Rewitched by Lucy Jane Wood
Just in time for all the October pumpkin themed madness creeping in. Rewitched is Lucy Jane Wood’s debut novel. Published last year, the book features Belladonna Blackthorn, witch and booklover who is struggling with her own sense of self. Read it now ahead of Lucy visiting Waterstones to celebrate the release of her second novel, Uncharmed. You can find more information here. This is a light-hearted read, filled with magic.
This cosy autumn read pairs beautifully with a pumpkin spice latte and a cat.
The Hedgerow Apothecary by Christine Iveson
September summons my foraging soul and Christine Iveson’s fabulous is filled with plants, recipes and remedies that you can find in hedgerows and parks near you. This wonderful book acts as both a metaphorical guide through the plants we pass by daily, explaining where they grow best and where they can be found, how they were used historically for healing and how we can use them today. It’s a wonderful book which makes foraging accessible to all – who hasn’t foraged blackberries as a child – and offers recipes and remedies for balms, teas and preserves.
To be read with a chicory mocha.
A Poisoner’s Tale by Cathryn Kemp
This deliciously dark, fictionalised historical tale is set in Rome, in 1656, where Giulia Tofana (thought to be the first female serial killer) supplies the women of Rome and Palermo with a deadly potion to rid themselves of their husbands. It begins with Giulia and her mother, and Giulia is taught to brew the potion to protect herself and others. Giulia, her mother and later her daughter, work as healers alongside their darker, secretive mission. This book is full of shadows, herbs, healers, tarot cards and plague – a feminist retelling of an infamous part of Italy’s past. It is perfect for those chilly September evenings.
Enjoy with a chamomile herbal tea, prepared by yourself to be on the safe side…..
How to Read a Tree by Tristan Gooley
This wonderful non-fiction book explores the idea of trees as maps that can tell us about the wider landscape, and how to read a tree through its roots, leaves, colours, bark and position. Gooley tells us that the roots of a tree can help you to find your way out of a forest if you are lost, that they can direct us to water or tell us about the past. This is a fascinating read for anyone who is interested in the natural world, but particularly now when trees start to show off their beautiful autumnal colours in the coming months.
Snuggle in and sip a rose hip tea alongside this read.
The Lost Bookshop by Evie Woods
Step into a vanishing bookshop down winding Dublin streets and meet Opaline, Henry and Martha. Flit between the 1920s, modern day Ireland, and amongst the shelves of the vanishing bookshop. This book is a love letter to reading and the power of books to change your life but it also tackles domestic violence and familial pressures. It is beautifully written with engaging prose that draws you into the characters’ lives.
To be enjoyed with a rich hot chocolate with mini marshmallows.
Witch’s Forest by Sandraw Lawrence
This stunning non-fiction book talks about trees in magic, folklore and traditional remedies. It pairs beautiful botanical images from the archives at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew with sections on different varieties of trees and their stories. Lawrence traces the symbolism of both place and tree and weaves them into a historical tapestry which explores how trees and forests have become so enmeshed with magic and storytelling. This is a stunning book – the image plates are visually arresting and the mythology surrounding the trees takes you through different historical times.
To be enjoyed with a mint and lemon balm infusion.