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Homesteader Hearth Witch #6
Thistle Thorns
This is the worst family reunion. Of all time.
The Hawthorne coven is in Redbud, and they’re not leaving until my brother is ransomed from the Unseelie Court. Normally this would be a good thing, but…
They hate my boyfriend, if I can even call the lumberjack shifter that, considering we haven’t even said the L word yet.
They distrust my friends, especially the Fair Folk kind, for long-held prejudices don’t die easily.
They think quaint little ol’ Redbud is a backwater hole, despite its small-town charms.
They’re convinced I’ve activated a prophecy that portends a major shift in the magical forces between realms and want to lock me up like a princess in a tower.
Oh, and they’re set on unaliving or collaring my cat, because, as they say, a cat is rarely a cat in the supernatural world, and they’re taking no chances.
As you can imagine, you need battle leathers on when you sit down to family dinner.
But it’s all got to be worth it to summon the demon who kidnapped my brother for my mistakes, right? And before the one foretold in the prophecy comes to change my life forever?
Scroll up and click “Buy Now” or “Read for Free” (Kindle Unlimited) if you like cottagecore with an edge, cozy vibes, slow-burn forbidden romance, sassy sidekicks, demonic baddies, found family, humor, and a fae king. Thistle Thorns is the sixth of Meadow and Sawyer’s witchy small-town adventures in the Homesteader Hearth Witch series.
The Hawthorne coven is in Redbud, and they’re not leaving until my brother is ransomed from the Unseelie Court. Normally this would be a good thing, but…
They hate my boyfriend, if I can even call the lumberjack shifter that, considering we haven’t even said the L word yet.
They distrust my friends, especially the Fair Folk kind, for long-held prejudices don’t die easily.
They think quaint little ol’ Redbud is a backwater hole, despite its small-town charms.
They’re convinced I’ve activated a prophecy that portends a major shift in the magical forces between realms and want to lock me up like a princess in a tower.
Oh, and they’re set on unaliving or collaring my cat, because, as they say, a cat is rarely a cat in the supernatural world, and they’re taking no chances.
As you can imagine, you need battle leathers on when you sit down to family dinner.
But it’s all got to be worth it to summon the demon who kidnapped my brother for my mistakes, right? And before the one foretold in the prophecy comes to change my life forever?
Scroll up and click “Buy Now” or “Read for Free” (Kindle Unlimited) if you like cottagecore with an edge, cozy vibes, slow-burn forbidden romance, sassy sidekicks, demonic baddies, found family, humor, and a fae king. Thistle Thorns is the sixth of Meadow and Sawyer’s witchy small-town adventures in the Homesteader Hearth Witch series.
247 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 9, 2024
345 people are currently reading
94 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
September 19, 2024
Spoilers:
I rarely write reviews, but I felt the need to explain my two stars when I rated the previous books higher. I really loved this series until the last chapter of this one. The books were fun, I loved the characters and the plot. But suddenly the villain (who I think is supposed to be the ultimate “big bad” since it seems that he was the one her family was protecting her from) finally shows up and he ends up demanding a kiss to seal a bargain with the MC (so he could steal her magic; I was also a little unclear on how the bargain allowed this in the first place), he kisses another character without consent (also to take magic), and then basically kidnaps the MC, wiping her memory and telling her she will love him. I felt blindsided by this disturbing and creepy character.
Maybe I missed the hints, but I just don’t like how it ended, with the implication that he was taking her free will. I have no doubt the intention is that she will successfully fight it in the next book, but the ending just felt like a different flavor than the rest of the story. I don’t like stories that take away consent and like I said, I felt blindsided. I just didn’t get “Big, bad villain” so much as creepy perv vibes. Because really, why a kiss in order to steal the magic? It just automatically makes him creepy (in the perverted sense, not scary) instead of menacing like the demon her grandmother made a bargain with.
I think the kisses and kidnapping could definitely be triggering to some since there were no hints this was the direction it was going.
I rarely write reviews, but I felt the need to explain my two stars when I rated the previous books higher. I really loved this series until the last chapter of this one. The books were fun, I loved the characters and the plot. But suddenly the villain (who I think is supposed to be the ultimate “big bad” since it seems that he was the one her family was protecting her from) finally shows up and he ends up demanding a kiss to seal a bargain with the MC (so he could steal her magic; I was also a little unclear on how the bargain allowed this in the first place), he kisses another character without consent (also to take magic), and then basically kidnaps the MC, wiping her memory and telling her she will love him. I felt blindsided by this disturbing and creepy character.
Maybe I missed the hints, but I just don’t like how it ended, with the implication that he was taking her free will. I have no doubt the intention is that she will successfully fight it in the next book, but the ending just felt like a different flavor than the rest of the story. I don’t like stories that take away consent and like I said, I felt blindsided. I just didn’t get “Big, bad villain” so much as creepy perv vibes. Because really, why a kiss in order to steal the magic? It just automatically makes him creepy (in the perverted sense, not scary) instead of menacing like the demon her grandmother made a bargain with.
I think the kisses and kidnapping could definitely be triggering to some since there were no hints this was the direction it was going.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 12, 2024
I need a moment to process because I am all in my feels.
Noooooooooooo!!
Edit: OK let’s try and write this review to the background of my breaking heart.
I loved Meadow’s family and their dynamics, the crafting circle, SAWYER, all the moments with Arthur (I could not stop grinning), and the way the Hawthornes interacted with the bear. Especially Uncle Badger’s crush on Arthur and chaperone Otter trying not to listen to *those* sounds were too funny.
My heart sang during Arthur and Meadow’s private moments (“That my heart was never meant to be shielded from yours. (…) You are mine, Meadow. I go where you go.” Stopping there before I am once again near sobbing.)
But then!!!!!!!! All the books thus far were working towards this moment and whoa what fabulous writing. I did not see this coming at all.
Looking back to the earlier books and my earlier reviews, I am very excited to think back and spot the little crumbs that were all grabbed and thrusted out into the open with Him finally there. And I am sure there are more that I have not yet seen and I am both excited and very scared about what is coming.
The author’s note in the ARC at around 85% made me laugh so hard- it pretended to have an evil cliffhanger when thankfully the story continued. Perhaps to an even worse cliffhanger but I digress.
I am still reeling at those last few chapters. Insert ugly crying face.
5 stars. FIVE!!!! I had a fabulous time with this book and felt all the feels. CANNOT WAIT for the next.
I received an ARC of this book (thanks!) and these are my own opinions.
Noooooooooooo!!
Edit: OK let’s try and write this review to the background of my breaking heart.
I loved Meadow’s family and their dynamics, the crafting circle, SAWYER, all the moments with Arthur (I could not stop grinning), and the way the Hawthornes interacted with the bear. Especially Uncle Badger’s crush on Arthur and chaperone Otter trying not to listen to *those* sounds were too funny.
My heart sang during Arthur and Meadow’s private moments (“That my heart was never meant to be shielded from yours. (…) You are mine, Meadow. I go where you go.” Stopping there before I am once again near sobbing.)
But then!!!!!!!! All the books thus far were working towards this moment and whoa what fabulous writing. I did not see this coming at all.
Looking back to the earlier books and my earlier reviews, I am very excited to think back and spot the little crumbs that were all grabbed and thrusted out into the open with Him finally there. And I am sure there are more that I have not yet seen and I am both excited and very scared about what is coming.
The author’s note in the ARC at around 85% made me laugh so hard- it pretended to have an evil cliffhanger when thankfully the story continued. Perhaps to an even worse cliffhanger but I digress.
I am still reeling at those last few chapters. Insert ugly crying face.
5 stars. FIVE!!!! I had a fabulous time with this book and felt all the feels. CANNOT WAIT for the next.
I received an ARC of this book (thanks!) and these are my own opinions.
December 30, 2024
So. Many. Emotions.
💖 Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
📚 Genre: Fantasy cozy mystery
Features:
🔮 Meddling family that means well.
🍏 A kitty familiar that is afraid of bonding to his witch.
🔮 Family hijinks as they upturn Meadow's life, including hating her bear shifter.
🍏 Meadow's fiercely loyal bear doing anything and everything to protect her regardless of what her family does. Touch her and unalive type vibes.
⚡ Content Warning: Forced kisses without consent nor want, controlling and manipulative bad guy.
Overall, I both loved and disliked this book at the same time. I love watching Meadow stand up to her family and watching the slow burn romance between her and her lumbersnack. I love watching the Crafting Circle ladies show up when Meadow needs them the most.
I loathed Ossarian with an unyielding passion. To be honest, I hated the last few chapters with how awful, slimy, manipulative and abusive he is. Kudos to the author for very effectively writing a character that evil though.
I understand why she made that choice, but at the same time, a part of me wonders if she could have saved everyone without making that choice.
I'm skipping the next book for personal reasons, but I'll be back for book 8 when it comes out in the Spring. Kinda like in Muppet Christmas Carol where Gonzo and Rizzo duck out in the ghost of future Christmas scene, but come back later. Lol
💖 Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
📚 Genre: Fantasy cozy mystery
Features:
🔮 Meddling family that means well.
🍏 A kitty familiar that is afraid of bonding to his witch.
🔮 Family hijinks as they upturn Meadow's life, including hating her bear shifter.
🍏 Meadow's fiercely loyal bear doing anything and everything to protect her regardless of what her family does. Touch her and unalive type vibes.
⚡ Content Warning: Forced kisses without consent nor want, controlling and manipulative bad guy.
Overall, I both loved and disliked this book at the same time. I love watching Meadow stand up to her family and watching the slow burn romance between her and her lumbersnack. I love watching the Crafting Circle ladies show up when Meadow needs them the most.
I loathed Ossarian with an unyielding passion. To be honest, I hated the last few chapters with how awful, slimy, manipulative and abusive he is. Kudos to the author for very effectively writing a character that evil though.
I understand why she made that choice, but at the same time, a part of me wonders if she could have saved everyone without making that choice.
I'm skipping the next book for personal reasons, but I'll be back for book 8 when it comes out in the Spring. Kinda like in Muppet Christmas Carol where Gonzo and Rizzo duck out in the ghost of future Christmas scene, but come back later. Lol
August 13, 2024
I am shook! This series that started so cozy is now action-packed! Everything has gotten so intense! With Marten taken by the unseelie fae, Meadows' only chance at saving him is by working with her family to reopen the portal before it's too late. Tensions run high as the Hawthornes take over her home at the farmhouse. Having to work together 9 witches needed to reopen the portal. As they take over her house and personal life, Meadow finds herself discovering exactly what is between her and her Lumbersnack, however unwilling to admit to it with everything happening. The family reopens the portal, and Meadow is left with another quest, a bargain made with the fae. Completely spent from the magic use, she and her family are confronted by others who wish her harm. Ending up in yet another deal with the fae. However, this one doesn't go as planned. Her deep-seated connection with someone is severed and stolen, leaving her worse off than ever before. Will she save her brother from the unseelies clutches? Can she escape the prophecy she is destined for?
This series is incredible! They are on the shorter side but filled with fae lore, gods, Witches, shifters, and so many otherworldly beasts. This is one of the only Fantasy's that I have found the fae depicted as they should be. Tricksters. Healy has clearly done her research, and it shows. Bravo 👏 for yet another masterpiece.
This series is incredible! They are on the shorter side but filled with fae lore, gods, Witches, shifters, and so many otherworldly beasts. This is one of the only Fantasy's that I have found the fae depicted as they should be. Tricksters. Healy has clearly done her research, and it shows. Bravo 👏 for yet another masterpiece.
August 21, 2025
Things get quite chaotic in this book! Her magical Hawthorne family intersects with her new life in Redbud and they don't care for her new friends and growing magic. Things get really crazy and weird. Love this series!
Amazon synopsis:
The Hawthorne coven is in Redbud, and they’re not leaving until my brother is ransomed from the Unseelie Court. Normally this would be a good thing, but…
They hate my boyfriend, if I can even call the lumberjack shifter that, considering we haven’t even said the L word yet.
They distrust my friends, especially the Fair Folk kind, for long-held prejudices don’t die easily.
They think quaint little ol’ Redbud is a backwater hole, despite its small-town charms.
They’re convinced I’ve activated a prophecy that portends a major shift in the magical forces between realms and want to lock me up like a princess in a tower.
Oh, and they’re set on unaliving or collaring my cat, because, as they say, a cat is rarely a cat in the supernatural world, and they’re taking no chances.
As you can imagine, you need battle leathers on when you sit down to family dinner.
But it’s all got to be worth it to summon the demon who kidnapped my brother for my mistakes, right? And before the one foretold in the prophecy comes to change my life forever?
Amazon synopsis:
The Hawthorne coven is in Redbud, and they’re not leaving until my brother is ransomed from the Unseelie Court. Normally this would be a good thing, but…
They hate my boyfriend, if I can even call the lumberjack shifter that, considering we haven’t even said the L word yet.
They distrust my friends, especially the Fair Folk kind, for long-held prejudices don’t die easily.
They think quaint little ol’ Redbud is a backwater hole, despite its small-town charms.
They’re convinced I’ve activated a prophecy that portends a major shift in the magical forces between realms and want to lock me up like a princess in a tower.
Oh, and they’re set on unaliving or collaring my cat, because, as they say, a cat is rarely a cat in the supernatural world, and they’re taking no chances.
As you can imagine, you need battle leathers on when you sit down to family dinner.
But it’s all got to be worth it to summon the demon who kidnapped my brother for my mistakes, right? And before the one foretold in the prophecy comes to change my life forever?
March 9, 2025
Intense ending!
If you were hoping for a smooth ride in this book you will NOT be happy. Some major you know what goes down at the end and I wanted to throw my phone while reading it! Ah, I’ve had so many emotions going through me at the end here! Basically, what Meadow’s grandmother has been warning her away from her whole entire life has come to pass in the last few chapters of this book. The “Stag Man” as they call him has found Meadow..
I’m not going to give away what happens but, it is WILD. I have no idea what the seventh book is going to hold but, I know it’s going to be a bumpy ride. At the end of this book we still don’t know what’s going to happen with Marten and Meadow has now made two bargains to not only save his life but, her families… I hope we get some answers in the continuation of this book. I can’t wait to read book 7!
If you were hoping for a smooth ride in this book you will NOT be happy. Some major you know what goes down at the end and I wanted to throw my phone while reading it! Ah, I’ve had so many emotions going through me at the end here! Basically, what Meadow’s grandmother has been warning her away from her whole entire life has come to pass in the last few chapters of this book. The “Stag Man” as they call him has found Meadow..
I’m not going to give away what happens but, it is WILD. I have no idea what the seventh book is going to hold but, I know it’s going to be a bumpy ride. At the end of this book we still don’t know what’s going to happen with Marten and Meadow has now made two bargains to not only save his life but, her families… I hope we get some answers in the continuation of this book. I can’t wait to read book 7!
August 30, 2024
This book is the latest chapter in the Homesteader Hearth Witch story.
The first 2/3 of the book is the (very difficult) family working together to set up to rescue a family member from the fae realm. You get a lot of both the good and the bad aspects of being part of a large and close family -- which is completely outside of my life experience, and so was really fascinating. The reader also gets a lot more insight into the workings of the coven and into the concerns and thought processes of Meadow's powerful, contentious, controlling, and, yeah, also very committed to the safety of her family.
The last 1/3 of the book is breathtakingly fast-paced and sets up the next book as terrifyingly challenging for Meadow.
Damn, excellent!
The first 2/3 of the book is the (very difficult) family working together to set up to rescue a family member from the fae realm. You get a lot of both the good and the bad aspects of being part of a large and close family -- which is completely outside of my life experience, and so was really fascinating. The reader also gets a lot more insight into the workings of the coven and into the concerns and thought processes of Meadow's powerful, contentious, controlling, and, yeah, also very committed to the safety of her family.
The last 1/3 of the book is breathtakingly fast-paced and sets up the next book as terrifyingly challenging for Meadow.
Damn, excellent!
November 20, 2024
This entire series is beautifully written! Easy to visualize the characters and the scenery! I want the “I’m not a familiar” familiar cat! He is so adorable! There are shifters and Other magical beings that I love! I want a birdhouse now set up with cotton alls and fur for fairies to live in all year! I’ve named the little white spider in our kitchen Mrs. White because of the one in these books! Mine has all 8 of her legs though! The spells are really wonderful! I craved apple butter and cinnamon rolls while reading these books! Pages flew by and I thought about these people long after I put my device on its charger! I will read everything this author writes! 5 stars! Each book can be read as a stand alone but you’ll want more at The End!
August 10, 2024
Book 6 of the Homesteader Hearth Witch series starts with an action packed bang!💥
So you thought your family was bad, meet the Hawthorne coven! No one is safe from their distrust and judgement, not Arthur, Sawyer or any of the fair folk kind. 🐻 🐈 🧝
You’ll have to read the book to see what antics they get up to in this one but there’s kidnapping, demonic summoning, cat collars, family meals, leather garments, and a mission that will take us into book 7! 🪞
I’ve enjoyed each book for their own reasons but over all I think this one is my favorite! I’m just always excited when I see the next book coming out and that I get to continue the adventures in Redbud!💜
Thank you to the author, Kat Healy, and BookSprout for the opportunity to read this book. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
So you thought your family was bad, meet the Hawthorne coven! No one is safe from their distrust and judgement, not Arthur, Sawyer or any of the fair folk kind. 🐻 🐈 🧝
You’ll have to read the book to see what antics they get up to in this one but there’s kidnapping, demonic summoning, cat collars, family meals, leather garments, and a mission that will take us into book 7! 🪞
I’ve enjoyed each book for their own reasons but over all I think this one is my favorite! I’m just always excited when I see the next book coming out and that I get to continue the adventures in Redbud!💜
Thank you to the author, Kat Healy, and BookSprout for the opportunity to read this book. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 11, 2024
Thistle Thorns is Book 6 of the Homesteader Hearth Witch series, and it starts with lots of action! This is not your mother's cozy mystery but a witchy, angst filled, non-stop family drama kind of mystery and it's a really good one!! I could not put this book down!! Imo this book is the best in the series so far!!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 23, 2024
The words don't want to come
This book wrecked me. I don't know if I want to read the next one. I don't know when I became so deeply involved with these characters but the cliffhanger has left me emotionally spent. Maybe should have saved some of this for the next book. Knowing what just happened, I don't know if I want to see this series through but regardless, I will.
This book wrecked me. I don't know if I want to read the next one. I don't know when I became so deeply involved with these characters but the cliffhanger has left me emotionally spent. Maybe should have saved some of this for the next book. Knowing what just happened, I don't know if I want to see this series through but regardless, I will.
January 23, 2025
Great book, tough ending
Picking up right where the last book left off, Meadow and her family rally to save one of their own to dire consequences. A lot of really funny moments and insights into her family along the way but my god the ending was rough and quite a cliffhanger. I’m glad I have the next book to read immediately.
Picking up right where the last book left off, Meadow and her family rally to save one of their own to dire consequences. A lot of really funny moments and insights into her family along the way but my god the ending was rough and quite a cliffhanger. I’m glad I have the next book to read immediately.
August 14, 2024
I was anxiously waiting for the next book in this series. I love Meadow and Arthur. I enjoy how she forms friendships and is so accepting of others. There's a cliffhanger and angst. Not a fan of either but I'm committed now. But honestly, you can't leave my heart hurting like this for long.
September 5, 2024
Loved it
I have to say this book has a lot going on. Meadows family has found her, things have heated up with Arthur and they have a demon to talk to. I really hope the next book has a happier ending
I have to say this book has a lot going on. Meadows family has found her, things have heated up with Arthur and they have a demon to talk to. I really hope the next book has a happier ending
June 30, 2025
I'm FURIOUS! Meadow didn't accept the bond with Arthur and now it's been stolen by that crazy high fae and has Meadow completely under his spell!
otherwise I love the story and I'm confident that Meadow and her friends will find a way out of this, they have to right?!
otherwise I love the story and I'm confident that Meadow and her friends will find a way out of this, they have to right?!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 5, 2025
I LOVE THIS SERIES! I can’t say it enough! The side characters are just as amazing as the main characters and I just want to live in the world Kat has created! If you haven’t already started reading this series, get to it!
August 10, 2024
The story continues from the previous book and ends again in another cliffhanger. I love that Meadow has grown a backbone when she finally faces her family especially her grandmother.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 10, 2024
This is a fun series made mildly annoying by cliffhangers without a new installment on the horizon
December 4, 2024
Another excellent book
This series is fascinating. I love the relationship the main character has with everyone. Can't wait to see what magic is used in the next book.
This series is fascinating. I love the relationship the main character has with everyone. Can't wait to see what magic is used in the next book.
December 26, 2024
These cliffhangers are going to give me a heart attack…and the last book won’t be published until March 😭
January 17, 2025
Gotta keep on going
I really enjoyed the 6th installment of this
series. What a cliff hanger ending! I definitely will be continuing this series. On to book 7!
I really enjoyed the 6th installment of this
series. What a cliff hanger ending! I definitely will be continuing this series. On to book 7!
April 23, 2025
This series has me so wrapped up , I can't put one book down without immediately picking the next up
October 1, 2025
ugh
Off to book 7 but damn! That was another plot twist! Y u got to do that to me!!! Lol
Off to book 7 but damn! That was another plot twist! Y u got to do that to me!!! Lol
August 10, 2024
Wonderful!
I just love this whole crew. This book left me on edge just like the rest. Can't wait for the next.
I just love this whole crew. This book left me on edge just like the rest. Can't wait for the next.
April 23, 2025
OMG!
Every book in this series has improved on the one before it.
The first book caught me completely in its spell, and I was desperate to read the next one. Then each book became deeper, more powerful, more alluring, more complex, so I ended up eagerly waitimg for the next one to be published.
This, book six, was like reading a whirlwind.
It is so complex, so layered, so full of love, loss, empathy, and compassion.
It is the whole of the human condition, captured, and placed within the pages of the book, and full of emotions, while wrapped around the love of one Witch, for family, friends, and the Shifter who is determined that they be as one!
I spent every minute reading this in a completely breathless yearning, as I wanted to know, so avidly, what happens next.
With Meadow's brother having been taken by the family curse, it is up to Meadow, and every single person connected, to her to find a way to retrieve him.
But her Grandmother is still holding secrets that she forbade everyone from telling Meadow, and so she must rely on all of the lessons in life, and magic, that she has learned over the 25 years of her life, to try to get her brother back.
I'm not telling the plotline, as the blurb already explains enough, without highlighting the very best of this book, but I have to admit that I was in tears at the end.
Not gently weeping in sadness, but in a full blown, 10 tissue, sobbing storm!
I've been really good at being patient, while waiting for my next fix of this utterly awesome series, but I have to confess that, now, as I finished those last words, I just wanted to jump neck deep into the next book of the series!
I will have to try & build up my patience, as anyone able to bring us avid readers a book like this, that drags us into the heart of a tornado, is so very much worth waiting for!
But, now that I've finished this, I need to go on to Sarah Noffke's The First Beaufont Series, to read Book Four: 'The Medieval Misfit'.
Rather than going straight on to it, though, I'm going to take a few hours to absorb, even more, the book I've just finished, to give it the attention it truly deserves, once I can think clearly once more and, once I can separate myself from that traumatic ending, I'll go on to this next book!
* * * * * * * * * *
It's now Thursday, 13th February, 2025, and I've just finished re-reading Thistle Thorns once again.
Everything I wrote, originally, is still true but, because I read this immediately after Muddled Magic, it had an even stronger affect on me.
I'm reading this, to catch all the mentions of food and drink within the story, in order to help with the Cookbook that Kat Healy is planning to release towards the end of this year,.
I'm not sure that I caught every mention, as I kept getting so involved with the story, that I'm fairly sure I've missed some - but, whatever I did get, I just hope it'll help! Lol
As it's past midnight now, I think I'll just load up the next book in this series, onto my Kindle; Book Seven: 'A Beastly Court', in order for it to be ready for my re-read later on today.
If I remember rightly, I missed quite a bit of this book's first read, due to the break between the two, so I'd forgotten quite a bit of the plotline but, luckily, it's not going to be the case this time so, once I've read this next part of the series, I'll catch you on the flip side, to let you know what I think of it, & note any food and drink mentioned within it! Lol
- - - - - - - - - - - - -
It's now Wednesday 23rd April, 2025, and I've just finished my 3rd re-read of this awesome book!
This read, was for no other reason, than because I wished to read all of the books in this series, that I already own, once more, due to there being a newly published book, which is the penultimate book of this series: Book 8: The Filigree Key.
This 3rd read, like the 2 before this, was excellent, and I'm spotting far more details within the story, than I did before, which is wonderful!
But I am really eager to go on to the next book to read, which is Book 7: 'A Beastly Court'.
So I'm going off to start reading this, as it's quite late, once again, and so I'll catch you on the flip side, in order to let you know what I think about this next installment!
Every book in this series has improved on the one before it.
The first book caught me completely in its spell, and I was desperate to read the next one. Then each book became deeper, more powerful, more alluring, more complex, so I ended up eagerly waitimg for the next one to be published.
This, book six, was like reading a whirlwind.
It is so complex, so layered, so full of love, loss, empathy, and compassion.
It is the whole of the human condition, captured, and placed within the pages of the book, and full of emotions, while wrapped around the love of one Witch, for family, friends, and the Shifter who is determined that they be as one!
I spent every minute reading this in a completely breathless yearning, as I wanted to know, so avidly, what happens next.
With Meadow's brother having been taken by the family curse, it is up to Meadow, and every single person connected, to her to find a way to retrieve him.
But her Grandmother is still holding secrets that she forbade everyone from telling Meadow, and so she must rely on all of the lessons in life, and magic, that she has learned over the 25 years of her life, to try to get her brother back.
I'm not telling the plotline, as the blurb already explains enough, without highlighting the very best of this book, but I have to admit that I was in tears at the end.
Not gently weeping in sadness, but in a full blown, 10 tissue, sobbing storm!
I've been really good at being patient, while waiting for my next fix of this utterly awesome series, but I have to confess that, now, as I finished those last words, I just wanted to jump neck deep into the next book of the series!
I will have to try & build up my patience, as anyone able to bring us avid readers a book like this, that drags us into the heart of a tornado, is so very much worth waiting for!
But, now that I've finished this, I need to go on to Sarah Noffke's The First Beaufont Series, to read Book Four: 'The Medieval Misfit'.
Rather than going straight on to it, though, I'm going to take a few hours to absorb, even more, the book I've just finished, to give it the attention it truly deserves, once I can think clearly once more and, once I can separate myself from that traumatic ending, I'll go on to this next book!
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It's now Thursday, 13th February, 2025, and I've just finished re-reading Thistle Thorns once again.
Everything I wrote, originally, is still true but, because I read this immediately after Muddled Magic, it had an even stronger affect on me.
I'm reading this, to catch all the mentions of food and drink within the story, in order to help with the Cookbook that Kat Healy is planning to release towards the end of this year,.
I'm not sure that I caught every mention, as I kept getting so involved with the story, that I'm fairly sure I've missed some - but, whatever I did get, I just hope it'll help! Lol
As it's past midnight now, I think I'll just load up the next book in this series, onto my Kindle; Book Seven: 'A Beastly Court', in order for it to be ready for my re-read later on today.
If I remember rightly, I missed quite a bit of this book's first read, due to the break between the two, so I'd forgotten quite a bit of the plotline but, luckily, it's not going to be the case this time so, once I've read this next part of the series, I'll catch you on the flip side, to let you know what I think of it, & note any food and drink mentioned within it! Lol
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It's now Wednesday 23rd April, 2025, and I've just finished my 3rd re-read of this awesome book!
This read, was for no other reason, than because I wished to read all of the books in this series, that I already own, once more, due to there being a newly published book, which is the penultimate book of this series: Book 8: The Filigree Key.
This 3rd read, like the 2 before this, was excellent, and I'm spotting far more details within the story, than I did before, which is wonderful!
But I am really eager to go on to the next book to read, which is Book 7: 'A Beastly Court'.
So I'm going off to start reading this, as it's quite late, once again, and so I'll catch you on the flip side, in order to let you know what I think about this next installment!
April 18, 2025
This book has everything: meddling family, the best kitty to ever exist, a bear shifter romance that continues to make me swoon, and a found family ties within the sewing circle and farmhouse occupants that owns a piece of my soul.
In Thistle Thorns, we get to see Meadow step fully into her power, and I loved every second of watching her stand her ground—especially when it comes to her complicated family ties. Her growth is raw, real, and so satisfying. And let’s not forget our delicious lum-BEAR-snack of a love interest. Their romance keeps getting better and better, and I am so here for it.
The heart of this series has always been the relationships, and the found family bonds in this book are stronger than ever. I’d protect every single member of the sewing circle with my life. But just as Kat Healy writes characters I’d die for, she also writes villains I despise—and Ossian takes the cake. He is the worst in the best villainous way. May both sides of his pillow forever be warm and may he step on several Legos with soft hooves.
This series has always hinted at darker undercurrents, and this book dives deep into those shadows. The ending is intense, emotional, and a little terrifying—and I loved every second. It left me reeling, but there’s absolutely nothing that will stop me from diving straight into the next one!
In Thistle Thorns, we get to see Meadow step fully into her power, and I loved every second of watching her stand her ground—especially when it comes to her complicated family ties. Her growth is raw, real, and so satisfying. And let’s not forget our delicious lum-BEAR-snack of a love interest. Their romance keeps getting better and better, and I am so here for it.
The heart of this series has always been the relationships, and the found family bonds in this book are stronger than ever. I’d protect every single member of the sewing circle with my life. But just as Kat Healy writes characters I’d die for, she also writes villains I despise—and Ossian takes the cake. He is the worst in the best villainous way. May both sides of his pillow forever be warm and may he step on several Legos with soft hooves.
This series has always hinted at darker undercurrents, and this book dives deep into those shadows. The ending is intense, emotional, and a little terrifying—and I loved every second. It left me reeling, but there’s absolutely nothing that will stop me from diving straight into the next one!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 3, 2025
I've burned through this series only to find it isn't complete! Arg! I have t wait until the end of December for what I hope is the last book. This has been very exciting, and at times humorous. There's a lesson to be learned about taking that leap of faith and going all in in a relationship to strengthen the bonds between two, as well as depending on the strength of family.
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