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Thistlemarsh
Not yet published
Expected 21 Apr 26
Faeries disappeared over one hundred years ago, as suddenly as slipping through a doorway. It was only the very foolish, or the very determined, who held out hope for their return.
Welcome to Thistlemarsh—a ramshackle estate where an impoverished orphan and a beguiling Faerie collide in an enchanting novel of love, revenge, and ruin.
In the wake of World War I, the world is a decidedly unmagical place for Mouse Dunne. She once dreamed of becoming a Faerie anthropologist, but with one telegram, her world shattered. At the Battle of the Somme, her cousin’s body disappeared into the mud, and her brother was left with debilitating shell shock. It was time, she knew, to put aside childish dreams.
When Mouse receives news that her uncle has left her the Faerie-blessed Thistlemarsh Hall, a dilapidated manor in the English countryside, she must leave her brother’s side and return to her childhood home to claim her birthright. But there is a catch in her uncle’s If Mouse does not rehabilitate the crumbling house in one month’s time, she will forfeit her inheritance and any hope of caring for her brother.
It quickly becomes clear it’s impossible to repair the manor in the allotted time, until a mysterious Faerie appears with a proposition. He offers to restore Thistlemarsh...for a price. Mouse knows better than to trust a Faerie—especially one so insufferably handsome and arrogant—but she is out of options. There are dark and magical forces at work in the house, and Mouse must confront the ghosts of her past and the secrets of her heart or lose Thistlemarsh, and herself, in the process.
Welcome to Thistlemarsh—a ramshackle estate where an impoverished orphan and a beguiling Faerie collide in an enchanting novel of love, revenge, and ruin.
In the wake of World War I, the world is a decidedly unmagical place for Mouse Dunne. She once dreamed of becoming a Faerie anthropologist, but with one telegram, her world shattered. At the Battle of the Somme, her cousin’s body disappeared into the mud, and her brother was left with debilitating shell shock. It was time, she knew, to put aside childish dreams.
When Mouse receives news that her uncle has left her the Faerie-blessed Thistlemarsh Hall, a dilapidated manor in the English countryside, she must leave her brother’s side and return to her childhood home to claim her birthright. But there is a catch in her uncle’s If Mouse does not rehabilitate the crumbling house in one month’s time, she will forfeit her inheritance and any hope of caring for her brother.
It quickly becomes clear it’s impossible to repair the manor in the allotted time, until a mysterious Faerie appears with a proposition. He offers to restore Thistlemarsh...for a price. Mouse knows better than to trust a Faerie—especially one so insufferably handsome and arrogant—but she is out of options. There are dark and magical forces at work in the house, and Mouse must confront the ghosts of her past and the secrets of her heart or lose Thistlemarsh, and herself, in the process.
432 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication April 21, 2026
33 people are currently reading
22283 people want to read
About the author
Moorea Corrigan
2 books93 followersMoorea Corrigan holds a bachelor’s degree with honors in English literature from the University of Edinburgh and a master of publishing degree from Simon Fraser University, Vancouver. She currently works at an academic press in Boulder, Colorado. When she is not writing, you can find her singing, spending time with her menagerie of pets, or attending Jane Austen conventions in full Regency regalia.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 92 reviews
October 6, 2025
I always claim not to enjoy romance in novels, and then I read a book like Thistlemarsh and suddenly find myself desperately rooting for the main character and the handsome, arrogant faerie to wind up together in the end. Why? I don't even know. Thornwood is a jerk and Mouse would probably do better to go find herself a nice human man who hasn't spent the last however many decades as a garden statue, but I suppose that even I have to admit that some things are just meant to be.
And, I mean, okay, so maybe this book isn't the most unpredictable book in the history of literature. There's a faerie and a human and they don't like each other but then they kind of do but then something happens that ruins everything, and, well, those of us who grew up watching 80s rom-coms all have a pretty good idea of how that particular plotline plays out. But this book also has magic puzzles and a dragon who is also a dog and a crumbling faerie-blessed English country house, and just think of how much better Sixteen Candles would have been with a dog-dragon. I rest my case. Boom.
But, okay, seriously — I loved this book. The characters are great and the setting is great and HAVE I MENTIONED YET THAT THERE'S A HANDSOME, ARROGANT FAERIE AND A DRAGON WHO MOONLIGHTS AS A DOG???
Ahem.
So, yeah. 4.55 stars, rounded up. This is my first Moorea Corrigan novel but it certainly won't be my last.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Berkley for providing me with an advance copy of this book to review. Its expected publication date is April 21, 2026.
And, I mean, okay, so maybe this book isn't the most unpredictable book in the history of literature. There's a faerie and a human and they don't like each other but then they kind of do but then something happens that ruins everything, and, well, those of us who grew up watching 80s rom-coms all have a pretty good idea of how that particular plotline plays out. But this book also has magic puzzles and a dragon who is also a dog and a crumbling faerie-blessed English country house, and just think of how much better Sixteen Candles would have been with a dog-dragon. I rest my case. Boom.
But, okay, seriously — I loved this book. The characters are great and the setting is great and HAVE I MENTIONED YET THAT THERE'S A HANDSOME, ARROGANT FAERIE AND A DRAGON WHO MOONLIGHTS AS A DOG???
Ahem.
So, yeah. 4.55 stars, rounded up. This is my first Moorea Corrigan novel but it certainly won't be my last.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Berkley for providing me with an advance copy of this book to review. Its expected publication date is April 21, 2026.
September 23, 2025
In terms of the sub-genre "fantasy with fae," I have to say, this was pretty standard. This book did not surprise me. In fact, I felt like I had already read this book by the time I was 10% through. The world building was painfully familiar to so many other books I've read. The concept, being so familiar, felt stale and used. Other authors have already done it, and frankly, done it better. Don't get me wrong, I love the artfully cunning fae, but this book could have been so fresh and new if the author had decided to veer away from the faeries.
In general, the atmosphere and vibes of this book were pretty cozy. If you like cozy fantasy, I think you would really enjoy this one. Personally, the stakes were too low for me. This book was too long for this low of stakes and I was continuously bored.
This book's one redeeming quality was the ending plot twist. I almost always guess the ending of books and surprisingly, I didn't for this book.
2/5 stars
Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for this arc in exchange for an unbiased review. All thoughts are my own.
In general, the atmosphere and vibes of this book were pretty cozy. If you like cozy fantasy, I think you would really enjoy this one. Personally, the stakes were too low for me. This book was too long for this low of stakes and I was continuously bored.
This book's one redeeming quality was the ending plot twist. I almost always guess the ending of books and surprisingly, I didn't for this book.
2/5 stars
Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for this arc in exchange for an unbiased review. All thoughts are my own.
October 21, 2025
There are books that quietly charm you, and then there are books that cast a spell so vivid you almost smell the rain-soaked English countryside and hear the whisper of wings just beyond the veil of reality. Thistlemarsh by Moorea Corrigan is absolutely the latter—a gorgeously atmospheric, slow-burning fantasy that lures you into its world of forgotten magic, haunted manors, and dangerous bargains.
Our heroine, Mouse Dunne, is the kind of character who instantly earns your heart. Once a hopeful dreamer obsessed with fae lore, she’s now a battle-scarred nurse trying to care for her traumatized brother after the Great War. When she inherits her uncle’s crumbling, Faerie-blessed estate—along with an impossible challenge to restore it in one month—her world becomes a tangle of duty, grief, and a shimmering touch of the impossible.
And then he appears—a beguiling, arrogant fae with eyes like secrets and a smile that promises more trouble than comfort. Their reluctant partnership crackles with tension, mistrust, and something deeper neither of them dares to name. Every scene between them feels charged with emotion and mythic pull, like a dance between light and shadow.
Corrigan’s writing is sumptuous and immersive, blending folklore and post-war melancholy in a way that feels both intimate and epic. The manor of Thistlemarsh is practically a character of its own—decayed yet still humming with old enchantments, holding echoes of loss, love, and vengeance within its walls. There’s a gothic pulse here that made my heart race—a story drenched in grief and longing, yet flickering with hope and magic.
What I especially loved is how Corrigan balances emotional realism with wonder. Mouse’s inner battles—between loyalty and freedom, reason and belief—mirror the very heart of the novel’s theme: what happens when magic collides with a world that’s forgotten how to believe?
Yes, the story unfolds with a deliberate pace, inviting you to linger in its atmosphere rather than rush through it. But for readers who crave rich world-building, layered characters, and that slow build of romantic and emotional tension—this book is a treat. It’s not just a fantasy—it’s a tale of survival, self-discovery, and daring to reach for light even when surrounded by ruin.
🕯️ Thistlemarsh is an enchanting, gothic, and deeply heartfelt story that lingers long after you turn the last page. Perfect for fans of historical fantasy with fae bargains, emotional depth, and hauntingly beautiful prose.
A huge, magical thank you to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for sharing this alluring and long-anticipated fantasy read with me in exchange for my honest thoughts. This was a captivating debut that felt like stepping into a dream you never want to wake from. ✨🧚♀️
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Our heroine, Mouse Dunne, is the kind of character who instantly earns your heart. Once a hopeful dreamer obsessed with fae lore, she’s now a battle-scarred nurse trying to care for her traumatized brother after the Great War. When she inherits her uncle’s crumbling, Faerie-blessed estate—along with an impossible challenge to restore it in one month—her world becomes a tangle of duty, grief, and a shimmering touch of the impossible.
And then he appears—a beguiling, arrogant fae with eyes like secrets and a smile that promises more trouble than comfort. Their reluctant partnership crackles with tension, mistrust, and something deeper neither of them dares to name. Every scene between them feels charged with emotion and mythic pull, like a dance between light and shadow.
Corrigan’s writing is sumptuous and immersive, blending folklore and post-war melancholy in a way that feels both intimate and epic. The manor of Thistlemarsh is practically a character of its own—decayed yet still humming with old enchantments, holding echoes of loss, love, and vengeance within its walls. There’s a gothic pulse here that made my heart race—a story drenched in grief and longing, yet flickering with hope and magic.
What I especially loved is how Corrigan balances emotional realism with wonder. Mouse’s inner battles—between loyalty and freedom, reason and belief—mirror the very heart of the novel’s theme: what happens when magic collides with a world that’s forgotten how to believe?
Yes, the story unfolds with a deliberate pace, inviting you to linger in its atmosphere rather than rush through it. But for readers who crave rich world-building, layered characters, and that slow build of romantic and emotional tension—this book is a treat. It’s not just a fantasy—it’s a tale of survival, self-discovery, and daring to reach for light even when surrounded by ruin.
🕯️ Thistlemarsh is an enchanting, gothic, and deeply heartfelt story that lingers long after you turn the last page. Perfect for fans of historical fantasy with fae bargains, emotional depth, and hauntingly beautiful prose.
A huge, magical thank you to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for sharing this alluring and long-anticipated fantasy read with me in exchange for my honest thoughts. This was a captivating debut that felt like stepping into a dream you never want to wake from. ✨🧚♀️
medium blog
November 19, 2025
Thank you to the Publisher Random House UK/Cornerstone for providing this book for review purposes via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
This was a really magical and enchanting story, I really enjoyed the setting, the plot and the slow burning romance. Poor Mouse has had a lot of heartache in her life, she’s lost her parents, her cousin and her brother is traumatised from the war. I really thought things were looking up for her when her uncle left her Thistlemarsh Hall, but that is only the beginning. I really Mouse, her friend John the Vicar, Mickelwaite and even Thornwood. I liked the portrayal of faeries in this novel as it was exactly how I imagined them to be, beautiful, wild, cruel and tricksters. The romance in this book is a slow burn but I really enjoyed that as Mouse and Thornwood slowly warmed up to each other, even if his intentions were less than honest to begin with.
If ever a character was deserving of a happy ending it was Mouse and I was very satisfied with the ending as everything was wrapped up nicely. I loved the dragon/dog Smudge, I was pleased she stayed with Mouse. As much as I like to read a series sometimes reading a standalone is more rewarding as there is no waiting, I’m pleased I decided to take a chance on this book. If you like stories with magic and fairies I think you will enjoy this one.
This was a really magical and enchanting story, I really enjoyed the setting, the plot and the slow burning romance. Poor Mouse has had a lot of heartache in her life, she’s lost her parents, her cousin and her brother is traumatised from the war. I really thought things were looking up for her when her uncle left her Thistlemarsh Hall, but that is only the beginning. I really Mouse, her friend John the Vicar, Mickelwaite and even Thornwood. I liked the portrayal of faeries in this novel as it was exactly how I imagined them to be, beautiful, wild, cruel and tricksters. The romance in this book is a slow burn but I really enjoyed that as Mouse and Thornwood slowly warmed up to each other, even if his intentions were less than honest to begin with.
If ever a character was deserving of a happy ending it was Mouse and I was very satisfied with the ending as everything was wrapped up nicely. I loved the dragon/dog Smudge, I was pleased she stayed with Mouse. As much as I like to read a series sometimes reading a standalone is more rewarding as there is no waiting, I’m pleased I decided to take a chance on this book. If you like stories with magic and fairies I think you will enjoy this one.
November 22, 2025
(3.75⭐️ rounded up)
Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley for the gifted eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Thistlemarsh was such a delightful surprise. Set in the post-WWI era, it blends historical cozy vibes with just the right touch of fae enchantment. The main character’s sharp, dry wit won me over immediately, and I loved watching her wrestle with the shadows of her past while trying to step into an uncertain future. The slow-burn romance is charming, and the quirky supporting cast brings so much warmth and personality to the story.
I did feel the pacing sag a little in the middle, and I found myself wishing for a few more layers of fantasy beyond the core fae elements. The ending was on the predictable side, but still wrapped things up in a satisfying way.
Overall, it’s a cozy, magical read with a strong opening, memorable characters, and plenty of heart.
Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley for the gifted eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Thistlemarsh was such a delightful surprise. Set in the post-WWI era, it blends historical cozy vibes with just the right touch of fae enchantment. The main character’s sharp, dry wit won me over immediately, and I loved watching her wrestle with the shadows of her past while trying to step into an uncertain future. The slow-burn romance is charming, and the quirky supporting cast brings so much warmth and personality to the story.
I did feel the pacing sag a little in the middle, and I found myself wishing for a few more layers of fantasy beyond the core fae elements. The ending was on the predictable side, but still wrapped things up in a satisfying way.
Overall, it’s a cozy, magical read with a strong opening, memorable characters, and plenty of heart.
October 12, 2025
DNF @ 82%
So there were several reasons as to why I DNFed this so close to the end. It just kept getting worse.
Language:
B*stard 9
D*mn 11
Bloody 10
H*ll 2
B*tch 1
F word 1
The Lords name taken in vain 4
Jesus name taken in vain 2
Heathen 2
LGBTQ:
There was a gay couple. It didn’t say until later on but it’s not too hard to figure out. There’s a lot about it in one section. One of the guys is a vicar and is said to be the other guys ‘lover’.
Romance:
Two kisses. One that went a bit too far and stopped after the guy ‘parted her robe’.
A part where the girl gets healed and he parts her robe again.
Mentions of holy water.
The main characters undressed to their underclothes to go swimming.
Several mentions of cigarettes.
An animal is killed quite gruesomely.
A panic attack.
A story in which a bride is beheaded by her husband.
Mentions of scandals.
The girl is unchaperoned in her house with two men.
A man is blackmailed.
Mouse: she wasn’t too bad, rather annoying and not very smart.
Thornwood: he honestly reminded me of Howl from Howls moving castle.
John: nope. I did not like him at all. All the bad cuss words came from him and he was a very bad vicar.
It was kinda dark and creepy towards the end and everything just kept getting worse. So that is why I DNFed this book. A lot of the content I don’t agree with or believe in and I was uncomfortable continuing.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the e-arc of this book.
So there were several reasons as to why I DNFed this so close to the end. It just kept getting worse.
Language:
B*stard 9
D*mn 11
Bloody 10
H*ll 2
B*tch 1
F word 1
The Lords name taken in vain 4
Jesus name taken in vain 2
Heathen 2
LGBTQ:
There was a gay couple. It didn’t say until later on but it’s not too hard to figure out. There’s a lot about it in one section. One of the guys is a vicar and is said to be the other guys ‘lover’.
Romance:
Two kisses. One that went a bit too far and stopped after the guy ‘parted her robe’.
A part where the girl gets healed and he parts her robe again.
Mentions of holy water.
The main characters undressed to their underclothes to go swimming.
Several mentions of cigarettes.
An animal is killed quite gruesomely.
A panic attack.
A story in which a bride is beheaded by her husband.
Mentions of scandals.
The girl is unchaperoned in her house with two men.
A man is blackmailed.
Mouse: she wasn’t too bad, rather annoying and not very smart.
Thornwood: he honestly reminded me of Howl from Howls moving castle.
John: nope. I did not like him at all. All the bad cuss words came from him and he was a very bad vicar.
It was kinda dark and creepy towards the end and everything just kept getting worse. So that is why I DNFed this book. A lot of the content I don’t agree with or believe in and I was uncomfortable continuing.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the e-arc of this book.
August 12, 2025
Thank you Netgalley and Berkley for the opportunity to read this ARC. Book release is set for April 21, 2026.
Historical fiction, cozy fantasy,and a smattering of romance was a mashup I never knew I needed. Faeries have been gone from the human world for over a hundred years by the time WW1 is over. Mouse was always warned by her mother to never trust the Fae even with their absence.
Mouse receives word that her Uncle has left Faerie-blessed Thistlemarsh Hall, the place she grew up, to her. However, to fully take ownership, she must either restore the home within a month, or get married. Knowing her brother is suffering "she'll shock" from the war, she knows she has to keep this inheritance somehow.
While trying to figure out what to do, she's approached by a Faerie who offers to help restore Thistlemarsh. She takes the bargain, even though she knows it will cost her. Thornewood, the Fae, has ulterior motives in his reasons for helping Mouse. Ultimately though, they learn to trust each other and work together.
This book was such a delightful read. It felt like a breath of fresh air in the fantasy realm. The author mixed fantasy with real life, and it worked beautifully. I would absolutely recommend giving this a read when it releases next year! Add it to your TBR, now!
5/5 stars.
Historical fiction, cozy fantasy,and a smattering of romance was a mashup I never knew I needed. Faeries have been gone from the human world for over a hundred years by the time WW1 is over. Mouse was always warned by her mother to never trust the Fae even with their absence.
Mouse receives word that her Uncle has left Faerie-blessed Thistlemarsh Hall, the place she grew up, to her. However, to fully take ownership, she must either restore the home within a month, or get married. Knowing her brother is suffering "she'll shock" from the war, she knows she has to keep this inheritance somehow.
While trying to figure out what to do, she's approached by a Faerie who offers to help restore Thistlemarsh. She takes the bargain, even though she knows it will cost her. Thornewood, the Fae, has ulterior motives in his reasons for helping Mouse. Ultimately though, they learn to trust each other and work together.
This book was such a delightful read. It felt like a breath of fresh air in the fantasy realm. The author mixed fantasy with real life, and it worked beautifully. I would absolutely recommend giving this a read when it releases next year! Add it to your TBR, now!
5/5 stars.
September 12, 2025
You know those stories you never want to be over?
This is one of them.
It is also a story that, once over, leaves me feeling not only satisfied, but joyful.
This book is equal parts historical fiction and cozy fantasy, with themes of adventure, betrayal, and love.
Moorea Corrigan spins real world history and weaves a beautiful fairy tale.
I look forward to reading more of her stories.
Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC!
Book set to release April 21, 2026.
This is one of them.
It is also a story that, once over, leaves me feeling not only satisfied, but joyful.
This book is equal parts historical fiction and cozy fantasy, with themes of adventure, betrayal, and love.
Moorea Corrigan spins real world history and weaves a beautiful fairy tale.
I look forward to reading more of her stories.
Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC!
Book set to release April 21, 2026.
September 17, 2025
A nice light cozy fantasy. It started off strong but I felt like the middle was long and repetitive. I considered abandoning this one, but struck with it and was rewarded with a great ending.
September 4, 2025
I loved how this author depicted faeries, spells, and how to break them! Every author has a different imagining or rendering of fantasy worlds, customs and beings, and I truly loved this one! I also loved how little faerie stories were interwoven throughout the book at the ends of certain chapters! I enjoyed the characters throughout the book (most of the main ones anyway), and the adventures they had while trying to renovate Thistlemarsh. A few twists towards the end of the book really got me! I also enjoyed the slow burn build up of feelings between the two MC’s and the fact that this story was set back in the 1900s, yet a fantasy novel! Will definitely be getting a physical copy of this one because I know I’ll want to reread at some point! (Plus the cover is gorgeous!) If you want tales of treachery, dislikable family members, curses, spells, perilous adventures, fun banter, home renovations by magical means, slow build romance and surprise endings, then this one is for you!
A couple quotes I enjoyed 👇
“You make my determination not to die, sound like a character flaw.”
“Mouse, armed with only a book of old Faerie tales and folk knowledge, was by no means the right person to take on an unseen magical force.”
Content Themes 👇
- 1919 wartime
- England
- France
- Ravages of war/shell shock
- Faeries
- Renovations
- Magic 🪄
- Fairy bargains
- Gardening 🪴⛲️
- Laundry chute adventures 🤣
- Hidden rooms
- Magical creatures
- Adventure
- Betrayal
- Slow burn w/ small amount of spice
- Forced proximity feels
Release Date: April 21, 2026.
Thank you to Netgalley and Berkley publishing for this ARC in exchange for my honest review!
A couple quotes I enjoyed 👇
“You make my determination not to die, sound like a character flaw.”
“Mouse, armed with only a book of old Faerie tales and folk knowledge, was by no means the right person to take on an unseen magical force.”
Content Themes 👇
- 1919 wartime
- England
- France
- Ravages of war/shell shock
- Faeries
- Renovations
- Magic 🪄
- Fairy bargains
- Gardening 🪴⛲️
- Laundry chute adventures 🤣
- Hidden rooms
- Magical creatures
- Adventure
- Betrayal
- Slow burn w/ small amount of spice
- Forced proximity feels
Release Date: April 21, 2026.
Thank you to Netgalley and Berkley publishing for this ARC in exchange for my honest review!
October 24, 2025
I was so enchanted by the beginning of THISTLEMARSH. One of the first lines is “The belief in magic was replaced by the reality of mustard gas,” which is a perfect representation of the tone in the first chunk of this book. Mouse’s dream of becoming a Faerie anthropologist is dashed by familial duty in the aftermath of World War I, and she returns to her childhood home, Thistlemarsh, which she now finds herself in a position to inherit. The early chapters are full of creative worldbuilding details, from murals at a train station that depict Faerie Kings ruling alongside British royals, to a book of fairytales annotated by both human and Faerie ancestors. The overall effect is like a grown-up Secret Garden with faeries. SAY LESS.
The middle section of the book has a completely different vibe, veering more into cozy territory. This is where it started to lose me a little. The stakes feel high and serious in the beginning, with the fates of Mouse and her brother entwined with the fate of Thistlemarsh, but as the book starts working in cozy elements (a series of magical tasks, an animal companion), the stakes begin to feel lower. It does pick back up around the 70% mark with a great plot twist, but never fully regains the momentum it loses in that long middle stretch.
THISTLEMARSH won’t be for everyone, but I still think it’s worth a read if you can make it through the middle. It’s a promising debut and I’m interested to see what Morrea Corrigan writes next. Thanks so much to NetGalley and Berkley for providing an early review copy! All opinions are my own.
*
Book: THISTLEMARSH by Morrea Corrigan, publishing April 21, 2026
Overall rating: 5 stars for the beginning, 2 stars for the middle, 5 stars for the plot twist, 3.75 stars for the ending. Let’s go with 4/5 stars.
Genre: Historical fantasy, semi-cozy (derogatory)
My reading notes with zero context:
3% - Ok queen
9% - This is delightfully creepy
29% - This phrase definitely shouldn’t be here wtf
37% - Were there zoos at this time (update: yes)
46% - Ok Jon Snow
46% - Well, John is definitely going to find those
82% - IMMEDIATELY shipping these two
83% - Why is this making me tear up
The middle section of the book has a completely different vibe, veering more into cozy territory. This is where it started to lose me a little. The stakes feel high and serious in the beginning, with the fates of Mouse and her brother entwined with the fate of Thistlemarsh, but as the book starts working in cozy elements (a series of magical tasks, an animal companion), the stakes begin to feel lower. It does pick back up around the 70% mark with a great plot twist, but never fully regains the momentum it loses in that long middle stretch.
THISTLEMARSH won’t be for everyone, but I still think it’s worth a read if you can make it through the middle. It’s a promising debut and I’m interested to see what Morrea Corrigan writes next. Thanks so much to NetGalley and Berkley for providing an early review copy! All opinions are my own.
*
Book: THISTLEMARSH by Morrea Corrigan, publishing April 21, 2026
Overall rating: 5 stars for the beginning, 2 stars for the middle, 5 stars for the plot twist, 3.75 stars for the ending. Let’s go with 4/5 stars.
Genre: Historical fantasy, semi-cozy (derogatory)
My reading notes with zero context:
3% - Ok queen
9% - This is delightfully creepy
29% - This phrase definitely shouldn’t be here wtf
37% - Were there zoos at this time (update: yes)
46% - Ok Jon Snow
46% - Well, John is definitely going to find those
82% - IMMEDIATELY shipping these two
83% - Why is this making me tear up
October 22, 2025
4.5⭐️
As a faerie story lover, when I read the description of this book I just had to read it. Luckily, I was able to secure an ARC and dive into this amazing story.
The story follows Mouse, a nurse who has been away from Thistlemarsh estate for two years now. As a kid, Mouse loved faeries and their stories, just like her mom; but now that she’s lived through a war and she no longer has time for fairytales.
After losing her cousin and brother to the war, she inherits Thistlemarsh, or so she believes. Mouse’s uncle has left the estate to her but on one condition, she must repair the deteriorated estate in one month or else it will go to the person she would never accept to lose it to. As Mouse realizes that this job will be impossible, she encounters a faerie who will help her for a certain price. With no other options, Mouse will have to make a deal to save Thistlemarsh but also look out for herself as Faeries are not to be trusted.
This book gave me Emily Wilde and Assistant to the Villain vibes. And I should say that I love when Faerie books follow the history and rules like others.
I was completely invested in the story. I just absolutely loved Mouse as a character. She wasn’t your typical innocent and quiet FMC. No, she was assertive and smart. She never apologized for being who she was and she was never ashamed of her family history, much to everyone else’s disgust.
The Faerie who makes a deal with Mouse runs into some problems while fixing up Thistlemarsh. Between him and Mouse, they will have to solve an ancient curse little by little. I found the tasks they completed really interesting if not a little slow. I think with every task we got to learn more about each main character.
And I have to say, Corrigan knew how to develop an amazing story. There were times I literally couldn’t make sense of what would happen next, but leave it to Corrigan to blow your mind with how the story develops. This is the type of book where you really don’t know where the story will take you, but you’re still shocked and delighted with how everything is resolved.
And I must say, the ending is one of my favorite endings I’ve read so far. It was truly beautiful and I couldn’t have imagined anything better.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves reading Faerie stories or enjoys an amazing and well written cozy story.
Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.
As a faerie story lover, when I read the description of this book I just had to read it. Luckily, I was able to secure an ARC and dive into this amazing story.
The story follows Mouse, a nurse who has been away from Thistlemarsh estate for two years now. As a kid, Mouse loved faeries and their stories, just like her mom; but now that she’s lived through a war and she no longer has time for fairytales.
After losing her cousin and brother to the war, she inherits Thistlemarsh, or so she believes. Mouse’s uncle has left the estate to her but on one condition, she must repair the deteriorated estate in one month or else it will go to the person she would never accept to lose it to. As Mouse realizes that this job will be impossible, she encounters a faerie who will help her for a certain price. With no other options, Mouse will have to make a deal to save Thistlemarsh but also look out for herself as Faeries are not to be trusted.
This book gave me Emily Wilde and Assistant to the Villain vibes. And I should say that I love when Faerie books follow the history and rules like others.
I was completely invested in the story. I just absolutely loved Mouse as a character. She wasn’t your typical innocent and quiet FMC. No, she was assertive and smart. She never apologized for being who she was and she was never ashamed of her family history, much to everyone else’s disgust.
The Faerie who makes a deal with Mouse runs into some problems while fixing up Thistlemarsh. Between him and Mouse, they will have to solve an ancient curse little by little. I found the tasks they completed really interesting if not a little slow. I think with every task we got to learn more about each main character.
And I have to say, Corrigan knew how to develop an amazing story. There were times I literally couldn’t make sense of what would happen next, but leave it to Corrigan to blow your mind with how the story develops. This is the type of book where you really don’t know where the story will take you, but you’re still shocked and delighted with how everything is resolved.
And I must say, the ending is one of my favorite endings I’ve read so far. It was truly beautiful and I couldn’t have imagined anything better.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves reading Faerie stories or enjoys an amazing and well written cozy story.
Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.
November 20, 2025
Thank you Netgalley for this ARC of Thistlemarsh.
3.75 stars! This is definitely what I call a cozy fantasy. I loved the vibes where the stakes are there but not overly stressful. This is a faerie story taking place during WW1. A war nurse returns to her childhood manor that has been left to her with stipulations attached. Though faeries have been missing from England for a century, she discovers one in the garden and makes a bargain for his help remaking the house in time to receive her inheritance. Unfortunately, the home’s magic starts fighting back!
Though the story itself felt familiar and a bit familiar to other ‘English Faerie Stories’, the ending took a fun and unexpected turn. Great little read especially if you need something lighthearted.
3.75 stars! This is definitely what I call a cozy fantasy. I loved the vibes where the stakes are there but not overly stressful. This is a faerie story taking place during WW1. A war nurse returns to her childhood manor that has been left to her with stipulations attached. Though faeries have been missing from England for a century, she discovers one in the garden and makes a bargain for his help remaking the house in time to receive her inheritance. Unfortunately, the home’s magic starts fighting back!
Though the story itself felt familiar and a bit familiar to other ‘English Faerie Stories’, the ending took a fun and unexpected turn. Great little read especially if you need something lighthearted.
September 6, 2025
"Centimeter by centimeter, a light pink rose blossomed in his hand. When it was fully grown, he plucked it from the bush. 'For you.'"
This tale is perfect for fans of Holly Black and Heather Fawcett, full of fairies that are wily and coy. Mouse is a nurse caring for her brother after the war left him shell shocked and lost. However, she must leave him for a time as her ancestral home passes to her following her uncle's death. As part of her uncle's will, Mouse has one month exactly to repair the property before it goes to another heir, a boy who deeply wronged Mouse and her cousin in the past. But it's either that or marry and Mouse would be loathe to stable herself to a hasty marriage, so she must somehow, magically, repair the entirety of Thistlemarsh Hall.
I quite enjoyed this story with its quaint charm and grandiose magic. It was a rather slow story but one that kept me enthralled the whole way through. Being a fantastic mixture of Faerie magic and human problems, this was a unique story and one I won't soon forget. It was a tad cozy at times though the ending was anything but! I think this story shined being in between things and this is highlighted beautifully at the end with a small tale to finish this story.
Thank you NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This tale is perfect for fans of Holly Black and Heather Fawcett, full of fairies that are wily and coy. Mouse is a nurse caring for her brother after the war left him shell shocked and lost. However, she must leave him for a time as her ancestral home passes to her following her uncle's death. As part of her uncle's will, Mouse has one month exactly to repair the property before it goes to another heir, a boy who deeply wronged Mouse and her cousin in the past. But it's either that or marry and Mouse would be loathe to stable herself to a hasty marriage, so she must somehow, magically, repair the entirety of Thistlemarsh Hall.
I quite enjoyed this story with its quaint charm and grandiose magic. It was a rather slow story but one that kept me enthralled the whole way through. Being a fantastic mixture of Faerie magic and human problems, this was a unique story and one I won't soon forget. It was a tad cozy at times though the ending was anything but! I think this story shined being in between things and this is highlighted beautifully at the end with a small tale to finish this story.
Thank you NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
October 5, 2025
This was a pretty good read. It's a bit slow in the beginning and middle. The epic twist and ending make it well worth it though. The FMC is smart and is trying to tackle a huge problem and the MMC pops up and is offering a deal to help that seems too good to be true. Their alliance and relationship grow and I felt pretty invested. The supporting characters are also memorable and add to the story. The end is wild and I feel like its the best part as it feels a bit formulaic in the beginning. I would definitely recommend for a chill read.
**Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC to read and write an honest review of this book**
**Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC to read and write an honest review of this book**
October 25, 2025
Enchanting and magical, the reader is transported back into a post-war world and follows Mouse, whose dry humour and attitude to life is endearing.
You will fall in love with Mouse’s character and the journey she goes on to save Thistlemarsh Hall, and perhaps some friends she meets along the way.
Beautifully written and just the perfect amount of descriptive, this was an enjoyable and cosy read containing a whimsical world of faeries that transport the reader into another realm.
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC
You will fall in love with Mouse’s character and the journey she goes on to save Thistlemarsh Hall, and perhaps some friends she meets along the way.
Beautifully written and just the perfect amount of descriptive, this was an enjoyable and cosy read containing a whimsical world of faeries that transport the reader into another realm.
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC
August 18, 2025
THISTLEMARSH is a delightful story of faerie, magic, and second chances.
Mouse inherits her uncle’s dilapidated castle, Thistlemarsh, with one requirement—she must repair the castle and its furnishings within 30 days, or her inheritance is forfeit. With no other help, Mouse enlists the aid of high faerie Thornwood in restoring the castle.
Thornwood is an interesting character—imperious at first, but then softening around the edges over time. I quite liked his and Mouse’s camaraderie as they set about the seemingly insurmountable task.
But then the plot shifts, and some wildly unexpected things happen after the halfway mark. I really enjoyed the ending.
🌟Thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.🌟
Mouse inherits her uncle’s dilapidated castle, Thistlemarsh, with one requirement—she must repair the castle and its furnishings within 30 days, or her inheritance is forfeit. With no other help, Mouse enlists the aid of high faerie Thornwood in restoring the castle.
Thornwood is an interesting character—imperious at first, but then softening around the edges over time. I quite liked his and Mouse’s camaraderie as they set about the seemingly insurmountable task.
But then the plot shifts, and some wildly unexpected things happen after the halfway mark. I really enjoyed the ending.
🌟Thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.🌟
August 19, 2025
I really liked this book. It was a nice cozy fantasy with faes and bargains set in 1919, right after WW1. I enjoyed the banter between Mouse and Thornwood, you could feel the chemistry building. Even if the stakes were not that high, there was still plenty of action, which made me feel immersed in this world. I was pretty shocked at the plot twist as I didn’t not expect it. Both MC went through a lot of growth throughout this ordeal.
Overall, this was a good book and I recommend it if you like reluctant allies, great banter, and a slow burn between main characters!
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an arc of this book. Opinions are my own.
Overall, this was a good book and I recommend it if you like reluctant allies, great banter, and a slow burn between main characters!
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an arc of this book. Opinions are my own.
November 13, 2025
I received an ARC of this book, and my review is based on that copy. The published work may differ from what I read.
This was enjoyable, interesting, and written well. This is set directly in the aftermath of World War I, but in an alternate history where Faeries are real and disappeared from the world some hundred years before the current day. I found the world and the setting intriguing. The tone leans gothic, but in a subtle way.
The opening has an emotional hook that connects the reader to Mouse (the main character). You feel her weariness and her intelligence. Her chance encounter with some strangers serves to establish her personality and her humor. She is a refreshing protagonist. Her character is clear, and her pluckiness and determination are engaging. As she is presented with increasingly challenging circumstances she chooses to tackle them head on, even when she is scared or overwhelmed. I wanted her to succeed, and her motivations made sense to me.
The Fae depicted here are classical: terrifying, remote, and often cruel. It’s a version of Faeries that I prefer over what has become popular in literature. The bargains they make are not kind. I appreciated that Mouse’s reaction to meeting a Faerie is fear, caution, and distrust. She is pragmatic about it, but aware that her choices could have serious consequences. There are moments in the story where those choices alarmed me, and I just wanted to shout at her to rethink things! Especially as the plot picked up steam toward the end, I could see the consequences coming toward her like a freight train and the tension had me by the throat.
The pacing is balanced. The story unfolds smoothly, revealing things piece by piece but never lagging. The plot is predicated on a ridiculous premise, but it serves to introduce more interesting elements. I was engaged from start to finish, and never felt rushed or bored. There are deeper character moments hidden underneath the central story, and Mouse’s interpersonal relationships are revealed bit by bit. The plot is structured around a familiar fairy tale trope: a series of impossible tasks. It’s not an obvious setup, but I recognized the references.
The romance is not the main point of the book, but I enjoyed how it developed. The author resisted some of the common tropes. There is no instant anything here. It takes nearly half the book for even attraction to be recognized, and things progress at what passes for a glacial pace in the current market. What a relief! The love interest has a challenging personality. He is also not what he seems, and his motivations are deeper than they at first appear. Their relationship does not go at all the way I expected it to, and the book is better for that.
The ending surprised me and the stakes were higher than I anticipated. It fit into the tradition of old fashioned Fae stories. I liked that things are not quite perfectly resolved, and that there is effort required in both relationships and life. It was satisfying. I enjoyed this, a lot. It was somehow tense, comforting, inspiring, and silly all the same time.
This was enjoyable, interesting, and written well. This is set directly in the aftermath of World War I, but in an alternate history where Faeries are real and disappeared from the world some hundred years before the current day. I found the world and the setting intriguing. The tone leans gothic, but in a subtle way.
The opening has an emotional hook that connects the reader to Mouse (the main character). You feel her weariness and her intelligence. Her chance encounter with some strangers serves to establish her personality and her humor. She is a refreshing protagonist. Her character is clear, and her pluckiness and determination are engaging. As she is presented with increasingly challenging circumstances she chooses to tackle them head on, even when she is scared or overwhelmed. I wanted her to succeed, and her motivations made sense to me.
The Fae depicted here are classical: terrifying, remote, and often cruel. It’s a version of Faeries that I prefer over what has become popular in literature. The bargains they make are not kind. I appreciated that Mouse’s reaction to meeting a Faerie is fear, caution, and distrust. She is pragmatic about it, but aware that her choices could have serious consequences. There are moments in the story where those choices alarmed me, and I just wanted to shout at her to rethink things! Especially as the plot picked up steam toward the end, I could see the consequences coming toward her like a freight train and the tension had me by the throat.
The pacing is balanced. The story unfolds smoothly, revealing things piece by piece but never lagging. The plot is predicated on a ridiculous premise, but it serves to introduce more interesting elements. I was engaged from start to finish, and never felt rushed or bored. There are deeper character moments hidden underneath the central story, and Mouse’s interpersonal relationships are revealed bit by bit. The plot is structured around a familiar fairy tale trope: a series of impossible tasks. It’s not an obvious setup, but I recognized the references.
The romance is not the main point of the book, but I enjoyed how it developed. The author resisted some of the common tropes. There is no instant anything here. It takes nearly half the book for even attraction to be recognized, and things progress at what passes for a glacial pace in the current market. What a relief! The love interest has a challenging personality. He is also not what he seems, and his motivations are deeper than they at first appear. Their relationship does not go at all the way I expected it to, and the book is better for that.
The ending surprised me and the stakes were higher than I anticipated. It fit into the tradition of old fashioned Fae stories. I liked that things are not quite perfectly resolved, and that there is effort required in both relationships and life. It was satisfying. I enjoyed this, a lot. It was somehow tense, comforting, inspiring, and silly all the same time.
October 3, 2025
Thistlemarsh
4⭐️
I had no idea what to expect going into this book but I am so glad I got the opportunity to read it!
I read this baby in less than a day and thought about it the entire time I wasn’t reading it.
While you may think you’re opening up a fairytale with whimsy and magic (you are) you may be surprised to find that this story is a story full of heart that tackles complex themes of grief, war, ptsd and family trauma.
Mouse is a nurse, just returning to England from the frontlines of WWI. She is strong despite having a tough upbringing, being orphaned at an early age and raised by her cold hearted uncle. She is self assured and an incredibly likable FMC. She is also quite funny.
Thornwood is your typical fairie - untrustworthy as all hell, handsom and charming.
Their chemistry is so fun, their banter is off the charts and I was routing for them the whole way.
The story is fairly straightforward, restore the house or lose it to a horrible man who ruined her brothers life in school. I don’t want to give too much away but there is magic, magical tests, and a horrible but somehow still endearing evil fairie king. I found it so fun and entertaining while still remaining poignant when appropriate. The last 20% or so made me feel like I was, myself, enchanted by a fairie. It all happened so fast and there were a lot of moving pieces but I still enjoyed it in the end, and yes I cried.
This would be great for fans of India Holton and Stephanie Garber! It felt like reading a whimsical fairytale with a little Jane Eyre thrown in for good measure and I absolutely loved it!
Big thanks to NetGalley and Berkley for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review!
4⭐️
I had no idea what to expect going into this book but I am so glad I got the opportunity to read it!
I read this baby in less than a day and thought about it the entire time I wasn’t reading it.
While you may think you’re opening up a fairytale with whimsy and magic (you are) you may be surprised to find that this story is a story full of heart that tackles complex themes of grief, war, ptsd and family trauma.
Mouse is a nurse, just returning to England from the frontlines of WWI. She is strong despite having a tough upbringing, being orphaned at an early age and raised by her cold hearted uncle. She is self assured and an incredibly likable FMC. She is also quite funny.
Thornwood is your typical fairie - untrustworthy as all hell, handsom and charming.
Their chemistry is so fun, their banter is off the charts and I was routing for them the whole way.
The story is fairly straightforward, restore the house or lose it to a horrible man who ruined her brothers life in school. I don’t want to give too much away but there is magic, magical tests, and a horrible but somehow still endearing evil fairie king. I found it so fun and entertaining while still remaining poignant when appropriate. The last 20% or so made me feel like I was, myself, enchanted by a fairie. It all happened so fast and there were a lot of moving pieces but I still enjoyed it in the end, and yes I cried.
This would be great for fans of India Holton and Stephanie Garber! It felt like reading a whimsical fairytale with a little Jane Eyre thrown in for good measure and I absolutely loved it!
Big thanks to NetGalley and Berkley for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review!
October 23, 2025
Mouse is a survivor. She has survived her uncle's neglect and abuse. She has survived nursing soldiers through WWI. She has survived the death of her cousin and the trauma that her brother is trapped in needing constant care. She has now survived her uncle's death and inherited his house, but there are stipulations and a price. If she cannot restore the fairy blessed estate to pristine condition, or get married within one month, she will lose everything, including the family money she uses to support her brother. Fairies have been gone from England for over 100 years, and her marriage prospects are not forthcoming, so all seems lost...until a statue comes to life and offers to help.
I loved the way that this story was steeped in fairy tales and magic. It had a lovely cozy pace with occasional adventures and moments of peril. The romance is present but not overwhelming for those who are here for the fantasy. The timing and setting were unique, in the countryside after the war has ended, but while the cruelty of despots is still well understood. I enjoyed this cozy romantasy that was neither too long nor too intense.
Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley for the advanced copy. All opinions expressed here are my own. I have preordered this for my library and can't wait to share it with my patrons who need a gentle fantasy read.
I loved the way that this story was steeped in fairy tales and magic. It had a lovely cozy pace with occasional adventures and moments of peril. The romance is present but not overwhelming for those who are here for the fantasy. The timing and setting were unique, in the countryside after the war has ended, but while the cruelty of despots is still well understood. I enjoyed this cozy romantasy that was neither too long nor too intense.
Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley for the advanced copy. All opinions expressed here are my own. I have preordered this for my library and can't wait to share it with my patrons who need a gentle fantasy read.
January 2, 2026
4.25⭐️
If you enjoy books like Half a Soul, I think you’ll really love this one!
I had a genuinely great time reading this. One of the highlights for me was the main female character, Mouse. She’s strong-willed, sharp, and full of witty quips that made her an absolute joy to follow.
This is a cozy, whimsical fantasy with medium stakes, rich in faeries, faerie lore, and magic. The setting is very atmospheric, taking place in post–World War I Europe, which adds a layer of depth and melancholy to the story’s charm.
My only real critique is some minor pacing issues, but they didn’t take away from my overall enjoyment. I was initially conflicted about the ending, but the more I sat with it, the more fitting it felt because it provided a satisfying conclusion to the story.
I’ll definitely be buying a physical copy of this book on release day to keep as a trophy on my shelf, because it’s truly beautiful both inside and out. ✨
I received an eARC of Thistlemarsh from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
If you enjoy books like Half a Soul, I think you’ll really love this one!
I had a genuinely great time reading this. One of the highlights for me was the main female character, Mouse. She’s strong-willed, sharp, and full of witty quips that made her an absolute joy to follow.
This is a cozy, whimsical fantasy with medium stakes, rich in faeries, faerie lore, and magic. The setting is very atmospheric, taking place in post–World War I Europe, which adds a layer of depth and melancholy to the story’s charm.
My only real critique is some minor pacing issues, but they didn’t take away from my overall enjoyment. I was initially conflicted about the ending, but the more I sat with it, the more fitting it felt because it provided a satisfying conclusion to the story.
I’ll definitely be buying a physical copy of this book on release day to keep as a trophy on my shelf, because it’s truly beautiful both inside and out. ✨
I received an eARC of Thistlemarsh from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
October 19, 2025
Thistlemarsh completely swept me away from the first chapter. Moorea Corrigan’s writing is lush, atmospheric, and beautifully haunting — the kind of prose that lingers long after you close the book. The setting of Thistlemarsh itself feels alive, a character as rich and mysterious as the people who inhabit it.
The characters were incredibly well-drawn, each layered with secrets and motivations that slowly unravel. Their journey felt raw and real. The pacing kept me hooked, with just the right mix of eerie tension and emotional depth.
Corrigan’s ability to blend gothic atmosphere with heartfelt storytelling makes Thistlemarsh a standout read. I’d love more stories from this world.
Final Thoughts:
I truly enjoyed every page of Thistlemarsh. It’s the kind of book you savor — immersive, mysterious, and deeply moving. I’ll be thinking about its world and characters for a long time.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing this eARC in exchange for an honest review.
The characters were incredibly well-drawn, each layered with secrets and motivations that slowly unravel. Their journey felt raw and real. The pacing kept me hooked, with just the right mix of eerie tension and emotional depth.
Corrigan’s ability to blend gothic atmosphere with heartfelt storytelling makes Thistlemarsh a standout read. I’d love more stories from this world.
Final Thoughts:
I truly enjoyed every page of Thistlemarsh. It’s the kind of book you savor — immersive, mysterious, and deeply moving. I’ll be thinking about its world and characters for a long time.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing this eARC in exchange for an honest review.
October 20, 2025
Moorea Corrigan blends historical fiction and fantasy so seamlessly that after reading this novel you’d be forgiven for thinking that magic does exist - you’re just not talking to the right statues.
Thistlemarsh is witty, surprising, and emotionally charged. For fans of:
A determined heroine
Enemies to lovers slowburn romance
Cute sidekicks
Magical challenges
Morally ambiguous fae
Twist endings
Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell by Susanna Clark
Uprooted by Naomi Novik
The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows
Thistlemarsh is witty, surprising, and emotionally charged. For fans of:
A determined heroine
Enemies to lovers slowburn romance
Cute sidekicks
Magical challenges
Morally ambiguous fae
Twist endings
Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell by Susanna Clark
Uprooted by Naomi Novik
The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows
October 27, 2025
Thistlemarsh is a beautifully whimsical story. The author seamlessly merges historical fiction and fantasy to create something enchanting. All the characters are flawed and searching for something. I love the way their inner struggles weave around one another, allowing the characters to support each other while finding themselves. I hope Moorea Corrigan writes more stories like this in the future.
September 27, 2025
3.5 rounded up! I think that anyone who enjoys cozy fantasy will enjoy these characters and atmosphere a lot! I also appreciated the historical tie ins.
Want to read
November 19, 2025Please someone tell me this book is as good as the cover its gorgeousssssss <3
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
4.5⭐
October 1, 2025
Book: Thistlemarsh
Author: Moorea Corrigan
Publisher: Berkley Publishing Group
Length: 432 Pages
Release Day: April 21, 2026
Overall Rating: 5 Stars
This book is a fantasy world like no other, the type that dreams are made of! Nothing like a dark fantastic fairy story filled with surprising plot twists.
This book centers around Mouse Dunne who we learn about her background and ancestry which is not all good. Mouse Dunne is cornered in a grave situation where she inherits Thistlemarsh, her family's falling apart “ruined manor in the English countryside.
Sadly and unfortunately this was right after the Battle of the Somme in WWI. This is where her brother was injured and she didn’t want to leave her brother's side. However, it isn’t that easy to inherit a magical place with tragic memories for Mouse.
Now a deal has been made where she must repair her family's falling apart ruined manor or she must wed! Furthermore she only had one month to decide! It is impossible for this manor to be repaired in that short amount as the manor is in ruin. Plus she doesn’t want to leave her brother who was injured in the war! Then a fairy makes Mouse a bargain!
This determines for her to return to Thistlemarch, a place filled by magic but it’s not all good memories as far as Mouse is concerned. She has a tragic past in Thistlemarsh. Yet she must put on a brave face and carry on. I really loved her character and her love for her brother. I really could connect since I also love my brother too.
I also loved this gothic historical and folklore which was cleverly done. This is my first book by this author but definitely not my last. I look forward to more books by this amazing author. I could not put this book down and definitely lost a lot of sleep but it was so worth it! One of my favorite reads of the year. It was such a good time reading Thistlemarsh. A book I absolutely loved!
Disclaimed: Thank you Berkley Publishing Group for the advanced readers copy through Netgalley. In exchange for an honest review. All words, thoughts and ideas are my own
Fantasy✔️
Historical✔️
Romance ✔️
Bargain✔️
Fae✔️
Fairie✔️
Magical✔️
Romantasy✔️
Sibling love ✔️
Plot Twists✔️
Character Development✔️
World Building✔️
Slow Bum✔️
Author: Moorea Corrigan
Publisher: Berkley Publishing Group
Length: 432 Pages
Release Day: April 21, 2026
Overall Rating: 5 Stars
This book is a fantasy world like no other, the type that dreams are made of! Nothing like a dark fantastic fairy story filled with surprising plot twists.
This book centers around Mouse Dunne who we learn about her background and ancestry which is not all good. Mouse Dunne is cornered in a grave situation where she inherits Thistlemarsh, her family's falling apart “ruined manor in the English countryside.
Sadly and unfortunately this was right after the Battle of the Somme in WWI. This is where her brother was injured and she didn’t want to leave her brother's side. However, it isn’t that easy to inherit a magical place with tragic memories for Mouse.
Now a deal has been made where she must repair her family's falling apart ruined manor or she must wed! Furthermore she only had one month to decide! It is impossible for this manor to be repaired in that short amount as the manor is in ruin. Plus she doesn’t want to leave her brother who was injured in the war! Then a fairy makes Mouse a bargain!
This determines for her to return to Thistlemarch, a place filled by magic but it’s not all good memories as far as Mouse is concerned. She has a tragic past in Thistlemarsh. Yet she must put on a brave face and carry on. I really loved her character and her love for her brother. I really could connect since I also love my brother too.
I also loved this gothic historical and folklore which was cleverly done. This is my first book by this author but definitely not my last. I look forward to more books by this amazing author. I could not put this book down and definitely lost a lot of sleep but it was so worth it! One of my favorite reads of the year. It was such a good time reading Thistlemarsh. A book I absolutely loved!
Disclaimed: Thank you Berkley Publishing Group for the advanced readers copy through Netgalley. In exchange for an honest review. All words, thoughts and ideas are my own
Fantasy✔️
Historical✔️
Romance ✔️
Bargain✔️
Fae✔️
Fairie✔️
Magical✔️
Romantasy✔️
Sibling love ✔️
Plot Twists✔️
Character Development✔️
World Building✔️
Slow Bum✔️
September 27, 2025
Reading Thistlemarsh felt like stepping straight into a fairy tale. The story had a dreamy, old-folklore vibe - enchanting and just a little bit uncanny. Like cosying up by the fire with a cup of tea after lingering a little too long on a shadowy forest walk.
The characters were wonderful, Mouse with her quiet courage and big heart; Thornwood, who was capricious and cunning but with surprising flashes of kindness; and a delightful cast of side characters - everything from a kind village vicar with a tragic secret, to an utterly adorable dragon-dog.
There were also several little fairy story interludes scattered throughout the book which I really loved. They blended in so naturally and added an extra layer of fairy tale charm.
I'd highly recommend this book to anyone who loves whimsical fairy tale vibes with just a dash of romance.
The characters were wonderful, Mouse with her quiet courage and big heart; Thornwood, who was capricious and cunning but with surprising flashes of kindness; and a delightful cast of side characters - everything from a kind village vicar with a tragic secret, to an utterly adorable dragon-dog.
There were also several little fairy story interludes scattered throughout the book which I really loved. They blended in so naturally and added an extra layer of fairy tale charm.
I'd highly recommend this book to anyone who loves whimsical fairy tale vibes with just a dash of romance.
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