The Village Healer's Book of Cures

By: Jennifer Sherman Roberts

Narrated by: Imogen Wilde

Length: 9 hrs

Publisher's summary

In seventeenth-century England, a female healer enflames the fury of a witchfinder in this propulsive novel about murder, revenge, and the dangerous power of knowledge.

Mary Fawcett refines the healing recipes she’s inherited from generations of women before her—an uncanny and moral calling to empathize with the sick. When witchfinder Matthew Hopkins arrives in her small village, stoking the fires of hate, he sees not healing but the devil at work. Mary’s benevolent skills have now cast her and her young brother under suspicion of witchery.

Soon, the husband of one of Mary’s patients is found murdered, his body carved with strange symbols. For Hopkins, it’s further evidence of dark arts. When the whispering village turns against her, Mary dares to trust a stranger: an enigmatic alchemist, scarred body and soul, who knows the dead man’s secrets.

As Hopkins’s fervor escalates, Mary must outsmart the devil himself to save her life and the lives of those she loves. Unfolding the true potential of her gifts could make Mary a more empowered adversary than a witchfinder ever feared.

©2023 by Jennifer Sherman Roberts. (P)2023 Brilliance Publishing, Inc., all rights reserved.

Critic reviews

“This historical-fiction novel set in 1640s England showcases the hysteria that can grip a small village, causing people to turn on their own neighbors and friends. It's an emotional story, full of flawed characters who are just trying to survive in a world full of suspicion and betrayal.”—Booklist

“The multiple plot threads keep tensions high, the plot twists will keep readers guessing, and the characters (both good and ill-intentioned) are nuanced and well-written. All this, along with its immersive historical details and a sprinkle of fantasy, have conjured up an entrancing read.”—Historical Novels Review

“A stunning achievement in historical fiction. The Village Healer’s Book of Cures is by turns a work of luminous beauty and a harrowingly dark exploration of the perilous role cunning women played in a society rife with suspicion. Mary Fawcett is an unforgettable heroine, and Roberts’s nimble prose enchants with its honesty. An exquisite, wise, and ambitious debut.”—Paulette Kennedy, author of The Witch of Tin Mountain

wonderful narration of an amazing story

Very well done! using historical recipes as a backdrop for a traditional witch hunt! :)

Great story

I love history, this had it all! The witch issues in England and the storyline were amazing.

So much bad, so much good

The beginning of the book was difficult. As the narrator found her pacing, however, it became easier to listen. There was so much ugliness during this period (and I feel like nothing ever changes). Not until the London segment did I find relief. The sparks of goodness, kindness, and healing kept me listening and provided a wonderful ending.

Fascinating view of wise women in 17th century England

An enthralling tale of a wise woman who has great knowledge and healing skills, and the troubles that come to her life when a self-appointed witch hunter comes to town. The parallels to our modern world, where distrust and misinformation can ruin lives so quickly, gave me much to think about. A wonderful read, and heartily recommended!

Could be a good spooky movie!

This isnt my typical genre so dont let my review keep you from reading/listening.

intriguing

this reminded me a lot of crucible and Jane Eyre. the story has a unique element that I greatly enjoyed and I think others will enjoy.

Wonderfully fresh story which does not shy away from the darkness

Great story line, great narration. Always love a historical fiction in which you walk away with a new appreciation for a time long gone. Really well done

The village healer’s book of cures.

I loved the story and the way it was told. This is not a witch story it is a story of a healer who uses plants to help there patients. She can only do the best she can on what she knows. This story based in the seventh century. Witch trials and the historical times. I would suggest it if you are interested in alchemy the philosophers and the medical history of what they had for medicine in the 17 century.

All Hail the Village Healer

This book had me from the beginning. An entertaining read (and listen, narration well done!!), it also is a reflection on life as it is now, as we witch hunt our neighbors, friends, and loved ones. Mary and her brother Tom are quite sympathetic and interesting characters, with a touch of other-worldliness to them. Also loved how animals played such a part in the natural and supernatural world around them, just as it was back in those days. It seems like this is set up for a follow up and I’d read it. I think what’s so lovely about Mary is how true to the healer calling she is, while she will look facts head-on.

Plot twist I didn't expect! Excellent!

Showcasing the truth that the imagination can be a terrible thing gave me real cause to feel such contempt for the villagers, the characters trying to create the philosopher's stone, and Matthew Hopkins. The only thing better than a character you love is one you can really hate with righteous indignation! Well done. Also, thanks for not keeping her in that small village at the end.