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Witches of Woodville #5
The Corn Bride
Dear reader, you are cordially invited to the strangest wedding of the year . . .
It’s May 1941, and the war is in full swing. Yet in the quiet village of Woodville in rural Kent a happy event is on the horizon, as Faye Bright interrupts her training with the British Secret Service to return home and marry her true love, Bertie.
But as preparations get underway, a ghostly premonition throws a spanner in the works. Who is the Corn Bride, and is her burning visage a warning, or a threat to the happiest day of Faye’s life?
As Faye and the witches investigate, it’s soon apparent that there’s much more on the line than dress fittings, cake and Bertie’s stag do. For an old enemy is stirring in the shadows, bent on vengeance. And he’s not above crashing a wedding to get it.
Will the happy couple make it to the church on time? Or, after all she’s survived, could it be getting hitched that finally spells Faye’s doom?
Embark upon an adventure that weaves together romance, undead Nazis, pensioner spies, spectral schoolchildren and a talking budgerigar, and still somehow manages to prove that love is the most powerful magic of all.
It’s May 1941, and the war is in full swing. Yet in the quiet village of Woodville in rural Kent a happy event is on the horizon, as Faye Bright interrupts her training with the British Secret Service to return home and marry her true love, Bertie.
But as preparations get underway, a ghostly premonition throws a spanner in the works. Who is the Corn Bride, and is her burning visage a warning, or a threat to the happiest day of Faye’s life?
As Faye and the witches investigate, it’s soon apparent that there’s much more on the line than dress fittings, cake and Bertie’s stag do. For an old enemy is stirring in the shadows, bent on vengeance. And he’s not above crashing a wedding to get it.
Will the happy couple make it to the church on time? Or, after all she’s survived, could it be getting hitched that finally spells Faye’s doom?
Embark upon an adventure that weaves together romance, undead Nazis, pensioner spies, spectral schoolchildren and a talking budgerigar, and still somehow manages to prove that love is the most powerful magic of all.
397 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 13, 2025
14 people are currently reading
101 people want to read
About the author
Mark Stay
9 books148 followersMark Stay got a part-time Christmas job at Waterstone’s in the nineties (back when it still had an apostrophe) and somehow ended up working in publishing for over 25 years. He would write in his spare time and (he can admit this now) on company time, and sometimes those writings would get turned into books and films.
Mark is also co-presenter of the Bestseller Experiment podcast, which has inspired writers all over the world to finish and publish their books. Born in London, he lives in Kent with Youtube gardener Claire Burgess and a declining assortment of retired chickens.
Come and say hello at https://markstaywrites.com or visit the Woodville Village Library for free short stories and more at https://witchesofwoodville.com
Mark is also co-presenter of the Bestseller Experiment podcast, which has inspired writers all over the world to finish and publish their books. Born in London, he lives in Kent with Youtube gardener Claire Burgess and a declining assortment of retired chickens.
Come and say hello at https://markstaywrites.com or visit the Woodville Village Library for free short stories and more at https://witchesofwoodville.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
March 25, 2025
I love these books. Pure escapism with a dashing of olde English thrills n spills. Can't recommend them highly enough. I hope hope hope there will be more to come
February 24, 2025
I am absolutely loving this series, the character development is amazing, and not just Faye but everyone around her. The witches, the villagers and especially dear, sweet Bertie. Although it has to be said, Faye is perfection. Smart, funny, intelligent and just incredibly down to earth.
This series puts me in mind of Tiffany Aching joining Dad’s Army, it’s wonderfully old fashioned and is full of warmth and humour. Although it does get dark in places.
This series puts me in mind of Tiffany Aching joining Dad’s Army, it’s wonderfully old fashioned and is full of warmth and humour. Although it does get dark in places.
March 18, 2025
It is always lovely returning to a beloved series. The joy of finishing the book and thinking, blimey that was great, but then that dreaded consideration, do I think it was a 5 star story or am I just caught up in the afterglow? A few hours later and yes I still have scenes in my mind, so another 5 stars from me. Mark continues to build up the flying success of The Holly King, with Faye and chums continuing their lives during WW2, as well as the eerie Woodville. A series that is crammed with charm, comedy, cuteness, and characters with charisma. Plus, another wonderfully evocative performance by Candida Gubbins.
March 9, 2025
The fifth Witches Of Woodville book. If you’re reading this, you’re probably already a fan, and just want to know if this one is any good. And I’m happy to report it is, with plenty of the same lovely and warm but also threatening and scary vibe that has run through the series. I do think there’s a limit to how long we can keep reading tales about Woodville being menaced by occult villains though, which is why I was particularly excited by the epilogue here, which suggests a new direction for the books. I for one am very much up for Faye Bright, SOE!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 17, 2025
It's a perfect ending, but also I don't want it to be.
March 5, 2025
If you haven't already, please go and read this series! It's full of humour, a weird and wonderful bunch of villagers, folklore, magic and oddly cosy horror, all set during WW2. It follows Faye, who discovers that she is a witch and that, not only are there all sorts of strange things going on in her village, but that magic is being used by both sides in the war.
The fifth book in The Witches of Woodville series begins with Faye returning home for a May Day wedding after several months of secret witchy training in London. She spends the night before her return sheltering from an air raid in an Underground station. It's a long and dreary night but as people start to rise in the morning, Faye is drawn into a tunnel by the sound of children singing and she encounters their ghostly forms along with a sinister-looking Corn Bride and visions of fire and destruction. What can it mean for Faye and will the wedding go ahead?
The Corn Bride doesn't let the side down, it's another hugely entertaining story and I really hope it won't be the last one in the series. This one sees the village once more under threat, this time with added Nazi zombies, and the Woodville witches receive help from a possessed budgie, the ghost of girl who's taking death surprisingly well, and morris dancers
Faye continues to be a brilliant main character, slowly growing up and gaining confidence in herself and her powers throughout the books. I love the mix of humour with horror-tinged folklore elements that gives the story a strangely cosy feel despite, you know, the evil magic-wielding Nazi.
Thanks to Simon & Schuster UK for providing a netgalley arc for review
The fifth book in The Witches of Woodville series begins with Faye returning home for a May Day wedding after several months of secret witchy training in London. She spends the night before her return sheltering from an air raid in an Underground station. It's a long and dreary night but as people start to rise in the morning, Faye is drawn into a tunnel by the sound of children singing and she encounters their ghostly forms along with a sinister-looking Corn Bride and visions of fire and destruction. What can it mean for Faye and will the wedding go ahead?
The Corn Bride doesn't let the side down, it's another hugely entertaining story and I really hope it won't be the last one in the series. This one sees the village once more under threat, this time with added Nazi zombies, and the Woodville witches receive help from a possessed budgie, the ghost of girl who's taking death surprisingly well, and morris dancers
Faye continues to be a brilliant main character, slowly growing up and gaining confidence in herself and her powers throughout the books. I love the mix of humour with horror-tinged folklore elements that gives the story a strangely cosy feel despite, you know, the evil magic-wielding Nazi.
Thanks to Simon & Schuster UK for providing a netgalley arc for review
February 18, 2025
The fifth outing for Faye and her fellow witches. Faye is about to marry Bertie but someone is out to stop the wedding and take his revenge on Woodville. Once again this is an entertaining read, full of action with great characters.
I received a free review copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for my honest and unedited review.
I received a free review copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for my honest and unedited review.
April 12, 2025
I’m already a huge fan of The Witches of Woodville series and this latest visit to the village is nothing less than an action-packed page turner!
Our heroine Faye Bright returns home, for her impending nuptials to lovable Bertie, from her training in the Paranormal Division of the Special Operations Executive (bonus points from me for the SOE link). Trouble and chaos seems to follow Faye and it’s long into the book before she’s haunted by creepy school children spirits singing rhymes and a giant effigy of a corn dolly in a wedding dress.
The stakes are really raised and we see the village and it’s inhabitants under siege from Faye’s nemesis Otto Kopp and Nazi Zombies! The Woodville Witches are joined by a budgerigar who gets possessed, Morris dancers and the ghost of a girl who can read auras.
This series expertly blends folklore, magic and humour in a World War 2 setting. The Corn Bride knocks it out of the park and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I wasn’t expecting that rollercoaster of an ending! I’m not going to give away any spoilers other than to say I hope this isn’t the last time we see The Witches of Woodville!
If you haven’t read any of this series yet you really don’t know what you’re missing. I highly recommend you buy direct from the Witches of Woodville website – you can pick up signed and dedicated copies of the book and if you become a Woodville library member you receive free short stories!
My rating:
Reading Snack recommendation:
Freshly baked oatcakes – they won’t be better than Mrs Teach’s though.
Pairs well with:
A pint of Cider, just try to avoid Mr Hodgson’s hand crafted batch!
Our heroine Faye Bright returns home, for her impending nuptials to lovable Bertie, from her training in the Paranormal Division of the Special Operations Executive (bonus points from me for the SOE link). Trouble and chaos seems to follow Faye and it’s long into the book before she’s haunted by creepy school children spirits singing rhymes and a giant effigy of a corn dolly in a wedding dress.
The stakes are really raised and we see the village and it’s inhabitants under siege from Faye’s nemesis Otto Kopp and Nazi Zombies! The Woodville Witches are joined by a budgerigar who gets possessed, Morris dancers and the ghost of a girl who can read auras.
This series expertly blends folklore, magic and humour in a World War 2 setting. The Corn Bride knocks it out of the park and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I wasn’t expecting that rollercoaster of an ending! I’m not going to give away any spoilers other than to say I hope this isn’t the last time we see The Witches of Woodville!
If you haven’t read any of this series yet you really don’t know what you’re missing. I highly recommend you buy direct from the Witches of Woodville website – you can pick up signed and dedicated copies of the book and if you become a Woodville library member you receive free short stories!
My rating:
Reading Snack recommendation:
Freshly baked oatcakes – they won’t be better than Mrs Teach’s though.
Pairs well with:
A pint of Cider, just try to avoid Mr Hodgson’s hand crafted batch!
April 17, 2025
My thoughts
I have thoroughly enjoyed this series by Mark Stay.
It is filled with characters that make you care for and about them. The type of characters you want to make it through the books.
This is book 5 in the series and we have seen the witches of woodville grow up, learn more about themselves and the power they and others hold. Mark Stay has a great tap into our emotions and it makes these books relatable because of that. Without the insight into the characters these could easily have become just another story about magic. Except they’re an absolutely beautiful characterisation about characters who have everyday lives that are understandable AND they are magic.
I suspect many a WoW fan will read the last book with tears in their eyes at some point. There’s been history, mystery, magic and mayhem. Almost a spell!
Please don’t mistake these as children’s books. They can indeed be read as YA but they are very much in the adult category of myth/magic and magical realism. This book is darker than the others but it’s a fascinating read that I loved. A series I’d definitely recommend. I hope to see many more books by him in the future.
With thanks to the publisher and the author for the advanced reading copy of this book.
I have thoroughly enjoyed this series by Mark Stay.
It is filled with characters that make you care for and about them. The type of characters you want to make it through the books.
This is book 5 in the series and we have seen the witches of woodville grow up, learn more about themselves and the power they and others hold. Mark Stay has a great tap into our emotions and it makes these books relatable because of that. Without the insight into the characters these could easily have become just another story about magic. Except they’re an absolutely beautiful characterisation about characters who have everyday lives that are understandable AND they are magic.
I suspect many a WoW fan will read the last book with tears in their eyes at some point. There’s been history, mystery, magic and mayhem. Almost a spell!
Please don’t mistake these as children’s books. They can indeed be read as YA but they are very much in the adult category of myth/magic and magical realism. This book is darker than the others but it’s a fascinating read that I loved. A series I’d definitely recommend. I hope to see many more books by him in the future.
With thanks to the publisher and the author for the advanced reading copy of this book.
April 21, 2025
Mr. Stay has done it again with the fifth book in the Witches of Woodville series. The writing transports you in the middle of every scene. From war-torn London, to the tiny village of Woodville, to a random palatial mansion, you can see the images woven by this expert story teller. Reconnecting with the characters was like visiting with old friends and watching them be dragged over the coals. After book four—The Holly King—I didn’t think the stakes could get any higher, or the consequences dire. I was wrong. The Corn Bride had me constantly on the edge of my seat as I watched danger getting closer, with no way to warn Faye Bright. The eighteen-year-old bookish, headstrong, heroine had abilities to rival some of the most powerful witches and warlocks on earth. But with so much power, can there be an enemy strong enough to stand against her? There can be if they delve into forbidden magic. Set in the middle of World War II, this latest adventure threatens Faye’s values, her wedding day, her family, her village of Woodville, and dare I say, the tide of the war. Pick it up today, and strap yourself in.
May 8, 2025
I'm a tiny bit torn about this book.
Was it the last in the series, or will it return in another form? Not sure.
I felt like the author perhaps isn't sure either(?), but hoping for the best. (So am I.)
The thing nudging the book down from 5 stars is that it in many ways felt like a last book, but it turned out not(?) being one, so you're kind of left hanging, unsure where to go from here on - or even if there is somewhere to go to, if you know what I mean?
All in all, I liked it though. Not my favourite in the series, but good.
The only part I genuinely disliked was how the audiobook lowkey tortured my ears with all the nursery rhymes and songs.
I mean, what is worse than ghost children? SINGING ghost children! *shudder* 😆
I'm sorry, and my sincere apologies to the narrator, but the childish, off-tune singing got old very quickly and I wanted to turn my hearing off so many times I lost count. 😂🙈🙉😩🥲
As for the story, I liked the turn Fay's story took. I was very sceptical about the wedding, to say the least, but it all worked out in the end.
I will of course return if there are more books on the horizon.
Was it the last in the series, or will it return in another form? Not sure.
I felt like the author perhaps isn't sure either(?), but hoping for the best. (So am I.)
The thing nudging the book down from 5 stars is that it in many ways felt like a last book, but it turned out not(?) being one, so you're kind of left hanging, unsure where to go from here on - or even if there is somewhere to go to, if you know what I mean?
All in all, I liked it though. Not my favourite in the series, but good.
The only part I genuinely disliked was how the audiobook lowkey tortured my ears with all the nursery rhymes and songs.
I mean, what is worse than ghost children? SINGING ghost children! *shudder* 😆
I'm sorry, and my sincere apologies to the narrator, but the childish, off-tune singing got old very quickly and I wanted to turn my hearing off so many times I lost count. 😂🙈🙉😩🥲
As for the story, I liked the turn Fay's story took. I was very sceptical about the wedding, to say the least, but it all worked out in the end.
I will of course return if there are more books on the horizon.
April 18, 2025
Zoals gewoonlijk stelt Mark Stay niet teleur. Dit vijfde deel in the Witches of Woodville serie is net zo heerlijk leesvoer als de eerdere delen.
Faye, een van de heksen, komt terug naar Woodville voor haar huwelijk met Bertie. Ze heeft een week verlof van haar opleiding in Londen. Maar natuurlijk is het niet zo simpel als het lijkt, want Otto Kopp, een Duitse nazi officier is ook in de buurt van Woodville verschenen. Hij is al twee keer verslagen door Faye en hij wil wraak. Faye moet een plan verzinnen, samen met de andere heksen, Miss Charlotte en Mrs Philomena Teach, en met de hulp van Bertie en de vader van Faye, Terrence. En het huwelijk moet ook nog worden voorbereid.
Natuurlijk gaan er weer verschillende dingen helemaal fout en Faye en haar vrienden moeten alles op alles zetten om het dorp te redden en Otto Kopp te verslaan.
Ik heb hier echt van genoten. Gewoon lekker lezen en nu wachten op deel 6.
Een 9, maar hier dus een 8
Faye, een van de heksen, komt terug naar Woodville voor haar huwelijk met Bertie. Ze heeft een week verlof van haar opleiding in Londen. Maar natuurlijk is het niet zo simpel als het lijkt, want Otto Kopp, een Duitse nazi officier is ook in de buurt van Woodville verschenen. Hij is al twee keer verslagen door Faye en hij wil wraak. Faye moet een plan verzinnen, samen met de andere heksen, Miss Charlotte en Mrs Philomena Teach, en met de hulp van Bertie en de vader van Faye, Terrence. En het huwelijk moet ook nog worden voorbereid.
Natuurlijk gaan er weer verschillende dingen helemaal fout en Faye en haar vrienden moeten alles op alles zetten om het dorp te redden en Otto Kopp te verslaan.
Ik heb hier echt van genoten. Gewoon lekker lezen en nu wachten op deel 6.
Een 9, maar hier dus een 8
March 12, 2025
The Corn Bride is the fifth book in Mark Stay's awesome WW2 historical magical-realism Witches of Woodville series. I wholly recommend this series, starting with book one The Crow Folk.
Book five starts with heroine Faye taking some time away from her important war work to come home and marry her beloved Bertie, but the forces of evil are starting to range against her and her plans. Will she have time to defeat the Nazis, solve the mystery of ghostly singing children, understand her worrying vision of a burning giant corn-dolly bride and be back in time for tea?
A recommended read for lovers of Terry Pratchett.
Book five starts with heroine Faye taking some time away from her important war work to come home and marry her beloved Bertie, but the forces of evil are starting to range against her and her plans. Will she have time to defeat the Nazis, solve the mystery of ghostly singing children, understand her worrying vision of a burning giant corn-dolly bride and be back in time for tea?
A recommended read for lovers of Terry Pratchett.
April 24, 2025
Rural English magic versus the Axis
—
In the fifth book of the fan-favourite series, Faye Bright returns to Woodville after secret training as her part in the Second World War. As the eponymous Corn Bride threatens the village, the cast of eccentric villagers, new aides and companions face the might of Nazi magic and monsters.
Look, it does what it says on the tin: a rural English witch against the forces of Axis magic, and there’s no more rollicking read. Faye continues to grow and her impending marriage might take her in a new direction, but as in all cosy(ish) books, the status quo is more or less righted by the end, and the journey has been a delightful destination.
—
In the fifth book of the fan-favourite series, Faye Bright returns to Woodville after secret training as her part in the Second World War. As the eponymous Corn Bride threatens the village, the cast of eccentric villagers, new aides and companions face the might of Nazi magic and monsters.
Look, it does what it says on the tin: a rural English witch against the forces of Axis magic, and there’s no more rollicking read. Faye continues to grow and her impending marriage might take her in a new direction, but as in all cosy(ish) books, the status quo is more or less righted by the end, and the journey has been a delightful destination.
April 18, 2025
Another delicious, deeply satisfying book in The Witches of Woodville series!!!
As Faye Bright gets back to Woodville after being away for several months, we return home right along with her. How lovely it feels to be among the delightful characters of the little village once again!
Thank you Mark Stay for creating this world to lose ourselves in. :)
Please give us more of the Woodwose in the next* book. Such a big cutie he is. Haha
*I know you said “might” but my brain’s refusing to read that as anything but “will”. :P
As Faye Bright gets back to Woodville after being away for several months, we return home right along with her. How lovely it feels to be among the delightful characters of the little village once again!
Thank you Mark Stay for creating this world to lose ourselves in. :)
Please give us more of the Woodwose in the next* book. Such a big cutie he is. Haha
*I know you said “might” but my brain’s refusing to read that as anything but “will”. :P
May 24, 2025
I really do think you should read them all, 1–4 first to really get the whole picture. That way you'll get the full experience, and you'll have a wonderful time. It's light-hearted, heavy, funny, and sad. It's a wonderful story, and by now I know these people. I feel for them.
And that's why it took me ages to finish this book, I heard a rumour this would be the final part — and I don't want that. I want more. I like the witches.
There are more stories here to be told! I mean… poor Woodville!
And that's why it took me ages to finish this book, I heard a rumour this would be the final part — and I don't want that. I want more. I like the witches.
There are more stories here to be told! I mean… poor Woodville!
September 24, 2025
The last in The Witches Woodville series by Mark Stay and my favourite of the five books that my friend loaned me.
I really like Faye as a main character, rather secretive about what she does but as you read more you understand why.
I think i found this more personable in relation to Faye with The Corn Bride abd the ghosts of the children.
I loved the way the village came tpgether against Otto at the end in support of Faye.
The magic used was intriguing and added si much to the story whether being used fir good or evil.
I'm hoping there will be another book
to come as I feel its a little opened ended with Faye but I can't reveal more - SPOILERS
I really like Faye as a main character, rather secretive about what she does but as you read more you understand why.
I think i found this more personable in relation to Faye with The Corn Bride abd the ghosts of the children.
I loved the way the village came tpgether against Otto at the end in support of Faye.
The magic used was intriguing and added si much to the story whether being used fir good or evil.
I'm hoping there will be another book
to come as I feel its a little opened ended with Faye but I can't reveal more - SPOILERS
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 22, 2025
Faye Bright and the witches of Woodville return in the fifth instalment of this series. The backdrop of the Second World War works well as the people of Woodville fight to survive a deposed Nazi Druid. Some darker moments compared to where this series began but the tone reflects the journey of the protagonist. I think the characters have all grown over this series and although the ending is a smidge ambiguous, this feels like a natural ending to the story of Faye Bright.
April 13, 2025
The Corn Bride is a thoroughly excellent book – funny, poignant, heartfelt, fear inducing and a worthy end to the current series. I would dearly love to see what Mr Stay could do next. There is plenty of latitude and scope for more books, and I for one hope that he is given this opportunity, he has certainly earned it in my view. So, for the moment, the saying IS true, all good things must come to an end, but hopefully not for too long…
April 20, 2025
These books are wonderful reads, part Ealing comedy meets Carry On, via Roald Dahl's Tales of Supernatural meets Terry Pratchett down an alley hosting a classic Dad's Army episode.
Pure escapism, with delightful characters and an extremely evil Nazi villain.
Just read them if you haven't and best enjoyed in order as the Corn Bride does recall events from the previous books in the series.
Pure escapism, with delightful characters and an extremely evil Nazi villain.
Just read them if you haven't and best enjoyed in order as the Corn Bride does recall events from the previous books in the series.
March 30, 2025
Fantastic! A brilliant addition to a wonderful series. Never been more happy to share my name with a character, Miss Charlotte is fun!
I would also like to order 1 Bertie please! He is too sweet.
I would also like to order 1 Bertie please! He is too sweet.
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April 5, 2025Audiobook
April 28, 2025
I really enjoyed the storytelling of this book and after a bit of a slow start I was gripped!
A little bit spooky, romantic and some laughs!
A little bit spooky, romantic and some laughs!
May 2, 2025
Ich liebe diese Reihe einfach.. jedes Buch, jede überbrückende Kurzgeschichte.. immer wieder was schönes für zwischendurch 🥹
June 29, 2025
really good read. I hope he writes another one
July 5, 2025
The world and character development gets better with every book!
September 28, 2025
Very good. Rural Rivers of London meets Dad's Army.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews