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The Herb Knot
'An impressive unputdownable debut' The Historical Novel SocietyThe Hundred Years' War comes to life in this spellbinding tale of love, betrayal and conspiracy …
A quest born on the battlefield will change a young boy’s destiny…
Rafi Dubois is five years old when his mother is murdered after the Battle of Crecy in 1346. Alone and lost, Rafi is given a token by the dying Englishman who tried to save his mother’s a half-broken family seal which he urges Rafi to return one day to Winchester.
Years later, when Rafi saves a wealthy merchant’s wife from a brutal robbery, he is rewarded with the chance to travel to England, taking the seal with him.
But when he reaches Winchester, Rafi finds himself in a turbulent world full of long-held allegiances, secrets and treachery. His path is fraught with danger and with powerful enemies working against him, Rafi falls in love with Edith, a market apothecary. But in doing so, Rafi unleashes a deadly chain of events which threatens to overwhelm them both…
The Herb Knot is a sweeping and passionate novel set in one of the most tumultuous times in English history, from a powerful new voice.
Readers love The Herb Knot !:'A superb debut novel, with a story that grips you from beginning to end' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
'The amount of research that has so obviously been undertaken is quite phenomenal. I don’t believe I’ve ever read a book so absorbing'⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
'Winchester comes alive in The Herb Knot… A beautifully compelling story, rich in historical detail' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
'Plenty of twists to the tale to keep you guessing' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
'A fascinating glimpse into a medieval world filled with intrigue and danger … a compelling story which lingers long after the last page is turned' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
A quest born on the battlefield will change a young boy’s destiny…
Rafi Dubois is five years old when his mother is murdered after the Battle of Crecy in 1346. Alone and lost, Rafi is given a token by the dying Englishman who tried to save his mother’s a half-broken family seal which he urges Rafi to return one day to Winchester.
Years later, when Rafi saves a wealthy merchant’s wife from a brutal robbery, he is rewarded with the chance to travel to England, taking the seal with him.
But when he reaches Winchester, Rafi finds himself in a turbulent world full of long-held allegiances, secrets and treachery. His path is fraught with danger and with powerful enemies working against him, Rafi falls in love with Edith, a market apothecary. But in doing so, Rafi unleashes a deadly chain of events which threatens to overwhelm them both…
The Herb Knot is a sweeping and passionate novel set in one of the most tumultuous times in English history, from a powerful new voice.
Readers love The Herb Knot !:'A superb debut novel, with a story that grips you from beginning to end' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
'The amount of research that has so obviously been undertaken is quite phenomenal. I don’t believe I’ve ever read a book so absorbing'⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
'Winchester comes alive in The Herb Knot… A beautifully compelling story, rich in historical detail' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
'Plenty of twists to the tale to keep you guessing' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
'A fascinating glimpse into a medieval world filled with intrigue and danger … a compelling story which lingers long after the last page is turned' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
349 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 8, 2025
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76 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
December 28, 2025
Thank you to Net Galley and the publisher for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
The Herb Knot is set in the 14th Century, primarily in Winchester, and the historical setting had clearly been well researched. The small historical details included in the story really help set the scene and immerse you in the way of life for individuals in the 1300s, which I appreciated.
The start of the story is very action packed and leaves you with lots of questions. We are introduced to the MMC, who is quite sheltered and naive in his world view. As the book progresses, his character does develop as he undertakes the quest he's been given, though his decisions are questionable at times, which is understandable as a twenty year old. After quite a shocking start to the story, I felt the story didn't develop as much as it potentially could have and found the pacing a little slow. I didn't fully understand the motivation for some of the side characters' actions and why they were so against the MMC initially. With Rafi's quest, it did also feel his searching for answers did go in circles a little. I loved the innocence and sweetness of the romance and would have liked to have seen this relationship blossom and develop further. Towards the end of the book, there were a few twists that kept me guessing and I ultimately felt that the plot was tied up well with a satisfying conclusion.
This book would suit readers who enjoy stories set in the medieval time period and appreciate historical details, especially those that live in Hampshire.
The Herb Knot is set in the 14th Century, primarily in Winchester, and the historical setting had clearly been well researched. The small historical details included in the story really help set the scene and immerse you in the way of life for individuals in the 1300s, which I appreciated.
The start of the story is very action packed and leaves you with lots of questions. We are introduced to the MMC, who is quite sheltered and naive in his world view. As the book progresses, his character does develop as he undertakes the quest he's been given, though his decisions are questionable at times, which is understandable as a twenty year old. After quite a shocking start to the story, I felt the story didn't develop as much as it potentially could have and found the pacing a little slow. I didn't fully understand the motivation for some of the side characters' actions and why they were so against the MMC initially. With Rafi's quest, it did also feel his searching for answers did go in circles a little. I loved the innocence and sweetness of the romance and would have liked to have seen this relationship blossom and develop further. Towards the end of the book, there were a few twists that kept me guessing and I ultimately felt that the plot was tied up well with a satisfying conclusion.
This book would suit readers who enjoy stories set in the medieval time period and appreciate historical details, especially those that live in Hampshire.
July 28, 2025
(Very minor spoilers ahead)
The twist!! Wonderful!! Not my usual genre but it was a very enticing quest with fantastic description and inviting characters you very much come to love and admire (with satisfying endings for the ones you despise). I’d never ever have anticipated Roger becoming my favourite character - a sneaky, sublime surprise.
I love a well researched book so the historical notes with all the real details that had been intertwined was super pleasing.
Overall, a highly intriguing read with great payoff.
Side note: I don’t know if the Dickensian vibe with Van Loo was intentional but I appreciated it immensely all the same.
The twist!! Wonderful!! Not my usual genre but it was a very enticing quest with fantastic description and inviting characters you very much come to love and admire (with satisfying endings for the ones you despise). I’d never ever have anticipated Roger becoming my favourite character - a sneaky, sublime surprise.
I love a well researched book so the historical notes with all the real details that had been intertwined was super pleasing.
Overall, a highly intriguing read with great payoff.
Side note: I don’t know if the Dickensian vibe with Van Loo was intentional but I appreciated it immensely all the same.
May 15, 2025
After the battle of Crecy, Raphael Dubois' world imploded, his mother missing, his cousin dead, he is looking for revenge and knows to seek it in Winchester. After growing up in a monastery Rafi has an education but is employed as an apprentice in Ghent. Seizing a chance to travel to England he looks for answers.
This is a perfectly pleasant piece of historical fiction without being particularly memorable. The knowledge of Winchester and life in the thirteenth century is great, well researched and believable but the plot is rather weak. A solid debut nevertheless.
This is a perfectly pleasant piece of historical fiction without being particularly memorable. The knowledge of Winchester and life in the thirteenth century is great, well researched and believable but the plot is rather weak. A solid debut nevertheless.
May 12, 2025
Thank you NetGalley and HQ for this eCopy to review
The Herb Knot by Jane Loftus is a novel that truly captivated me from the very first page. Set in the 14th century, it begins with the heart-wrenching scene of young Rafi Dubois witnessing his mother's murder after the Battle of Crecy.
As Rafi grows up, he carries with him a half-broken family seal given to him by a dying Englishman. This seal becomes a symbol of his quest for identity and justice. The story takes a significant turn when Rafi, now a young man, saves a wealthy merchant's wife from a robbery. This act of bravery earns him the opportunity to travel to England, a land filled with both promise and danger.
Upon arriving in Winchester, Rafi finds himself entangled in a web of long-held allegiances and secrets. The historical setting is brought to life with vivid descriptions and meticulous attention to detail. Loftus does an excellent job of immersing the reader in the sights, sounds, and smells of medieval England.
One of the most compelling aspects of the novel is Rafi's relationship with Edith, a market apothecary. Their love story is beautifully portrayed, filled with both tenderness and tension. Edith is a strong and independent character, and her interactions with Rafi add depth to the narrative. Their romance is not just a subplot but a driving force that influences the events around them.
The plot is filled with twists and turns, and Loftus masterfully builds suspense throughout the novel. The themes of love, betrayal, and conspiracy are intricately woven into the story, making it a rich and engaging read. The characters are well-developed, each with their own motivations and secrets, adding layers of complexity to the narrative.
What I appreciated most about The Herb Knot is how it balances historical accuracy with compelling storytelling. Loftus's writing is both evocative and accessible, making it easy to get lost in the world she has created. The novel is not just a historical adventure but also a profound exploration of human resilience and the quest for belonging.
Overall, The Herb Knot is a novel that I would highly recommend to anyone who enjoys historical fiction. It's a gripping, emotional, and beautifully written.
The Herb Knot by Jane Loftus is a novel that truly captivated me from the very first page. Set in the 14th century, it begins with the heart-wrenching scene of young Rafi Dubois witnessing his mother's murder after the Battle of Crecy.
As Rafi grows up, he carries with him a half-broken family seal given to him by a dying Englishman. This seal becomes a symbol of his quest for identity and justice. The story takes a significant turn when Rafi, now a young man, saves a wealthy merchant's wife from a robbery. This act of bravery earns him the opportunity to travel to England, a land filled with both promise and danger.
Upon arriving in Winchester, Rafi finds himself entangled in a web of long-held allegiances and secrets. The historical setting is brought to life with vivid descriptions and meticulous attention to detail. Loftus does an excellent job of immersing the reader in the sights, sounds, and smells of medieval England.
One of the most compelling aspects of the novel is Rafi's relationship with Edith, a market apothecary. Their love story is beautifully portrayed, filled with both tenderness and tension. Edith is a strong and independent character, and her interactions with Rafi add depth to the narrative. Their romance is not just a subplot but a driving force that influences the events around them.
The plot is filled with twists and turns, and Loftus masterfully builds suspense throughout the novel. The themes of love, betrayal, and conspiracy are intricately woven into the story, making it a rich and engaging read. The characters are well-developed, each with their own motivations and secrets, adding layers of complexity to the narrative.
What I appreciated most about The Herb Knot is how it balances historical accuracy with compelling storytelling. Loftus's writing is both evocative and accessible, making it easy to get lost in the world she has created. The novel is not just a historical adventure but also a profound exploration of human resilience and the quest for belonging.
Overall, The Herb Knot is a novel that I would highly recommend to anyone who enjoys historical fiction. It's a gripping, emotional, and beautifully written.
May 6, 2025
A slow burner of a book that starts just after the Battle of Crecy in 1346. Rafi , his mother and brother Christophe are in the forest hiding from soldiers who are searching the battlefield. Two soldiers appear, one kills Christophe and drags the mother away, the other soldier tried to prevent this happening, but fails and falls to the ground mortally wounded. When all is quiet, Rafi creeps out to the injured man, says prayers for his soul and keeps him company. He is given a matrix seal, the man makes a dying request for this to be returned to his father back home in England. Rafi gives him his solemn promise that stays constant throughout this novel.
Rafi is rescued by Brother Johannes and spends the next ten years in a monastery, learning languages, and finds he has a gift for drawing, painting and illustrations.
Rafi is young and naive, and quickly falls into trouble when he finally reaches Winchester to fulfil his pledge to the fallen soldier. His quest for answers brings him kindness, friendship and support, but not without the occasional fight and injuries.
I found that too many characters and locations were introduced rather quickly, it was hard to keep track of which events happened in Ghent or England.
Two men with the same Christian name just added to the muddle. However, the book picked up pace, the historical detail was well researched, and there was a nice mix of historical and fictional characters, the notes at the back were especially helpful.
The role of women varied greatly according to occupation and class, there were some really sympathetic notes concerning the difficulties of being female in this society.
I have a great fondness for Winchester, and I now have items to look out for on my next visit.
My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers HQ Books for my advanced copy, freely given in exchange for my honest review.
I have rated this a three star, mainly due to the confusion and repetition that is present.
I will leave reviews to Goodreads and Amazon UK upon publication.
Rafi is rescued by Brother Johannes and spends the next ten years in a monastery, learning languages, and finds he has a gift for drawing, painting and illustrations.
Rafi is young and naive, and quickly falls into trouble when he finally reaches Winchester to fulfil his pledge to the fallen soldier. His quest for answers brings him kindness, friendship and support, but not without the occasional fight and injuries.
I found that too many characters and locations were introduced rather quickly, it was hard to keep track of which events happened in Ghent or England.
Two men with the same Christian name just added to the muddle. However, the book picked up pace, the historical detail was well researched, and there was a nice mix of historical and fictional characters, the notes at the back were especially helpful.
The role of women varied greatly according to occupation and class, there were some really sympathetic notes concerning the difficulties of being female in this society.
I have a great fondness for Winchester, and I now have items to look out for on my next visit.
My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers HQ Books for my advanced copy, freely given in exchange for my honest review.
I have rated this a three star, mainly due to the confusion and repetition that is present.
I will leave reviews to Goodreads and Amazon UK upon publication.
May 12, 2025
In the aftermath of the battle of Crécy five year old, Rafi Dubois not only witnesses the disappearance of his mother but also the death of an English soldier. Just prior to his death the soldier entrusts Rafi with his family seal which he entreats the young boy to return to his family in England. Years later, as a twenty year old, Rafi finally has the opportunity to travel from Ghent to Winchester, and his quest to return the seal finally begins. This is a task not without risk and Rafi soon discovers that he is faced with more questions than there are answers plus there is also an assortment of people who seem intent to do him harm. His ambitious search for the owners of the seal will bring Rafi into contact with a powerful Winchester merchant, and it is this connection which will lead him into great danger.
With impeccable research medieval Winchester springs to life, its dark and dangerous corners are filled with malice, its mean and moody streets are littered with the detritus of daily life and the sights, sounds and scents of a medieval town are described in realistic detail. That there is trouble ahead for Rafi is evident from the start however, the characters he meets, some inherently good, some downright evil, all add a realistic edge to this beautifully written story of family, friendship and the ultimate need to fulfil a duty promised.
The Herb Knot gives us a fascinating glimpse into a medieval world which is filled with intrigue and danger, whilst at the same time offering shreds of hope and love in a compelling story which lingers long after the last page is turned.
July 20, 2025
Visceral, thrilling historical romance
—
Loftus brings to life Fourteenth Century England during the Hundred Years’ War, when the French were seen as enemies wherever they might be. Rafi, a young Frenchman with secrets to keep and revenge in his heart, turns up in Winchester and instantly faces a storm of enemies partly of his own making but some simply because he’s French. With a quest to discover the answers to his secrets, Rafi takes opportunities where he can, but Loftus’s visceral medieval England is as stratified as it has ever been, so Rafi has no choice but to play politics, even if it’s with his enemies. Finally finding rare allies and grudging employers, he begins to make headway, as well as beginning a tentative friendship with the married herbalist Edith.
With a considered palette of narrators and a series of mysteries that unfold as Rafi sharpens his Winchester street smarts, Loftus employs thriller and detective tropes to expand the historic background, as well as a romance full of hope and heartbreak in equal measure. The final denouement is probably clear from the first scene, but is still well-earned after all that Rafi undergoes. Loftus’s impressive research into the period and into Winchester gives the novel a real sense of place and time, and the characters, from the good to the bad, as well as the holy, are nuanced and capricious, like human beings really are, rather than flat caricatures.
—
Loftus brings to life Fourteenth Century England during the Hundred Years’ War, when the French were seen as enemies wherever they might be. Rafi, a young Frenchman with secrets to keep and revenge in his heart, turns up in Winchester and instantly faces a storm of enemies partly of his own making but some simply because he’s French. With a quest to discover the answers to his secrets, Rafi takes opportunities where he can, but Loftus’s visceral medieval England is as stratified as it has ever been, so Rafi has no choice but to play politics, even if it’s with his enemies. Finally finding rare allies and grudging employers, he begins to make headway, as well as beginning a tentative friendship with the married herbalist Edith.
With a considered palette of narrators and a series of mysteries that unfold as Rafi sharpens his Winchester street smarts, Loftus employs thriller and detective tropes to expand the historic background, as well as a romance full of hope and heartbreak in equal measure. The final denouement is probably clear from the first scene, but is still well-earned after all that Rafi undergoes. Loftus’s impressive research into the period and into Winchester gives the novel a real sense of place and time, and the characters, from the good to the bad, as well as the holy, are nuanced and capricious, like human beings really are, rather than flat caricatures.
May 7, 2025
I really enjoyed this book because it was super realistic about the Middle Ages, which is not something I can say about a lot of other books. I loved all the characters; I found a piece of myself in all of them for some reason.
It's clear that the author did their research before writing the book. As someone who loves historical fiction, I really enjoyed it.
I also loved the romance in the book. It felt real. It ends in a way that'll leave you satisfied. I mean, you can understand that the book is over and not left unfinished, not left in the air.
It's clear that the author did their research before writing the book. As someone who loves historical fiction, I really enjoyed it.
I also loved the romance in the book. It felt real. It ends in a way that'll leave you satisfied. I mean, you can understand that the book is over and not left unfinished, not left in the air.
September 4, 2025
Winchester comes alive in The Herb Knot. I found myself deeply invested in Rafi’s quest to return the seal and uncover his mother’s killer, and the story builds to a tense, gripping finale. Amid the intrigue and danger, the tender, forbidden love between Rafi and Edith made me root for them every step of the way. A beautifully compelling story, rich in historical detail.
November 20, 2025
I enjoyed this book.
I thought the characters were really genuine and I liked the time in history when it was set.
There was a bit of chick lit running through it, but it was not the main story. I was really rooting for the protagonist and I liked that my assumptions as to who the bad guys were ended up incorrect.
A nice book for an autumnal evening.
I thought the characters were really genuine and I liked the time in history when it was set.
There was a bit of chick lit running through it, but it was not the main story. I was really rooting for the protagonist and I liked that my assumptions as to who the bad guys were ended up incorrect.
A nice book for an autumnal evening.
November 24, 2025
The Herb Knot by Jane Loftus is a quietly enchanting book that blends sensory-rich writing with an intimate exploration of healing, heritage, and the subtle power of plants. It grew on me, the more I read, and my investment in the characters developed slowly but by the end I was completely attached.
July 12, 2025
I loved the research, I really felt immersed in the location, Winchester. A story that is easy to immerse yourself in, both captivating and intriguing. Be warned this is hard book to put down, a great twist at the end.
August 13, 2025
A book which is largely set in 14th Century Winchester, along with a great plot - what could be better?
If you would like to read my full review please visit my blog at:
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If you would like to read my full review please visit my blog at:
https://leftontheshelfbookblog.blogsp...
November 23, 2025
The Herb Knot is not my usual type of book but has been November book club book for Tea Leaves and Reads and what a pick!! The twist at the end, the mystery throughout as Rafis journey progresses! An absolute delight of a book to read!
November 25, 2025
I absolutely loved this book. It bought the medieval city of Winchester to life, which I enjoyed very much. I cared about the characters and I absolutely didn't see the ending coming. Will be recommending! The only thing I wish there was is a map....
July 16, 2025
wonderful immersive book
I really enjoyed this book, great story easy read.
However it brought the Middle Ages to life and Winchester of that time.
I really enjoyed this book, great story easy read.
However it brought the Middle Ages to life and Winchester of that time.
July 20, 2025
Main character is wetter than a halibut, villains are cartoonishly evil and the ending was ridiculous.
September 30, 2025
I enjoyed this book very much, not just for the intrigue and action, but also and especially for the meticulous details of medieval life.
January 23, 2026
Love concours all.
Just couldn’t put this book down, it has everything, love hate cruelty. And a wonderful ending. Couldn’t ask for more.
Just couldn’t put this book down, it has everything, love hate cruelty. And a wonderful ending. Couldn’t ask for more.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews