The Village Healer's Book of Cures

By: Jennifer Sherman Roberts

Narrated by: Imogen Wilde

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! :)

17th century murder mystery with lots of accusations of witchcraft.

A proper whodunnit with a good twist at the end. This book is heavily based in reality with an attention to detail: from the stagecoach and homes to even the characters, much was based upon real life people and events. The way they determine who is a witch, what happens in an interrogation and many other aspects of society we would like to forget are brought forward for your listening pleasure. The recipes quoted at the beginning of the chapters were actually real; which is a reflection of the whole book, distinctly based in reality.

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.

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.

Amazing

Very intriguing Loved every second!! Can not wait for Ms Roberts to write many more I will definitely be the first in line.

the story teller telling the story

very interesting. as a forager I enjoyed the recipes. The women of the story are strong and independent as they could be for that time period

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.

Could be a good spooky movie!

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

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!