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The Herbalist's Daughters
Can the past be truly redeemed?
In 1997, Mara Ash discovers among her mother’s possessions the beautifully illustrated 19th century journals of the flora of the Forest of Dean by one Aaron Appleby. Tucked among the pages are two cryptic letters from Aaron to a woman called Hester.
One hundred years earlier, Aaron remains tormented by his guilt over Marianne’s fiery death above the river ten years ago. He cannot share Hester’s contentment in the cottage by the stream where she tends her plants and fulfils her ambition to be a herbal healer.
But when Aaron sets out to seek at least forgiveness if redemption is unavailable, he risks losing what solace he has gained.
Believing time and distance might save her troubled marriage, Mara travels from her home in Australia to the Forest in England to resolve the mystery of Aaron Appleby. What is his relationship to her? Why do his journals cease abruptly in the summer of 1897? Why don’t his daughters bear his name?
But as she uncovers the truth of her family, Mara finds herself challenged by her own unexpected journey of self-discovery.
The standalone sequel to the award winning River Witch, The Herbalist’s Daughters weaves past and present into an unforgettable story of loss, redemption, and the legacies which shape us.
In 1997, Mara Ash discovers among her mother’s possessions the beautifully illustrated 19th century journals of the flora of the Forest of Dean by one Aaron Appleby. Tucked among the pages are two cryptic letters from Aaron to a woman called Hester.
One hundred years earlier, Aaron remains tormented by his guilt over Marianne’s fiery death above the river ten years ago. He cannot share Hester’s contentment in the cottage by the stream where she tends her plants and fulfils her ambition to be a herbal healer.
But when Aaron sets out to seek at least forgiveness if redemption is unavailable, he risks losing what solace he has gained.
Believing time and distance might save her troubled marriage, Mara travels from her home in Australia to the Forest in England to resolve the mystery of Aaron Appleby. What is his relationship to her? Why do his journals cease abruptly in the summer of 1897? Why don’t his daughters bear his name?
But as she uncovers the truth of her family, Mara finds herself challenged by her own unexpected journey of self-discovery.
The standalone sequel to the award winning River Witch, The Herbalist’s Daughters weaves past and present into an unforgettable story of loss, redemption, and the legacies which shape us.
322 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 19, 2024
21 people are currently reading
44 people want to read
About the author
Cheryl Burman
16 books74 followersCheryl Burman grew up as the child forever reading on her bed. But as this was Australia, she was also often tempted outside to the beach and the yabby creeks near her suburban home.
When she moved to the Forest of Dean, UK, she followed the likes of Tolkien, Rowling and many others in being inspired to write. As a devout Narnia fan, she started with middle grade fantasy, discovered a taste for historical fiction, and then combined the two into historical fantasy.
Given she is lucky enough to live in a place chock-a-block full of history, legend and myth, there is much to draw on. She does so, as well as on her own childhood in Australia.
Two of her novels have won awards, as have several of her flash fiction pieces and short stories. Some of these are included in her two short story collections, while others are published in various anthologies.
A keen student of writing craft, Cheryl has had articles published on writing-related topics both online and in print, and maintains a popular writing tips post on her blog.
As Cheryl Mayo, she is a former chair of Dean Writers Circle and a founder of Dean Scribblers, which encourages creative writing among young people in her community.
Find her and her books at https://cherylburman.com/
Follow her on twitter @cr_burman
and on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/CherylBurman...
Follow her on twitter https://twitter.com/cr_burman
Follow her on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/CherylBurman...
Follow her on BookBub bookbub.com/authors/cheryl-burman
When she moved to the Forest of Dean, UK, she followed the likes of Tolkien, Rowling and many others in being inspired to write. As a devout Narnia fan, she started with middle grade fantasy, discovered a taste for historical fiction, and then combined the two into historical fantasy.
Given she is lucky enough to live in a place chock-a-block full of history, legend and myth, there is much to draw on. She does so, as well as on her own childhood in Australia.
Two of her novels have won awards, as have several of her flash fiction pieces and short stories. Some of these are included in her two short story collections, while others are published in various anthologies.
A keen student of writing craft, Cheryl has had articles published on writing-related topics both online and in print, and maintains a popular writing tips post on her blog.
As Cheryl Mayo, she is a former chair of Dean Writers Circle and a founder of Dean Scribblers, which encourages creative writing among young people in her community.
Find her and her books at https://cherylburman.com/
Follow her on twitter @cr_burman
and on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/CherylBurman...
Follow her on twitter https://twitter.com/cr_burman
Follow her on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/CherylBurman...
Follow her on BookBub bookbub.com/authors/cheryl-burman
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
January 1, 2025
Lush and Introspective
A middle-aged woman faced with the untimely death of her mother and a floundering marriage, finds a family mystery that carries her to the other side of the world, and gives “herself, and Peter, an opportunity to gain perspective on their marriage, a sort of absence makes the heart grow fonder gamble… a dangerous game.” The story contrasts Mara with her great-grandparents’ quests and tragedies, while reawakening in the modern woman the family’s connection to the Forest of Dean, the Severn River and the spirits of St. Cyna’s glen. For both Mara and her ancestor, “interwoven with the song of the nymphs comes Sabrina’s call, the river goddess telling… how she is strong, she is wise, and she must do what she needs to do.” This becomes a prophetic message for both Great-grandmother and her offspring.
The story is steeped in characters’ anxious self-exploration of doubts and uncertainties; both generations agonize over their affairs, creating a mirror of character traits separated by a century. The author’s sumptuous descriptions make the book a joy to read: The lost progenitor grasps a “notion like it is a ladder held to the window of a burning house, the burning house being his tormented being.” The author not only masterfully introduces foreshadowing but paints wonderful pictures and plays to all five senses in the reader’s mind, especially smells, the perfumes of flowers, the scents of people. The writer uses masterful description to maintain the story's tone: “Thickening black clouds hover like the menace of war. Moisture hangs in the air, eager to transform into bullets of rain to attack the town in a repeat of the morning’s assault.” A kitten is “a plump thistledown of marmalade stripes and white chest, playful when not curled on a cushion in exhausted sleep.”
This story is a satisfying and innovative extension of the original tale of Hester and Aaron and while it takes some tragic turns, ultimately the novel leaves one with a hope that the modern woman has followed the goddess’ advice, done “what she needs to do,” and has a chance for a better life and perhaps new romance.
If you enjoy a cozy mystery, introspective characters, dual timelines and lush writing, I highly recommend ‘The Herbalist’s Daughters.’
A middle-aged woman faced with the untimely death of her mother and a floundering marriage, finds a family mystery that carries her to the other side of the world, and gives “herself, and Peter, an opportunity to gain perspective on their marriage, a sort of absence makes the heart grow fonder gamble… a dangerous game.” The story contrasts Mara with her great-grandparents’ quests and tragedies, while reawakening in the modern woman the family’s connection to the Forest of Dean, the Severn River and the spirits of St. Cyna’s glen. For both Mara and her ancestor, “interwoven with the song of the nymphs comes Sabrina’s call, the river goddess telling… how she is strong, she is wise, and she must do what she needs to do.” This becomes a prophetic message for both Great-grandmother and her offspring.
The story is steeped in characters’ anxious self-exploration of doubts and uncertainties; both generations agonize over their affairs, creating a mirror of character traits separated by a century. The author’s sumptuous descriptions make the book a joy to read: The lost progenitor grasps a “notion like it is a ladder held to the window of a burning house, the burning house being his tormented being.” The author not only masterfully introduces foreshadowing but paints wonderful pictures and plays to all five senses in the reader’s mind, especially smells, the perfumes of flowers, the scents of people. The writer uses masterful description to maintain the story's tone: “Thickening black clouds hover like the menace of war. Moisture hangs in the air, eager to transform into bullets of rain to attack the town in a repeat of the morning’s assault.” A kitten is “a plump thistledown of marmalade stripes and white chest, playful when not curled on a cushion in exhausted sleep.”
This story is a satisfying and innovative extension of the original tale of Hester and Aaron and while it takes some tragic turns, ultimately the novel leaves one with a hope that the modern woman has followed the goddess’ advice, done “what she needs to do,” and has a chance for a better life and perhaps new romance.
If you enjoy a cozy mystery, introspective characters, dual timelines and lush writing, I highly recommend ‘The Herbalist’s Daughters.’
November 15, 2024
As an avid reader of family sagas where one generation discovers and learns from the secrets of their predecessors, this dual timeline novel drew me in from the beginning. I haven’t read River Witch, but the author did a great job of summing up what went before. I wasn’t confused or disorientated.
I was intrigued by the characters, especially Aaron Appleby. Perhaps this was an advantage to not having read River Witch, as I met him and his family for the first time. The mystery of Aaron’s disappearance definitely propelled me to the end, as did Mara’s marital struggles.
The story moves back and forth between past and present at pivotal points. So just when you think you might be about to receive answers in one timeline, it switches, and you’re left feeling disappointed, until you once again become entangled with the other half of the story.
There are interesting parallels between Mara’s life in the late nineties and that of her great grandmother who lived a century earlier. As we’ve come to expect from this author, the love stories are powerful, but not slushy. She writes as a woman with her feet firmly planted on the ground, making her books appeal to others of the same ilk.
Although the references to the river goddess, the nymphs, and Hesta and Aaron’s mysterious powers didn’t appeal to me personally, there were so many other elements I enjoyed, and they kept pushing me forwards. This author straddles many genres, some of which I wouldn’t ordinarily choose to read. However, the beauty of her work is in her character formation and ability to place her protagonists in compelling situations.
I am looking forward to whatever comes next.
I was intrigued by the characters, especially Aaron Appleby. Perhaps this was an advantage to not having read River Witch, as I met him and his family for the first time. The mystery of Aaron’s disappearance definitely propelled me to the end, as did Mara’s marital struggles.
The story moves back and forth between past and present at pivotal points. So just when you think you might be about to receive answers in one timeline, it switches, and you’re left feeling disappointed, until you once again become entangled with the other half of the story.
There are interesting parallels between Mara’s life in the late nineties and that of her great grandmother who lived a century earlier. As we’ve come to expect from this author, the love stories are powerful, but not slushy. She writes as a woman with her feet firmly planted on the ground, making her books appeal to others of the same ilk.
Although the references to the river goddess, the nymphs, and Hesta and Aaron’s mysterious powers didn’t appeal to me personally, there were so many other elements I enjoyed, and they kept pushing me forwards. This author straddles many genres, some of which I wouldn’t ordinarily choose to read. However, the beauty of her work is in her character formation and ability to place her protagonists in compelling situations.
I am looking forward to whatever comes next.
November 3, 2024
Cheryl Burman takes up the threads of River Witch and combines them with a more contemporary tale in dual timeline fashion. As with its predecessor (River Witch), The Herbalists Daughters can be read as a standalone. However, I suspect reading one will lead you to read the other.
Burman has a style that urges you forward - one more chapter - and another and onward. The switching between time periods had me at times reading one more chapter because I HAD to get back to the hanging thread of the story in the opposite part of the story, but then it happened again in the other timeline, very hard to put the book down, clever stuff.
I took to Mara at first mention (being already familiar with and fond of Hester.)
The author, as always, has created a wealth of relatable characters in a story rich with detail and feeling. They camp in your head while you read and in between. There is an obvious wealth of knowledge and research woven into these tales.
A treat to savour. 'Join us, learn with us...'
Burman has a style that urges you forward - one more chapter - and another and onward. The switching between time periods had me at times reading one more chapter because I HAD to get back to the hanging thread of the story in the opposite part of the story, but then it happened again in the other timeline, very hard to put the book down, clever stuff.
I took to Mara at first mention (being already familiar with and fond of Hester.)
The author, as always, has created a wealth of relatable characters in a story rich with detail and feeling. They camp in your head while you read and in between. There is an obvious wealth of knowledge and research woven into these tales.
A treat to savour. 'Join us, learn with us...'
October 25, 2024
This is a novel of sensitivity, beauty, and strength. It is an intriguing slow burn in which the private lives of the main characters are as absorbing as the central mystery. With its shifting timelines and perspectives, the gentle storyline is captivating and teasing. The language is descriptive and beautiful, pulling me into the folklore of the Forest, so I felt I was part of the magical quest to solve a mystery.
October 29, 2024
Historical fiction, romance, mystery, and magic - a combination you won't want to put down!
Cheryl Burman has once again written a fantastic tale that will captivate readers who enjoy reading across genres. In The Herbalists' Daughter, Ms. Burman's cast of characters are well-developed and engaging, yet she allows their flaws to surface making them both likable and relatable. Settings come to life with the author's poetic descriptions and her use of a dual time line will keep the reader on their toes. This novel will keep you reading into the night as a family's well-hidden secrets are finally brought to light.
Cheryl Burman has once again written a fantastic tale that will captivate readers who enjoy reading across genres. In The Herbalists' Daughter, Ms. Burman's cast of characters are well-developed and engaging, yet she allows their flaws to surface making them both likable and relatable. Settings come to life with the author's poetic descriptions and her use of a dual time line will keep the reader on their toes. This novel will keep you reading into the night as a family's well-hidden secrets are finally brought to light.
June 24, 2025
The Herbalist’s Daughters is many things. A much-wished-for sequel, which can be read as a standalone. A multi-generational family saga. A supernatural, witchy, earthy tale - couple with a grounded, realistic story. A dual timeline. A story of generations of strong women and sometimes elusive men. And a tale, somehow, of independent ‘daughters’ mixed with heartbreak and romance in one.
When a family bereavement uncovers a book of etchings, a woman decides to take a journey from Australia to England to uncover the secrets of the past. Telling the continuing story of Hester, and her two daughters, along with that of the feisty, stoical and relatable Mara (a family descendent), the alternates between the turn of the 19th and 20th century and the late 1990s, unpeeling layers of confusion, mystery and lies until the truth is revealed. Along the way, Mara is questioning her own marriage - and the secrets therein - with some parallels and synergies skilfully shown across the centuries.
I loved the themes of herbs, alternate realms, sixth sense and healing that rippled throughout the years. But, for me, there are two things that Cheryl Burman does particularly well. The first is characterisation. The characters - of which there are many - are subtly and distinctly drawn leaving me with a sense of knowing them all. From those we see less of (such as Aaron’s parents, or the anger-inducing-yet-pitiful Judith) and Hester herself, we feel we know these people and exactly how they tick. Mara, especially, is a warm and fully-formed character. I so much wanted to shake her and tell her to be more direct for much of the book (readers will know what I’m alluding to! But no spoilers here!) and yet she was all the more realistic for not doing so.
The second thing Cheryl Burman excels at is a deft use of language. The book is packed with metaphors and delightful descriptions, peppered lightly throughout to add a beautiful colour to the page. We have a ‘day outside… tapping its foot’.
A sun that ‘flaunts itself’. An ‘ugly truth’ that ‘pirouettes on the tip of [redacted’s!] tongue’. And many more lush images - plus some sensory pathetic fallacy that drops you squidgily into the woods at times. Beautiful to read.
A worthy five stars. There’s something for all of us in The Herbalist’s Daughters. And I’m very much hoping I’ve not misread a hint of more to come…
When a family bereavement uncovers a book of etchings, a woman decides to take a journey from Australia to England to uncover the secrets of the past. Telling the continuing story of Hester, and her two daughters, along with that of the feisty, stoical and relatable Mara (a family descendent), the alternates between the turn of the 19th and 20th century and the late 1990s, unpeeling layers of confusion, mystery and lies until the truth is revealed. Along the way, Mara is questioning her own marriage - and the secrets therein - with some parallels and synergies skilfully shown across the centuries.
I loved the themes of herbs, alternate realms, sixth sense and healing that rippled throughout the years. But, for me, there are two things that Cheryl Burman does particularly well. The first is characterisation. The characters - of which there are many - are subtly and distinctly drawn leaving me with a sense of knowing them all. From those we see less of (such as Aaron’s parents, or the anger-inducing-yet-pitiful Judith) and Hester herself, we feel we know these people and exactly how they tick. Mara, especially, is a warm and fully-formed character. I so much wanted to shake her and tell her to be more direct for much of the book (readers will know what I’m alluding to! But no spoilers here!) and yet she was all the more realistic for not doing so.
The second thing Cheryl Burman excels at is a deft use of language. The book is packed with metaphors and delightful descriptions, peppered lightly throughout to add a beautiful colour to the page. We have a ‘day outside… tapping its foot’.
A sun that ‘flaunts itself’. An ‘ugly truth’ that ‘pirouettes on the tip of [redacted’s!] tongue’. And many more lush images - plus some sensory pathetic fallacy that drops you squidgily into the woods at times. Beautiful to read.
A worthy five stars. There’s something for all of us in The Herbalist’s Daughters. And I’m very much hoping I’ve not misread a hint of more to come…
December 15, 2024
Cheryl Burman’s The Herbalist’s Daughters moves seamlessly between the 19th and 20th Centuries keeping the reader enthralled as the story progresses. As expected from any of Cheryl’s books each person is a fully fleshed-out individual, one you feel you would recognize upon coming face to face. You care about the individuals and what happens to them. I have read River Witch, the first novel in ‘The Wise Women Series’, so some were already known to me. The detail is extraordinary, teaching me things about the Forest of Dean I wasn’t aware of (and I live here).
I believe this is one of Chery’s best novels, showing her development as a writer of many genres. It is deeply engrossing; I turned the pages wishing the best for most of the characters. Beautifully crafted prose, moving you along with Mara as she journeys through her search for her family’s history.
Reviews should not give away the ending, but I did turn the last page with a gentle sigh, pleased with how things were.
I believe this is one of Chery’s best novels, showing her development as a writer of many genres. It is deeply engrossing; I turned the pages wishing the best for most of the characters. Beautifully crafted prose, moving you along with Mara as she journeys through her search for her family’s history.
Reviews should not give away the ending, but I did turn the last page with a gentle sigh, pleased with how things were.
October 25, 2024
I love the way Cheryl Burman weaves the fantastical with the historical. This follow-up story to the River Witch continues Hester's story, now expanded to include her two daughters. Burman skillfully moves the story back and forth from the late 1800s to current day, introducing Mara, who is researching her family's history. Two love stories compete simultaneously for your heart, and you care just as deeply for both to have a happy ending. Burman leaves it to the last moment to answer the question, however, keeping you on the edge of your seat. I emerged from this story, feeling as though I'd been living in the Forest, walking alongside the Severn, and talking to my cat. Love, love, love this story.
November 26, 2024
This is a book that manages to capture and hold your attention without the need for violence or sensationalism. I loved the hint of the supernatural underlying both the historical and the modern-day timelines: the references to the river goddess, the water nymphs and the suggestion of supernatural powers and supernatural forces gave an added interest to the book while still being believable.
I found the character of Mara to be sympathetic and relatable - although have to admit that I (slightly) preferred the historical mystery of what happened to Aaron Appleby. I really enjoyed all of the historical sections of the book!!
I haven't - yet - read the first book in the series but found that this didn't interfere at all with my enjoyment of this lovely book.
I found the character of Mara to be sympathetic and relatable - although have to admit that I (slightly) preferred the historical mystery of what happened to Aaron Appleby. I really enjoyed all of the historical sections of the book!!
I haven't - yet - read the first book in the series but found that this didn't interfere at all with my enjoyment of this lovely book.
April 25, 2025
A spell-binding tale guaranteed to bewitch the reader!
The Herbalist’s Daughters is a sequel to River Witch. I truly enjoyed River Witch, but The Herbalist’s Daughters is even more enchanting. Cheryl Burman masterfully handles the dual timelines that follow two stories separated by one hundred years but joined by family and love. Both groups of characters and the challenges faced by each group are compelling. The descriptions sing on the page, and the settings are lovingly presented. This book offers historical fiction, romance, loyalty, mystical elements, and familial links. It was a joy to read!
The Herbalist’s Daughters is a sequel to River Witch. I truly enjoyed River Witch, but The Herbalist’s Daughters is even more enchanting. Cheryl Burman masterfully handles the dual timelines that follow two stories separated by one hundred years but joined by family and love. Both groups of characters and the challenges faced by each group are compelling. The descriptions sing on the page, and the settings are lovingly presented. This book offers historical fiction, romance, loyalty, mystical elements, and familial links. It was a joy to read!
November 14, 2024
This was a compelling and beautiful story from the first page to the last. The characters were so engaging with fascinating storylines. I could hardly put the book down and was sad when I finished it (though I loved the ending). Burman's writing is lovely, descriptive and lyrical, as it deftly carries you through the timelines. I can't wait for more from this author.
December 24, 2024
Captivating
Mara’s quest to find answers to a family mystery leads her on a path to discovery…The mysterious Aaron and Mara herself..
Both paths are traversed between the dual timelines and show the tenacity of both Hester and Mara..
Please Cheryl… I hope the Wise Women series does not end here..
Thank you
Mara’s quest to find answers to a family mystery leads her on a path to discovery…The mysterious Aaron and Mara herself..
Both paths are traversed between the dual timelines and show the tenacity of both Hester and Mara..
Please Cheryl… I hope the Wise Women series does not end here..
Thank you
April 8, 2025
Wonderful sequel!
December 15, 2024
Cheryl Burman’s The Herbalist’s Daughters moves seamlessly between the 20th and 21st Centuries keeping the reader enthralled as the story progresses. As expected from any of Cheryl’s books each person is a fully fleshed-out individual, one you feel you would recognize upon coming face to face. You care about the individuals and what happens to them. I have read River Witch, the first novel in ‘The Wise Women Series’, so some were already known to me. The detail is extraordinary, teaching me things about the Forest of Dean I wasn’t aware of (and I live here).
I believe this is one of Chery’s best novels, showing her development as a writer of many genres. It is deeply engrossing; I turned the pages wishing the best for most of the characters. Beautifully crafted prose, moving you along with Mara as she journeys through her search for her family’s history.
Reviews should not give away the ending, but I did turn the last page with a gentle sigh, pleased with how things were.
I believe this is one of Chery’s best novels, showing her development as a writer of many genres. It is deeply engrossing; I turned the pages wishing the best for most of the characters. Beautifully crafted prose, moving you along with Mara as she journeys through her search for her family’s history.
Reviews should not give away the ending, but I did turn the last page with a gentle sigh, pleased with how things were.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews