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Evil Uprooted
Some secrets refuse to remain buried… and some betrayals can never be undone.
England, 1815
In the shadow of Waterloo’s aftermath, the forgotten village of Wickbury finds itself within the grasp of evil.
A deadly plague is spreading through the streets, and whispers speak of a rare and unproven flower as the only hope for salvation. While desperation grows, darker things take root—secrets, rivalries, and the stirrings of forbidden love start to bloom.
French spy and Bonapartist Jean-Luc Beaumont finds himself drawn to Catherine Ashfort, a woman hiding from a past she’s sworn to forget. In the village we meet the headstrong Eloise Evans, who dares to dream of a life society denies her, while Edward Hastings finds himself torn between duty and love.
Past and present collide and old wounds reopen, and the fate of Wickbury may rest not only on a cure, but on the courage of those who dare to defy what is expected.
England, 1815
In the shadow of Waterloo’s aftermath, the forgotten village of Wickbury finds itself within the grasp of evil.
A deadly plague is spreading through the streets, and whispers speak of a rare and unproven flower as the only hope for salvation. While desperation grows, darker things take root—secrets, rivalries, and the stirrings of forbidden love start to bloom.
French spy and Bonapartist Jean-Luc Beaumont finds himself drawn to Catherine Ashfort, a woman hiding from a past she’s sworn to forget. In the village we meet the headstrong Eloise Evans, who dares to dream of a life society denies her, while Edward Hastings finds himself torn between duty and love.
Past and present collide and old wounds reopen, and the fate of Wickbury may rest not only on a cure, but on the courage of those who dare to defy what is expected.
348 pages, Hardcover
Published March 26, 2026
About the author
Emmelie Arents
12 books93 followersIedereen in haar naaste (en verre) omgeving kent Emmelie als het muzikale meisje met het boek in haar hand.
Sinds haar prille jeugd is de echte wereld ondergeschikt aan wat haar fantasie haar te bieden heeft. Ze brengt graag tijd alleen door, denkend aan de dingen die nog ongeschreven in haar hoofd schuilen.
Schrijven doet ze het liefst thuis, op een rustig plekje en in gezelschap van haar kat Toulouse. Je vindt haar daar ook achter de piano, of met een boek in de hand.
Ze houdt van Midden-Aarde, chocolade, de geur van boeken, oude dingen, het geluid van regen, bibliotheken, notitieboeken en katten.
Naast schrijven maakt Emmelie ook lid uit van de band Solitude Within en werkt ze part-time in Brussel.
Sinds haar prille jeugd is de echte wereld ondergeschikt aan wat haar fantasie haar te bieden heeft. Ze brengt graag tijd alleen door, denkend aan de dingen die nog ongeschreven in haar hoofd schuilen.
Schrijven doet ze het liefst thuis, op een rustig plekje en in gezelschap van haar kat Toulouse. Je vindt haar daar ook achter de piano, of met een boek in de hand.
Ze houdt van Midden-Aarde, chocolade, de geur van boeken, oude dingen, het geluid van regen, bibliotheken, notitieboeken en katten.
Naast schrijven maakt Emmelie ook lid uit van de band Solitude Within en werkt ze part-time in Brussel.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
April 12, 2026
☆ 4/ 4,5 ☆
Catherine Ashfort leeft een rustig leventje in haar knusse cottage net buiten Wickbury, met haar trouwe vosje Felix.
Napoleon is gevallen en de oorlog is voorbij, maar wanneer er onverwachts een Franse spion gewond voor haar deur terecht is gekomen, wordt Catherine meegesleurd in een gevaarlijke situatie waar ze totaal niet op zat te wachten.
Oude geheimen dreigen boven water te komen die ze liever ver weggestopt wilt houden.
Er breekt een dodelijke ziekte uit in Wickbury, Eloise Evans zet alles op alles om haar patiënten te verzorgen en om een middeltje te vinden tegen deze verschrikkelijke ziekte.
Alleen is dit geen tijd waar het vanzelfsprekend is dat vrouwen hun stem mogen laten horen en moet ze knokken voor haar plekje als dokter.
De rivaliteit tussen de familie Evans en de andere doktersfamilie Hastings helpt hier natuurlijk niet bij, zeker door de onuitstaanbare Edward Hastings.
Ik heb inmiddels het idee dat een Emmelie Arents boek mij nooit teleur zal stellen, ieder boek dat ik tot nu toe van haar heb gelezen zijn echte knallers.
Je ziet haar echt groeien als auteur met een eigen unieke stijl, van het vertrouwde YA fantasy genre tot haar recentere werken die meer neigen naar historische fantasy met een vleugje dark academia vibes, helemaal verweven met haar eigen stijl wat ik zó tof vind om te zien en natuurlijk om te lezen.
Dit boek is vooral personage gericht maar heeft een steady leestempo waar je doorheen vliegt, personages stuk voor stuk boeiend met een vleugje mysterie waardoor je ze beter wilt leren kennen.
De relaties tussen de personages die je ziet groeien door het boek zijn zo goed uitgewerkt en hartverwarmend om over te lezen, hoe behulpzaam en meelevend ze naar elkaar zijn.
De romances die in dit boek voorkomen zijn er twee om bij weg te zwijmelen, slowburn én forbidden?
Sign me UP!
Het einde was onverwacht nog erg spannend en kon dit niet snel genoeg lezen, deze twists zag ik namelijk totaal niet aankomen.
Wel heeft dit boek het meest satisfying, ontroerende einde en toen ik dit las, kon ik wel een gat in de lucht springen!
Emmelie heeft met Evil Uprooted een fantastisch verhaal neergezet met cottagecore vibes waarbij je alles precies voor je ziet en echt dat cozy gevoel geeft, een vleugje mysterie en personages die je door en door gaat kennen en mist wanneer je de laatste pagina hebt omgeslagen.
Bedankt uitgeverij Hamley voor deze arc, ik ben fan!!
Catherine Ashfort leeft een rustig leventje in haar knusse cottage net buiten Wickbury, met haar trouwe vosje Felix.
Napoleon is gevallen en de oorlog is voorbij, maar wanneer er onverwachts een Franse spion gewond voor haar deur terecht is gekomen, wordt Catherine meegesleurd in een gevaarlijke situatie waar ze totaal niet op zat te wachten.
Oude geheimen dreigen boven water te komen die ze liever ver weggestopt wilt houden.
Er breekt een dodelijke ziekte uit in Wickbury, Eloise Evans zet alles op alles om haar patiënten te verzorgen en om een middeltje te vinden tegen deze verschrikkelijke ziekte.
Alleen is dit geen tijd waar het vanzelfsprekend is dat vrouwen hun stem mogen laten horen en moet ze knokken voor haar plekje als dokter.
De rivaliteit tussen de familie Evans en de andere doktersfamilie Hastings helpt hier natuurlijk niet bij, zeker door de onuitstaanbare Edward Hastings.
Ik heb inmiddels het idee dat een Emmelie Arents boek mij nooit teleur zal stellen, ieder boek dat ik tot nu toe van haar heb gelezen zijn echte knallers.
Je ziet haar echt groeien als auteur met een eigen unieke stijl, van het vertrouwde YA fantasy genre tot haar recentere werken die meer neigen naar historische fantasy met een vleugje dark academia vibes, helemaal verweven met haar eigen stijl wat ik zó tof vind om te zien en natuurlijk om te lezen.
Dit boek is vooral personage gericht maar heeft een steady leestempo waar je doorheen vliegt, personages stuk voor stuk boeiend met een vleugje mysterie waardoor je ze beter wilt leren kennen.
De relaties tussen de personages die je ziet groeien door het boek zijn zo goed uitgewerkt en hartverwarmend om over te lezen, hoe behulpzaam en meelevend ze naar elkaar zijn.
De romances die in dit boek voorkomen zijn er twee om bij weg te zwijmelen, slowburn én forbidden?
Sign me UP!
Het einde was onverwacht nog erg spannend en kon dit niet snel genoeg lezen, deze twists zag ik namelijk totaal niet aankomen.
Wel heeft dit boek het meest satisfying, ontroerende einde en toen ik dit las, kon ik wel een gat in de lucht springen!
Emmelie heeft met Evil Uprooted een fantastisch verhaal neergezet met cottagecore vibes waarbij je alles precies voor je ziet en echt dat cozy gevoel geeft, een vleugje mysterie en personages die je door en door gaat kennen en mist wanneer je de laatste pagina hebt omgeslagen.
Bedankt uitgeverij Hamley voor deze arc, ik ben fan!!
March 23, 2026
I went totally blind into this book, and I was pleasantly suprised!
We go back to a village town in 1815 England. Napoleon has just been defeated at Waterloo, and the little village called Wickbury is held in the grip of a deadly unknown disease.
In this village we follow multiple different villagers who have their own secrets, and are also trying to survive the harsh circumstances of this strange illness.
We follow Catherine who lives a secluded live outside the village in her cottage. She is hiding her past and who she is. One day French spy Jean-Luc finds himself in trouble and Catherine who doesn't know who he is gives him shelter. Their pasts and futures are intertwined in a way no one would have expected.
We also follow the young Eloise Evans, daugther of one of the two doctors who work in the hospital trying to cure the deadly disease. Eloise helps her father in the hospital, but during that time it was not common for women to work in medicine. The other doctor called Hastings works with his son Edward as well. Both doctors have completely different ideas about the world of medicine. Dr. Hastings wants to hold on to old fashioned ideas. While Dr. Evans and his daughter want to experiment with the new. He is also not a fan of Eloise working in the hospital and he and he tries to thwart them in all kinds of ways.
Secretly Edward and Eloise find themselves entangled in love. Or will duty ruin it all for them?
So many secrets in such a little town? Will the seams burst? Will they all survive? Read it in this cleverly constructed story filled with mystery, love, duty, and the fight of strong women for achieving their dreams.
We go back to a village town in 1815 England. Napoleon has just been defeated at Waterloo, and the little village called Wickbury is held in the grip of a deadly unknown disease.
In this village we follow multiple different villagers who have their own secrets, and are also trying to survive the harsh circumstances of this strange illness.
We follow Catherine who lives a secluded live outside the village in her cottage. She is hiding her past and who she is. One day French spy Jean-Luc finds himself in trouble and Catherine who doesn't know who he is gives him shelter. Their pasts and futures are intertwined in a way no one would have expected.
We also follow the young Eloise Evans, daugther of one of the two doctors who work in the hospital trying to cure the deadly disease. Eloise helps her father in the hospital, but during that time it was not common for women to work in medicine. The other doctor called Hastings works with his son Edward as well. Both doctors have completely different ideas about the world of medicine. Dr. Hastings wants to hold on to old fashioned ideas. While Dr. Evans and his daughter want to experiment with the new. He is also not a fan of Eloise working in the hospital and he and he tries to thwart them in all kinds of ways.
Secretly Edward and Eloise find themselves entangled in love. Or will duty ruin it all for them?
So many secrets in such a little town? Will the seams burst? Will they all survive? Read it in this cleverly constructed story filled with mystery, love, duty, and the fight of strong women for achieving their dreams.
March 26, 2026
*I received this book as an ARC from Hamley Books.
Evil Uprooted is a nice historical fiction story that kept me interested from start to finish. The story takes place in 1815, after Waterloo, in a village where a strange illness is spreading. There are a lot of secrets, and the story slowly reveals what is really going on.
I really liked that the book is told from multiple points of view. It made the story more interesting because each character shows a different side of what is happening. It also made me think along while reading and try to figure things out myself.
The atmosphere was one of my favorite parts. The setting feels a bit dark and tense because of the illness and all the hidden secrets. It really pulls you into the story. It also had some really beautiful quotes throughout the book, which I really enjoyed.
The only thing that didn’t fully work for me was the romance. I liked the idea of it, especially the forbidden love, but because the story focuses on different characters, the relationships didn’t feel as developed as I hoped. Because of that, I didn’t always feel very emotionally connected.
Overall, this was an enjoyable and easy-to-read historical story with mystery, secrets, and a bit of romance. I would recommend it if you like character-driven stories with some suspens.
3.75 ⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
Evil Uprooted is a nice historical fiction story that kept me interested from start to finish. The story takes place in 1815, after Waterloo, in a village where a strange illness is spreading. There are a lot of secrets, and the story slowly reveals what is really going on.
I really liked that the book is told from multiple points of view. It made the story more interesting because each character shows a different side of what is happening. It also made me think along while reading and try to figure things out myself.
The atmosphere was one of my favorite parts. The setting feels a bit dark and tense because of the illness and all the hidden secrets. It really pulls you into the story. It also had some really beautiful quotes throughout the book, which I really enjoyed.
The only thing that didn’t fully work for me was the romance. I liked the idea of it, especially the forbidden love, but because the story focuses on different characters, the relationships didn’t feel as developed as I hoped. Because of that, I didn’t always feel very emotionally connected.
Overall, this was an enjoyable and easy-to-read historical story with mystery, secrets, and a bit of romance. I would recommend it if you like character-driven stories with some suspens.
3.75 ⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
March 26, 2026
Toen ik de oproep van Hamley Books zag voor ARC-readers van Evil Uprooted, was mijn interesse meteen gewekt. De prachtige cover trok direct mijn aandacht en ook de flaptekst beloofde een intrigerend verhaal.
Het verhaal speelt zich af in het kleine kustdorp Wickbury in Engeland, kort na de overwinning op Napoleon bij Waterloo in 1815. In deze historische setting staan twee sterke vrouwen centraal: Eloise en Catherine. Catherine leidt een teruggetrokken leven in een cottage op een heuvel aan zee, terwijl Eloise, dochter van een dokter, haar plek probeert te
vinden in een wereld waarin vrouwen geen rol mochten spelen in de geneeskunde.
Wanneer er een mysterieuze en dodelijke plaag rondwaart in het dorp en een vreemdeling opduikt bij Catherines cottage, ontvouwen zich langzaam de geheimen van de dorpsbewoners. Tegelijkertijd woedt er een strijd tussen twee rivaliserende dokters en hun
families. De spanning loopt niet alleen op door de ziekte, maar ook door de onderlinge verhoudingen en misschien zelfs een verboden romance.
Wat dit boek voor mij echt bijzonder maakt, is de sterke karakterontwikkeling. Arents weet niet alleen de hoofdpersonages overtuigend neer te zetten, maar geeft ook de bijfiguren inhoud en kleur. Personages zoals Felix en Tommy sluit je daardoor moeiteloos in je hart.
Daarnaast valt de bloemrijke schrijfstijl op. De auteur schrijft in het Engels en schetst met rijke beschrijvingen een levendige wereld. Met haar taalgebruik weet ze bovendien perfect de sfeer van de tijdsgeest te vangen. De afwisseling in perspectieven en de korte
hoofdstukken zorgen ervoor dat het verhaal vlot blijft lezen en de spanning goed wordt opgebouwd tot een geweldig climax.
Evil Uprooted is een meeslepende historische roman, waarin mysterie, spanning, emotie en romantiek mooi samenkomen. Het verhaal weet je nieuwsgierig te houden tot de laatste pagina en de prachtige cover blijkt een perfecte weerspiegeling van de inhoud
Het verhaal speelt zich af in het kleine kustdorp Wickbury in Engeland, kort na de overwinning op Napoleon bij Waterloo in 1815. In deze historische setting staan twee sterke vrouwen centraal: Eloise en Catherine. Catherine leidt een teruggetrokken leven in een cottage op een heuvel aan zee, terwijl Eloise, dochter van een dokter, haar plek probeert te
vinden in een wereld waarin vrouwen geen rol mochten spelen in de geneeskunde.
Wanneer er een mysterieuze en dodelijke plaag rondwaart in het dorp en een vreemdeling opduikt bij Catherines cottage, ontvouwen zich langzaam de geheimen van de dorpsbewoners. Tegelijkertijd woedt er een strijd tussen twee rivaliserende dokters en hun
families. De spanning loopt niet alleen op door de ziekte, maar ook door de onderlinge verhoudingen en misschien zelfs een verboden romance.
Wat dit boek voor mij echt bijzonder maakt, is de sterke karakterontwikkeling. Arents weet niet alleen de hoofdpersonages overtuigend neer te zetten, maar geeft ook de bijfiguren inhoud en kleur. Personages zoals Felix en Tommy sluit je daardoor moeiteloos in je hart.
Daarnaast valt de bloemrijke schrijfstijl op. De auteur schrijft in het Engels en schetst met rijke beschrijvingen een levendige wereld. Met haar taalgebruik weet ze bovendien perfect de sfeer van de tijdsgeest te vangen. De afwisseling in perspectieven en de korte
hoofdstukken zorgen ervoor dat het verhaal vlot blijft lezen en de spanning goed wordt opgebouwd tot een geweldig climax.
Evil Uprooted is een meeslepende historische roman, waarin mysterie, spanning, emotie en romantiek mooi samenkomen. Het verhaal weet je nieuwsgierig te houden tot de laatste pagina en de prachtige cover blijkt een perfecte weerspiegeling van de inhoud
March 26, 2026
"We cannot control which weights we must carry, but we can control how we carry them."
Evil Uprooted is a whimsical story with a dark edge and strong cottagecore vibes - perfect for readers who love fantasy and historical fiction with a touch of romance. It’s immersive, captivating, and had me hooked from the very first page.
This was my first book by Emmelie Arents, and I was honestly blown away by her writing style. It’s incredibly vivid and has a slightly poetic, almost old-English feel, capturing the spirit of 1815 beautifully. If you enjoy authors like the Brontë sisters or Jane Austen, this story will definitely appeal to you.
I was especially intrigued by the unique setting: Wickbury, a small village living in the shadow of Waterloo’s aftermath. Even if (like me) you don’t know much about Napoleon or the Battle of Waterloo, it doesn’t take away from the story at all. The worldbuilding is accessible and easy to follow, making it a great read for beginning fantasy readers.
The story follows Catherine, who lives in a seaside cottage (my literal dream 🤭), clearly haunted by her past. As the story unfolds, we slowly learn why she ran from it. We also follow Jean-Luc Beaumont, a French spy and Bonapartist, who is dealing with his own trauma. I loved the forbidden love trope, and the side characters were incredibly well-developed. Catherine and Eloise were my favourites. They are both such strong and independent women. I really admired how Eloise followed her dreams and didn’t let society’s expectations hold her back.
The crimson fever, the rivalry between the doctors, the unfolding romances, and the mysterious log entries kept me completely engaged. I loved how all the puzzle pieces fell into place in the end. It’s the perfect mix of romance, rivalry, tension, and mystery.
Evil Uprooted is a whimsical story with a dark edge and strong cottagecore vibes - perfect for readers who love fantasy and historical fiction with a touch of romance. It’s immersive, captivating, and had me hooked from the very first page.
This was my first book by Emmelie Arents, and I was honestly blown away by her writing style. It’s incredibly vivid and has a slightly poetic, almost old-English feel, capturing the spirit of 1815 beautifully. If you enjoy authors like the Brontë sisters or Jane Austen, this story will definitely appeal to you.
I was especially intrigued by the unique setting: Wickbury, a small village living in the shadow of Waterloo’s aftermath. Even if (like me) you don’t know much about Napoleon or the Battle of Waterloo, it doesn’t take away from the story at all. The worldbuilding is accessible and easy to follow, making it a great read for beginning fantasy readers.
The story follows Catherine, who lives in a seaside cottage (my literal dream 🤭), clearly haunted by her past. As the story unfolds, we slowly learn why she ran from it. We also follow Jean-Luc Beaumont, a French spy and Bonapartist, who is dealing with his own trauma. I loved the forbidden love trope, and the side characters were incredibly well-developed. Catherine and Eloise were my favourites. They are both such strong and independent women. I really admired how Eloise followed her dreams and didn’t let society’s expectations hold her back.
The crimson fever, the rivalry between the doctors, the unfolding romances, and the mysterious log entries kept me completely engaged. I loved how all the puzzle pieces fell into place in the end. It’s the perfect mix of romance, rivalry, tension, and mystery.
April 2, 2026
I really wanted to like this book, but it felt all over the place. Too many things happen on one page and as reader you are often left puzzled that nobody bats an eye at some revelations. Also the relationships are really jumping from one stage to the next in 2 pages.
April 16, 2026
Anyone who wants to escape to 1815, a cottage by the English seaside, two fierce female protagonists, forbidden love, and a whole lot of yearning - I have a recommendation for you. 🪻🌾
We are brought back to 1815, just outside the town of Wickbury. When a wounded man collapses near Catherine's home, her cautious nature wars with her compassion. She decides to help him - and the longer he stays, the more dangerous secrets begin to surface. Across town, Eloise races to find a cure as the plague tightens its grip on Wickbury. A mysterious flower may hold the answer, but at what cost?
"The weed that grows inside of us should not be ignored; it must be inspected, tempered and treated." - chapter 20🌱
The pacing starts slow, but picks up beautifully as each character's motives come into focus. The bits and pieces of real history and fitting prose were woven in the story, making it much more vivid and realistic. I loved the strong, progressive women doing their own thing regardless of what society demands. One thing I have to note is the love that transcends boundaries and rivalry. The other characters like Jean-Luc and Edward's actions did not disappoint me, especially the care for their loved ones was so touching. I also did not see that plot twist coming towards the end. At all.
"You give so much to others - why not let someone do the same for you?" - chapter 15💓
Final rating ☆☆☆☆ 4 stars
We are brought back to 1815, just outside the town of Wickbury. When a wounded man collapses near Catherine's home, her cautious nature wars with her compassion. She decides to help him - and the longer he stays, the more dangerous secrets begin to surface. Across town, Eloise races to find a cure as the plague tightens its grip on Wickbury. A mysterious flower may hold the answer, but at what cost?
"The weed that grows inside of us should not be ignored; it must be inspected, tempered and treated." - chapter 20🌱
The pacing starts slow, but picks up beautifully as each character's motives come into focus. The bits and pieces of real history and fitting prose were woven in the story, making it much more vivid and realistic. I loved the strong, progressive women doing their own thing regardless of what society demands. One thing I have to note is the love that transcends boundaries and rivalry. The other characters like Jean-Luc and Edward's actions did not disappoint me, especially the care for their loved ones was so touching. I also did not see that plot twist coming towards the end. At all.
"You give so much to others - why not let someone do the same for you?" - chapter 15💓
Final rating ☆☆☆☆ 4 stars
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
ℕ𝕃
Dit verhaal is geschreven in het Engels! Het verhaal neemt je mee naar Wickbury, Engeland, in 1815 en een mysterieuze crimson fever raast door het dorp. Catherine Ashfort leidt een stil, teruggetrokken leven, tot de gewonde spion Jean‑Luc Beaumont voor haar deur instort. Ze kan hem onmogelijk laten gaan… en hoe langer hij in haar cottage verblijft, hoe sterker de band tussen hen wordt…
Ondertussen zet Eloise zich in het ziekenhuis van haar vader met hart en ziel in voor de zieke patiënten. Haar vaders collega en rivaal Harold maakt het haar onmogelijk, maar zijn zoon Edward draagt al jaren een stille liefde voor Eloise. Hij zou zelfs zijn eigen vader tegenwerken om haar te helpen…
💭 Wat een heerlijk boek was dit! Een historische roman met twee prachtige liefdesverhalen, verweven met een meeslepende verhaallijn rond de crimson fever. De schrijfstijl voelt bewust wat ouder aan, wat perfect past bij de tijdsgeest en de sfeer van het verhaal.
Ik heb zó genoten van Eloise en Catherine - twee sterke, zelfstandige vrouwen die ondanks alles nieuwe liefde toelaten. De verhaallijnen vloeien prachtig in elkaar over zonder verwarrend te worden. Hoewel ik soms moeite heb met historische romans of een meer klassieke schrijfstijl, had ik dat hier totaal niet. Ik zat meteen in het verhaal en heb het met heel veel plezier gelezen.
Ik denk dat dit boek een heel breed publiek kan aanspreken: jong, oud, romance‑lovers, maar ook lezers die houden van historische fictie met een vleugje spanning.
Dankjewel Hamley Books en Emmelie Arents voor dit prachtige verhaal!
𝔼ℕ𝔾
Evil Uprooted is written in English and takes you to Wickbury, England, in 1815. A mysterious crimson fever sweeps through the village. Catherine Ashfort leads a quiet, secluded life, until the wounded spy Jean-Luc Beaumont collapses on her doorstep. She cannot possibly let him go… and the longer he stays in her cottage, the stronger the bond between them grows…
Meanwhile, at her father’s hospital, Eloise devotes herself heart and soul to the sick patients. Her father’s colleague and rival Harold makes life impossible for her, but his son Edward has harboured a secret love for Eloise for years. He would even go against his own father to help her…
💭 What a lovely book! A historical novel featuring two beautiful love stories, interwoven with a compelling plotline centred on the crimson fever. The writing style deliberately feels a bit old-fashioned, which fits perfectly with the spirit and atmosphere of the story.
I absolutely loved Eloise and Catherine – two strong, independent women who, despite everything, allow themselves to fall in love again. The storylines flow beautifully into one another without becoming confusing. Although I sometimes struggle with historical novels or a more classical writing style, I didn’t have that problem at all here. I was immediately drawn into the story and I really enjoyed reading it. 🦊
I think this book will appeal to a very wide audience: young, old, romance lovers, but also readers who enjoy historical fiction with a touch of suspense.
Dit verhaal is geschreven in het Engels! Het verhaal neemt je mee naar Wickbury, Engeland, in 1815 en een mysterieuze crimson fever raast door het dorp. Catherine Ashfort leidt een stil, teruggetrokken leven, tot de gewonde spion Jean‑Luc Beaumont voor haar deur instort. Ze kan hem onmogelijk laten gaan… en hoe langer hij in haar cottage verblijft, hoe sterker de band tussen hen wordt…
Ondertussen zet Eloise zich in het ziekenhuis van haar vader met hart en ziel in voor de zieke patiënten. Haar vaders collega en rivaal Harold maakt het haar onmogelijk, maar zijn zoon Edward draagt al jaren een stille liefde voor Eloise. Hij zou zelfs zijn eigen vader tegenwerken om haar te helpen…
💭 Wat een heerlijk boek was dit! Een historische roman met twee prachtige liefdesverhalen, verweven met een meeslepende verhaallijn rond de crimson fever. De schrijfstijl voelt bewust wat ouder aan, wat perfect past bij de tijdsgeest en de sfeer van het verhaal.
Ik heb zó genoten van Eloise en Catherine - twee sterke, zelfstandige vrouwen die ondanks alles nieuwe liefde toelaten. De verhaallijnen vloeien prachtig in elkaar over zonder verwarrend te worden. Hoewel ik soms moeite heb met historische romans of een meer klassieke schrijfstijl, had ik dat hier totaal niet. Ik zat meteen in het verhaal en heb het met heel veel plezier gelezen.
Ik denk dat dit boek een heel breed publiek kan aanspreken: jong, oud, romance‑lovers, maar ook lezers die houden van historische fictie met een vleugje spanning.
Dankjewel Hamley Books en Emmelie Arents voor dit prachtige verhaal!
𝔼ℕ𝔾
Evil Uprooted is written in English and takes you to Wickbury, England, in 1815. A mysterious crimson fever sweeps through the village. Catherine Ashfort leads a quiet, secluded life, until the wounded spy Jean-Luc Beaumont collapses on her doorstep. She cannot possibly let him go… and the longer he stays in her cottage, the stronger the bond between them grows…
Meanwhile, at her father’s hospital, Eloise devotes herself heart and soul to the sick patients. Her father’s colleague and rival Harold makes life impossible for her, but his son Edward has harboured a secret love for Eloise for years. He would even go against his own father to help her…
💭 What a lovely book! A historical novel featuring two beautiful love stories, interwoven with a compelling plotline centred on the crimson fever. The writing style deliberately feels a bit old-fashioned, which fits perfectly with the spirit and atmosphere of the story.
I absolutely loved Eloise and Catherine – two strong, independent women who, despite everything, allow themselves to fall in love again. The storylines flow beautifully into one another without becoming confusing. Although I sometimes struggle with historical novels or a more classical writing style, I didn’t have that problem at all here. I was immediately drawn into the story and I really enjoyed reading it. 🦊
I think this book will appeal to a very wide audience: young, old, romance lovers, but also readers who enjoy historical fiction with a touch of suspense.
March 29, 2026
Dutch version here, English version below
4 🌟
Dit was echt een prachtig verhaal. Ik heb dit bijna in één keer uitgelezen (ik nam slechts één pauze van 10 minuten). Als dat je nog niet overtuigt om dit te lezen, laat me je dan dit zeggen: er is spanning, er is aantrekkingskracht, en misschien is er liefde of misschien eindigt het in hartzeer.
Het verhaal is wat traag, maar ook diep emotioneel. Hoewel het middenstuk een beetje voortkabbelde, maakte het einde dat helemaal goed. Elke keer dat ik dacht: “oh, dit gaat goed,” gebeurde er iets dat mijn hart brak.
Er waren veel sterke personages, en ik vond het fijn om vanuit verschillende perspectieven te lezen; dat gaf een broodnodig inzicht in ieders leven. Maar ik had natuurlijk een favoriet, en dat was Eloise. Ze is slim, niet bang om tegen de norm in te gaan, en behoorlijk koppig.
Als alles wat ik net heb gezegd je nog niet overtuigt, hoop ik dat dit citaat dat wel doet:
“Liefde is iets gevaarlijks en tegelijkertijd iets moois, in staat om onze waarden en de grenzen van onze moed te testen als niets anders. Het heeft de kracht om te redden of totale ondergang te veroorzaken.”
English version here
4 🌟
This was truly a beautiful story. I read this in almost one sitting (I only took one break of 10 minutes). If that doesn't convince you to read this, then let me tell you something that will. There's tension, there's attraction, and maybe there will be love, or maybe it's all heartbreak.
This story is kind of slow but also deeply emotional. While it was dragging on in the middle, the ending made up for it. Every time I thought, "oh, this is going well," something happened that shattered my heart.
There were a lot of great characters, and I liked reading from the different POVs; it gave a much-needed insight into everyone's life. But I obviously had a favorite, and that was Eloise. She's smart, she's not afraid to go against the norms, and she's stubborn.
Again if everything i just said doesn't convince you than i hope that this quote will. "Love is a dangerous yet beautiful thing, able to test our values and the limits of our courage like nothing else can. It holds the power to save or to cause utter ruin."
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I was so happy to be picked as an ARC reader for Evil Uprooted. The cover and the blurb spoke to me and I really looked forward to start reading! A very big thank you to Hamley Books!
Evil Uprooted is set after the fall of Napoleon and after the war ends in 1815. It takes place in the village of Wickbury, where a deadly sickness causes a lot of worry. The doctors have yet to find a cure. With a newcomer in town, who turns out to be a French spy, who knows how this story will unfold?
The author has a beautiful writing style, which is easy to comprehend, but also enlightens the mood. It's a bit lyrical, enchanting, but so fitting for this story. There are quite a lot of beautiful quotes and deeper meanings hidden throughout the story. Also I think the author does a wonderful job at writing about themes that were a big issue at that time.
This story is written in 3rd person and with multiple POV's. In the beginning of the story it was sometimes a tiny bit confusing. Because the POV could change in the next sentence, or sometimes it would be days or weeks later in time. However, I felt like I could adapt fairly quickly to this and had no issues.
Evil Uprooted is perfect for readers who like their stories character focused, who don't like to keep up with a lot of action happening. This story felt perfect to read 'in between' other books, almost like a palate cleanser, but with deeper meaning.
Nevertheless, there were quite some things which were intruiging and encourage you to read. Everything gets their time to shine at the end and every missing piece of the puzzle fits in the end.
Evil Uprooted is set after the fall of Napoleon and after the war ends in 1815. It takes place in the village of Wickbury, where a deadly sickness causes a lot of worry. The doctors have yet to find a cure. With a newcomer in town, who turns out to be a French spy, who knows how this story will unfold?
The author has a beautiful writing style, which is easy to comprehend, but also enlightens the mood. It's a bit lyrical, enchanting, but so fitting for this story. There are quite a lot of beautiful quotes and deeper meanings hidden throughout the story. Also I think the author does a wonderful job at writing about themes that were a big issue at that time.
This story is written in 3rd person and with multiple POV's. In the beginning of the story it was sometimes a tiny bit confusing. Because the POV could change in the next sentence, or sometimes it would be days or weeks later in time. However, I felt like I could adapt fairly quickly to this and had no issues.
Evil Uprooted is perfect for readers who like their stories character focused, who don't like to keep up with a lot of action happening. This story felt perfect to read 'in between' other books, almost like a palate cleanser, but with deeper meaning.
Nevertheless, there were quite some things which were intruiging and encourage you to read. Everything gets their time to shine at the end and every missing piece of the puzzle fits in the end.
March 25, 2026
𝗜𝗸 𝗺𝗼𝗰𝗵𝘁 𝗱𝗶𝘁 𝗯𝗼𝗲𝗸 𝗮𝗹𝘀 𝗔𝗥𝗖 𝗹𝗲𝘇𝗲𝗻 𝘃𝗼𝗼𝗿 𝗛𝗮𝗺𝗹𝗲𝘆 𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸𝘀, 𝘄𝗮𝗮𝗿𝘃𝗼𝗼𝗿 𝗱𝗮𝗻𝗸.
“𝘐𝘵 𝘪𝘴 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘥𝘳𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘴 𝘔𝘢𝘯 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘨𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘣𝘳𝘢𝘷𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝘥𝘦𝘦𝘥𝘴. 𝘐𝘵 𝘪𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘮𝘰𝘴𝘵 𝘣𝘦𝘢𝘶𝘵𝘪𝘧𝘶𝘭 𝘱𝘰𝘸𝘦𝘳 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘭𝘥.”
Eerst en vooral wil ik het eventjes hebben over die PRACHTIGE cover! Ik had - niet voor de eerste keer - spijt dat mijn e-reader zwart-wit is. Het was oorspronkelijk dan ook de cover die mijn aandacht trok.
And please do judge a book by it’s cover, want ook het verhaal stelt niet teleur.
Opgedeeld in korte hoofdstukken, leest het heel vlot! Je bekijkt het verhaal ook vanuit de perspectieven van verschillende personages, wat ik zelf altijd heel fijn vind! Zo krijg je niet alleen meer inzicht in de denkwereld van Catherine & Jean-Luc, maar ook in die van Eloïse, Edward, Thomas enzovoort. Daardoor kom je telkens een ander stukje van het verhaal te weten, wat het interessant houdt.
Over de inhoud zelf ga ik niet teveel verklappen, maar de plottwist naar het einde toe had ik niet zien aankomen.
Dit boek is echt een aanrader voor wie houdt van verhalen in een historische setting, die vlot lezen, karaktergericht zijn, met mooie, lyrische citaten.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
This was such an interesting read for me, because there were definitely parts I really appreciated, but I also didn’t always fully connect to the characters.
The book is set in 1815, right after Waterloo, and you can really feel that in the writing style. It’s very true to the time period, which I can appreciate, but for me personally it made the story feel a bit distant at times.
That being said… the pacing actually made it quite easy to get through. The chapters flow nicely and before you know it, you’ve read a big chunk without even realizing it.
I did enjoy the multiple POVs — seeing events unfold through different perspectives kept things interesting. And the secrets throughout the story definitely kept me curious 👀
The twist at the end was satisfying and honestly made the journey worth it. That moment where everything clicks into place? I love that.
Overall, this wasn’t a story I was fully immersed in the whole time, but I can definitely see why others would enjoy it, especially if you like historical settings, layered storytelling and a good payoff at the end.
The book is set in 1815, right after Waterloo, and you can really feel that in the writing style. It’s very true to the time period, which I can appreciate, but for me personally it made the story feel a bit distant at times.
That being said… the pacing actually made it quite easy to get through. The chapters flow nicely and before you know it, you’ve read a big chunk without even realizing it.
I did enjoy the multiple POVs — seeing events unfold through different perspectives kept things interesting. And the secrets throughout the story definitely kept me curious 👀
The twist at the end was satisfying and honestly made the journey worth it. That moment where everything clicks into place? I love that.
Overall, this wasn’t a story I was fully immersed in the whole time, but I can definitely see why others would enjoy it, especially if you like historical settings, layered storytelling and a good payoff at the end.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
3.75 ★, arc review
thank you to Hamley Books for the arc in exchange of my own honest thoughts and opinions!
this was my first historical romance and i sooo enjoyed it!!!
i read the blurb and was immediately convinced to give this story a chance so imagine my delight when i got approved for the arc
this has been such a fun first ride as i had no idea what to expect of this genre so i just went in blindly and oh did i enjoy it
we get to go on a ride set in 1815 in the shadow of Waterloo's aftermath and the characters take us with them in their respective point of views
it's full of secrets - i loved this part!! this story has you paying attention to details, has you cataloging information and storing it in the back of your mind. while reading i had my own suspicions and i was so excited to see if i was on the right path or not!! it kept me so entertained throughout the story and it's honestly something i really enjoy while reading!!! the satisfaction when all your little puzzle pieces finally form the big picture is just everything!!
also can we talk about the forbidden love in this book???? my heart couldn't handle it honestly!! another part i really loved!!
the setting and the storyline just made this trope work perfectly and the tension was there!!!
the characters were all so different and they each brought their very own perspective on the events that took place. it was intriguing to see how a situation got interpreted through different eyes and i found myself really enjoying the multiple point of views!
if you're a fan of suspense, forbidden love and secrets waiting to be unraveled then this book is definitely one you should put on your list! out on 26.03 !!! 💚
thank you to Hamley Books for the arc in exchange of my own honest thoughts and opinions!
this was my first historical romance and i sooo enjoyed it!!!
i read the blurb and was immediately convinced to give this story a chance so imagine my delight when i got approved for the arc
this has been such a fun first ride as i had no idea what to expect of this genre so i just went in blindly and oh did i enjoy it
we get to go on a ride set in 1815 in the shadow of Waterloo's aftermath and the characters take us with them in their respective point of views
it's full of secrets - i loved this part!! this story has you paying attention to details, has you cataloging information and storing it in the back of your mind. while reading i had my own suspicions and i was so excited to see if i was on the right path or not!! it kept me so entertained throughout the story and it's honestly something i really enjoy while reading!!! the satisfaction when all your little puzzle pieces finally form the big picture is just everything!!
also can we talk about the forbidden love in this book???? my heart couldn't handle it honestly!! another part i really loved!!
the setting and the storyline just made this trope work perfectly and the tension was there!!!
the characters were all so different and they each brought their very own perspective on the events that took place. it was intriguing to see how a situation got interpreted through different eyes and i found myself really enjoying the multiple point of views!
if you're a fan of suspense, forbidden love and secrets waiting to be unraveled then this book is definitely one you should put on your list! out on 26.03 !!! 💚
April 8, 2026
Allereerst willen wij Hamleybooks en Emmalie Arents bedanken voor deze mooie ARC.
Ik heb heel erg genoten van het boek.
“You should love yourself a little bit better. How can we help others if we do not help ourselves first?”
Evil Uprooted leest heerlijk vlot en neemt je mee naar het dorpje Wickbury, het boek zit vol mysterie, een dodelijke ziekte, een bijzondere bloem met geneeskrachtige eigenschappen en veel intriges.
Het verhaal volgt vrijwel alle inwoners, waardoor je een compleet beeld van het dorp krijgt. Daardoor voelde ik me iets minder verbonden met één specifiek personage, maar het maakt het verhaal zeker niet minder spannend. Vooral richting het einde blijft het verhaal meeslepend.
Een aanrader voor iedereen die houdt van historische fantasy met mysterie en een vleugje romantiek.
Ik heb heel erg genoten van het boek.
“You should love yourself a little bit better. How can we help others if we do not help ourselves first?”
Evil Uprooted leest heerlijk vlot en neemt je mee naar het dorpje Wickbury, het boek zit vol mysterie, een dodelijke ziekte, een bijzondere bloem met geneeskrachtige eigenschappen en veel intriges.
Het verhaal volgt vrijwel alle inwoners, waardoor je een compleet beeld van het dorp krijgt. Daardoor voelde ik me iets minder verbonden met één specifiek personage, maar het maakt het verhaal zeker niet minder spannend. Vooral richting het einde blijft het verhaal meeslepend.
Een aanrader voor iedereen die houdt van historische fantasy met mysterie en een vleugje romantiek.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
This was a lovely piece of historical fiction that kept me engaged throughout. The use of multiple points of view added depth to the story and made it especially intriguing, as each perspective revealed new layers of the mystery. The plot centers around a mysterious illness spreading through a village, and the arrival of a stranger sparks suspicion and a desperate search for answers.
The only aspect that didn’t fully work for me was the romantic storyline. Because the narrative shifts between several characters, the relationship between the main characters wasn’t as fully developed as I had hoped, which made it a bit harder to connect emotionally.
Overall, an atmospheric and compelling read, especially for those who enjoy character-driven historical mysteries.
The only aspect that didn’t fully work for me was the romantic storyline. Because the narrative shifts between several characters, the relationship between the main characters wasn’t as fully developed as I had hoped, which made it a bit harder to connect emotionally.
Overall, an atmospheric and compelling read, especially for those who enjoy character-driven historical mysteries.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Thank you Hamley Books for the ARC!
I loved the story of Catherine and Jean-Luc. The secrecy, the love and the representation of Napoleon history in their love story was wonderful. The other stories I was less invested in. I loved the idea of following multiple story lines in one village, but due to the third point of view and relatively short chapters I was switching a lot which confused me. The story is very well written and I loved the headstrongness of Eloise. Overall, I really liked the story, but it just didn't blow me away. Maybe when I reread I will remember the different story lines better which will make me more invested in the total story.
I loved the story of Catherine and Jean-Luc. The secrecy, the love and the representation of Napoleon history in their love story was wonderful. The other stories I was less invested in. I loved the idea of following multiple story lines in one village, but due to the third point of view and relatively short chapters I was switching a lot which confused me. The story is very well written and I loved the headstrongness of Eloise. Overall, I really liked the story, but it just didn't blow me away. Maybe when I reread I will remember the different story lines better which will make me more invested in the total story.
March 27, 2026
Setting: 1815 England (Wickbury) in the aftermath of Waterloo.
Historical Fiction / Gothic Mystery / Romance.
.
I was immediately sold when the publisher presented this to review.
The era, the characters who are portrayed so incredibly well and strongly that it feels like you, as a reader, belong to the group. They feel like friends, and the development and events they experience also feel real. I enjoyed this book and I really hope the author will release more books like this, because I am a huge fan!
Historical Fiction / Gothic Mystery / Romance.
.
I was immediately sold when the publisher presented this to review.
The era, the characters who are portrayed so incredibly well and strongly that it feels like you, as a reader, belong to the group. They feel like friends, and the development and events they experience also feel real. I enjoyed this book and I really hope the author will release more books like this, because I am a huge fan!
March 26, 2026
Wat een heerlijk pakkend verhaal. In een Engels dorpje heerst een dodelijke ziekte. Er word hard gewerkt aan een genezing maar niet iedereen in het dorp is daar blij mee en er heerst een hoop achterdocht. Dit boek zit vol intriges, geheimen, leugens maar ook liefde. Er zit zelfs een cozy en fantasy deel in met een kruidentuin en een bloem die de genezing zou kunnen zijn. Ik heb et enorm van genoten!
April 22, 2026
Weer een mooi boek van Emmelie Arents. Dit keer een drama met een romantisch tintje. Een boek dat grenzen opzoekt. Er komt bijvoorbeeld een aanranding van een man in voor die door iets in zijn drinken iets doet wat hij normaal niet zou doen. Het is wel fijn dat die kant ook eens belicht wordt. Dit is een baanbrekend verhaal en een aanrader.
April 6, 2026
⭐️4.5. Again a very smooth, well-written, capturing, and lovely read by Emmelie. Transported me to another time and place.
April 16, 2026
Dit boek is zo adembenemend mooi. 😍
Did Not Finish
April 20, 2026Als ik eerlijk ben kan dit verhaal me niet echt boeien. Ik leg het voorlopig weg, misschien pak ik het later weer.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Travel back to England, 1815, where a sinister and deadly plague hunts the forgotten village of Wickbury. In the Battle of Waterloo's aftermath, more mystery and mayhem befall this quaint village when a stranger hides in Catherine Ashfort's house. Ironically, she herself is hiding as well, from her past. In search of a cure (rumour has it that a rare and unproven flower was found), we journey through Wickbury and meet its inhabitants.
The plot and writing
This historical novel felt like it was wrapped in cozy cottagecore vibes. Considering the time it takes place un, the 'unknown' was similar to 'magic'. However enchanting this might seem, some villagers were skeptical, creating tension between progress and comfort.
One of my favourite themes in this historical novel is the social upheaval, wherein women were often seen as insignificant and ignorant. Arents tackled this splendidly through the characters, making it an appealing read. Other themes that stood out to me were: love, duty, camaraderie, and family. Together, these themes make it a relatively light read, but there's also some strong rivalry that sets a darker tone to the story.
The writing felt melodic, and the pacing was just fine. While vocabulary-wise it was easy to follow, I felt like much happened without any structure. Sure, there was a metastructure towards curing the disease, but there were many mini-arcs that caught me off guard sometimes.
The Characters
There were quite a few characters that, without a pronounced structure, I found difficult to feel emotionally attached to as they developed complex relations with each other. However, they were unique and layered. I only wish that they were written through a singular pov sometimes, but that's my preference to get to know characters.
While you don't get to know them as much through dialogue, you do gain some insight into their personal struggles and emotions through the plot of the story. The aforementioned complex relationships add to the story's mystery and intrigue.
You'll find hidden identities, forgotten pasts that come up again, hurtful betrayal, and a healing flower with 'mystical' powers.
Overall, a good 3.7🌟
Thank you, Hamley Books and Emmelie Arents, for letting me review this book!
The plot and writing
This historical novel felt like it was wrapped in cozy cottagecore vibes. Considering the time it takes place un, the 'unknown' was similar to 'magic'. However enchanting this might seem, some villagers were skeptical, creating tension between progress and comfort.
One of my favourite themes in this historical novel is the social upheaval, wherein women were often seen as insignificant and ignorant. Arents tackled this splendidly through the characters, making it an appealing read. Other themes that stood out to me were: love, duty, camaraderie, and family. Together, these themes make it a relatively light read, but there's also some strong rivalry that sets a darker tone to the story.
The writing felt melodic, and the pacing was just fine. While vocabulary-wise it was easy to follow, I felt like much happened without any structure. Sure, there was a metastructure towards curing the disease, but there were many mini-arcs that caught me off guard sometimes.
The Characters
There were quite a few characters that, without a pronounced structure, I found difficult to feel emotionally attached to as they developed complex relations with each other. However, they were unique and layered. I only wish that they were written through a singular pov sometimes, but that's my preference to get to know characters.
While you don't get to know them as much through dialogue, you do gain some insight into their personal struggles and emotions through the plot of the story. The aforementioned complex relationships add to the story's mystery and intrigue.
You'll find hidden identities, forgotten pasts that come up again, hurtful betrayal, and a healing flower with 'mystical' powers.
Overall, a good 3.7🌟
Thank you, Hamley Books and Emmelie Arents, for letting me review this book!
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