Sunwise

By: Helen Steadman

Narrated by: Christine Mackie

The Newcastle Witch Trials Trilogy: Book 2

When Jane’s lover, Tom, returns from the navy to find her unhappily married to his betrayer, Jane is caught in an impossible situation. Still reeling from the loss of her mother at the hands of the witchfinder, Jane has no choice but to continue her dangerous work as a healer while keeping her young daughter safe. But as Tom searches for a way for him and Jane to be together, the witchfinder is still at large. Filled with vengeance, the witchfinder will stop at nothing in his quest to rid England of the scourge of witchcraft.

Sunwise tells the story of one woman’s struggle for survival in a hostile and superstitious world. The Newcastle Witch Trials Trilogy was inspired by the little-known 1650 witch hunt, where fifteen women and one man were hanged for witchcraft on a single day.

©2019 Bell Jar Books (P)2024 Bell Jar Books

Critic reviews

“The novel is rich in fascinating details: Jane’s remedies and the village customs, partly Christian, partly pagan. Ancient names for plants and festivities, both seasonal and Christian, add colour to the narrative.” Lynn Guest, Historical Novel Society

“A great read, not to be missed. Steadman’s skillful and resplendent prose leads the reader easily into villages, manses and cottages, festivities and day to day lives, with amazing detail and descriptions of a past age that jump off the page of the novel. The historical research is rich; scenes and spaces, deliciously visual, and the language employed by the protagonists and throughout the narrative is authentic and consistent, transporting us back in time just by virtue of its ancient tonality.” Susana Aikin, We Shall See the Sky Sparkling

"Sometimes charming, sometimes disturbing, and very firmly set in its time and place – don't expect an easy ride, though!" Lexie Conyngham, The Tender Herb

historical fiction sequel

This is the the sequel to Widdershins. It takes place not long after that book ends. Again this is historical fiction. This book is told from the view points of John and Jane. John descends further into madness and hasn't given up on getting Jane. Jane continues her own personal mission as well. John is certainly the worst villain you've ever read and you can't help hate. This is not a book I would ever normally read but I'm glad I gave it a shot.

Sunwise

I read the first book of this series after receiving it for a book tour, I enjoyed it so much that I went right out to purchase the follow up. Sunwise begins where Widdershins ends. Tom has returned from his conscription in the Navy and Jane is forced to explain the circumstances that led her to be married to his best friend. Her husband is more aggressive than ever and her short-lived thanks to him for saving her from being jailed as a witch is over. In that storyline, Jane and Tom are discussing how to escape to the new world to be together. All the while, Jane is still midwifing and providing herbs to the local townsfolk (hello - what got you in trouble in the last book, girl?).

In our other storyline, John has escaped Newcastle after the town turned and is focusing his witch hunts back in Scotland. He is as mad as a hatter now. In the last book, he was easy to hate preying on women as witches blaming them for his own lusts and whims. But in this one, his derangement is becoming more obvious and we find out why. He's gone from a character who you cringe to read because of the impact he will have on your other beloved characters to a character who you're anxiously awaiting karma to visit.

The fates of these two are barreling towards one another again and we get to sit back and watch. As with the last story, there are some graphic violent moments which are hard to read/hear however these are the things that humans did to one another in the name of God, while this is fiction, it is based on the stories of real people who suffered such fates. Another fabulous piece of historical fiction!

4.5 Stars - Great Addition to the Series

This story was well written and kept my attention. The narrator did a fantastic job bringing the book to life. I'm not sure if I liked the ending, I don't know that it could have ended any other way. I have so many questions that need answered and I think a spinoff would be nice.

I received a copy of this audiobook and I am voluntarily leaving my honest review.

Where Was The Witchfinder?

This second book in "The Newcastle Witch Trials" series was as unsettling as the first book. Tom returned home only to find that Jane had married another man. Jane struggled with her feelings for Tom and the fact that she was married to someone else. The story had many ups and downs. The revelations were gut-wrenching. The beautiful prose made the times and people real in my imagination. I wonder what will happen in the third book of the trilogy. Christine Mackie's narration was skillful, and her performance reflected the ambiance of the times. I was given a free copy of the audiobook, and I have voluntarily posted this review.

A bittersweet conclusion to Widdershins

This book picks up where Widdershins left off and brings the story to a bittersweet conclusion. I would have appreciated an epilogue, but this is a reasonable place to end the story.

The narration by Christine Mackie is consistent with her performance of the previous audiobook. I expect that I'll remember this story for quite some time.


Note: I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.