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The Language of Spells #0.6
The Garden of Magic
A magical Pendleford prequel novella from the best-selling author of The Language of Spells, that introduces the world to Iris Harper - the original Harper witch.
Iris Harper has lived in Pendleford for decades. The local witch is mistrusted by the townsfolk, but that doesn't stop some coming to her begging for potions, spells and quick-fixes.
As time has marched on suddenly Iris is aware that her days are beginning to fade. Her sumptuous garden is turning against her, the sweet scent of rot potent and now a young girl has come begging for a solution at her door.
Yet, the problem she brings causes Iris to remember a man from long ago - the man she loved, the man she could never trust...
Iris Harper has lived in Pendleford for decades. The local witch is mistrusted by the townsfolk, but that doesn't stop some coming to her begging for potions, spells and quick-fixes.
As time has marched on suddenly Iris is aware that her days are beginning to fade. Her sumptuous garden is turning against her, the sweet scent of rot potent and now a young girl has come begging for a solution at her door.
Yet, the problem she brings causes Iris to remember a man from long ago - the man she loved, the man she could never trust...
Audible Audio
First published August 14, 2015
265 people are currently reading
612 people want to read
About the author
Sarah Painter
54 books893 followersSarah Painter is the author of the bestselling magical novel, The Language of Spells, and its follow-up, The Secrets of Ghosts.
She has written 'book club' fiction with atmospheric settings and historical elements (In The Light of What We See and Beneath The Water), and a 'wonderfully dark and twisty' supernatural thriller, The Lost Girls.
Sarah's latest venture is an exciting new urban fantasy series, Crow Investigations. Yes, she finds it hard to stick to one genre!
Before writing books, Sarah Painter worked as a freelance magazine journalist, blogger and editor, combining this 'career' with amateur child-wrangling (AKA motherhood).
Sarah lives in rural Scotland with her husband and children. She drinks too much tea, loves the work of Joss Whedon, and is the proud owner of a writing shed.
She has written 'book club' fiction with atmospheric settings and historical elements (In The Light of What We See and Beneath The Water), and a 'wonderfully dark and twisty' supernatural thriller, The Lost Girls.
Sarah's latest venture is an exciting new urban fantasy series, Crow Investigations. Yes, she finds it hard to stick to one genre!
Before writing books, Sarah Painter worked as a freelance magazine journalist, blogger and editor, combining this 'career' with amateur child-wrangling (AKA motherhood).
Sarah lives in rural Scotland with her husband and children. She drinks too much tea, loves the work of Joss Whedon, and is the proud owner of a writing shed.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
June 11, 2016
Undoubtedly, it’s the enchanting cover of this Kindle single that attracted me in first place.
I had never heard of Sarah Painter, but now that I’ve read The Garden of Magic, I’m glad I discovered this Scottish writer. I like the fluidity of her writing. As for the plot, it delivered what it was meant to do: make me curious about her other books. As with all Kindle singles, it is hard to craft a good story in only a hundred pages.
Iris Harper, the eighty year old hedge witch, who's at the center of this story, is a fascinating character. I liked her strength. I liked her way of thinking – and the fact that she has all this knowledge about herbs. It was great to learn about the different types of witches too.
I look forward to see what Painter's other stories bring.
I had never heard of Sarah Painter, but now that I’ve read The Garden of Magic, I’m glad I discovered this Scottish writer. I like the fluidity of her writing. As for the plot, it delivered what it was meant to do: make me curious about her other books. As with all Kindle singles, it is hard to craft a good story in only a hundred pages.
Iris Harper, the eighty year old hedge witch, who's at the center of this story, is a fascinating character. I liked her strength. I liked her way of thinking – and the fact that she has all this knowledge about herbs. It was great to learn about the different types of witches too.
I look forward to see what Painter's other stories bring.
February 25, 2016
The Garden of Magic is a prequel to The Language of Spells, although it probably doesn't matter too much which order you read the series in. New readers will find this novella a good taster to see whether or not this is the kind of book they'd enjoy, and existing readers can get to learn more about Iris, Gwen's great Aunt.
Iris Harper has lived alone in Pendleford for decades and this sweet little novella allows us to get to know more about her and the Harper family. Past readers will know that Iris has a formidable reputation, but here we discover she hasn't always been this way and what happened in her past to make her into the woman she grew to be.
There is another lighter storyline centered around Bex, a young woman who makes Iris's acquaintance and brings some old memories and feelings back.
Full of more of the spells, herbs and magic found in the rest of the series, I found this book a light easy read that pulls you into the world of the Harper family and all of their curiosities.
My only complaint is I didn't feel the book was quite long enough - yes, I was aware it was a novella - however 22% was taken up with an extract from the Language of Spells. Saying that it was a well written, magical little book and i wouldn't hesitate in recommending it to anyone who likes the magical realism genre.
Iris Harper has lived alone in Pendleford for decades and this sweet little novella allows us to get to know more about her and the Harper family. Past readers will know that Iris has a formidable reputation, but here we discover she hasn't always been this way and what happened in her past to make her into the woman she grew to be.
There is another lighter storyline centered around Bex, a young woman who makes Iris's acquaintance and brings some old memories and feelings back.
Full of more of the spells, herbs and magic found in the rest of the series, I found this book a light easy read that pulls you into the world of the Harper family and all of their curiosities.
My only complaint is I didn't feel the book was quite long enough - yes, I was aware it was a novella - however 22% was taken up with an extract from the Language of Spells. Saying that it was a well written, magical little book and i wouldn't hesitate in recommending it to anyone who likes the magical realism genre.
October 22, 2017
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
This follows two storylines, one concerning a town witch called Iris Harper, who is struggling with loneliness and age, and a young woman called Bex who is fired from her position as a nanny after she is accused of stealing. I much preferred Iris’s storyline and plot even though both felt rather light. It was entertaining but I felt like it ended abruptly.
This follows two storylines, one concerning a town witch called Iris Harper, who is struggling with loneliness and age, and a young woman called Bex who is fired from her position as a nanny after she is accused of stealing. I much preferred Iris’s storyline and plot even though both felt rather light. It was entertaining but I felt like it ended abruptly.
May 10, 2019
A very sweet short story about a powerful woman who knows how to care for herself and others, with other interesting female characters as a bonus (men here are of lesser consequence, they're there only to drive the plot forward). A feel-good guilty pleasure treat.
April 25, 2016
The Garden of Magic was my first read by Sarah Painter. It is a light read that is a prequel novella to The Language of Spells by Sarah Painter. It was well written and an enjoyable read. Perfect for me when I need to read something light, but still has depth and well a written story.
I look forward to reading more books by Sarah Painter.
I look forward to reading more books by Sarah Painter.
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September 10, 2015A short and sweet prequel featuring Iris Harper; a light, entertaining, story although it seemed to end abruptly.
July 11, 2016
I enjoyed this book, however, it felt a little rushed like it was being written due to contract obligations more than anything else. No where near as well written as her other books.
September 24, 2017
Iris Harper has the gift, or the curse as her mother called it. She's spent the last 60 years of her life as a hedge witch in Pendleford dispensing wisdom and little bottles of remedies to her neighbors. Iris' lovely garden provides most of her ingredients, but as she ages her garden begins to fall to ruin. One day, a young woman names Bex arrives at her door with a request and a name from Iris' past.
This is the prequel to The Language of Spells, which I haven't read yet. Not having read the first didn't stop me from enjoying this book, the characters are fully fleshed out and there aren't any references to scenes or people that aren't in this book. At almost 3 hours, this didn't feel like a novella at all. The ending was so sweet, it put a smile on my face and gave me goosebumps. The references to magic are subtle and not showy at all, it makes you feel like it could be real.
Tracey Norman did a great job narrating this one, her pace was perfect and her accent lovely. Iris was voiced as a crotchety old woman, but without grating on my nerves, and Bex was voiced as sweet and personable. It was a light and easy way to spend 3 hours. I was voluntarily provided this free review copy audiobook by the author, narrator, or publisher.
This is the prequel to The Language of Spells, which I haven't read yet. Not having read the first didn't stop me from enjoying this book, the characters are fully fleshed out and there aren't any references to scenes or people that aren't in this book. At almost 3 hours, this didn't feel like a novella at all. The ending was so sweet, it put a smile on my face and gave me goosebumps. The references to magic are subtle and not showy at all, it makes you feel like it could be real.
Tracey Norman did a great job narrating this one, her pace was perfect and her accent lovely. Iris was voiced as a crotchety old woman, but without grating on my nerves, and Bex was voiced as sweet and personable. It was a light and easy way to spend 3 hours. I was voluntarily provided this free review copy audiobook by the author, narrator, or publisher.
May 27, 2017
Iris is a witch in the town of Pendleford. The witches in her family all have special talents or "afflictions", as they are regarded. Iris's affliction is an overwhelming compulsion for giving. More importantly, she is compelled to give others what they need, even if it makes no sense to her at the time. Now an elderly woman in her 80's, Iris is beginning to feel the effects of her age.
A young woman named Rebecca (Becs) comes to her for help with her employer. After resisting his advances, she is accused of stealing as retribution. The employer turns out to be none other than the son of the man that Iris was once engaged to. This knowledge conjures up old, painful memories for Iris. But will she help?
The Garden of Magic is the prequel novella to The Language of Spells. The story was very entertaining and I really enjoyed it. The narration was wonderfully done. Tracey Norman has the loveliest voice and was such a pleasure to listen to. I would recommend The Garden of Magic.
I was voluntarily provided this review copy audiobook at no charge by the author, publisher and/or narrator. This review is my honest opinion.
A young woman named Rebecca (Becs) comes to her for help with her employer. After resisting his advances, she is accused of stealing as retribution. The employer turns out to be none other than the son of the man that Iris was once engaged to. This knowledge conjures up old, painful memories for Iris. But will she help?
The Garden of Magic is the prequel novella to The Language of Spells. The story was very entertaining and I really enjoyed it. The narration was wonderfully done. Tracey Norman has the loveliest voice and was such a pleasure to listen to. I would recommend The Garden of Magic.
I was voluntarily provided this review copy audiobook at no charge by the author, publisher and/or narrator. This review is my honest opinion.
February 15, 2024
Gwen harper left Pendleford 13 years ago and hasn't returned - until she inherits her great aunts house and is thrown back into a world of magic she tried to escape from. Having tried to suppress her magic to fit in and have a normal life, it's now back with avengence. Gwen's already fractured relationship with her sister Ruby becomes even more strained and her mother is even worse. Gwen has to stay at End House and make it work - she has nothing left, no place to live, no where to go! Add to the mix, old flame Cameron and the sparks start to fly again, much to the disappointment of Cam's mother, who thinks that Gwen is 'not good enough' for her son and will do anything to keep them apart - as she has in the past!
Then there is Lily Thomas, the housekeeper who nursed Great Aunt Iris in her ill health and up until her death. She seems nice enough, at first. The friendly neighbour checking in, dropping off food to help out. But Lily has an sinister secret that she wants to keep at all costs.
This book was a lovely read, I enjoy Sarah Painter books very much and was not disappointed with this one.
Then there is Lily Thomas, the housekeeper who nursed Great Aunt Iris in her ill health and up until her death. She seems nice enough, at first. The friendly neighbour checking in, dropping off food to help out. But Lily has an sinister secret that she wants to keep at all costs.
This book was a lovely read, I enjoy Sarah Painter books very much and was not disappointed with this one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 30, 2022
I have just read the two other Sarah Painter book's in this series and noticed this was a prequel to them so I ordered it.
It was good to find out more about Iris Harper and what had happened to her to make her leave everything to Gwen in her will.
However, sadly I could not give it 5 stars and opted for 4 instead. The book was shorter than I imagined it would be, and was also lacking in information. Iris had lived into her 80's a long and interesting life as a witch as were other Harper Women but there was not enough about her life to satisfy me.
There was mention of her one big love, whom she didn't end up marrying but she was so unconventional that I am sure more could have been made of her past and put into the book.
Slightly disappointed
It was good to find out more about Iris Harper and what had happened to her to make her leave everything to Gwen in her will.
However, sadly I could not give it 5 stars and opted for 4 instead. The book was shorter than I imagined it would be, and was also lacking in information. Iris had lived into her 80's a long and interesting life as a witch as were other Harper Women but there was not enough about her life to satisfy me.
There was mention of her one big love, whom she didn't end up marrying but she was so unconventional that I am sure more could have been made of her past and put into the book.
Slightly disappointed
February 3, 2021
Firstly, the cover of this story is just gorgeous and attracted me to buy the book and the series. This is the first time I’m reading Sarah Painter and I enjoyed her story telling very much. Iris is a good hedge-witch who has lived on her own for more than 50 years. She helps the village in various ways through her magic and doesn’t demand payment. As old age has crept in, her health has started to decline, as has her magical garden. We also meet Bex who is a nanny that has been wrongfully accused. This is a charming story, easy to read and get lost in their world, with stories of the gifted magical women of Iris’s family.
July 6, 2017
Novella.
I'd never read a book by Sarah Painter, but it's hard to resist her beautiful covers, so I offered to review this audiobook for Audiobook Boom. I don't know the author or the narrator, so this is an impartial review.
Iris Harper is a herbalist, but she is getting on in years and I felt for her struggle to get downstairs and answer the doorbell when it rang. She has quite a reputation, but I couldn't quite see how she was going to help when a young girl is wrongly accused of theft.
In fact, I thought she was unacceptably rude to Bex when she came asking for help, and Bex was surprisingly long suffering. In the end, the resolution revolved around a considerable coincidence, which always makes me cringe.
It was an enjoyable listen, if a bit twee; well narrated by Tracey Norman. But it was only a novella, so it was hard to get into the story or the characters, before it drew to its conclusion. For this reason I'd feel this book was better suited to those who had already read some of Sarah Painter's novels, as it would elaborate on some of the folk they had already met. For a first time reader it was too short and didn't make me feel I needed to read more.
I'd never read a book by Sarah Painter, but it's hard to resist her beautiful covers, so I offered to review this audiobook for Audiobook Boom. I don't know the author or the narrator, so this is an impartial review.
Iris Harper is a herbalist, but she is getting on in years and I felt for her struggle to get downstairs and answer the doorbell when it rang. She has quite a reputation, but I couldn't quite see how she was going to help when a young girl is wrongly accused of theft.
In fact, I thought she was unacceptably rude to Bex when she came asking for help, and Bex was surprisingly long suffering. In the end, the resolution revolved around a considerable coincidence, which always makes me cringe.
It was an enjoyable listen, if a bit twee; well narrated by Tracey Norman. But it was only a novella, so it was hard to get into the story or the characters, before it drew to its conclusion. For this reason I'd feel this book was better suited to those who had already read some of Sarah Painter's novels, as it would elaborate on some of the folk they had already met. For a first time reader it was too short and didn't make me feel I needed to read more.
February 3, 2020
You know that curmudgeonly woman who doesn't have time for other people's bullshit? She's not interested in the drama or in being friends but she has a wisdom and confidence and if you can get her to listen to you, she'll distil the confusing, convoluted problem you've been aching over for months into a simple, straightforward and beautifully right solution. Yeah, I've never met anyone like that but they seem relatively common in books and movies as supporting characters. This novella is about one such woman and of course she's magic.
May 4, 2019
I liked this book, but didn't love it. I was hoping to find out much more about Iris. Instead it was more a story about Rebecca, with a side story of Iris. I wanted to know more about her life as a young adult, the time Gloria lived with her, etc. And I would've liked to see more about her journal writing to Gwen. All in all a good book, but after reading the Language of Spells I was hoping for much more in depth info.
April 5, 2020
I really enjoyed this book, it ended rather unexpectedly but for me this is the foundations of what is to come. Getting to know the characters learning the history or Iris a witch now growing old and weak. With a canny sense of humour and stubborn but kind personality, she had me chuckling to myself and grinning while I was reading. Enjoying Iris and her quick wit.
Lovely little story looking forward to reading 'The Language of Spells'.
Lovely little story looking forward to reading 'The Language of Spells'.
July 29, 2019
I adore Sarah Painter's writing, particularly her Pendleford series - the magic is so everyday and realistic that you don't doubt it in the slightest. I know she's on to different/other books (which I've also read and enjoyed), but I've still got fingers crossed for another visit to Pendleford one of these days.
October 22, 2020
Lovely little novella of family drama, romance and witchcraft. Iris is a hedgewitch who help the people in her little village with potions and herbs. Bex, a young girl working as a nanny, is fired after being accused of stealing a pair of gold cufflinks. Iris uses her magic to help solve the mystery and along the way resolve issues from Bex's past.
May 21, 2017
Really enjoyed this story. I thought it was better than the Language of Spells. It was a short story that takes place before Gwen inherits the house so don't expect this to be a continuation of that story. I was kept interested from the moment I started reading - very good sory.
April 24, 2020
Review
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this novella. It is light hearted, warm and fuzzy. Perfect read for an afternoon in the garden. Highly recommended for anyone who enjoys reading a good book.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this novella. It is light hearted, warm and fuzzy. Perfect read for an afternoon in the garden. Highly recommended for anyone who enjoys reading a good book.
August 13, 2024
Loved this book also! Sarah Painter books are wonderful…….charming characters, Magick, evil doers doing evil deeds, no graphic violence, and this one has no graphic sex.
So, curl up in a comfy chair with a cup of tea and enjoy!
So, curl up in a comfy chair with a cup of tea and enjoy!
October 14, 2017
Looking forward to finishing this series. Given that this was the prequel to the series, the possibilities leave me excited for the rest of the books.
March 31, 2018
2.5 stars
July 4, 2018
Interesting first book in the series. I am looking forward to reading more.
September 25, 2018
Short and sweet. I like Iris. I think I may have to pick up some other books by Sarah Painter.
October 28, 2019
she writes unevenly.zero to four star range in her books that i have read.this one was repetitious and not well organized
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 29, 2019
4+. Ah, just beautiful!
February 14, 2020
I listened to the audible version of this and I did it in a morning. Sweet intro to a series I liked the narrator and the story, it peaked my interest enough to by the next one.
August 31, 2020
Sweet and charming.
November 17, 2022
I read this to see if I wanted to start the series, I found it wasn’t for me. I wasn’t invested in anything.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews