters that I just kinda wanted it to be over.