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Now Comes The Raven
Settled into her new life in Devon, England, Hannah Heronstone seems to have it all. A beautiful child, a loving husband and a fledgling business. She’s come to terms with who she is, a witch, a healer and cunning woman and has surrounded herself with her sister Midsummer Women. But dark clouds are gathering over Wentworth Manor.
Trouble arises the day she hires a new gardener, Raf. Handsome, manipulative and dangerous, his presence causes friction at work and in her personal life. By day, incessant rains threaten her herbal medicine business, flooding her fields. At night, strange visions plague her. Ælfwyn, a young Saxon Midsummer Woman, battles an ancient foe known only as Hrafen. The Raven.
When an ancient waterway springs to life, it leads Hannah to the shrine of the goddess Azenor, where she bargains for a cure for Peter, her husband, who despite her magic, she cannot seem to cure. To fulfill her part, Hannah must travel through time, risking her life to save not only her family but aid Ælfwyn, her old friend Mildritha, and the Wessex Kingdom of King Alfred the Great in their fight against the Raven.
Trouble arises the day she hires a new gardener, Raf. Handsome, manipulative and dangerous, his presence causes friction at work and in her personal life. By day, incessant rains threaten her herbal medicine business, flooding her fields. At night, strange visions plague her. Ælfwyn, a young Saxon Midsummer Woman, battles an ancient foe known only as Hrafen. The Raven.
When an ancient waterway springs to life, it leads Hannah to the shrine of the goddess Azenor, where she bargains for a cure for Peter, her husband, who despite her magic, she cannot seem to cure. To fulfill her part, Hannah must travel through time, risking her life to save not only her family but aid Ælfwyn, her old friend Mildritha, and the Wessex Kingdom of King Alfred the Great in their fight against the Raven.
- GenresFantasy
354 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 6, 2025
4 people are currently reading
12 people want to read
About the author
Jean M. Roberts
7 books188 followersHey readers! I am a lover of history, witchcraft, magic, mystery and all things women. I write about powerful women who help each other, who band together for the greater good. This a common theme throughout all my books. This does not mean I don't like a great romance, but the girls come first.
I live outside of Houston, Texas where I can be found either at my desk writing or out in the garden, growing flowers and veggies!
I live outside of Houston, Texas where I can be found either at my desk writing or out in the garden, growing flowers and veggies!
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
January 16, 2025
I had the absolute honour of being an ARC reader for Now Comes the Raven. It has been an absolute JOY. I have split my review into two sections. If you don't want any plot information, please scroll until the review section, which contains no direct info about the plot. Enjoy!
The Plot:
Now Comes the Raven is the second instalment in the dual time Midsummer Women series. The first book is self-titled after the series “The Midsummer Women,” a book I strongly believe should be on every woman or femme presenting person's TBR for 2025. The Midsummer Women is the embodiment of sisterhood across the world and across time. As this is a duet, I will join my review of The Midsummer Women with the ARC review of Now Comes the Raven.
The Midsummer Women had me hooked from the very start. Not only are the English sections of the book set around my neck of the woods, but I am also a very spiritual person, so this felt like the perfect book for me. Reading this book rewards you with rich culture and accurate history portrayed in a paranormal setting. The story focuses on the main character, Hannah, an American archaeobotanist. Whilst visiting England for a professional conference, she meets The matriarch of the Midsummer Women and an English Archaeologist called Peter.. We witness Hannahs powers unlocking, as she gets visions of ancestors ' past. The plot revolves around Hannah and her ancestor Anna in dual time, with a slow burn romance with Peter. Ending with Hannah at her full power and in a relationship with Peter.
We rejoin Hannah and Peter, now married, in Devon with the book opening to Hannah, receiving a vision of a girl digging up roots in the Saxon age. The girl, Anna, utters a warning to Hannah, "hrfan is coming for us," before disappearing.
Hannah's life has changed and evolved since Midsummer Women. She now has a beautiful daughter called Johannah, as she was foretold in The Midsummer Women. During the day, Johannah is looked after by Paige, the sister to Bronwyn, who is Hannah's assistant. The 2 sisters are witches of less power raised by the Midsummer Women.
Hannah works at her own business with Bronwyn. They create tinctures, teas and are essentially a modern apothecary. Peter still works as an archaeologist/professor his health is deteriorating due to a curse on the men in his family.
To help with Hannas business, she needs a new gardener, and her comes our villain.
A new gardener, Raf, is employed even though hannah doesn't trust him. Bronwyn is enamoured with Raf, almost waiting on him hand and foot whilst also changing her hair colour and clothes to try and appease him. The longer she's with him, the more she pales and dark circles grow under her eyes. Throughout the story, Hannah has visions forced onto her by Raf and learns that he is the Raven, an evil god of chaos.
Hannah also learns of a Brook nearby that has restarted to supply water, so goes to explore, guided by Aefwyn, the young Saxon girl that Hannah had the vision of. She finds a cave with a magical well and wishes for Peter's health to improve and meets a silver fox who talks. The silver fox is then spotted around her home by various people before turning into a red-headed woman to summon Hannah back to the cave to make a deal. The goddess is essentially a 3 headed witch, the maiden, the mother, and the crone. Each has a different mission for Hannah.
Hannah must balance helping Aefwyn from her visions, the tasks set by the goddess, finding a cure for Peter, and the imposing threat of the Hrfan. All whilst learning new magic, helping Bronwyn escape the magic of Raf and raising her daughter. Typical mum life, right?
The Review:
I must start by saying that Robert’s writing style is very descriptive, offering beautiful scene setting, evocative imagery, and emotional heartfelt sentiments with her dialogue. Her work shows the true embodiment of womanhood, both through her characters within the book but by also sharing her magic, her writing, with us. It is rare to feel such a true connection to the author and to their characters simultaneously.
You can really tell that Robert’s has done her research and cares very deeply for this story. There's no plot holes or elaborate tales to get the story to work. Every part of the story provides a function to the plot. There are no loose threads.
I live in the southwest of England, and everything based on reality and what is said about the local area is accurate. From a personal point of view, this makes the connection to the book feel all that more real for me. My local radio station is called King Alfreds, I would have been one of the suppliers in Lyme Regis who would have stocked Hannahs supplies. I can't help feeling like it wasn't just a happy coincidence that I found this ARC and series. As a spiritual person, I feel bonded to Hannah’s story, even though she is a work of fiction.
As a chronically ill person, you don’t often expect to see representation or understanding in a fantasy/witchy setting. But one conversation between Hannah and Peter actually had me in tears. The validation and acceptance Hannah shows Peter is almost healing to me. Roberts isn’t scared by illness. She gives Peter autonomy and presence.
I strongly recommend this series to all readers. But particularly women and femme presenting folk, the strong sense of womanhood is something that should be felt by all. I really hope this isn’t the end of Hannah’s story, I’d love to read more.
The Plot:
Now Comes the Raven is the second instalment in the dual time Midsummer Women series. The first book is self-titled after the series “The Midsummer Women,” a book I strongly believe should be on every woman or femme presenting person's TBR for 2025. The Midsummer Women is the embodiment of sisterhood across the world and across time. As this is a duet, I will join my review of The Midsummer Women with the ARC review of Now Comes the Raven.
The Midsummer Women had me hooked from the very start. Not only are the English sections of the book set around my neck of the woods, but I am also a very spiritual person, so this felt like the perfect book for me. Reading this book rewards you with rich culture and accurate history portrayed in a paranormal setting. The story focuses on the main character, Hannah, an American archaeobotanist. Whilst visiting England for a professional conference, she meets The matriarch of the Midsummer Women and an English Archaeologist called Peter.. We witness Hannahs powers unlocking, as she gets visions of ancestors ' past. The plot revolves around Hannah and her ancestor Anna in dual time, with a slow burn romance with Peter. Ending with Hannah at her full power and in a relationship with Peter.
We rejoin Hannah and Peter, now married, in Devon with the book opening to Hannah, receiving a vision of a girl digging up roots in the Saxon age. The girl, Anna, utters a warning to Hannah, "hrfan is coming for us," before disappearing.
Hannah's life has changed and evolved since Midsummer Women. She now has a beautiful daughter called Johannah, as she was foretold in The Midsummer Women. During the day, Johannah is looked after by Paige, the sister to Bronwyn, who is Hannah's assistant. The 2 sisters are witches of less power raised by the Midsummer Women.
Hannah works at her own business with Bronwyn. They create tinctures, teas and are essentially a modern apothecary. Peter still works as an archaeologist/professor his health is deteriorating due to a curse on the men in his family.
To help with Hannas business, she needs a new gardener, and her comes our villain.
A new gardener, Raf, is employed even though hannah doesn't trust him. Bronwyn is enamoured with Raf, almost waiting on him hand and foot whilst also changing her hair colour and clothes to try and appease him. The longer she's with him, the more she pales and dark circles grow under her eyes. Throughout the story, Hannah has visions forced onto her by Raf and learns that he is the Raven, an evil god of chaos.
Hannah also learns of a Brook nearby that has restarted to supply water, so goes to explore, guided by Aefwyn, the young Saxon girl that Hannah had the vision of. She finds a cave with a magical well and wishes for Peter's health to improve and meets a silver fox who talks. The silver fox is then spotted around her home by various people before turning into a red-headed woman to summon Hannah back to the cave to make a deal. The goddess is essentially a 3 headed witch, the maiden, the mother, and the crone. Each has a different mission for Hannah.
Hannah must balance helping Aefwyn from her visions, the tasks set by the goddess, finding a cure for Peter, and the imposing threat of the Hrfan. All whilst learning new magic, helping Bronwyn escape the magic of Raf and raising her daughter. Typical mum life, right?
The Review:
I must start by saying that Robert’s writing style is very descriptive, offering beautiful scene setting, evocative imagery, and emotional heartfelt sentiments with her dialogue. Her work shows the true embodiment of womanhood, both through her characters within the book but by also sharing her magic, her writing, with us. It is rare to feel such a true connection to the author and to their characters simultaneously.
You can really tell that Robert’s has done her research and cares very deeply for this story. There's no plot holes or elaborate tales to get the story to work. Every part of the story provides a function to the plot. There are no loose threads.
I live in the southwest of England, and everything based on reality and what is said about the local area is accurate. From a personal point of view, this makes the connection to the book feel all that more real for me. My local radio station is called King Alfreds, I would have been one of the suppliers in Lyme Regis who would have stocked Hannahs supplies. I can't help feeling like it wasn't just a happy coincidence that I found this ARC and series. As a spiritual person, I feel bonded to Hannah’s story, even though she is a work of fiction.
As a chronically ill person, you don’t often expect to see representation or understanding in a fantasy/witchy setting. But one conversation between Hannah and Peter actually had me in tears. The validation and acceptance Hannah shows Peter is almost healing to me. Roberts isn’t scared by illness. She gives Peter autonomy and presence.
I strongly recommend this series to all readers. But particularly women and femme presenting folk, the strong sense of womanhood is something that should be felt by all. I really hope this isn’t the end of Hannah’s story, I’d love to read more.
March 12, 2025
Now Comes the Raven, a historical fantasy by Jean M Roberts, opens with a beautifully described scene. Hannah Heronstone, woken by a thunderstorm, steps outside and watches—
Obscured by low-hanging clouds, a watery sun cleared the horizon, bathing the world in muted shades of gray. A chorus of buntings, finches and sparrows celebrated the dawn, signaling the start of the new day…
She catches sight of a young girl.
As Hannah watched, the landscape altered, her modern surroundings melting away, transformed into open fields, ripe with summer wheat, not a house or barn in sight. Gone was the manor house, her office and herb fields, all vestiges of modern life. The girl crouched beside a hedgerow of hawthorn, blackthorn and dog roses. Along the edge grew yellow primroses and red campion in full bloom.
The girl Hannah has caught sight of is dressed in the attire of a time more than a thousand years ago. She too can see Hannah and greets hers—
‘Wes hal, Hannah of the Heronstone. I am Ælfwyn.’
Then convulsed with terror she cries out, ‘Beware the Hrafn. He comes for us.’
Roberts’s prose brings to life a world that the reader can almost of smell and touch as well as see. This first scene gives a strong sense of what is to be found in the rest of the book—an intricately described world of natural beauty and of magic and a shiver of fear that grows as the story develops.
Now Comes the Raven continues the story of Hannah Heronstone found in The Midsummer Women. It begins some years after the end of the first novel. Hannah is now married to archaeology lecturer Peter Wentworth and together they have a delightful daughter of around four years old, with a wisdom beyond her years. They are living on Peter’s ancestral estate in Devon where Hannah has a thriving business growing herbs and suppling remedies to local shops. She is assisted by two sisters who are Midsummer Women too, part of the centuries old sisterhood of cunning women that Hannah discovered she belonged to in the first book. Hannah's skills and knowledge as a cunning woman have deepened and grown in power over the intervening years.
All seems idyllic. But Peter’s health is gradually failing, and doctors cannot find a cause. Like all men in his paternal line have for centuries, Peter faces the prospect of a premature death. Hannah struggles to keep him alive with her spells, charms and sheer willpower. And Hannah needs more help with her growing business. She appoints a new gardener, Raf Blackson—on paper he seems ideal but, despite his physical charms and his apparent skills, she is uneasy and cannot bring herself to trust him.
The story is told in two timelines, the modern where Hannah struggles with the threat to her herb farm from increasing rain, other business problems, her growing worries about Raf and his possibly malign influence, and her concerns about her husband’s continuing ill-health. The ninth-century portions of the novel follow Ælfwyn, a young Midsummer woman herself, as she grows up learning herb lore and magic as an apprentice to Mildritha, Hannah's friend and mentor from The Midsummer Women. Ælfwyn’s world, where Alfred the Great is the king, is being harried by marauding Danes marching beneath a banner bearing the image of a raven. The strands are skilfully woven together with Hannah initially watching Ælfwyn from afar through visions and dreams but eventually the only hope for resolution in both periods is for Hannah, using magic, to travel back to Ælfwyn’s time.
Roberts, as well as capturing the beauty of the countryside, brings the past to life through the minute details of daily life—work, food and dress and, most especially, through the use of magic and herbs, giving the reader a glimpse of the contemporary understanding of the world. However, Roberts is at her best in the way she slowly builds an atmosphere of threat beginning with unease and the occasional shiver to a pervading fear as Hannah faces the powerful darkness that is the Raven.
In all, Now Comes the Raven is beautifully written dual-timeline novel—immersive, spine-tingling and page-turning—and is a perfect sequel to The Midsummer Women. While it can be read as a stand-alone novel, greater appreciation of the story and its characters will be gained if read after the first book in the series.
Obscured by low-hanging clouds, a watery sun cleared the horizon, bathing the world in muted shades of gray. A chorus of buntings, finches and sparrows celebrated the dawn, signaling the start of the new day…
She catches sight of a young girl.
As Hannah watched, the landscape altered, her modern surroundings melting away, transformed into open fields, ripe with summer wheat, not a house or barn in sight. Gone was the manor house, her office and herb fields, all vestiges of modern life. The girl crouched beside a hedgerow of hawthorn, blackthorn and dog roses. Along the edge grew yellow primroses and red campion in full bloom.
The girl Hannah has caught sight of is dressed in the attire of a time more than a thousand years ago. She too can see Hannah and greets hers—
‘Wes hal, Hannah of the Heronstone. I am Ælfwyn.’
Then convulsed with terror she cries out, ‘Beware the Hrafn. He comes for us.’
Roberts’s prose brings to life a world that the reader can almost of smell and touch as well as see. This first scene gives a strong sense of what is to be found in the rest of the book—an intricately described world of natural beauty and of magic and a shiver of fear that grows as the story develops.
Now Comes the Raven continues the story of Hannah Heronstone found in The Midsummer Women. It begins some years after the end of the first novel. Hannah is now married to archaeology lecturer Peter Wentworth and together they have a delightful daughter of around four years old, with a wisdom beyond her years. They are living on Peter’s ancestral estate in Devon where Hannah has a thriving business growing herbs and suppling remedies to local shops. She is assisted by two sisters who are Midsummer Women too, part of the centuries old sisterhood of cunning women that Hannah discovered she belonged to in the first book. Hannah's skills and knowledge as a cunning woman have deepened and grown in power over the intervening years.
All seems idyllic. But Peter’s health is gradually failing, and doctors cannot find a cause. Like all men in his paternal line have for centuries, Peter faces the prospect of a premature death. Hannah struggles to keep him alive with her spells, charms and sheer willpower. And Hannah needs more help with her growing business. She appoints a new gardener, Raf Blackson—on paper he seems ideal but, despite his physical charms and his apparent skills, she is uneasy and cannot bring herself to trust him.
The story is told in two timelines, the modern where Hannah struggles with the threat to her herb farm from increasing rain, other business problems, her growing worries about Raf and his possibly malign influence, and her concerns about her husband’s continuing ill-health. The ninth-century portions of the novel follow Ælfwyn, a young Midsummer woman herself, as she grows up learning herb lore and magic as an apprentice to Mildritha, Hannah's friend and mentor from The Midsummer Women. Ælfwyn’s world, where Alfred the Great is the king, is being harried by marauding Danes marching beneath a banner bearing the image of a raven. The strands are skilfully woven together with Hannah initially watching Ælfwyn from afar through visions and dreams but eventually the only hope for resolution in both periods is for Hannah, using magic, to travel back to Ælfwyn’s time.
Roberts, as well as capturing the beauty of the countryside, brings the past to life through the minute details of daily life—work, food and dress and, most especially, through the use of magic and herbs, giving the reader a glimpse of the contemporary understanding of the world. However, Roberts is at her best in the way she slowly builds an atmosphere of threat beginning with unease and the occasional shiver to a pervading fear as Hannah faces the powerful darkness that is the Raven.
In all, Now Comes the Raven is beautifully written dual-timeline novel—immersive, spine-tingling and page-turning—and is a perfect sequel to The Midsummer Women. While it can be read as a stand-alone novel, greater appreciation of the story and its characters will be gained if read after the first book in the series.
March 4, 2025
First, thank you to the author for the opportunity of being an ARC reader! In this sequel to The Midsummer Women we find ourselves following our FMC, Hannah as she solves a mystery with intellect, sisterhood, and grace to protect her legacy.
The dual time narrative is done beautifully and well researched for the most impact to the reader. It’s so refreshing to have a main character who is level headed and communicates well with the other characters!
This book can be read as a stand alone, but reads best as a sequel as we see her relationship grow with our MMC.
The dual time narrative is done beautifully and well researched for the most impact to the reader. It’s so refreshing to have a main character who is level headed and communicates well with the other characters!
This book can be read as a stand alone, but reads best as a sequel as we see her relationship grow with our MMC.
February 20, 2025
I hadn’t read the first book in this series, The Midsummer Women, but I didn’t find myself playing catch up. Of course, I’m now keen to read the beginning of Hannah’s story, but this book stands securely on its own two feet.
Hannah, Peter and their daughter Johannah seem to live a dreamy life in a beautifully restored Tudor manor in Devon. They have a successful business growing medicinal herbs and a group of supportive friends and helpers. But there is a dark shadow over them. Peter is ill with the same undiagnosed and untreatable condition which has carried off the men in his family for generations. Then, a new gardener comes to work on the herb fields and the dream turns into a nightmare.
In a beautifully woven counter plot, a young Saxon girl, Aelfwyn, is taken from her home for apprenticeship to a wise woman. She is taught healing recipes and other arts and falls in love with a handsome squire, but the shadow of the Raven threatens to blight everything. In beautifully written, ethereal scenes, Hannah and Aelfwyn reach out across the centuries to aid each other.
I was instantly gripped by the story, intrigued by both story threads and the clever way the two entwined.
It’s very clear that a great deal of historical research has gone into this book. It felt very real, which is an amazing feat to pull off, since much of the book is concerned with magic, time travel, spells and curses. That’s the cleverness of it. Both aspects—the historical and the magical—receive the same treatment and I could easily believe in both. In this, and in the detail of ailments and their treatments, this books bears strong comparison with Diana Gabaldon’s Outlander series.
Roberts’ depiction of place is very strong. I got a vivid idea of the manor and the surrounding woods and fields, both in its twenty-first century iteration and in Saxon times.
Another aspect of the book I loved was its endorsement of the power and sisterhood of women and especially of older women, whose wisdom and experience and great potency shone through.
Magical realism. Dual timeline. Time travel. Strong female characters. Excellent writing.
Hannah, Peter and their daughter Johannah seem to live a dreamy life in a beautifully restored Tudor manor in Devon. They have a successful business growing medicinal herbs and a group of supportive friends and helpers. But there is a dark shadow over them. Peter is ill with the same undiagnosed and untreatable condition which has carried off the men in his family for generations. Then, a new gardener comes to work on the herb fields and the dream turns into a nightmare.
In a beautifully woven counter plot, a young Saxon girl, Aelfwyn, is taken from her home for apprenticeship to a wise woman. She is taught healing recipes and other arts and falls in love with a handsome squire, but the shadow of the Raven threatens to blight everything. In beautifully written, ethereal scenes, Hannah and Aelfwyn reach out across the centuries to aid each other.
I was instantly gripped by the story, intrigued by both story threads and the clever way the two entwined.
It’s very clear that a great deal of historical research has gone into this book. It felt very real, which is an amazing feat to pull off, since much of the book is concerned with magic, time travel, spells and curses. That’s the cleverness of it. Both aspects—the historical and the magical—receive the same treatment and I could easily believe in both. In this, and in the detail of ailments and their treatments, this books bears strong comparison with Diana Gabaldon’s Outlander series.
Roberts’ depiction of place is very strong. I got a vivid idea of the manor and the surrounding woods and fields, both in its twenty-first century iteration and in Saxon times.
Another aspect of the book I loved was its endorsement of the power and sisterhood of women and especially of older women, whose wisdom and experience and great potency shone through.
Magical realism. Dual timeline. Time travel. Strong female characters. Excellent writing.
March 6, 2025
Jean has done it again, with this followup to The Midsummer Women. I received an ARC of the book. Hannah is in a dual time line mystery, and through a local goddess, is able to time travel back to the early days with Alfred the Great, and help avert a Danish invasion. There's a mysterious necklace, and in the modern time, a gardener bent on her destruction. Evil is never far away, and you'll be turning the pages to see what happens next. Good pacing and characterization, along with accurate history.
February 22, 2025
Spoiler free review!
This book is phenomenal - the author graciously allowed me to have an ARC and holy smokes was I blown away! Pacing and development are consistent (which isn’t something you always see in this genre), and it’s just an overall great ride. What I enjoyed the most was the story felt realistic (even with the time travel and magical elements). The characters make choices that make sense, and you feel connected to them long after the book concludes.
Highly recommend!
This book is phenomenal - the author graciously allowed me to have an ARC and holy smokes was I blown away! Pacing and development are consistent (which isn’t something you always see in this genre), and it’s just an overall great ride. What I enjoyed the most was the story felt realistic (even with the time travel and magical elements). The characters make choices that make sense, and you feel connected to them long after the book concludes.
Highly recommend!
March 6, 2025
I am so grateful to have been chosen as an ARC reader for Now Comes the Raven. You can tell how much work and research Jean Roberts puts into her books. She does such a wonderful job of weaving her magical stories into real history.
Even though this is a sequel, it can still be read as a stand alone. The main character embarks on a journey through time to save her family and legacy.
This book was an exciting journey, full of intrigue, mystery, and the power of women banding together. I just wish there was more of it!
Even though this is a sequel, it can still be read as a stand alone. The main character embarks on a journey through time to save her family and legacy.
This book was an exciting journey, full of intrigue, mystery, and the power of women banding together. I just wish there was more of it!
March 6, 2025
If you love historical fiction, then you'll love this book. It goes back and forth in time from past to present. Has some magical witchy stuff going on. Of course, there are problems that need to be solved. I am not into historical fiction that much, but this one is one that I got into and loved.
January 15, 2025
“Men look at each other and judge what is different and fight over it. Women look for commonalities and bonds which strengthens us.” Mildritha, Now Comes the Raven
Now Comes the Raven is a dual-timeline novel that masterfully combines historical fiction and fantasy. It transports readers between present-day Devon and 9th-century England, effectively balancing its fantasy elements within a richly detailed and believable world.
Protagonists Hannah and Ælfwyn evolve into their roles as healers, seers, and magicians through authentic and immersive experiences. The author’s meticulous attention to detail, particularly in botanical descriptions, brings the settings to life. I could smell the herbs and botanicals used to make tinctures and creams. I could taste the freshly baked scones.
While the novel is steeped in fantasy, it manages to maintain a strong sense of reality. Hannah’s relatable vices, such as her reliance on coffee and carbs, make her a character you could easily imagine living next door (if you happened to live on a picturesque estate in Devon).
The author cleverly incorporates just enough Middle English to remind us of the time and setting without slowing down the reader. Chapter headings are also used effectively to help readers keep track of the different storylines.
One minor critique is that the antagonist’s problematic temperament is evident soon after introduction. Slightly more complexity could have added an extra layer to the conflict. Other richly developed characters compensate for this shortcoming.
With its evocative descriptions and relatable characters, Now Comes the Raven is a feast for the senses and the imagination. It is a must-read for fans of atmospheric, character-driven fantasy, historical fiction, and stories that celebrate female strength.
Now Comes the Raven is a dual-timeline novel that masterfully combines historical fiction and fantasy. It transports readers between present-day Devon and 9th-century England, effectively balancing its fantasy elements within a richly detailed and believable world.
Protagonists Hannah and Ælfwyn evolve into their roles as healers, seers, and magicians through authentic and immersive experiences. The author’s meticulous attention to detail, particularly in botanical descriptions, brings the settings to life. I could smell the herbs and botanicals used to make tinctures and creams. I could taste the freshly baked scones.
While the novel is steeped in fantasy, it manages to maintain a strong sense of reality. Hannah’s relatable vices, such as her reliance on coffee and carbs, make her a character you could easily imagine living next door (if you happened to live on a picturesque estate in Devon).
The author cleverly incorporates just enough Middle English to remind us of the time and setting without slowing down the reader. Chapter headings are also used effectively to help readers keep track of the different storylines.
One minor critique is that the antagonist’s problematic temperament is evident soon after introduction. Slightly more complexity could have added an extra layer to the conflict. Other richly developed characters compensate for this shortcoming.
With its evocative descriptions and relatable characters, Now Comes the Raven is a feast for the senses and the imagination. It is a must-read for fans of atmospheric, character-driven fantasy, historical fiction, and stories that celebrate female strength.
March 6, 2025
#historicalfantasy #review
A hugely enjoyable historical fantasy read. Although this is the second in a series, having not read the first didn't matter - there's plenty of subtle backstory woven into this tale to not feel at a loss (but I will now go back and read the first!). Witch Hannah is settled in her gorgeous Devonshire home and established herself with other witches running a botanical business. But, not only does she keep having visions of a medieval girl, strange new arrivals and a change in weather indicate something more is happening down in Devon.
This is a time-travel masterpiece, with luxurious settings and lush description, even down to the near constant supply of delicious food fuelling the adventure.
The storyline is fairly character driven - but not at the expense of plot. Characters are vividly depicted, realistic, and very much in keeping with both timelines. I relished the atmospheric dark/viking age too (small admission - they are my second favourite time period to read in) - really well brought to life with the meticulous research evident and paying off for the reader. I especially appreciated the attention to detail with everything, especially the healing lore and botanicals. Definitely got that 'bad boy' tingle too (no spoilers!).
Overall, a thoroughly enjoyable escape which I can heartily recommend. Perfect for fans of the Naturae Series, A Discovery of Witches, and Phillipa Gregory's Dark Tides series.
A hugely enjoyable historical fantasy read. Although this is the second in a series, having not read the first didn't matter - there's plenty of subtle backstory woven into this tale to not feel at a loss (but I will now go back and read the first!). Witch Hannah is settled in her gorgeous Devonshire home and established herself with other witches running a botanical business. But, not only does she keep having visions of a medieval girl, strange new arrivals and a change in weather indicate something more is happening down in Devon.
This is a time-travel masterpiece, with luxurious settings and lush description, even down to the near constant supply of delicious food fuelling the adventure.
The storyline is fairly character driven - but not at the expense of plot. Characters are vividly depicted, realistic, and very much in keeping with both timelines. I relished the atmospheric dark/viking age too (small admission - they are my second favourite time period to read in) - really well brought to life with the meticulous research evident and paying off for the reader. I especially appreciated the attention to detail with everything, especially the healing lore and botanicals. Definitely got that 'bad boy' tingle too (no spoilers!).
Overall, a thoroughly enjoyable escape which I can heartily recommend. Perfect for fans of the Naturae Series, A Discovery of Witches, and Phillipa Gregory's Dark Tides series.
March 7, 2025
🎵 … Queue music from
~ Beltane Fire Dance - Single by Radagast Music.…🎵 (sound on!!)
WOW! Jean M. Roberts has outdone herself with her latest novel, the riveting sequel to The Midsummer Women! A perfect read to start Women’s History Month, Now Comes The Raven brings back Hannah Heronstone, a fiercely strong female character lead, and several of her Midsummer sisters, telling the story of Hannah’s ancestry and showcasing the strength and wisdom of women through the centuries, especially when they join forces.
Though easily read as a standalone, Roberts once again quickly swept me up in her dual timeline, genre-bending, historical romantasy as she seamlessly transports her readers between present day and 9th century Devon, England. With her rich descriptions, Roberts paints images so vividly, you can taste the mead and the roasted meat, smell the damp earth and the medicinal herbs, see and feel the mist… AND the MAGIC. I can only hope we see Hannah in the future – her future! If you love time travel, medieval history, magic, romance, and strong female characters, consider Now Comes The Raven a MUST-READ for March!
Thank you to @jeanmrobertsauthor for my gifted ePub ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
~ Beltane Fire Dance - Single by Radagast Music.…🎵 (sound on!!)
WOW! Jean M. Roberts has outdone herself with her latest novel, the riveting sequel to The Midsummer Women! A perfect read to start Women’s History Month, Now Comes The Raven brings back Hannah Heronstone, a fiercely strong female character lead, and several of her Midsummer sisters, telling the story of Hannah’s ancestry and showcasing the strength and wisdom of women through the centuries, especially when they join forces.
Though easily read as a standalone, Roberts once again quickly swept me up in her dual timeline, genre-bending, historical romantasy as she seamlessly transports her readers between present day and 9th century Devon, England. With her rich descriptions, Roberts paints images so vividly, you can taste the mead and the roasted meat, smell the damp earth and the medicinal herbs, see and feel the mist… AND the MAGIC. I can only hope we see Hannah in the future – her future! If you love time travel, medieval history, magic, romance, and strong female characters, consider Now Comes The Raven a MUST-READ for March!
Thank you to @jeanmrobertsauthor for my gifted ePub ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
January 26, 2025
Although this tale is a sequel to Jean Robert’s The Midsummer Women, the characters are so vivid and the transition so smooth that it stands alone.
Hannah Heronstone, a 21st-century ethnobotanist, lives outside London in an old manor house built by her husband Peter’s ancestors on a 9th-century Celtic village site. Hannah is one of the Midsummer Women, witches who survived through the ages by using magic to heal with potions and herbs. Desperate to find a cure for a mysterious illness, slowly killing Peter, Hannah uses her magic and travels to a time when Saxons were defending their land against the marauding Danes (Vikings). She meets Elfwyn, her beautiful grandmother from that era who was endowed with similar healing powers.
Roberts weaves the history of that period and modern times with gripping adventure and romance, keeping the reader turning pages.
Hannah Heronstone, a 21st-century ethnobotanist, lives outside London in an old manor house built by her husband Peter’s ancestors on a 9th-century Celtic village site. Hannah is one of the Midsummer Women, witches who survived through the ages by using magic to heal with potions and herbs. Desperate to find a cure for a mysterious illness, slowly killing Peter, Hannah uses her magic and travels to a time when Saxons were defending their land against the marauding Danes (Vikings). She meets Elfwyn, her beautiful grandmother from that era who was endowed with similar healing powers.
Roberts weaves the history of that period and modern times with gripping adventure and romance, keeping the reader turning pages.
February 27, 2025
Hannah Heronstone Wentworth is a Midsummer Woman, a witch, with powers she's still discovering. Married to Peter, the love of her life, with a precocious daughter showing signs of having inherited her mother's witchy powers, and a growing herbal business, she seems to have it all. Yet Peter is slowly dying of a mysterious ailment and the non-stop rains are drowning her crops. When Hannah learns of the Lady of the Well, she goes to her for answers, and is set on a quest involving time travel and joining with her ancestress, Elfwyn, to save not only Peter, but Elfwyn's people from the evil called the Raven.
Jean M Roberts descriptive writing and intriguing plot and characters takes you on a journey full of history, ancient magic, herbal lore, and the power of love. I highly recommend this book.
Jean M Roberts descriptive writing and intriguing plot and characters takes you on a journey full of history, ancient magic, herbal lore, and the power of love. I highly recommend this book.
April 18, 2025
This book was incredible! I absolutely love the way you tie history into your world. You send me deep diving to find out more about the stories you tell.
This book had it all, the romance, a touch of spice, the retelling of history, the time travel, the sisterhood, a bit of mystery and all the sorcery. It captured me right away and kept me turning page after page.
I love how you tied it all together, with their stories becoming a full circle. There were moments I cried, I smiled at the heartfelt moments and moments I was enraged!
Thank you for the thrill ride once again and from the bottom of my heart, thank you for including me as a character in your book. It means the world to me. And I truly hope this duo-logy is picked up as a series!!
This book had it all, the romance, a touch of spice, the retelling of history, the time travel, the sisterhood, a bit of mystery and all the sorcery. It captured me right away and kept me turning page after page.
I love how you tied it all together, with their stories becoming a full circle. There were moments I cried, I smiled at the heartfelt moments and moments I was enraged!
Thank you for the thrill ride once again and from the bottom of my heart, thank you for including me as a character in your book. It means the world to me. And I truly hope this duo-logy is picked up as a series!!
March 5, 2025
Continuing from the first book that centers on Hannah Heronstone's discovery of her extrasensory talents and the existence of the Midsummer Women, Now Comes the Raven is an engaging mix of true historical, mythology and magical realism that weaves together seamlessly. While it can be read before Book 1, I think it might give more context in the early portions of the book to read The Midsummer Women first.
I really enjoyed this book and will go back and read the first in this series! And I hope there's another installment to come.
I really enjoyed this book and will go back and read the first in this series! And I hope there's another installment to come.
February 7, 2025
Once again, Jean seamlessly integrates history and fantasy in this continuation of the Midsummer Women series. I am so happy to have had the opportunity to get an early look at Now Comes the Raven. It has the perfect amount of history, fantasy, romance, and thrilling suspense. Bonus points for having time travel to King Alfred’s England featuring the Danes/Vikings. It’s one of my favorite historical periods to read about. Thank you, Jane, for continuing to write truly spellbinding works!
February 12, 2025
Jean M. Roberts has done it again. This is the second book by Roberts that I've read, and I have to say that I enjoy her writing style. She twines plot and character together to create a vivid story you can get lost in from page one. Roberts does her research, and her enjoyment of history shines in the pages of this book. From creating a strong sisterhood to plot twists to imagery, Roberts has penned a fantastic tale.
March 6, 2025
Im about halfway through the book and I can't put it down. From the very beginning I wad drawn in and already had my feelers about certain people. The blend between past and present is just amazingly done. I love that Hannah will do anything for family and her growth with her magic. If you love witches and magic and feeling like you're part of the story then this is book for you.
February 22, 2025
So without spoilers for this ARC Book- I loved this book. The plot was easy for me to follow and the characters were well developed. The author’s writing kept me engaged and definitely left me wanting more. This book is worth the read.
February 28, 2025
A lot of sequels don’t live up to the originals, but this one did. I loved following the stories of Hannah. The story is engaging and well paced. The time jumps flowed well. I really hope there will be more of the midsummer women and hannah
March 24, 2025
WOW! I am so impressed by the worldbuilding, characterization, and stellar storytelling by author Jean M. Roberts. I will write a full review soon on Hall Ways Blog, but I wanted readers to know sooner than later that this is one of my favorite books of 2025.
While NOW COMES THE RAVEN is a fully stand-alone novel, I'm going to read the prior book, THE MIDSUMMER WOMEN, to get more time with these characters. I will also be exploring the other books by this talented Texas author.
While NOW COMES THE RAVEN is a fully stand-alone novel, I'm going to read the prior book, THE MIDSUMMER WOMEN, to get more time with these characters. I will also be exploring the other books by this talented Texas author.
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