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The Rewilding of Molly McFlynn
It’s spring 2020 and fifteen-year-old Molly McFlynn is uprooted from town life by her mam to live with her bohemian grandparents in rural Northumberland. Molly is furious – her friends abandon her, the food is inedible and her grandmother is doing strange things in the garden at night.
Life takes a new direction when she meets a girl in the woods who appears to be on the run. Martha is from the seventeenth century, and a life lived on the edge of society. She is fleeing from the witch finder and the men who have hurled her mother, Ann Watson, into the dungeons in Newcastle. As Molly’s friendship with Martha grows, Molly reconciles with her true self, develops a love of nature and moves away from her consumerist lifestyle.
However, as Covid strikes, and a local witch hunt takes place, Martha’s is not the only life that is in danger. Molly must stand up for what is right, help heal family rifts and come to the rescue in a moment of peril.
'We all need a Molly in our lives. Brave and impetuous, with an honest, distinctive and timely voice, this girl is the real thing. I loved getting to know her.' Ann Coburn, author of 'Glint'
Life takes a new direction when she meets a girl in the woods who appears to be on the run. Martha is from the seventeenth century, and a life lived on the edge of society. She is fleeing from the witch finder and the men who have hurled her mother, Ann Watson, into the dungeons in Newcastle. As Molly’s friendship with Martha grows, Molly reconciles with her true self, develops a love of nature and moves away from her consumerist lifestyle.
However, as Covid strikes, and a local witch hunt takes place, Martha’s is not the only life that is in danger. Molly must stand up for what is right, help heal family rifts and come to the rescue in a moment of peril.
'We all need a Molly in our lives. Brave and impetuous, with an honest, distinctive and timely voice, this girl is the real thing. I loved getting to know her.' Ann Coburn, author of 'Glint'
- GenresYoung AdultFantasy
248 pages, Paperback
Published October 28, 2023
3 people are currently reading
106 people want to read
About the author
Sue Reed
1 book12 followersSue Reed lives in rural Northumberland with her husband, Tim where their love of wild places and nature can be realised. They have three grown-up children and two granddaughters who mean the world to them.
Born in Worthing, Sussex, Sue migrated steadily north and has worn a variety of hats in her professional life from teacher, museum guide, upcycler of waste wool knitwear as The Woolly Pedlar to published author. It was in 2019 that she decided to go to Newcastle University to do an MA in Creative Writing, which is where the idea for the Molly McFlynn books started.
When not writing, Sue divides her time with her husband in the garden, travelling in their converted campervan or looking after the grandchildren. They try to live as sustainably as possible, leading gentle lives in tune with the seasons, and growing their own fruit and vegetables. Sue also writes about organic gardening, seasonal eating and foraging at The Bridge Cottage Way.
Born in Worthing, Sussex, Sue migrated steadily north and has worn a variety of hats in her professional life from teacher, museum guide, upcycler of waste wool knitwear as The Woolly Pedlar to published author. It was in 2019 that she decided to go to Newcastle University to do an MA in Creative Writing, which is where the idea for the Molly McFlynn books started.
When not writing, Sue divides her time with her husband in the garden, travelling in their converted campervan or looking after the grandchildren. They try to live as sustainably as possible, leading gentle lives in tune with the seasons, and growing their own fruit and vegetables. Sue also writes about organic gardening, seasonal eating and foraging at The Bridge Cottage Way.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
November 29, 2023
This debut novel by Sue Reed like so many others was conceived and nurtured throughout a lifetime of lived experience, but it was born during the pandemic.
Write about what you know, is often advice given to it aspiring authors. And it's all there in Sue's first novel ; reference points to West Northumberland, family relationships and the Toon where Molly lives before coming to stay with her grandparents.
The book deals with issues about making a place for yourself in the world, your chosen and imposed personal identity , fair weather friends and true friendship, the toxic impact of social media, and two centuries, where women were and are judged on how they looked, where they worshipped, who they worshiped and did they conform?
It's a book that promises future adventures starring Molly, although I don't know if Martha will have survived the torment of returning to the city, which persecuted and murdered her mother as a witch. This aspect is based on historical research.
I also know this much , that Sue may have been tried as a witch had she lived in that century. My own mother told me that we would've fallen under suspicion because there was no male protector in our household ; we had a black cat and I used to make concoctions for skin and hair from plants when I was Molly's age
The book deals with difficult issues successfully , you could say that it is autobiographical and biographical, the witchhunts have not disappeared depending on your chosen tribe, and whether you are a conformist or an individual
Write about what you know, is often advice given to it aspiring authors. And it's all there in Sue's first novel ; reference points to West Northumberland, family relationships and the Toon where Molly lives before coming to stay with her grandparents.
The book deals with issues about making a place for yourself in the world, your chosen and imposed personal identity , fair weather friends and true friendship, the toxic impact of social media, and two centuries, where women were and are judged on how they looked, where they worshipped, who they worshiped and did they conform?
It's a book that promises future adventures starring Molly, although I don't know if Martha will have survived the torment of returning to the city, which persecuted and murdered her mother as a witch. This aspect is based on historical research.
I also know this much , that Sue may have been tried as a witch had she lived in that century. My own mother told me that we would've fallen under suspicion because there was no male protector in our household ; we had a black cat and I used to make concoctions for skin and hair from plants when I was Molly's age
The book deals with difficult issues successfully , you could say that it is autobiographical and biographical, the witchhunts have not disappeared depending on your chosen tribe, and whether you are a conformist or an individual
September 27, 2023
Set in rural Northumberland during the initial Covid lockdown, Molly finds herself plonked into a world of strange knitwear and gross food with nothing to do, abandoned by her so-called friends. With the help of her odd but loveable grandparents she sheds her false self, finding the joy and peace that can be found in nature.
Molly soon discovers things aren't all they seem down at the river, and she must find the strength to stand up for what she believes in and help those who have no voice.
Written with beautiful imagery, you cannot help but fall in love with the land and cheer Molly on as she undergoes a wonderful transformation.
I loved reading this book and cannot wait to see where Molly goes next!
Molly soon discovers things aren't all they seem down at the river, and she must find the strength to stand up for what she believes in and help those who have no voice.
Written with beautiful imagery, you cannot help but fall in love with the land and cheer Molly on as she undergoes a wonderful transformation.
I loved reading this book and cannot wait to see where Molly goes next!
February 20, 2024
This is such a cute and endearing read, the relationship between Molly and her grandparents is adorable, I like that through the book it is demonstrated that you don’t have to follow the crowd and you can enjoyable the great outdoors, unlike Mollys ‘friends’
The historical fiction aspect was interesting and I loved the little ‘clues’ left for Molly at the end.
This is a must for people of all ages.
The historical fiction aspect was interesting and I loved the little ‘clues’ left for Molly at the end.
This is a must for people of all ages.
October 11, 2023
Good books for older children are hard to find, my teenage daughters wanted neither stories about ponies nor romance books about falling in love! ‘The Rewilding of Molly McFlynn’ however comes in at just the right pitch with its reaffirming messages about friendship and finding ‘your tribe’, a little bit of magic, feminism and a balanced, grown up message about the environment. I loved the characters and felt nostalgic for a ‘Nan’ I never even had, we could all do with hugs like those. The story is skilfully woven with beautiful imagery and fascinating historical fact and I found myself wishing there was an accompanying ‘recipe’ book of all Nan’s tinctures and cures.
There is lots going on in this captivating story that will appeal to many, I enjoyed it a lot and I’m almost 50.
There is lots going on in this captivating story that will appeal to many, I enjoyed it a lot and I’m almost 50.
October 28, 2023
It felt as though the book was rushed into print - quite a few jolting typos and mistakes.
The big take away was good: older people and people from the past can teach us things that our contemporaries cannot. Breaking Bread with the Dead by Alan Jacobs discusses the virtues of reading older literature for this reason.
The love of Northumberland countryside came through.
Like many first sermons, Ms Reed, has tried to fit too much into this first novel. She ends up telling us X happened instead of showing us.
The contemporary voices were authentic, but the seventeenth century voice did not ring true.
Ms Reed has attempted to appeal to too many demographics, except Christians, who, personified in the vicar, are belittled.
The big take away was good: older people and people from the past can teach us things that our contemporaries cannot. Breaking Bread with the Dead by Alan Jacobs discusses the virtues of reading older literature for this reason.
The love of Northumberland countryside came through.
Like many first sermons, Ms Reed, has tried to fit too much into this first novel. She ends up telling us X happened instead of showing us.
The contemporary voices were authentic, but the seventeenth century voice did not ring true.
Ms Reed has attempted to appeal to too many demographics, except Christians, who, personified in the vicar, are belittled.
September 9, 2024
Although the Covid pandemic was a few years ago now, it still feels current when reading about it in novels and this was an aspect I enjoyed. This book is clearly very well researched from the North East setting down to the witch trials of the 1700’s. Molly is such a wonderful heart-warming character and I really liked her interactions with her grandparents especially. The themes of family, friendship and finding your true self are strong and beautifully addressed. Although billed as a YA novel, I think this is a slight injustice as people of all ages will enjoy this story. A fantastic debut for anyone in the mood for an endearing read with an aspect of time slip and some magical realism.
January 7, 2025
I loved this book and I wish there had been a story just like this in my own teen years - my life may have been very different!
Sue has a wonderful writing style, I could hear the NE accent throughout, and she evokes a fabulous images of the rural areas.
I found the connection to the witch trials fascinating coming from a similar area in the NW and Mollys personal growth is a joy to behold.
Each character has there own issues, no one was perfect, it seamed so real!
Thrilled to find out more Molly McFlynn stories may be on the way!
Sue has a wonderful writing style, I could hear the NE accent throughout, and she evokes a fabulous images of the rural areas.
I found the connection to the witch trials fascinating coming from a similar area in the NW and Mollys personal growth is a joy to behold.
Each character has there own issues, no one was perfect, it seamed so real!
Thrilled to find out more Molly McFlynn stories may be on the way!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 2, 2023
Really enjoyed this book, and anyone from the north-east would too, as it felt so familiar to read. Molly had so much heart and was a very accessible character to read about as she began to learn more about herself, and Martha, the daughter of an accused witch who had accidentally fell through time. Nan and Grandad were such comforting characters and it made me feel like they were my grandparents!
October 20, 2023
YA novel set in past and present NORTHUMBERLAND
Molly has been dropped off with her hippie grandparents whilst her mother works at a hospital during the 2020 pandemic. It is a a shock because they live virtually in the middle of rural Northumberland, where the single, local shop closes at 15.00, such a contrast to the bright lights and busy streets of Newcastle and the suburb of Heaton, where she and her mother are based.
The Wi-Fi is erratic, the grandparents clearly haven't heard of Spotify (preferring their CDs to listen to their 'dum diddley music') and mugwort tea is a thing. Her grandparents lead the 'good life', in tune with nature, working with their sheep during lambing season, and sourcing food from the land. Humanity may be in crisis, battered by a pandemic but the seasons march on regardless.
Molly's Nan is adept at blending herbs for all kinds of things, sourcing ingredients from the locality. She is also a member of the Silver Spoon Collective, a project to bring women together to honour the women murdered on charges of witchcraft. Burned / hanged, as many were in the 17th Century, she is exploring the memory of a particular victim, to wit Ann Watson, who was hanged on the Town Moor in Newcastle in 1650. Molly's modern context for the setting is where The Hoppings (an annual funfair rolls in every Summer), an open moor right in the centre of the city where cows graze.
Then, whilst taking her grandparents' dog for a walk, she espies a young woman of perhaps similar age, who is withdrawn and frightened, dirty, too; yet somehow she can't forget her and tries to seek her out once again....
A delightfully told story, a magical interweaving of past and present. This is the story of a teenage girl grappling with the rhythms of life in the country, which contrast strongly with her life in the city. Sausages don't come from the supermarket but from local farmers, yogurt is home made and there is a distinct lack of plastic around her grandparents' house. Molly learns that the wilds of the countryside have a lot to offer to a modern day young woman. The story is also specific on the daily routines, fears and conditions of the Covid months, whilst Molly explores the resonances of times past with her new acquaintance.
If you are familiar with the North East, you will love the mention of settings, both across the city and wider Northumberland.
Molly has been dropped off with her hippie grandparents whilst her mother works at a hospital during the 2020 pandemic. It is a a shock because they live virtually in the middle of rural Northumberland, where the single, local shop closes at 15.00, such a contrast to the bright lights and busy streets of Newcastle and the suburb of Heaton, where she and her mother are based.
The Wi-Fi is erratic, the grandparents clearly haven't heard of Spotify (preferring their CDs to listen to their 'dum diddley music') and mugwort tea is a thing. Her grandparents lead the 'good life', in tune with nature, working with their sheep during lambing season, and sourcing food from the land. Humanity may be in crisis, battered by a pandemic but the seasons march on regardless.
Molly's Nan is adept at blending herbs for all kinds of things, sourcing ingredients from the locality. She is also a member of the Silver Spoon Collective, a project to bring women together to honour the women murdered on charges of witchcraft. Burned / hanged, as many were in the 17th Century, she is exploring the memory of a particular victim, to wit Ann Watson, who was hanged on the Town Moor in Newcastle in 1650. Molly's modern context for the setting is where The Hoppings (an annual funfair rolls in every Summer), an open moor right in the centre of the city where cows graze.
Then, whilst taking her grandparents' dog for a walk, she espies a young woman of perhaps similar age, who is withdrawn and frightened, dirty, too; yet somehow she can't forget her and tries to seek her out once again....
A delightfully told story, a magical interweaving of past and present. This is the story of a teenage girl grappling with the rhythms of life in the country, which contrast strongly with her life in the city. Sausages don't come from the supermarket but from local farmers, yogurt is home made and there is a distinct lack of plastic around her grandparents' house. Molly learns that the wilds of the countryside have a lot to offer to a modern day young woman. The story is also specific on the daily routines, fears and conditions of the Covid months, whilst Molly explores the resonances of times past with her new acquaintance.
If you are familiar with the North East, you will love the mention of settings, both across the city and wider Northumberland.
November 2, 2025
Spring 2020, Covid has landed and fifteen year old Molly McFlynn is sent to live with her grandparents in an ancient cottage in Northumberland while her mam stays in Newcastle working in the local hospital. Molly isn’t happy, her friends have quickly forgotten about her and life in the countryside is boring. Oh and her gran is a herbalist and self sufficient. Nettle soup and elderberry tonic are the treats of the day. How on earth is Molly going to survive for three weeks in this desolate and dull place?
But then Molly meets a strange girl in the woods. Martha. Who bizarrely appears to be from the seventeenth century, fleeing from a witch finder who has put her mother, Ann Watson, in the castle keep. Their friendship quickly grows and Molly starts to find joy in nature and realises that the things she once found important are no longer so. But can Martha stay here? Or will she need to return to her old life, despite its dangers? And what about Molly’s grandfather, whose health is rapidly deteriorating? There are so many questions, can Molly do anything about any of them?
This could primarily be aimed at a YA audience and it’s not often I read YA so I was interested to see how I’d feel about it. I actually loved it. The author’s style of writing is so warm, informal and welcoming that I was brought right into Molly’s world from the first few pages. As a Newcastle native I especially enjoyed all the local references, particularly the information about the 1649 witch trials which resulted in at least fifteen women and men being hanged on our very own town moor.
But you don’t need to be a Geordie to enjoy this book. It’s written flawlessly with a fascinating plot. The characters are enchanting, the family relationships authentic and well developed. The beautiful Northumbrian setting hugely atmospheric and very fitting to the storyline.
Inspired by the Newcastle witch trials, this is a story that will both enchant you and make you think. About people who don’t conform and who are singled out. While we don’t hang people any more, there is still much discrimination given to those who are different. Has the world really changed that much in almost four hundred years?
Thanks to the author for sending me a review copy. Sue, it was superb! 🙌
But then Molly meets a strange girl in the woods. Martha. Who bizarrely appears to be from the seventeenth century, fleeing from a witch finder who has put her mother, Ann Watson, in the castle keep. Their friendship quickly grows and Molly starts to find joy in nature and realises that the things she once found important are no longer so. But can Martha stay here? Or will she need to return to her old life, despite its dangers? And what about Molly’s grandfather, whose health is rapidly deteriorating? There are so many questions, can Molly do anything about any of them?
This could primarily be aimed at a YA audience and it’s not often I read YA so I was interested to see how I’d feel about it. I actually loved it. The author’s style of writing is so warm, informal and welcoming that I was brought right into Molly’s world from the first few pages. As a Newcastle native I especially enjoyed all the local references, particularly the information about the 1649 witch trials which resulted in at least fifteen women and men being hanged on our very own town moor.
But you don’t need to be a Geordie to enjoy this book. It’s written flawlessly with a fascinating plot. The characters are enchanting, the family relationships authentic and well developed. The beautiful Northumbrian setting hugely atmospheric and very fitting to the storyline.
Inspired by the Newcastle witch trials, this is a story that will both enchant you and make you think. About people who don’t conform and who are singled out. While we don’t hang people any more, there is still much discrimination given to those who are different. Has the world really changed that much in almost four hundred years?
Thanks to the author for sending me a review copy. Sue, it was superb! 🙌
April 8, 2024
Wow! A great read that I got utterly lost and absorbed in!
I have purposefully stayed away from covid based books, yet this was just enough to recall those crazy times without lingering on it too much.
Molly is a great character, a teen who is relatable to young and older adults alike. Martha too is just lovely. It’s great to see Molly’s development, and made me ache in a good and bad way for those teens trying to fit in. Like Molly, you’ll get there. You’ll find your tribe. A great theme to read about.
The novel sparked wonderful memories for me of my own Nanna, and Molly’s grandparents are absolutely my favourites!
The magical realism was done so well that it felt real. And again, exploring the history of witches, particularly in local areas is a fantastic and fascinating theme.
A novel packed to the brim with issues without being preachy; from rewilding, sustainability, history, friendship, fitting in and love - we can learn a lot from Molly McFlynn, and I guarantee you’ll fall a little bit in love with her spirit too.
I have purposefully stayed away from covid based books, yet this was just enough to recall those crazy times without lingering on it too much.
Molly is a great character, a teen who is relatable to young and older adults alike. Martha too is just lovely. It’s great to see Molly’s development, and made me ache in a good and bad way for those teens trying to fit in. Like Molly, you’ll get there. You’ll find your tribe. A great theme to read about.
The novel sparked wonderful memories for me of my own Nanna, and Molly’s grandparents are absolutely my favourites!
The magical realism was done so well that it felt real. And again, exploring the history of witches, particularly in local areas is a fantastic and fascinating theme.
A novel packed to the brim with issues without being preachy; from rewilding, sustainability, history, friendship, fitting in and love - we can learn a lot from Molly McFlynn, and I guarantee you’ll fall a little bit in love with her spirit too.
March 4, 2024
This is the first book I've read which has used the background of the Covid 19 lockdown of Spring 2020 though I'm sure it won't be the last. In some ways this book reminded me a lot of 'The Secret Garden' - albeit an updated one with the extra element of time-slipping added. Like Mary Lennox, Molly becomes a much more likeable character as the story progresses as the power of nature works its effect on her. I loved the idea behind it and it has a very strong sense of place, using the Tyne valley as a contrast with the city. The settings were easy to imagine because of the vivid descriptions and I really liked some of the more descriptive passages - particularly the river in full spate at the climax of the novel. It would really appeal, I think, to the current year 9 and 10 cohort who were in Primary School at the time - old enough to have been affected by it and to recognise much of Molly's experiences of isolation and uncertainty, particularly around vulnerable relatives.
October 9, 2023
What a wonderful and observant interpretation of lockdown, teenage years, family, friendship and the witch trials.
We see all this through Molly's eyes as She is sent to stay with her Grandparents just before the first lockdown.
Sue manages to write in such a caring and sensitive man er that she really captures the trial and tribulations of being a teenager and the impact of lockdown whilst managing to still make the book feel cosy and heartwarming.
This is cleverly interwoven with Martha's story, a teenager from the 1700s who Molly befriends. Martha's family was deeply affected by witch trials and Molly's respectful handling of the situation is lovely to see.
Natural remedies and Beltane traditions make for a wonderful Autumnal read.
Thanks again to Sue for my e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
We see all this through Molly's eyes as She is sent to stay with her Grandparents just before the first lockdown.
Sue manages to write in such a caring and sensitive man er that she really captures the trial and tribulations of being a teenager and the impact of lockdown whilst managing to still make the book feel cosy and heartwarming.
This is cleverly interwoven with Martha's story, a teenager from the 1700s who Molly befriends. Martha's family was deeply affected by witch trials and Molly's respectful handling of the situation is lovely to see.
Natural remedies and Beltane traditions make for a wonderful Autumnal read.
Thanks again to Sue for my e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
October 24, 2023
Wow just finished this touching amazing read.Molly finds herself bored and upset after being sent to her grandparents during covid.Molly soon realises how wonderful country life can be and her road to self discovery begins. I've laughed, cried and enjoyed every second of the adventure Molly travels.Not only does Molly find her true self and be content within, but she learns some valuable lessons on accepting ,helping and loving others too.Not only is there some fantastic history about witches in the 16th century and there cruel sad treatment for just being different, but also the encouragement to live a more sustainable lifestyle and get more intouch with outdoor life and nature.loved it all the way through and didn't want to put it down until I reached the end. I can't wait to read Mollys next adventure.
October 29, 2023
The Rewilding of Molly McFlynn is an enchanting tale of family, friendship, self-love and freedom.
Addicted to her phone and making regrettable decisions just to fit in, Molly, is reminiscent of every teenage girl at one point or another. Wrenched from her friends, the life she knows and dumped in the middle of nowhere to stay with her eccentric grandparents. How will she cope without Wifi and shopping?
Molly’s growth throughout the story is a joy to behold and her relationship with her grandparents is full of merriment, mischief and a big dollop of love mixed in. Sue effortlessly weaves complex ideas into her story; covering Witch hunts, herbalism and ecological balance.
I loved this book and read it in under a day. Perfect for teens and adults alike. I can’t wait to see what Molly does next! 5⭐️
Addicted to her phone and making regrettable decisions just to fit in, Molly, is reminiscent of every teenage girl at one point or another. Wrenched from her friends, the life she knows and dumped in the middle of nowhere to stay with her eccentric grandparents. How will she cope without Wifi and shopping?
Molly’s growth throughout the story is a joy to behold and her relationship with her grandparents is full of merriment, mischief and a big dollop of love mixed in. Sue effortlessly weaves complex ideas into her story; covering Witch hunts, herbalism and ecological balance.
I loved this book and read it in under a day. Perfect for teens and adults alike. I can’t wait to see what Molly does next! 5⭐️
November 14, 2023
I've followed Sue's journey from Wooly Pedlar, through to her debut novel and was really excited to read it.
Her setting in rural Northumberland is so genuine and honest. A timely record of lockdown Britain during the covid outbreak brings a current theme alongside an important awareness of the need to be more environmentally aware.
The arrival of the daughter of a victim of the Newcastle witch trials, on the run, through a portal links with true historical events.
A little of the old ways with hares, living by the seasons and the importance of community added to my enjoyment.
Looking forward to reading more about Molly's journey.
Her setting in rural Northumberland is so genuine and honest. A timely record of lockdown Britain during the covid outbreak brings a current theme alongside an important awareness of the need to be more environmentally aware.
The arrival of the daughter of a victim of the Newcastle witch trials, on the run, through a portal links with true historical events.
A little of the old ways with hares, living by the seasons and the importance of community added to my enjoyment.
Looking forward to reading more about Molly's journey.
October 22, 2023
This book, set at the start of lockdown, is about a teenage girl left with her grandparents whilst her mum works as a nurse. It deals with the problem of wanting to fit in, but the need to be true to oneself. That doesn't mean that it is an "issues" book; it is in fact a cracking good read for teenagers and adults alike.
I intend to recommend this book to my friends who are librarians as I know many pupils who will thoroughly enjoy it.
I started this book at 21:00 intending to put it down at bed time. I finished it at 02:20. Definitely unputdownable.
I intend to recommend this book to my friends who are librarians as I know many pupils who will thoroughly enjoy it.
I started this book at 21:00 intending to put it down at bed time. I finished it at 02:20. Definitely unputdownable.
January 20, 2024
I enjoyed this book very much. It touches on many important themes, without being too heavy about them. Molly's a very convincing character and it's lovely to see her develop during her "rewilding" experience, first not keen to engage with her new situation and then gradually realising the importance of being her own person, not following the herd and of being open to new ideas and an alternative way of life. The way the various family dynamics changed was a joy. I'd love to read how everything goes for Molly back in Newcastle.
January 29, 2024
so I've just finished reading my " surprise" Christmas present The rewilding of Molly McFlynn. What an awesome story. Knowing the area and recognising places from your descriptions made me feel totally immersed in Molly's adventures. Absolutely loved the ethos of the storyline and all the personal snippets that you've shared over the years( night night pea's) Going to pass the book to my granddaughter before too long and I'm sure she'll enjoy it as much as I did. Thank you so much for sharing this wonderful story with us. Can't wait for the next book xx
April 6, 2024
It's many years since I could class myself as a young adult, so I wasn't sure if I would enjoy this book. I wanted to read it as I'm from the North East, but I had not heard of the Newcastle Witch Trials.
I'm so glad I read the book! It's a great story for young and "old" alike. It has made me eager to find out more about the Newcastle Witch Trials.
The themes of sustainability and growing your own really struck a chord with me. My friends often thought I was "strange" when I upcycled repurposed , grew my own food and made my own clothes as a 20 year old in the early 1980s.
I'm so glad I read the book! It's a great story for young and "old" alike. It has made me eager to find out more about the Newcastle Witch Trials.
The themes of sustainability and growing your own really struck a chord with me. My friends often thought I was "strange" when I upcycled repurposed , grew my own food and made my own clothes as a 20 year old in the early 1980s.
January 13, 2026
This was an engaging read from the first sentence.
I read it cover to cover in a day! Readable language, relatable characters, a story that was well paced - no flat spots - and the setting in Northumberland was a joy to read. Sue’s knowledge of herbs and folklore gave authenticity to this novel which was threaded with themes of neurodiversity, women’s rights (and lack thereof) in English history, self-acceptance, environment, and the pandemic - all packaged in a very accessible story.
Well done Sue - no mean feat to pack all that in on a first novel!
I read it cover to cover in a day! Readable language, relatable characters, a story that was well paced - no flat spots - and the setting in Northumberland was a joy to read. Sue’s knowledge of herbs and folklore gave authenticity to this novel which was threaded with themes of neurodiversity, women’s rights (and lack thereof) in English history, self-acceptance, environment, and the pandemic - all packaged in a very accessible story.
Well done Sue - no mean feat to pack all that in on a first novel!
October 27, 2023
Everyone needs a mate like Molly. It’s been great to meet her & take the journey from Newcastle to the wilds of Northumberland where Molly discovers who she truly is . A book full of friendship, nature, mystery & family love. A read that soothed my brain, an antidote to this modern fast paced world we live in. A book for adults & young folk alike. Perfect for curling up with on an autumn night. Hope we will be reading more about Molly on her journey through life in the years to come.
November 7, 2023
I really enjoyed this book. An interesting story linking past and present in a setting I know quite well. Loved Nan! A real character who really came alive with her knowledge of healing and her hippie past. Only negative was a few editing errors. My sweet peas don’t flower that early up here in the north! Otherwise it was an interesting and informative story even for someone well past teenage years. Well done to Sue. A very good first novel.
January 3, 2024
3.5 stars
I picked up this book as I saw it recommended by a friend and the author is local(ish) to me. I’m not it’s ideal audience as it’s aimed at younger teens.
All the elements were there, but it didn’t quite convince me. There were a lot of dark themes, that were brushed over too quickly and the characters for me lacked real depth and substance.
A worthy first novel - maybe I’m just too old for it.
I picked up this book as I saw it recommended by a friend and the author is local(ish) to me. I’m not it’s ideal audience as it’s aimed at younger teens.
All the elements were there, but it didn’t quite convince me. There were a lot of dark themes, that were brushed over too quickly and the characters for me lacked real depth and substance.
A worthy first novel - maybe I’m just too old for it.
February 3, 2024
Really enjoyed this story and the characters. I wondered if I would find it hard to read a book set in the beginning days of the pandemic, but in the end it didn't bother me. At times, I found myself wishing the book was longer, or for other novels to be written that would allow more in depth background on some of the characters. Very good read over all and a good book to share with young people, especially young women, looking to find their way in the world.
July 27, 2025
A fabulous debut novel!
Sue Reed’s characters come alive as we follow Molly on her visit to her “hippie” grandparents, staying longer because the COVID pandemic broke out.
Set in the countryside of northern England, Molly finds herself as she comes to accept the things she thought were weird about her grandparents were actually things she loves.
Well worth reading, and a perfect book for a 10-15 year old.
Sue Reed’s characters come alive as we follow Molly on her visit to her “hippie” grandparents, staying longer because the COVID pandemic broke out.
Set in the countryside of northern England, Molly finds herself as she comes to accept the things she thought were weird about her grandparents were actually things she loves.
Well worth reading, and a perfect book for a 10-15 year old.
October 13, 2023
A beautifully written story that takes you vividly into rural Northumberland on a journey about finding its OK to be different while also giving a voice to the women in the past who were persecuted for being different with some lovely local folklore mixed in. I could almost smell Nans cooking and grandads shed. While reading this book. A great book for young people who feel like the outsider.
December 2, 2023
I really enjoyed Sue’s first book, a great story of growth, acceptance, friendship, love and sustainability.
Being local to the wider area a lot of references to places , festivals and books pulled at my heart and made me feel more connected with the characters.
I really hope Sue visits Mollys life in the future to see how far she has come.
Being local to the wider area a lot of references to places , festivals and books pulled at my heart and made me feel more connected with the characters.
I really hope Sue visits Mollys life in the future to see how far she has come.
October 3, 2023
Molly’s world is one of mystery, magic and love. This book made me want to go back and tell my younger self it’s ok to be different and that friendship comes in many forms. Perfect for younger and older readers alike!
January 8, 2024
I’d have loved this book as a teenager. Quite a few proof-reading errors, a bit annoying, but, apart from that, I think many young people will empathise with the main character. Worth keeping for our granddaughter to read in a few years’ time.
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