Becca had made her peace with being ordinary. Magic had other ideas. By midlife, Becca enjoyed predictable days and laundry that behaved itself. What she did not want were peculiar powers staining everything she touched, especially the sort that misfired, sparkled at the wrong moments, and attracted far too much attention.
When the Lammas blessing goes spectacularly wrong and Hardingstone’s crops begin to act strangely, Becca’s long-dormant magic bursts into life with all the subtlety of a runaway pig. Before she can ignore it and hope it will pass, she’s roped into a coven of mysterious elder witches and saddled with a sarcastic talking dog called Bran. As if her life wasn’t already turned upside down, she’s then confronted by Fairfax, an infuriating and stranded sailor, who arrives with chaos rigged.
Worse, she’s informed her unpredictable new powers are vital to saving the village and harvest through an ancient ritual. With an All Hallows deadline looming, Becca must learn to live with magic she never asked for - and the well-intentioned friends who won’t let her face it alone.
Can the coven save Hardingstone before the source of the stink exposes them all? And will Becca, Fairfax, and Bran ever settle the age-old question of which is better — a bacon or a sausage sandwich?
Cosy, chaotic, and full of charm, As Above, So Below is a feel-good Elizabethan historical fantasy romp about late-blooming magic, village mishaps, and discovering that found family has a habit of turning up uninvited and refusing to leave, no matter how purple or flatulent things become.
The Fables from Naturae Series features characters from the world of Naturae in short stories, perfect for a quick escape into the past. Discover a magical hidden realm where fae, vampires, witches and daemons exist alongside mortals in a time when magic was very real.
By day, Jan juggles consultancy work with her family, but by night she sneaks off, into the past. Her penchant for sprinkling history with magic is fueled by coffee and Cadburys. When not writing, Jan takes her dogs and small monsters into the countryside, especially if there is a castle or historic building there with a cosy coffee shop in which to escape the rain of Manchester, England.
Becca, magicless, despite her mother having been a witch, is having a bad day. A laundress, she's taken aback at a white nightgown changing colour before her eyes. Bizarre? Darn right! And that's not the worst of it, suddenly her hands have taken on a different hue. Already an outcast with a slight limp, this is the cherry on top of disaster. And the only solution is to try find out what is happening, by visiting a witch... who confused her even more. Fidelma and Celia allude to Becca finally getting her magic, an adamant "not" from Becca as disbelief is paramount in her head. So when Fidelma proposes she joins their coven, she rightfully scoffs at the idea. But heck, the ley lines speak and beckon, only adding to poor Becca's stress and uncertainty. Having gone without magic for so long, middle aged Becca just isn't ready for it, not does she want it. In her words, "she wasn’t a witch. Only… bothered by some kind of magic." As magic is wont to do, it has a mind of it's own and getting it into some sort of control, sure isn't easy. Turning to the coven for aid, she got a lot more than she bargained for. And the "mechanisms" that played out to gain a semblance of control. I did love the banter back and forth, as I did the characters.
The grin I sported grew into a wide grin, which threatened to become a permanent facial expression as Becca tries to "reason" with herself, unbelievably encounters a talking dog, a dog with a sausage obsession, who's simply hilarious, he's got so much snark between his jowls, or is it jaw...One such example..."You’re quite capable of getting lost on your own.” He's not above using an "I told you" comment, or 5...! I could picture his disdainful expression effortlessly! And the whole ritual in the forest, oh my, I chuckled big time! The witches, tea drinking, scone eating witches, hehehe. The banter was really off the cuff funny, “Never has it rained and stormed as much in my lifetime. Washed away the entire feast. Drowned a piglet and completely ruined my best dress." The author's style of writing is effortless and extremely visually effective, and comical. This scene in the church demonstrates that, I literally spat out my tea...“The bread, like our spirits, has lifted. Forget not: he that keepeth in his wind…Shall burst his breeches.”🤣
I really liked Becca, her incredulously and disbelief, as well as her abhorring the entire "magic emerging" has a definite ring of realty to it. So much to process, and reject, until another bombshell lands awkwardly on her head, a Fairfax bombshell. Not in sexy bombshell, although, there's that too...He's a daemon, just another of"the folks" like humans, people, witches and her world is rocked once more. As the truth slowly penetrates, Becca discovers her roots, a real wow moment, the rocking develops into a full-blown earthquake, taking the story in a new direction, linked perfectly and so well played by the author. Hysterical results explode... literally! All in a bid to prevent further flatulence enducing crops from manifesting further, the witches, Becca and Fairfax rally together. And set things right. What a treat it was to see Becca put aside her fears, her doubts and grow, as a person, together with the awesome magic she finally acknowledges and learns to use effectively. Even when doubt pressed hard on her, her resolve stood firm.
This author manages to infuse a curious blend of magic, history and humour, with self growth. I'm always impressed at her research into true historical fact, though penned in a fictional tale, the core of the time period never veers off course. The ride through the ministration of the story was one of "found self", acceptance and acknowledgement. Cosy, cute, charming and comical, this story was a quick, delightful read. I was kept engaged and entertained the entire time. As Ms Foster says in her notes at the end, this book was a salve, a definite magically infused slave, that rids and soothes one of any ails, leaving behind a sense of joy, and deposits one in a happy place. A very smile induced happy place.
I received an advance reader copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review via the author.
As Above, So Below is a beautiful, cozy, and fun story that warms you from your heart down to your toes. Becca is the daughter of a witch, but her magic has never developed - until now! Becca lives a simple life with her father (after the loss of both her mother and sister) and works as a lavender woman (a washer woman), which Becca enjoys; until one of her important clients nightdress turns from white to purple during a wash! Becca turns to a local witch and her coven to try to correct and manage her magical abilities before they turn her life upside down and along the way gains a familiar, a new group of friends and found family, learns to embrace herself, and pay homage to her roots. This comes with much disaster along the way, which had me laughing out loud! The magic scenes were so visual that I felt I was there in the story witnessing it. This book is the perfect book to read in spring, curled up with a warm blanket and a hot drink. Set during Elizabethan time in England, the book has the perfect setting. This book connects to the Naturae series of books written by the author but can be read as a standalone. I loved the inclusion of one of the characters (Fairfax) from the Naturae series and can't wait to read more about Becca in the upcoming book in the main Naturae series!
AS ABOVE, SO BELOW by Jan Foster is an imaginative and richly textured historical fantasy, and much of its power comes from the author's deft command of language. She writes with a precision and deliberateness that instantly evokes the era of post‑Henry VIII England—the grit, superstition, narrow alleyways and narrower social roles.
At the center is Becca Clish, a middle‑aged, limping laundrywoman who has spent her life among the lower classes, daughter of a witch but seemingly without a spark of magic herself. She’s an unusual and refreshing protagonist—quiet, practical, and resigned to her lot—until a washing‑day mishap drenches the linens (and her hands) in inexplicable purple. What first seems like a stain becomes the revelation of long‑dormant powers finally breaking through.
Becca’s search for answers leads her to her friends Fidelma and Celia, then to a coven of witches, and eventually into the company of Bran, a talking dog whose dry commentary adds warmth and humor.
The novel’s creativity shines brightest in moments like an unforgettable scene where Becca’s broom springs to life, sweeping the ceiling while she clings on for dear life—a burst of magical chaos that captures the book’s charm perfectly.
Foster has crafted a story that feels both old and new: steeped in folklore yet full of inventive twists. For fans of wizardry fiction and historical fantasy, this novel will feel like a bit of magic in their hands.
Midlife Magic, Mild Chaos, and a Dog with Opinions
As Above, So Below is a cozy historical fantasy about midlife magic gone slightly off the rails. Becca is just trying to live her normal, predictable life when her long dormant powers decide to make a very public comeback. The magic is messy, inconvenient, and often funny, which makes her reluctance feel real.
The small village setting works well, especially once the coven steps in. The group dynamics are fun, and Bran the talking dog adds a steady stream of dry commentary. Fairfax shows up and immediately complicates things in the best way, bringing some banter and tension without taking over the story.
The stakes stay rooted in the community, which keeps everything grounded and cozy even as things start to spiral. It’s an easy read with humor, heart, and just enough chaos to keep it interesting.
If you like small town magic, midlife heroines, and a bit of seasonal folklore mixed with light romantic friction, this one’s worth picking up.
thank you to StoryOrigin and the publisher for the advanced copy, this is my honest review.
What I always love about Jan's work is her ability to blend fantasy and history so seamlessly. She is great at creating immersive scenes that make it so easy for the reader to visualise what is happening.
As Above, So Below is a great example of this.
This story follows Becca, a middle-aged washerwoman who just comes into her magical powers and is not really enthralled with having them. She embarks on a journey to try and get rid of them, but will she find herself accepting her new gifts?
I don't like giving too much away in reviews, but I will say this fun read comes with a few endearing characters (including a talking dog), and if you're a fan of cozy fantasy then this is right up your street!
Unsurprisingly, I adore cozy fantasy. And when I read Jan Foster’s As Above So Below, I was given all of my favourite cozy fantasy requirements and then some. This book follows Becca, a middle aged washer woman living in her quiet town. She is relatively content in life, wants nothing more than to get on with her work and take care of her father. Until one day as she’s doing laundry, one of her customers’ undergarments turns purple. Becca’s magic—an inheritance from her mother—has awakened. Now, she has to seek out the local coven to try and get her magic under control. But everything she seems to do keeps going wrong. Now, she has a sarcastic talking dog following her around, a cheerful demon whose ship has run aground, and her magic is supposedly vital to saving the town from the crops going horribly, horribly wrong. This story was delightful. I loved the plot, the journey that Becca takes to understand and accept her magic, even if she ultimately wants to just keep living her life. As always, the world is rich and expertly depicted, a reimagining of Tudor England if there were witches and vampires and demons and faeries. All the little details of Becca’s life as a lavender woman are woven together to create an intricate and cozy tapestry. I think all the characters in this book are well done, with each displaying quirks that make them pop off the page and feel real. However, I must admit that Bran the dog is my absolute favourite. He just wants a warm bacon sandwich, to not get dirty, and have Becca cater to his every whim. His sarcastic remarks give such an entertaining counterpoint to Becca’s worries and I love him. This book is a cheerful and charming exploration of magic, of living life fully and embracing every part of yourself. It is the perfect book to have with a cup of tea and a scone. Or a bacon sandwich!
I had such a fun time with this one. From the opening, it felt warm, oddball, and delightfully committed to its own brand of village chaos. Becca instantly worked for me as a heroine because she starts from such a relatable place. She wants a steady life, manageable problems, and laundry that minds its business. Then magic kicks her door in and decides she’s the moment. That setup alone had me grinning.
What really made this story click for me was Becca’s whole late-blooming magical disaster era. Her powers feel gloriously inconvenient, messy, and socially catastrophic in the best way. I loved that her awakening comes with crop trouble, ancient ritual pressure, elder witches, and a sarcastic talking dog. Bran easily sounds like the kind of character who would steal every scene, and Fairfax arriving with all his stranded-sailor chaos just adds another layer of energy to the whole thing. The bacon versus sausage sandwich question honestly tells me everything I need to know about the tone. This book knows how to have a good time.
I also really enjoyed the cozy heart beating underneath all the silliness. Found family stories always get me, and this one sounds like it leans all the way into community, friendship, and people barging into your life right when you need them most. Becca being forced out of her comfortable little lane and into something bigger gives the story a sweet emotional core that balances all the purple, magical, flatulent madness.
The historical fantasy angle makes it even more charming. I love when a story gives me witches, rituals, village drama, and a slightly ridiculous magical crisis all in one package. This feels like the kind of book I’d reach for when I want something fast, funny, and full of personality. Cozy fantasy with a little mud on its skirts and a dog with opinions? Absolutely my kind of nonsense.
I feel super privileged not only to get this book way before the release but also because I’m the main character 😍
I was very lucky enough to win a competition to be a small character in a book however it kinda turned into something more which I found out when I met Jan at a book event. She is amazing and so is her writing. She has captured my heart in this book as well as a fair few traits 🤣
This is a super light easy fun read, her writing is flowy and smooth and there’s no having to go flip back in case you missed something. The characters (me excluded) are fun and witty and have you rolling your eyes lol. Light hearted humour, eccentric witches, a total loon of a daemon, crazy magic, a loving father and a talking dog with so much sarcasm are all mixed together to create this magical tale.
If you like fun magical characters without the heavy fantasy this is for you and it’s what I call a pallet cleanser - a relaxing read between complex heavy saturated books. You definitely don’t want to miss out
If you’re looking for a sweet, heartwarming story about finding your place in the world, this might be the one for you.
When Becca has an unexpectedly bad day and the clothes she washes for others suddenly turn purple, followed by her own hands turning purple. It’s clear something unusual is happening. As it turns out, her magic has awakened and is going wild. This leads to several funny moments and creates a ripple effect throughout her village. It’s lovely to see the support she receives and the bond that forms between the women of the coven.
The village, too, learns to accept the oddities caused by a spell gone wrong (without really understanding what is going on). In her attempts to set things right, Becca begins to embrace her powers and learns to make the best of her new reality.
It’s an easy read that feels like a warm hug and leaves you just a little bit brighter when you turn the final page.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I really enjoyed this cozy and humorous read! It was heartwarming to see Becca (FMC) embrace her identity. The side characters were a treat (especially Fairfax) and I loved the talking dog, Bran.
The opening was a bit slow going for me, but as soon as Fairfax entered the picture I was hooked. The jokes and situational humor sometimes had me laughing out loud multiple times. I was thoroughly invested in Becca's journey and loved the theme of the story-- you are enough as you are.
The story is clean (no swearing, no spice). There no romance.
Recommended reading for those who love cozy historical fantasy and situational humor!