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The Herbalist's Secret
Two small lifeless bodies lay on the sand, arms carefully placed by their sides. On the other side of the loch stands an imposing house. It's almost as if it gives a silent howl of distress, echoing over the hills, making the birds turn their gaze down to the beach where the two bodies lie, awaiting discovery.
1889: Kitty Gray dreams of attending university and becoming a doctor, but when she is married off to Charles Maclean, one of Glasgow's richest and most eligible bachelors, her aspiration suddenly slips far from reach.
Exiled to her new remote home in the Scottish Highlands, with its gargoyles, gothic arches and turrets, Kitty seeks solace in creating a restorative herb garden. Combining her medical knowledge and new-found fascination with herbalism, Kitty spends her days absorbed in a world of herbs and their healing properties until a devastating tragedy strikes...
2003 : Caitlin Black arrives at Ardbray House determined to restore the crumbling mansion and Kitty's walled garden to their former glory, enlisting the help of long-time housekeeper Greer Mackenzie. But as Caitlin delves deeper into the history of this once magnificent home, she uncovers a past haunted by misfortune and grief. And beneath the blood-red roses that climb beside the bay window of the drawing room, a human skull is about to be unearthed.
The truth that has held Ardbray House captive for so long is surfacing, and with it, the heart-breaking secret of the herbalist who once lived there.
An evocative, beautifully written, and unforgettable mystery that will transport you to the wild and beautiful Scottish Highlands. The Herbalist’s Secret will have fans of Fiona Valpy, Louise Douglas, and Rhys Bowen completely mesmerised.
1889: Kitty Gray dreams of attending university and becoming a doctor, but when she is married off to Charles Maclean, one of Glasgow's richest and most eligible bachelors, her aspiration suddenly slips far from reach.
Exiled to her new remote home in the Scottish Highlands, with its gargoyles, gothic arches and turrets, Kitty seeks solace in creating a restorative herb garden. Combining her medical knowledge and new-found fascination with herbalism, Kitty spends her days absorbed in a world of herbs and their healing properties until a devastating tragedy strikes...
2003 : Caitlin Black arrives at Ardbray House determined to restore the crumbling mansion and Kitty's walled garden to their former glory, enlisting the help of long-time housekeeper Greer Mackenzie. But as Caitlin delves deeper into the history of this once magnificent home, she uncovers a past haunted by misfortune and grief. And beneath the blood-red roses that climb beside the bay window of the drawing room, a human skull is about to be unearthed.
The truth that has held Ardbray House captive for so long is surfacing, and with it, the heart-breaking secret of the herbalist who once lived there.
An evocative, beautifully written, and unforgettable mystery that will transport you to the wild and beautiful Scottish Highlands. The Herbalist’s Secret will have fans of Fiona Valpy, Louise Douglas, and Rhys Bowen completely mesmerised.
369 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 27, 2023
525 people are currently reading
1030 people want to read
About the author
Annabelle Marx
3 books46 followersAnnabelle is the author of two historical fiction novels: the bestselling The Herbalist's Secret and the recently published The Rebel of Seventh Avenue.
Brought up in Dorset, America, London, Hong Kong and Wiltshire, Annabelle has worked in photography, event production and marketing. But her passions are in food and writing.
Running her own cottage industry making handmade jams, jellies and chutneys she became the recipient of two Great Taste Awards.
When writing began to take over her life, she joined the Faber Academy and completed their How to Write a Novel course. Annabelle now lives between Sutherland and Wiltshire and recently finished an MA in Creative Writing at Bath Spa University.
Brought up in Dorset, America, London, Hong Kong and Wiltshire, Annabelle has worked in photography, event production and marketing. But her passions are in food and writing.
Running her own cottage industry making handmade jams, jellies and chutneys she became the recipient of two Great Taste Awards.
When writing began to take over her life, she joined the Faber Academy and completed their How to Write a Novel course. Annabelle now lives between Sutherland and Wiltshire and recently finished an MA in Creative Writing at Bath Spa University.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 148 reviews
October 23, 2023
It was 2003 and Greer Mackenzie and her husband Colin had been housekeepers of Ardbray House in Scotland's Highlands for a long time, and before Greer, her family had continued the tradition. Kitty had taken up residence in 1899 with her new husband Charles Maclean, and while he travelled back and forth to his cotton business in Glasgow, to start with, Kitty went with him. But it wasn't long before Charles spent his time in Glasgow and Kitty in Ardbray House. Kitty loved the big, sprawling mansion and soon built a herb garden, with her medical knowledge - from her father - helping her in knowing what to plant. Her fascination of herbalism, the books she devoured - all kept her content. Until a day, ten years later, when disaster struck...
When Caitlin Black arrived at Ardbray House in 2003, Greer had all but given up that the house would be sold. It had been fifty years since the last of the family left, and although Greer and Colin kept the place as best they could, renovations were sorely needed. Was Caitlin the person who would buy Ardbray House, and restore it to its former beauty? She did a lot of research, she loved the house and area - it could be so.
The Herbalist's Secret is the debut novel of Annabelle Marx and I found it astounding! So hard to believe it's the author's debut! Hauntingly beautiful writing, the dazzling picture of the loch which Ardbray House was beside, the mountains and isolation which surrounded it; outstanding! Kitty herself is an excellent character who fills her part with ease. I thoroughly enjoyed my time in both Glasgow and Ardbray House, and am keenly looking forward to the author's next novel. Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
When Caitlin Black arrived at Ardbray House in 2003, Greer had all but given up that the house would be sold. It had been fifty years since the last of the family left, and although Greer and Colin kept the place as best they could, renovations were sorely needed. Was Caitlin the person who would buy Ardbray House, and restore it to its former beauty? She did a lot of research, she loved the house and area - it could be so.
The Herbalist's Secret is the debut novel of Annabelle Marx and I found it astounding! So hard to believe it's the author's debut! Hauntingly beautiful writing, the dazzling picture of the loch which Ardbray House was beside, the mountains and isolation which surrounded it; outstanding! Kitty herself is an excellent character who fills her part with ease. I thoroughly enjoyed my time in both Glasgow and Ardbray House, and am keenly looking forward to the author's next novel. Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
November 1, 2023
2.7 Stars
One Liner: Got potential but falls flat
1889
Kitty Gray dreams of becoming a doctor like her father but is married to Charles Maclean, one of the richest men in Glasgow. However, circumstances make the Ardbray House in the remote Scottish Highlands her permanent home. Kitty finds a new passion in herbs and is soon the local midwife and herbalist. Until one day, tragedy strikes.
2003
Greer Mackenzie’s family has been the housekeepers of the Ardbray House for decades. She resents the house for denying her freedom but doesn’t want to let go of the house she calls home. When Caitlin Black arrives as a prospective buyer, Greer is torn.
As Caitlin delves deep into the house’s history, she comes across some disturbing events. Now, it’s up to her to find out what had happened. Moreover, the Ardbray House seems to have its own demands.
The story comes in the third-person POV of Kitty and the first-person POV of Greer Mackenzie.
What I Like:
The Scottish Highlands setting is descriptive and paints a picture of the house, the loch, and the chilly remoteness of the location.
Every chapter starts with a brief note about an herb and its medicinal benefits. This was informative and educative.
The historical setting deals with women’s rights (without getting preachy), the cotton mills and the horrible working conditions, and the gradual entry of women into medical colleges. A few scenes are well done, especially between Kitty and the staff.
There’s a recipe for ginger cake at the end of the book. Since this delicious cake is mentioned multiple times, it’s nice to have the recipe. The other descriptions of the food are also enjoyable and made my reading a little more enjoyable.
The prologue is solid and sets high expectations for the rest of the book. However…
What Could Have Been Better for Me:
Well, the book has many elements, but no single aspect stands out. I kept wondering what the actual focus of the story was. The prologue makes it seem like it’s the house. Soon, we see it’s the characters, especially Kitty. But yet again, the house seems to be important. Then Kitty again. Based on the title, it should be Kitty, but the prologue makes the house stand out. See what’s happening?
A story with paranormal elements (ghosts) should have a solid atmosphere and sustain it. While Geer’s first-person POV tries to make the house seem oppressive and brooding, it doesn’t sustain the feelings for long. Also, Geer is annoying, making the contemporary track a chore.
Moreover, the book doesn’t really have herbalism except for Kitty’s paintings and her garden. Even though she is said to have become a self-learned herbalist, we see just a random instance or two of her using herbs, that too only for the family and the house staff.
The book tries to pack too much into the plot, and almost none of it is explored in detail (the kitchen sink syndrome, as a friend calls it). We get Kitty’s biography with missing years (that have important developments). The contemporary track is entirely surface-level. Neither Geer nor Caitlin is impressive. The ending is okay, I suppose, but nothing wow.
The pacing is slow and dragging. Moreover, the mystery mentioned in the blurb doesn’t appear until after 50%. Then, of course, it is almost immediately solved in the same timeline, followed by the events revealing the truth. It’s a good thing the book is listed as General Fiction on NetGalley. This cannot be considered a mystery despite the countless secrets our characters like to keep.
To summarize, The Herbalist's Secret has a great premise but needs some structuring and prioritizing to decide the main element and amplify it. Cutting down the excessive explanations would also help. Since this is a debut release, I’ll round up the rating to 3 stars.
Thank you, NetGalley and Storm Publishing, for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
#NetGalley #TheHerbalistsSecret
TW:
One Liner: Got potential but falls flat
1889
Kitty Gray dreams of becoming a doctor like her father but is married to Charles Maclean, one of the richest men in Glasgow. However, circumstances make the Ardbray House in the remote Scottish Highlands her permanent home. Kitty finds a new passion in herbs and is soon the local midwife and herbalist. Until one day, tragedy strikes.
2003
Greer Mackenzie’s family has been the housekeepers of the Ardbray House for decades. She resents the house for denying her freedom but doesn’t want to let go of the house she calls home. When Caitlin Black arrives as a prospective buyer, Greer is torn.
As Caitlin delves deep into the house’s history, she comes across some disturbing events. Now, it’s up to her to find out what had happened. Moreover, the Ardbray House seems to have its own demands.
The story comes in the third-person POV of Kitty and the first-person POV of Greer Mackenzie.
What I Like:
The Scottish Highlands setting is descriptive and paints a picture of the house, the loch, and the chilly remoteness of the location.
Every chapter starts with a brief note about an herb and its medicinal benefits. This was informative and educative.
The historical setting deals with women’s rights (without getting preachy), the cotton mills and the horrible working conditions, and the gradual entry of women into medical colleges. A few scenes are well done, especially between Kitty and the staff.
There’s a recipe for ginger cake at the end of the book. Since this delicious cake is mentioned multiple times, it’s nice to have the recipe. The other descriptions of the food are also enjoyable and made my reading a little more enjoyable.
The prologue is solid and sets high expectations for the rest of the book. However…
What Could Have Been Better for Me:
Well, the book has many elements, but no single aspect stands out. I kept wondering what the actual focus of the story was. The prologue makes it seem like it’s the house. Soon, we see it’s the characters, especially Kitty. But yet again, the house seems to be important. Then Kitty again. Based on the title, it should be Kitty, but the prologue makes the house stand out. See what’s happening?
A story with paranormal elements (ghosts) should have a solid atmosphere and sustain it. While Geer’s first-person POV tries to make the house seem oppressive and brooding, it doesn’t sustain the feelings for long. Also, Geer is annoying, making the contemporary track a chore.
Moreover, the book doesn’t really have herbalism except for Kitty’s paintings and her garden. Even though she is said to have become a self-learned herbalist, we see just a random instance or two of her using herbs, that too only for the family and the house staff.
The book tries to pack too much into the plot, and almost none of it is explored in detail (the kitchen sink syndrome, as a friend calls it). We get Kitty’s biography with missing years (that have important developments). The contemporary track is entirely surface-level. Neither Geer nor Caitlin is impressive. The ending is okay, I suppose, but nothing wow.
The pacing is slow and dragging. Moreover, the mystery mentioned in the blurb doesn’t appear until after 50%. Then, of course, it is almost immediately solved in the same timeline, followed by the events revealing the truth. It’s a good thing the book is listed as General Fiction on NetGalley. This cannot be considered a mystery despite the countless secrets our characters like to keep.
To summarize, The Herbalist's Secret has a great premise but needs some structuring and prioritizing to decide the main element and amplify it. Cutting down the excessive explanations would also help. Since this is a debut release, I’ll round up the rating to 3 stars.
Thank you, NetGalley and Storm Publishing, for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
#NetGalley #TheHerbalistsSecret
TW:
October 19, 2023
"The Herbalist's Secret" is a beautifully haunting tale set in Glasgow and the Scottish Highlands, with dual perspectives spanning two centuries. Kitty McLean, a woman ahead of her time, pursues a forbidden path in herbalism after being wed to a wealthy man. Greer MacKenzie, the housekeeper, carries a legacy of care for Ardbray House. As Caitlin Black enters the picture, each character's journey to self-discovery unfolds with a backdrop of mystery and tragedy.
This narrative weaves redemption, loss, and fortitude, portraying the relentless love for the grand home of Ardbray. The ghostly presence of children adds an eerie touch. "The Herbalist's Secret" is a powerful story of finding peace amidst adversity, and Kitty McLean's character leaves a lasting impression.
This narrative weaves redemption, loss, and fortitude, portraying the relentless love for the grand home of Ardbray. The ghostly presence of children adds an eerie touch. "The Herbalist's Secret" is a powerful story of finding peace amidst adversity, and Kitty McLean's character leaves a lasting impression.
October 9, 2023
Beautiful and haunting, The Herbalist's Secret is an atmospheric tale from two points of view set in the city of Glasgow and the Highlands of Scotland. Kitty McLean is a woman ahead of her time. Born in 19th-century society where women having an education or doing anything considered 'un-ladylike', was frowned upon, Kitty wanted to be her own woman, and become a doctor. Unfortunately for her, she was married to a wealthy man, ultimately finding herself locked away in their home in the Highlands where she began her lifelong study of Herbalism. Greer MacKenzie grew up with the recluse known as the "Herb Lady", Kitty McLean. She has been entrusted to care for the house that Kitty loved, just as her grandmother and mother before her also had promised to Kitty. Told across time, both women show to have a great love for the grand home of Ardbray, but both struggle to leave it.
Throughout this story, you have a deep sense of redemption across multiple arcs when it comes to our main characters -- Kitty, Greer, and Caitlin Black. Caitlin is being introduced to us from Greer's perspective as the potential buyer of Ardbray. All three women have to lose something of themselves in order to push past what's holding them back into finding what they were truly meant to do with their lives. The house also holds a sense of mystery, and also a deep sadness, that is persistent across the pages -- especially when it comes to the ghosts of the children that haunt the halls and gardens.
This is a powerful and vivid tale of persistence and fortitude and finding peace in the face of tragedy or when what is expected of you comes crashing down. Kitty McLean will stay with me for some time.
Thank you to NetGalley, Storm Publishing, and Annabelle Marx for an advanced copy of this book! Look for it towards the end of October 2023!!!!
Throughout this story, you have a deep sense of redemption across multiple arcs when it comes to our main characters -- Kitty, Greer, and Caitlin Black. Caitlin is being introduced to us from Greer's perspective as the potential buyer of Ardbray. All three women have to lose something of themselves in order to push past what's holding them back into finding what they were truly meant to do with their lives. The house also holds a sense of mystery, and also a deep sadness, that is persistent across the pages -- especially when it comes to the ghosts of the children that haunt the halls and gardens.
This is a powerful and vivid tale of persistence and fortitude and finding peace in the face of tragedy or when what is expected of you comes crashing down. Kitty McLean will stay with me for some time.
Thank you to NetGalley, Storm Publishing, and Annabelle Marx for an advanced copy of this book! Look for it towards the end of October 2023!!!!
October 27, 2023
1889 & it's the day of Kitty Gray's marriage to business owner Charles Maclean. Kitty wanted to attend university & become a doctor but her mother vetoes that & Kitty found herself hurriedly engaged to Charles. Things soon go sour & Kitty finds herself exiled to her husband's holiday home, Ardbray House, in the Scottish Highlands. This turns out to be a blessing in disguise as Kitty involves herself in the world of herbal medicine.
2003 - Greer has been the caretaker at Ardbray House for as long as she can remember & her mother & grandmother were caretakers before her. She despairs of a new owner ever being found, when Caitlin Black, a young American woman looks around & decides she wants to restore it including the gardens. As the two women look into the history of the house & its former occupants, a double tragedy is uncovered.
I wasn't sure what to expect but this is a wonderful historical fiction read. It deals with some heavy subjects including the place of women in Victorian society, child death, & sexual assault but they are dealt with in a sensitive way. Kitty's story is by far the most interesting & I loved her as a main character. Greer was a little harder to like, she's more of a 'spiky' personality & it takes a while to warm to her. The book also had a slightly paranormal edge with the appearance of a ghost or two. I would absolutely recommend this to anyone who enjoys historical fiction with a paranormal edge. 4.5 stars (rounded up)
TWs: child death, sexual assault, misogyny.
My thanks to NetGalley & publisher, Storm Publishing, for the opportunity to read an ARC.
2003 - Greer has been the caretaker at Ardbray House for as long as she can remember & her mother & grandmother were caretakers before her. She despairs of a new owner ever being found, when Caitlin Black, a young American woman looks around & decides she wants to restore it including the gardens. As the two women look into the history of the house & its former occupants, a double tragedy is uncovered.
I wasn't sure what to expect but this is a wonderful historical fiction read. It deals with some heavy subjects including the place of women in Victorian society, child death, & sexual assault but they are dealt with in a sensitive way. Kitty's story is by far the most interesting & I loved her as a main character. Greer was a little harder to like, she's more of a 'spiky' personality & it takes a while to warm to her. The book also had a slightly paranormal edge with the appearance of a ghost or two. I would absolutely recommend this to anyone who enjoys historical fiction with a paranormal edge. 4.5 stars (rounded up)
TWs: child death, sexual assault, misogyny.
My thanks to NetGalley & publisher, Storm Publishing, for the opportunity to read an ARC.
September 18, 2023
2.5 rounded up to 3. The book's premise appealed to me but the lack of herbalism was disappointing. I found it difficult to stay connected to the story through the heavy and unnecessary details that really did add anything, Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC
Merged review:
2.5 rounded up to 3. The book's premise appealed to me but the lack of herbalism was disappointing. I found it difficult to stay connected to the story through the heavy and unnecessary details that really did add anything, Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC
Merged review:
2.5 rounded up to 3. The book's premise appealed to me but the lack of herbalism was disappointing. I found it difficult to stay connected to the story through the heavy and unnecessary details that really did add anything, Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC
September 1, 2023
The Herbalists Secret by Annabelle Marx
An enchanting read that took me from the very first chapter on a journey that will stay with me for a long time.
Set in two times , at Ardbray House firstly in 1889 and Kitty Gray an intelligent young woman who has her heart set on getting a good education to lead into becoming a doctor , instead she is married off to a rich man and sent to Ardbray House in the Scottish highlands.
To occupy her time she sets up a herb garden and her interest grows into their medicinal properties.
In more modern times Caitlin Black arrives at the house to help restore it and it's wondrous gardens back to their former glory
Although far apart from a time perspective , it's the garden that brings them together.
I was hooked from the first page , beautiful.
An enchanting read that took me from the very first chapter on a journey that will stay with me for a long time.
Set in two times , at Ardbray House firstly in 1889 and Kitty Gray an intelligent young woman who has her heart set on getting a good education to lead into becoming a doctor , instead she is married off to a rich man and sent to Ardbray House in the Scottish highlands.
To occupy her time she sets up a herb garden and her interest grows into their medicinal properties.
In more modern times Caitlin Black arrives at the house to help restore it and it's wondrous gardens back to their former glory
Although far apart from a time perspective , it's the garden that brings them together.
I was hooked from the first page , beautiful.
September 11, 2023
I really enjoyed learning the story through both Kitty and Greer. The descriptions of the setting, the influence of herbology, and the mystery of the two small children made this just a perfect spooky season read. Im rating this a 4.5 rounded up!
December 28, 2024
This story opens with the bodies of two children washed up on a beach by a loch. We see them next as ghosts over a hundred years later, haunting a house which an American woman wants to buy. Then we jump back in time, to when the house was first built and it's last chatelaine, a herbalist, was a young woman on the verge of marriage. So far, so excellent, I thought, and continued to think until I was about two thirds of the way through. The two stories told in parallel were fascinating, and I was particularly interested in reading a historical set in Glasgow (so rare, and something I do myself) with the cotton mills at the centre of it. In fact I loved that!
So what changed it from 5 to 3 stars for me? Not the setting, but the characters. Kitty, the Victorian herbalist, in particular drove me nuts. On the one hand, we're told she's been working in clinic in the Saltmarket (I can't tell you how rough this area was and to a degree still is), that she aspired to study medicine, that she wanted more from life than to be a wife and mother. She saw marriage as freedom, but she pretty much more or less wimps out, letting expectations and her mother control her. She spouts (very oddly) socialism to her husband who is appalled, and who continues to run his mills purely by exploitation, and having spouted, she shuts up and gives in. When her husband's business partner tries to seduce her she runs away and keeps quiet. She didn't add up to me. And her relationship with her husband was very much glossed over - something which mattered a lot in the last part of the book.
****Spoiler Alert****
Kitty is banished to her Highland home with her children for reasons that do make a bit of sense. Kitty's husband turns out to have been a gambler. He's ruined. He turns up at the Highland home determined to make a fresh start. Suddenly he's a perfect father. Suddenly he and Kitty are talking. Suddenly it turns out that he too was once a socialist. There's a lot of confessional scenes, lots of anachronistic language that really jumped out for me. There's a sort of understanding reached. And then for a reason that I found utterly unconvincing, she turns on him and we're told she's making a stand. Which I didn't buy. Then in one day she murders the would-be seducer and baddy, her children drown and her husband dies.
In the front story with our American, we get similar confessionals out of the blue which also jarred for me. Sadly, I skimmed through to the end, feeling really let down because I had so enjoyed this book up until that point. I do know from my own writing experience that there are times where you have set up a ton of stuff in a book then you realise you've got limited time to untangle it, and this can be the result. I could be utterly wrong of course, and I may be a lone voice here (I don't read other reviews until after I've written mine). I loved the idea. I loved the Glasgow scenes. I loved that the way the author clearly loved the part of the Highlands she chose too. I just wish I'd loved the story more, but for those reasons, I will be going back for more.
So what changed it from 5 to 3 stars for me? Not the setting, but the characters. Kitty, the Victorian herbalist, in particular drove me nuts. On the one hand, we're told she's been working in clinic in the Saltmarket (I can't tell you how rough this area was and to a degree still is), that she aspired to study medicine, that she wanted more from life than to be a wife and mother. She saw marriage as freedom, but she pretty much more or less wimps out, letting expectations and her mother control her. She spouts (very oddly) socialism to her husband who is appalled, and who continues to run his mills purely by exploitation, and having spouted, she shuts up and gives in. When her husband's business partner tries to seduce her she runs away and keeps quiet. She didn't add up to me. And her relationship with her husband was very much glossed over - something which mattered a lot in the last part of the book.
****Spoiler Alert****
Kitty is banished to her Highland home with her children for reasons that do make a bit of sense. Kitty's husband turns out to have been a gambler. He's ruined. He turns up at the Highland home determined to make a fresh start. Suddenly he's a perfect father. Suddenly he and Kitty are talking. Suddenly it turns out that he too was once a socialist. There's a lot of confessional scenes, lots of anachronistic language that really jumped out for me. There's a sort of understanding reached. And then for a reason that I found utterly unconvincing, she turns on him and we're told she's making a stand. Which I didn't buy. Then in one day she murders the would-be seducer and baddy, her children drown and her husband dies.
In the front story with our American, we get similar confessionals out of the blue which also jarred for me. Sadly, I skimmed through to the end, feeling really let down because I had so enjoyed this book up until that point. I do know from my own writing experience that there are times where you have set up a ton of stuff in a book then you realise you've got limited time to untangle it, and this can be the result. I could be utterly wrong of course, and I may be a lone voice here (I don't read other reviews until after I've written mine). I loved the idea. I loved the Glasgow scenes. I loved that the way the author clearly loved the part of the Highlands she chose too. I just wish I'd loved the story more, but for those reasons, I will be going back for more.
October 24, 2023
The Herbalist's Secret is the story of Ardbray House and the indomitable woman who made it a home. From the gargoyles to the gothic arches, I was enamored with Ardbray House from the very beginning. After a recent trip to Scotland, I am smitten with the Highlands, and The Herbalist's Secret by Annabelle Marx just cemented that love.
This haunting tale of Kitty Maclean is told in dual POV by Greer, one of the present day caretakers, and Kitty herself. In May of 1889, Kitty Gray became Kitty Maclean. Thus began her journey to the turreted manor she would soon call home. With the arrival of Caitlin Black, long after Kitty has passed, more secrets are revealed about the lives and deaths at the isolated Ardbray House.
Curled up in your favorite reading spot on a chilly day, The Herbalist's Secret is the perfect book to read with a cozy cup of tea in hand.
Read this if you like:
• Books set in Scotland
• Foreboding manors
• Character-driven stories
• Cozy reads
This haunting tale of Kitty Maclean is told in dual POV by Greer, one of the present day caretakers, and Kitty herself. In May of 1889, Kitty Gray became Kitty Maclean. Thus began her journey to the turreted manor she would soon call home. With the arrival of Caitlin Black, long after Kitty has passed, more secrets are revealed about the lives and deaths at the isolated Ardbray House.
Curled up in your favorite reading spot on a chilly day, The Herbalist's Secret is the perfect book to read with a cozy cup of tea in hand.
Read this if you like:
• Books set in Scotland
• Foreboding manors
• Character-driven stories
• Cozy reads
December 5, 2023
I'm not really sure why this book didn't quite work for me. It has all the elements I love in historical fiction. It has a duel timeline and POV, family secrets, tragedy, ghosts, and the healing power of herbs. I liked all of its pieces, but for some reason, it seemed disjointed.
I enjoyed both narratives but ultimately would have preferred just Kitty's story. It felt to me that there was something missing connecting the two timelines. It was, however, beautifully written.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are my own.
I enjoyed both narratives but ultimately would have preferred just Kitty's story. It felt to me that there was something missing connecting the two timelines. It was, however, beautifully written.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are my own.
September 11, 2023
**3,75/5**
The Herbalist’s Secret leans definitely more towards the Historical Fiction than the Mystery side, and if you’re expecting the haunting and ghostly part to be the center of the story you might be disappointed. The plot around the discovered human skull felt a bit incidental to me, instead the main part of the story is about a young and ambitious woman, who struggles with the restrictions of society for women in the 19th century. We follow her as she creates a life she enjoys with the few possibilities she has, and the legacy she left.
The second point of view is from a long-term housekeeper and for some reason the woman felt very unreliable to me. I expected her to be a least a bit morally grey, but (sadly) that wasn’t were her story was going.
All in all, I had a good time reading this book, but I think I would have enjoyed it even more if I hadn’t expected more of a mystery.
The Herbalist’s Secret leans definitely more towards the Historical Fiction than the Mystery side, and if you’re expecting the haunting and ghostly part to be the center of the story you might be disappointed. The plot around the discovered human skull felt a bit incidental to me, instead the main part of the story is about a young and ambitious woman, who struggles with the restrictions of society for women in the 19th century. We follow her as she creates a life she enjoys with the few possibilities she has, and the legacy she left.
The second point of view is from a long-term housekeeper and for some reason the woman felt very unreliable to me. I expected her to be a least a bit morally grey, but (sadly) that wasn’t were her story was going.
All in all, I had a good time reading this book, but I think I would have enjoyed it even more if I hadn’t expected more of a mystery.
August 22, 2023
I devoured this book in a day. The characters in the dual time lines were interesting and well developed. Clearly, Kitty's story is not going to be happy, and the mystery of the ghost children keeps the reader intrigued. The back story of the cotton industry and her husband’s partner bubbles along in the background. The role of women and their choices at the time is explored, especially the relationship with one’s employees at the time. The present day story is just as important, as the future of the house is sorted, and the mysteries resolved. The relationship between Greer and Caitlin was beautifully crafted. The way the house had a personality worked for me. All in all, a wonderful read for a wet and rainy day!
September 28, 2023
What a captivating, creative spell-binding historical mystery! Annabelle Marx’s debut will put her in some high places in the literary world! This magnificent story set in the breathtaking Scottish Highlands really captured my heart from the very first page to the last. The dual timeline narratives work well side by side and come together seamlessly at the end.
Ardbray House in the Scottish country setting has a brooding presence and harbours ghosts that never seem to let go and move on. This mansion and its surrounding grounds become a character, living and breathing through its residents. It is easy to feel the loneliness and remoteness of the locale but also the freedom that comes with this wild untamed setting. All the trauma witnessed by these walls, gardens and waters flow effortlessly from the past to the present— so its history never dies. Sounds cryptic? Yes, but I don’t want to give anything away. Reading this novel is a complex journey of discovery and one I heartily encourage!
I love how the author awakens our senses with the smell of raspberries cooking! Scents can be powerful memory triggers. I believe this way of touching or releasing memories is effective and the author has drawn upon her own talents or passion for cooking—making it even more special and familiar. There’s nothing like experience to add wonderful depth to a story. Of course, I must not forget the powerful presence of herbs in this novel and their importance. Kitty has a real gift in growing and using them to aid healing. I loved the various herbs and spices at the beginning of the chapters with notes and quotes. These were mostly from reference books of herbalist Hilda Leyel who founded the Society of Herbalists in England. She wrote under the name of Mrs. C. F. Leyel. These gem tidbits provide valuable insight into the story that follows.
The plots are fascinating with one series of events beginning in the past but continuing to have lasting effects in the present. These wonderful threads magically weave together. The characters are rich, rounded and relatable. They evoked great emotion in me from admiration for our heroine to disgust for the villainous characters. I felt sympathetic to Kitty and angry at how women were treated in the 1800s. Like many of her time, Kitty was unable to follow her callings or be in control of her own destiny. Women were expected to be married and living in the shadows of their husbands. Pleasing and feeding their ambitions. Mothers like Kitty’s were promoters of this culture and she is one of the people who pushes her daughter into a direction she does not want to go. Sadly, as a result, there are dire repercussions. Even Kitty’s sister has to learn the hard way, even though she comes across initially as agreeable to this customary course. These women, unfortunately, learn some terrible things about their husbands. But is it too late to find the freedom they crave?
There’s plenty of intrigue surrounding 1889 heroine Kitty Gray. She is the woman at the centre of this story driving it. The mystery that surrounds her life, garden and home are played out before our eyes. Her ambition to attend university and become a doctor fades once her forced marriage to Charles Maclean, one of Glasgow’s wealthiest bachelors, happens. She is often exiled by her husband to their remote Scottish Highland home for her independent spirit, advice and views. Her ‘modern woman thinking’ is not acceptable in a society that sees women as men’s possessions and must be under their control. Kitty’s father is the exception but he is unable to keep his daughter from being pushed by his wife/her mother into a direction that Kitty does not want to go. The heartache Kitty faces certainly broke my heart. But thankfully the new house has a brilliant library with many books she needs. This allows her to find purpose and solace in creating a lovely herbal garden. Kitty combines her medical knowledge and rising interest in herbalism to learn new ways of healing others. Her desire to be productive keeps her going. But tragedy is on the horizon and when her husband’s secrets are revealed, the walls of her safe space begin to crumble.
The novel is told from two viewpoints: Kitty in the past (1889) and Greer (housekeeper) in the present (2003). Caitlin lands at Ardbray House on a mission to renovate the crumbling mansion and its garden with the help of Greer. But as Caitlin dives into the home’s history, she learns some gut wrenching facts about its original owners. Along with this, a shocking surprise is uncovered. These events help Caitlin understand what has kept the spirits of this place from moving on. She also learns her part in this paranormal mystery and what/who has brought her here, to restore this dwelling to its former glory.
If you like stories with houses that have intriguing ghosts and complex historical mysteries, you need to read this. Also, this novel demonstrates well how difficult it was for women in the 1800s. But at least we get to see a small victory for Kitty when women could eventually own property without it being tied to their husbands. This is a great story on all counts and I am looking forward to more fascinating books by this gifted author. Highly recommend. One of the best reads of 2023! 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thanks to Storm Publishing and Netgalley for my review copy.
Ardbray House in the Scottish country setting has a brooding presence and harbours ghosts that never seem to let go and move on. This mansion and its surrounding grounds become a character, living and breathing through its residents. It is easy to feel the loneliness and remoteness of the locale but also the freedom that comes with this wild untamed setting. All the trauma witnessed by these walls, gardens and waters flow effortlessly from the past to the present— so its history never dies. Sounds cryptic? Yes, but I don’t want to give anything away. Reading this novel is a complex journey of discovery and one I heartily encourage!
I love how the author awakens our senses with the smell of raspberries cooking! Scents can be powerful memory triggers. I believe this way of touching or releasing memories is effective and the author has drawn upon her own talents or passion for cooking—making it even more special and familiar. There’s nothing like experience to add wonderful depth to a story. Of course, I must not forget the powerful presence of herbs in this novel and their importance. Kitty has a real gift in growing and using them to aid healing. I loved the various herbs and spices at the beginning of the chapters with notes and quotes. These were mostly from reference books of herbalist Hilda Leyel who founded the Society of Herbalists in England. She wrote under the name of Mrs. C. F. Leyel. These gem tidbits provide valuable insight into the story that follows.
The plots are fascinating with one series of events beginning in the past but continuing to have lasting effects in the present. These wonderful threads magically weave together. The characters are rich, rounded and relatable. They evoked great emotion in me from admiration for our heroine to disgust for the villainous characters. I felt sympathetic to Kitty and angry at how women were treated in the 1800s. Like many of her time, Kitty was unable to follow her callings or be in control of her own destiny. Women were expected to be married and living in the shadows of their husbands. Pleasing and feeding their ambitions. Mothers like Kitty’s were promoters of this culture and she is one of the people who pushes her daughter into a direction she does not want to go. Sadly, as a result, there are dire repercussions. Even Kitty’s sister has to learn the hard way, even though she comes across initially as agreeable to this customary course. These women, unfortunately, learn some terrible things about their husbands. But is it too late to find the freedom they crave?
There’s plenty of intrigue surrounding 1889 heroine Kitty Gray. She is the woman at the centre of this story driving it. The mystery that surrounds her life, garden and home are played out before our eyes. Her ambition to attend university and become a doctor fades once her forced marriage to Charles Maclean, one of Glasgow’s wealthiest bachelors, happens. She is often exiled by her husband to their remote Scottish Highland home for her independent spirit, advice and views. Her ‘modern woman thinking’ is not acceptable in a society that sees women as men’s possessions and must be under their control. Kitty’s father is the exception but he is unable to keep his daughter from being pushed by his wife/her mother into a direction that Kitty does not want to go. The heartache Kitty faces certainly broke my heart. But thankfully the new house has a brilliant library with many books she needs. This allows her to find purpose and solace in creating a lovely herbal garden. Kitty combines her medical knowledge and rising interest in herbalism to learn new ways of healing others. Her desire to be productive keeps her going. But tragedy is on the horizon and when her husband’s secrets are revealed, the walls of her safe space begin to crumble.
The novel is told from two viewpoints: Kitty in the past (1889) and Greer (housekeeper) in the present (2003). Caitlin lands at Ardbray House on a mission to renovate the crumbling mansion and its garden with the help of Greer. But as Caitlin dives into the home’s history, she learns some gut wrenching facts about its original owners. Along with this, a shocking surprise is uncovered. These events help Caitlin understand what has kept the spirits of this place from moving on. She also learns her part in this paranormal mystery and what/who has brought her here, to restore this dwelling to its former glory.
If you like stories with houses that have intriguing ghosts and complex historical mysteries, you need to read this. Also, this novel demonstrates well how difficult it was for women in the 1800s. But at least we get to see a small victory for Kitty when women could eventually own property without it being tied to their husbands. This is a great story on all counts and I am looking forward to more fascinating books by this gifted author. Highly recommend. One of the best reads of 2023! 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thanks to Storm Publishing and Netgalley for my review copy.
November 12, 2024
I really loved this ghost story that was less about ghosts and more about the strength gained through adverse circumstances. Warning it touches on sexual assault, domestic violence, and death of children.
While Ms. Marx debut book is not perfect. I really enjoyed her writing style and look forward to more of her books.
While Ms. Marx debut book is not perfect. I really enjoyed her writing style and look forward to more of her books.
Read
January 23, 2025I liked it but it was a little dark
June 14, 2025
I loved this book, it was one of those that was hard to put down at the end of the day. This was the authors first book, I can't wait to read more from her.
August 13, 2025
Decent but nothing special
June 17, 2024
Gripping story weaving between the past and present, bringing old secrets to life. Insights into the cotton industry and life in a "big house". Compelling reading.
September 9, 2024
Why I chose to read this book:
Of course initially I was drawn in by the beautiful cover. It seems to be a style that is being used on the covers of historical fiction novels that harkens to a decorative style from the past. Herbs, their uses and sensual beauty innumerable and an herbalist as the main character, I’m hooked.
Why I gave it only 2 stars:
With so much potential, it was disappointing. The novel was trying to be too many things: dual timeline, murder mystery, ghost story, misogyny, women as healers, beautiful old mansions as a character, etc.
I felt I had to plow through this novel, although it did have its attractions, but it never really hung together or held my interest. Perhaps it would’ve been so much better if it had been edited properly.
This is an example of a novel as a commercial entity, instead of a piece of well written literature. Start with whatever is popular on the best seller list and then incorporate all those ingredients into your novel, the result a stew instead of a fine meal!
Of course initially I was drawn in by the beautiful cover. It seems to be a style that is being used on the covers of historical fiction novels that harkens to a decorative style from the past. Herbs, their uses and sensual beauty innumerable and an herbalist as the main character, I’m hooked.
Why I gave it only 2 stars:
With so much potential, it was disappointing. The novel was trying to be too many things: dual timeline, murder mystery, ghost story, misogyny, women as healers, beautiful old mansions as a character, etc.
I felt I had to plow through this novel, although it did have its attractions, but it never really hung together or held my interest. Perhaps it would’ve been so much better if it had been edited properly.
This is an example of a novel as a commercial entity, instead of a piece of well written literature. Start with whatever is popular on the best seller list and then incorporate all those ingredients into your novel, the result a stew instead of a fine meal!
October 6, 2023
A story of life, death, isolation, independence, and re-juvenation.
'1889: Kitty Gray dreams of attending university and becoming a doctor, but when she is married off to Charles Maclean, one of Glasgow's richest and most eligible bachelors, her aspiration suddenly slips far from reach.
Exiled to her new remote home in the Scottish Highlands, with its gargoyles, gothic arches and turrets, Kitty seeks solace in creating a restorative herb garden. Combining her medical knowledge and new-found fascination with herbalism, Kitty spends her days absorbed in a world of herbs and their healing properties until a devastating tragedy strikes...
2003 : Caitlin Black arrives at Ardbray House determined to restore the crumbling mansion and Kitty's walled garden to their former glory, enlisting the help of long-time housekeeper Greer Mackenzie. But as Caitlin delves deeper into the history of this once magnificent home, she uncovers a past haunted by misfortune and grief. And beneath the blood-red roses that climb beside the bay window of the drawing room, a human skull is about to be unearthed.
The truth that has held Ardbray House captive for so long is surfacing, and with it, the heart-breaking secret of the herbalist who once lived there.'
A beautifully haunting exploration of the suffocating societal pressures of the 19th century. Marx delicately interweaves the narrative between her two main characters, Kitty in 1889, and Greer in 2003, and the circumstances surrounding both the Herbalist's and the Housekeeper's isolation within the Scottish highlands.
Kitty is definitely the domineering character within the book, so fully herself that she leaves very little room for the rest. Her bookishness and sharp intellect reminded me fondly of my all-time favourite literary character, Elizabeth Bennet, from Pride and Prejudice, I found Kitty's burning desire for independence and her continued struggle throughout the book to be defined as something more than an extension of her husband, very interesting. It opened my eyes to the profound loneliness caused by the enforcement of strict social and gender conventions.
As I grew up in the Scottish Highlands, not too far from Sutherland, I really loved and felt connected to the many passages describing the stunning landscape and the remoteness of the area. I also thoroughly enjoyed the snippets of herbal remedies that adorned each chapter heading, so much so, that it made me wish to learn more about the local plant life and their uses.
The elements of mystery and sorrow that are imbued within the story add further richness to an already intriguing backdrop, and I found myself eager to unravel all the layers.
Thank you so much to NetGalley, Storm Publishing, and Annabelle Marx for the wonderful advanced copy of 'The Herbalist's Secret'.
'1889: Kitty Gray dreams of attending university and becoming a doctor, but when she is married off to Charles Maclean, one of Glasgow's richest and most eligible bachelors, her aspiration suddenly slips far from reach.
Exiled to her new remote home in the Scottish Highlands, with its gargoyles, gothic arches and turrets, Kitty seeks solace in creating a restorative herb garden. Combining her medical knowledge and new-found fascination with herbalism, Kitty spends her days absorbed in a world of herbs and their healing properties until a devastating tragedy strikes...
2003 : Caitlin Black arrives at Ardbray House determined to restore the crumbling mansion and Kitty's walled garden to their former glory, enlisting the help of long-time housekeeper Greer Mackenzie. But as Caitlin delves deeper into the history of this once magnificent home, she uncovers a past haunted by misfortune and grief. And beneath the blood-red roses that climb beside the bay window of the drawing room, a human skull is about to be unearthed.
The truth that has held Ardbray House captive for so long is surfacing, and with it, the heart-breaking secret of the herbalist who once lived there.'
A beautifully haunting exploration of the suffocating societal pressures of the 19th century. Marx delicately interweaves the narrative between her two main characters, Kitty in 1889, and Greer in 2003, and the circumstances surrounding both the Herbalist's and the Housekeeper's isolation within the Scottish highlands.
Kitty is definitely the domineering character within the book, so fully herself that she leaves very little room for the rest. Her bookishness and sharp intellect reminded me fondly of my all-time favourite literary character, Elizabeth Bennet, from Pride and Prejudice, I found Kitty's burning desire for independence and her continued struggle throughout the book to be defined as something more than an extension of her husband, very interesting. It opened my eyes to the profound loneliness caused by the enforcement of strict social and gender conventions.
As I grew up in the Scottish Highlands, not too far from Sutherland, I really loved and felt connected to the many passages describing the stunning landscape and the remoteness of the area. I also thoroughly enjoyed the snippets of herbal remedies that adorned each chapter heading, so much so, that it made me wish to learn more about the local plant life and their uses.
The elements of mystery and sorrow that are imbued within the story add further richness to an already intriguing backdrop, and I found myself eager to unravel all the layers.
Thank you so much to NetGalley, Storm Publishing, and Annabelle Marx for the wonderful advanced copy of 'The Herbalist's Secret'.
October 5, 2023
The Herbalist’s Secret by Annabelle Marx is a tale spanning decades told between the past of the present. Kitty Gray in the past and Caitlin Black in the present both have overcome their own hardships and this is really a story about their strength and how the past isn’t always that far from the present if you pay close enough attention.
Kitty’s timeline was by far the strongest part of the story. Her personality, strength, and love for her found family was endearing to read and brought tears to my eyes at points. I kept getting brought out when the time switched to the present and it switched from third to first person. Greer Mackenzie’s characterization bothered me in a way that I truly struggle to put my finger on. I’m not sure if it’s her interactions with Caitlin, especially when Greer would go from being friendly with Caitlin to giving her the cold shoulder on the same page. I wish we hadn’t been focused on Greer and seen more of Caitlin since she was essentially the modern version of Kitty. Caitlin and Kitty’s stories when the pieces were finally connected made me cry because the tragedies that they both faced tore at my heart with how raw and true the emotion was
Thank you Netgalley and Storm Publishing for this amazing story about two amazing women.
Merged review:
The Herbalist’s Secret by Annabelle Marx is a tale spanning decades told between the past of the present. Kitty Gray in the past and Caitlin Black in the present both have overcome their own hardships and this is really a story about their strength and how the past isn’t always that far from the present if you pay close enough attention.
Kitty’s timeline was by far the strongest part of the story. Her personality, strength, and love for her found family was endearing to read and brought tears to my eyes at points. I kept getting brought out when the time switched to the present and it switched from third to first person. Greer Mackenzie’s characterization bothered me in a way that I truly struggle to put my finger on. I’m not sure if it’s her interactions with Caitlin, especially when Greer would go from being friendly with Caitlin to giving her the cold shoulder on the same page. I wish we hadn’t been focused on Greer and seen more of Caitlin since she was essentially the modern version of Kitty. Caitlin and Kitty’s stories when the pieces were finally connected made me cry because the tragedies that they both faced tore at my heart with how raw and true the emotion was
Thank you Netgalley and Storm Publishing for this amazing story about two amazing women.
Kitty’s timeline was by far the strongest part of the story. Her personality, strength, and love for her found family was endearing to read and brought tears to my eyes at points. I kept getting brought out when the time switched to the present and it switched from third to first person. Greer Mackenzie’s characterization bothered me in a way that I truly struggle to put my finger on. I’m not sure if it’s her interactions with Caitlin, especially when Greer would go from being friendly with Caitlin to giving her the cold shoulder on the same page. I wish we hadn’t been focused on Greer and seen more of Caitlin since she was essentially the modern version of Kitty. Caitlin and Kitty’s stories when the pieces were finally connected made me cry because the tragedies that they both faced tore at my heart with how raw and true the emotion was
Thank you Netgalley and Storm Publishing for this amazing story about two amazing women.
Merged review:
The Herbalist’s Secret by Annabelle Marx is a tale spanning decades told between the past of the present. Kitty Gray in the past and Caitlin Black in the present both have overcome their own hardships and this is really a story about their strength and how the past isn’t always that far from the present if you pay close enough attention.
Kitty’s timeline was by far the strongest part of the story. Her personality, strength, and love for her found family was endearing to read and brought tears to my eyes at points. I kept getting brought out when the time switched to the present and it switched from third to first person. Greer Mackenzie’s characterization bothered me in a way that I truly struggle to put my finger on. I’m not sure if it’s her interactions with Caitlin, especially when Greer would go from being friendly with Caitlin to giving her the cold shoulder on the same page. I wish we hadn’t been focused on Greer and seen more of Caitlin since she was essentially the modern version of Kitty. Caitlin and Kitty’s stories when the pieces were finally connected made me cry because the tragedies that they both faced tore at my heart with how raw and true the emotion was
Thank you Netgalley and Storm Publishing for this amazing story about two amazing women.
January 15, 2024
“The Herbalist’s Secret” is a book about three women, one living in late 1800s Glasgow and in a remote mansion in the Scottish countryside, and two other womenin the same house, but in the 2000s. The three women all feel constrained, or trapped, and are looking for a ways out, or new beginnings to their lives.
In late 1800s Glasgow Kitty is married off by her ambitious mother to a successful businessman. Kitty looks forward to her marriage as her actual ambitions have been thwarted by her status-conscious mother, who abhors the idea of her daughter pursuing a career in medicine. Almost immediately after the marriage, Kitty realizes that her husband is not who she thought he was, and she is quickly banished to his country home, where she slowly develops a deep knowledge of herbology and uses it to treat injuries and illness. She and her husband have two children, but it's implied that Kitty experiences great tragedy in her life.
In the 2000s, Greer manages the same house, and chafes to leave, but can't, for reasons that are slowly revealed. Greer meets prospective buyer Caitlin, who wants to transform the house into a retreat. Both women see ghosts of two young children, and Greer is both happy that her long tenure at the house may be ending with Caitlin's purchase, and she is also unwilling to accept Caitlin as the potential new owner.
The house is also a sort of character, exerting a pull on its inhabitants that is eerie at times.
So, did I like this book? Not really.
I liked Kitty's sections, which deal a little with worker's rights and the horrible conditions they worked in in cotton mills, and a little with women's rights at the time. However, for someone who was supposed to be a self-taught expert in herbology, we see very, very little of Kitty practicing this skill.
Then there is the mystery of the child ghosts and the skull, which really is not a mystery, as the identity of the ghosts is super easy to divine, and the presence of the skull is explained in Kitty's section, and I could see the explanation for why it's at the house coming a kilometre away.
The sections with Greer are ok, but I never really felt anything for Greer, and I found Caitlin annoyingly privileged, and even when more is revealed of her backstory, this all feels too melodramatic.
This is a story that could have been likeable, but lacked too much to get there.
Thank you to Netgalley and to Storm Publishing for this ARC in exchange for my review.
In late 1800s Glasgow Kitty is married off by her ambitious mother to a successful businessman. Kitty looks forward to her marriage as her actual ambitions have been thwarted by her status-conscious mother, who abhors the idea of her daughter pursuing a career in medicine. Almost immediately after the marriage, Kitty realizes that her husband is not who she thought he was, and she is quickly banished to his country home, where she slowly develops a deep knowledge of herbology and uses it to treat injuries and illness. She and her husband have two children, but it's implied that Kitty experiences great tragedy in her life.
In the 2000s, Greer manages the same house, and chafes to leave, but can't, for reasons that are slowly revealed. Greer meets prospective buyer Caitlin, who wants to transform the house into a retreat. Both women see ghosts of two young children, and Greer is both happy that her long tenure at the house may be ending with Caitlin's purchase, and she is also unwilling to accept Caitlin as the potential new owner.
The house is also a sort of character, exerting a pull on its inhabitants that is eerie at times.
So, did I like this book? Not really.
I liked Kitty's sections, which deal a little with worker's rights and the horrible conditions they worked in in cotton mills, and a little with women's rights at the time. However, for someone who was supposed to be a self-taught expert in herbology, we see very, very little of Kitty practicing this skill.
Then there is the mystery of the child ghosts and the skull, which really is not a mystery, as the identity of the ghosts is super easy to divine, and the presence of the skull is explained in Kitty's section, and I could see the explanation for why it's at the house coming a kilometre away.
The sections with Greer are ok, but I never really felt anything for Greer, and I found Caitlin annoyingly privileged, and even when more is revealed of her backstory, this all feels too melodramatic.
This is a story that could have been likeable, but lacked too much to get there.
Thank you to Netgalley and to Storm Publishing for this ARC in exchange for my review.
October 22, 2023
Thank you to NetGalley for the chance to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
"The Herbalist's Secret" is a novel about an old house, ghosts, and a mysterious family in 1800s Scotland, with an eccentric women herbalist at its center, and although the setting is great, the book falls short on many aspects.
Honestly, this book falls somewhere in the 2.7-3 star range for me. Although the book's atmosphere, setting, cozy, gothic, mysterious yet light-hearted ambiance, and mouth-watering food descriptions were delightful to read due to the beautifully flowy writing style, I fear that the character construction, relationships, and structure of the book could have delivered more.
The book follows a cast of characters in the late 1800s and early 2000s as the reader is meant to piece together the puzzle of an old, mysterious, haunted 19th-century house in the past and the modern day. However, the aspects of mystery in the novel were severely underdeveloped due to the simple fact that the characters consistently answer their own questions and mysteries right after they are introduced, leaving no suspense or work for the reader and the fact that characters info-dump their whole backstories instead of letting us see their progression, evolution, and motivations for ourselves., as well as telling us how certain characters feel about each other without really developing why or how.
The book had a wonderful atmosphere perfect for fall. Still, it consistently left me frustrated by the random explanation of characters' actions which came out of left field, and the fact that no mystery in this novel was really a mystery. To be honest, I almost didn't know what I was reading for other than the amazing descriptions. Overall, interesting idea, and wonderful descriptions, but a bit of an underwhelming character, character relationships, and structure constructions.
"The Herbalist's Secret" is a novel about an old house, ghosts, and a mysterious family in 1800s Scotland, with an eccentric women herbalist at its center, and although the setting is great, the book falls short on many aspects.
Honestly, this book falls somewhere in the 2.7-3 star range for me. Although the book's atmosphere, setting, cozy, gothic, mysterious yet light-hearted ambiance, and mouth-watering food descriptions were delightful to read due to the beautifully flowy writing style, I fear that the character construction, relationships, and structure of the book could have delivered more.
The book follows a cast of characters in the late 1800s and early 2000s as the reader is meant to piece together the puzzle of an old, mysterious, haunted 19th-century house in the past and the modern day. However, the aspects of mystery in the novel were severely underdeveloped due to the simple fact that the characters consistently answer their own questions and mysteries right after they are introduced, leaving no suspense or work for the reader and the fact that characters info-dump their whole backstories instead of letting us see their progression, evolution, and motivations for ourselves., as well as telling us how certain characters feel about each other without really developing why or how.
The book had a wonderful atmosphere perfect for fall. Still, it consistently left me frustrated by the random explanation of characters' actions which came out of left field, and the fact that no mystery in this novel was really a mystery. To be honest, I almost didn't know what I was reading for other than the amazing descriptions. Overall, interesting idea, and wonderful descriptions, but a bit of an underwhelming character, character relationships, and structure constructions.
November 11, 2023
A Beautifully Written Novel.
I Thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. It has lovely characters, and this book is a beautifully written novel. The novel is told from two viewpoints: Kitty in the past 1889 and Greer who is the housekeeper set in the present 2003. Caitlin lands at Ardbray House on a mission to renovate the crumbling mansion and its gardens with the help of Greer.
This magnificent story is set in the breathtaking Scottish Highlands and captures your heart from the very first page to the last. The dual timeline narratives work well side by side and come together seamlessly at the end. The plots are fascinating with one series of events beginning in the past but continuing to have lasting effects in the present.
Thanks to NetGalley and to the publishers of this book for giving me a free advance copy of the book to preview and I am leaving this review voluntary.
I Thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. It has lovely characters, and this book is a beautifully written novel. The novel is told from two viewpoints: Kitty in the past 1889 and Greer who is the housekeeper set in the present 2003. Caitlin lands at Ardbray House on a mission to renovate the crumbling mansion and its gardens with the help of Greer.
This magnificent story is set in the breathtaking Scottish Highlands and captures your heart from the very first page to the last. The dual timeline narratives work well side by side and come together seamlessly at the end. The plots are fascinating with one series of events beginning in the past but continuing to have lasting effects in the present.
Thanks to NetGalley and to the publishers of this book for giving me a free advance copy of the book to preview and I am leaving this review voluntary.
August 27, 2023
I have literally just finished The Herbalists Secret and wow it was a great read. I'm not sure who's narrations I preferred Kitty's or Greer's but they came together perfectly. I really enjoyed the story although I found a jump between Kitty's marriage then being 2 children in a little frustrating but I think that's just because I'm greedy and wanted more.
An excellent read that I highly recommend.
An excellent read that I highly recommend.
September 2, 2023
Kitty Gray has dreams, they are not her parents' dreams. They are not the dreams of her new husband. She is exiled to a remote home. Do you conform to what your husband wants, or do you find a way to live your life? What happens when everything you knew has been lost?
I enjoyed the journey with Kitty. I loved this story, was sad for it to end. I truly look forward to reading more from this author.
I enjoyed the journey with Kitty. I loved this story, was sad for it to end. I truly look forward to reading more from this author.
October 18, 2023
A fascinating and strong historical fiction: a dual timeline featuring two strong and clever woman, drama, grief, and the echoes of the past.
I loved the descriptions of the garden and loved the story
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine
I loved the descriptions of the garden and loved the story
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine
January 30, 2024
A beautiful, richly descriptive story set in the Scottish highlands. I was completely drawn in from the first page and loved the seamless interweaving of the modern day story with the historical one. A truly lovely, enjoyable read.
November 13, 2024
So much promise and then it all fell so very flat.
I love the cover and the premise and thought this would surely be an enjoyable read. Sadly, it didn't live up to my expectations. While the idea and setting was superb, the rest really didn't work for me.
I love the cover and the premise and thought this would surely be an enjoyable read. Sadly, it didn't live up to my expectations. While the idea and setting was superb, the rest really didn't work for me.
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