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The Windborne #1
The Witch of the Meadows
“Can I see your magic?”
His face flushed red, but Beri shrugged and smiled sheepishly. “Sure.” He brought up his hand, his empty hand, and a ball of rich emerald-green magic appeared. It swirled in clouds of mist, slightly thicker here, slightly lighter in color there, dancing in a mesmerizing play within his long fingers. Above it, Beri watched her.
Fern’s stomach gave another flip. “It’s, er, very lively, your…ma—energy. Nice.”
For months, seventeen-year-old Fern has been sneaking out on her mother—really sneaking out—through a magical portal to an island halfway around the world. There, the grandmother Fern never knew existed needs her help rejuvenating their ancestral land. She has always been good at growing things, but that’s not magic. And magic is what the island needs.
With its energy running out, the land is breaking apart, and the caretakers demand a real witch to take over the Meadows, not a teenager with a green thumb. Elbow-deep in dirt, Fern confronts a splintered community, unsure who to trust, but grateful for the support of a Scottish boy who looks at her with green eyes shining with magic—and something more powerful.
Caring for this land is Fern’s birthright, one she longs to claim. But to take her place in this magical world, Fern must first figure out how to use her unique gift.
THE WITCH OF THE MEADOWS begins the journey of a generation of magic-wielders as they restore their connections to nature and community.
His face flushed red, but Beri shrugged and smiled sheepishly. “Sure.” He brought up his hand, his empty hand, and a ball of rich emerald-green magic appeared. It swirled in clouds of mist, slightly thicker here, slightly lighter in color there, dancing in a mesmerizing play within his long fingers. Above it, Beri watched her.
Fern’s stomach gave another flip. “It’s, er, very lively, your…ma—energy. Nice.”
For months, seventeen-year-old Fern has been sneaking out on her mother—really sneaking out—through a magical portal to an island halfway around the world. There, the grandmother Fern never knew existed needs her help rejuvenating their ancestral land. She has always been good at growing things, but that’s not magic. And magic is what the island needs.
With its energy running out, the land is breaking apart, and the caretakers demand a real witch to take over the Meadows, not a teenager with a green thumb. Elbow-deep in dirt, Fern confronts a splintered community, unsure who to trust, but grateful for the support of a Scottish boy who looks at her with green eyes shining with magic—and something more powerful.
Caring for this land is Fern’s birthright, one she longs to claim. But to take her place in this magical world, Fern must first figure out how to use her unique gift.
THE WITCH OF THE MEADOWS begins the journey of a generation of magic-wielders as they restore their connections to nature and community.
336 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 27, 2018
245 people are currently reading
358 people want to read
About the author
Laurel Wanrow
14 books95 followersLaurel Wanrow loves misty mornings, the smell of freshly dug earth, petting long-haired guinea pigs and staring at the stars. She sees magic in nature and loves to photograph it.
Before kids, she studied and worked as a naturalist—someone who leads wildflower and other nature walks. During a stint of homeschooling, she turned her writing skills to fiction to share her love of the land, magical characters and fantastical settings.
When not living in her fantasy worlds, Laurel camps, hunts fossils and argues with her husband and two new adult kids over whose turn it is to clean house. Though they live on the East Coast, a cherished family cabin in the Colorado Rockies holds Laurel’s heart.
For Laurel's Newsletter: https://www.laurelwanrow.com/NewsSignup
Before kids, she studied and worked as a naturalist—someone who leads wildflower and other nature walks. During a stint of homeschooling, she turned her writing skills to fiction to share her love of the land, magical characters and fantastical settings.
When not living in her fantasy worlds, Laurel camps, hunts fossils and argues with her husband and two new adult kids over whose turn it is to clean house. Though they live on the East Coast, a cherished family cabin in the Colorado Rockies holds Laurel’s heart.
For Laurel's Newsletter: https://www.laurelwanrow.com/NewsSignup
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
March 31, 2019
A touch of fantasy and magic in a coming of age and self-discovery novel, perfect for all ages! Laurel Wanrow’s WITCH OF THE MEADOWS is a delightful read about a girl who discovers family and her true heritage through a magical portal, even as she learns of her own magic and the ties she has to the earth and all of its creatures.
Fern has that magical Green Thumb we all crave at one time or another, and secretly stealing through a magical portal, she finds “the meadow” in trouble and her grandmother needs her help to revive the plants and the balance of nature, but it won’t be easy. Fern will be tested along the way, deceived and tricked, but she will learn to trust her heart and herself and the new friends she has made along the way.
I absolutely loved how Ms. Wanrow told this magical tale, no over-the-top teen angst, even the villains weren’t too dastardly! I could picture the meadow in my mind, feel the warm breezes and as one who loves to plant and watch the beauty that grows, this was a wonderful fantasy to fall into!
I received a complimentary copy from Laurel Wanrow!
Series: The Windborne - Book 1
Publisher: Sprouting Star Press (March 27, 2018)
Publication Date: March 27, 2018
Genre: YA Coming of Age | Fantasy
Print Length: 365 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
For Reviews, Giveaways, Fabulous Book News, follow: http://tometender.blogspot.com
Fern has that magical Green Thumb we all crave at one time or another, and secretly stealing through a magical portal, she finds “the meadow” in trouble and her grandmother needs her help to revive the plants and the balance of nature, but it won’t be easy. Fern will be tested along the way, deceived and tricked, but she will learn to trust her heart and herself and the new friends she has made along the way.
I absolutely loved how Ms. Wanrow told this magical tale, no over-the-top teen angst, even the villains weren’t too dastardly! I could picture the meadow in my mind, feel the warm breezes and as one who loves to plant and watch the beauty that grows, this was a wonderful fantasy to fall into!
I received a complimentary copy from Laurel Wanrow!
Series: The Windborne - Book 1
Publisher: Sprouting Star Press (March 27, 2018)
Publication Date: March 27, 2018
Genre: YA Coming of Age | Fantasy
Print Length: 365 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
For Reviews, Giveaways, Fabulous Book News, follow: http://tometender.blogspot.com
March 9, 2018
I loved this story. Fern was pretty awesome. Girl could take care of herself (and take down anyone with her wrestling moves). I loved how she held her own and fought for what she wanted, even when she was at a disadvantage without magic. The Meadows sound like my dream place, and I would like to know how to find a portal there asap. The friends Fern made were so much fun, and I seriously need more Hilda the guinea pig in my life. This ended just the way I wanted, and I look forward to reading the next books in the series.
***I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary ARC of this book.***
***I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary ARC of this book.***
February 4, 2019
Readers who are into magic connected to the earth, plants and wildlife will love this fantasy story about a girl who works hard to become the protector of her ancestor's land. The connection between the island and its caregivers becomes the reader's own. Descriptions of surging magic, wild countryside and plants and animals that live on it are vivid and soothing. Some major and exciting revelations in the story sometimes missed the same detailed attention, though.
May 29, 2021
A really good book for a small price!
April 18, 2018
This is a wonderful YA tale about a 17 year old Fern who lives with her mother and does not remember her father. Her mother is tight with details. She builds a relationship with her gran after finding a small glass globe in her mother's drawer which she discovered transport her from her bathroom to her gran's bathroom. While Fern's mom is busy creating her glass art, or going to art shows, Fern helps Gran in Ireland with her yard and garden.
She soon begins to understand that Gran's world is a special and magical place. She meets a few "people" of her age, but they can fly or have other magical powers. One of them is very special to her, Beri. He is tall like her and they become attracted to each other instantly.
Gran sets her up for a test and instructs Fern to get her mother's blessing to become a member of the magical society and care for the gardens on her property. How does Fern explain to her mother what she has been up to? And does she need to explain about Beri? The end leaves the reader wanting more.
I look forward to the next book!
She soon begins to understand that Gran's world is a special and magical place. She meets a few "people" of her age, but they can fly or have other magical powers. One of them is very special to her, Beri. He is tall like her and they become attracted to each other instantly.
Gran sets her up for a test and instructs Fern to get her mother's blessing to become a member of the magical society and care for the gardens on her property. How does Fern explain to her mother what she has been up to? And does she need to explain about Beri? The end leaves the reader wanting more.
I look forward to the next book!
October 19, 2018
👍👍👍👍👍Great New author.🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌 Wonderfully written. Enjoyed every page.😘😘 A must read.📚📚 Strong, likeable characters.👏👏👏 Full of magic and plenty of action.📖📖 Open it up today and you won't put it down until your finished. 🎇Read and enjoy.
👂👂I received a copy of this book (ARC) and this is my voluntary honest review.👌
👂👂I received a copy of this book (ARC) and this is my voluntary honest review.👌
March 26, 2018
Disclaimer: I received this book free from the author, this did not affect my review.
I’m a city girl. Born and bred. With absolutely no affinity for growing things. It’s the watering you see. I’m in Southern California, and green things are already at a disadvantage in a desert climate where it rarely rains. I, being easily distractable, forget to water for just a short time and the poor plants are goners. That being said, I love a garden. My daughter (just as distractable) and I are planning a little garden type area for our apartment patio, with a porch swing and shade. A place to sit and sip something cool after we’ve had a swim. But the plants though… they’re not going to last long … it would be tacky to put fake plants in a planter outside right? *sigh*
I remember when I read The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett as a little girl. I was fascinated. I loved the idea of finding a beautiful garden and nurturing it; growing delicate flowers with my green thumb. This book by Ms. Wanrow gives me the same feeling. After reading this book I want a garden, with lillies floating in a pond. I want a guinea pig to cuddle with (omg my cat would hate me!). As a matter of fact, I’ll take one of Ms. Wanrow’s handsome magical male inhabitants as an occasional companion too if you don’t mind. (ha!)
The Witch of the Meadows is organic, gentle, and light YA. It’s a mildly fantasy based slice-of-life novel. After my recent read of R.A. Salvatore’s latest brutal book, this was a great palate cleanser. The main character, Fern, is a young woman who has lived her life in the normal world. She has recently come into contact with the magical side of her extended family as well as with the community that is a part of her heritage. She is at a loss to understand how the people she comes from are tied to the earth, and the power they share with it. As a Native American, whose family moved away from our homeland and lost our ties to the culture generations ago, I can commiserate with the sense of lost magic and disconnection. Hers is a much more literal disconnection and much of the book focuses on her efforts to become useful to her people.
I’m a fan of Ms. Wanrow’s books, and I’m enjoying this series. Fern in particular reminds me a lot of a friend of mine. Tall, dark haired, she is both physically and emotional strong. She is sincere and generous, but still quite young. I’m interested to see how she changes as she gets older and gains more responsibility. I like a lot of the other characters and I hope to see their personalities become more developed in future books. I’m particularly interested in Raven. He’s complicated. I’ll be interested to see how the series evolves.
Song for this book: An Ocean and a Rock – Lisa Hannigan
I’m a city girl. Born and bred. With absolutely no affinity for growing things. It’s the watering you see. I’m in Southern California, and green things are already at a disadvantage in a desert climate where it rarely rains. I, being easily distractable, forget to water for just a short time and the poor plants are goners. That being said, I love a garden. My daughter (just as distractable) and I are planning a little garden type area for our apartment patio, with a porch swing and shade. A place to sit and sip something cool after we’ve had a swim. But the plants though… they’re not going to last long … it would be tacky to put fake plants in a planter outside right? *sigh*
I remember when I read The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett as a little girl. I was fascinated. I loved the idea of finding a beautiful garden and nurturing it; growing delicate flowers with my green thumb. This book by Ms. Wanrow gives me the same feeling. After reading this book I want a garden, with lillies floating in a pond. I want a guinea pig to cuddle with (omg my cat would hate me!). As a matter of fact, I’ll take one of Ms. Wanrow’s handsome magical male inhabitants as an occasional companion too if you don’t mind. (ha!)
The Witch of the Meadows is organic, gentle, and light YA. It’s a mildly fantasy based slice-of-life novel. After my recent read of R.A. Salvatore’s latest brutal book, this was a great palate cleanser. The main character, Fern, is a young woman who has lived her life in the normal world. She has recently come into contact with the magical side of her extended family as well as with the community that is a part of her heritage. She is at a loss to understand how the people she comes from are tied to the earth, and the power they share with it. As a Native American, whose family moved away from our homeland and lost our ties to the culture generations ago, I can commiserate with the sense of lost magic and disconnection. Hers is a much more literal disconnection and much of the book focuses on her efforts to become useful to her people.
I’m a fan of Ms. Wanrow’s books, and I’m enjoying this series. Fern in particular reminds me a lot of a friend of mine. Tall, dark haired, she is both physically and emotional strong. She is sincere and generous, but still quite young. I’m interested to see how she changes as she gets older and gains more responsibility. I like a lot of the other characters and I hope to see their personalities become more developed in future books. I’m particularly interested in Raven. He’s complicated. I’ll be interested to see how the series evolves.
Song for this book: An Ocean and a Rock – Lisa Hannigan
March 26, 2018
Overall a fun and enjoyable start to a series
The Witch of the Meadows is the first book in the Windborne series by Laurel Wanrow. It is a YA fantasy book with some romance. The main character is Fern Fields, and you meet her in the middle of juggling hiding secrets from her mom and helping her Gran with a mysterious project that even she doesn’t know the full scope of. As she discovers more about her trial, she meets some new friends. I would have liked more development in these friendships, but as this is only book one, I’m hopeful that we’ll see more of them in the next books.
Sometimes the conflict in this book was confusing to me. I didn’t always understand exactly what was going on with the rips and rip energy, but overall the book was a quick, fun read. I would read future books in this series.
I was given a copy of this book by the author, but all reviews are my honest opinion.
The Witch of the Meadows is the first book in the Windborne series by Laurel Wanrow. It is a YA fantasy book with some romance. The main character is Fern Fields, and you meet her in the middle of juggling hiding secrets from her mom and helping her Gran with a mysterious project that even she doesn’t know the full scope of. As she discovers more about her trial, she meets some new friends. I would have liked more development in these friendships, but as this is only book one, I’m hopeful that we’ll see more of them in the next books.
Sometimes the conflict in this book was confusing to me. I didn’t always understand exactly what was going on with the rips and rip energy, but overall the book was a quick, fun read. I would read future books in this series.
I was given a copy of this book by the author, but all reviews are my honest opinion.
April 16, 2018
***I read and reviewed this book voluntarily, all opinions are my own!***
I'm already a big fan of Laurel Wanrow's previous works and this new series, is definitely as good as the rest and all on it's own a great start to a new series!!! I loved the fantastical element to the Isle. There was so much great plant terminology and references, as Wanrow is always good at descriptions like that, and I loved the characters she painted for us as well. Fern is a great heroine and a character you just can't wait to see what will continue to happen to her and her story. Raven was a pleasant surprise, as was Merlin, Willow and Beri!!! I loved Beri! I can't wait to see what more will happen with Beri. I understand Wanrow's want to make it more "PG", however, I enjoyed it either way, and I like when more romance is present, however, I didn't even miss it that much in this book because Fern and Beri story was still cute and believable!
Can't wait to see what happens next!!
5 stars :)
I'm already a big fan of Laurel Wanrow's previous works and this new series, is definitely as good as the rest and all on it's own a great start to a new series!!! I loved the fantastical element to the Isle. There was so much great plant terminology and references, as Wanrow is always good at descriptions like that, and I loved the characters she painted for us as well. Fern is a great heroine and a character you just can't wait to see what will continue to happen to her and her story. Raven was a pleasant surprise, as was Merlin, Willow and Beri!!! I loved Beri! I can't wait to see what more will happen with Beri. I understand Wanrow's want to make it more "PG", however, I enjoyed it either way, and I like when more romance is present, however, I didn't even miss it that much in this book because Fern and Beri story was still cute and believable!
Can't wait to see what happens next!!
5 stars :)
July 1, 2019
I loved The Witch of the Meadows, and have added Fern to my list of all-time favorite characters. It was so much fun to follow her as she discovered the truth behind her heritage as well as her own self-awakening journey into young womanhood. Laurel Wanrow did an elegant job with Fern's awkward coming-of-age stage of her life. I've already downloaded Guardian of the Pines and can't wait for a free weekend to read it.
Bonus: as an aunt of very tall nieces, I loved that Fern was a modest 6'.
Bonus: as an aunt of very tall nieces, I loved that Fern was a modest 6'.
February 3, 2023
This book got off to a slow start for me. The writing just didn't grab me, the mc's reactions didn't make sense and after putting it down and not picking it up again for over a week I was tempted not to finish it.
Luckily I decided to keep going with it (I hate not finishing a book) and around 80 pages in the story really picked up. Lots of twists and surprises and I ended up not being able to put it down again and finished the rest of it in a day!
Luckily I decided to keep going with it (I hate not finishing a book) and around 80 pages in the story really picked up. Lots of twists and surprises and I ended up not being able to put it down again and finished the rest of it in a day!
October 17, 2019
Nature magic with bonds between the people and the land.
Fun characters, and a happy story about a gel coming of age, her true heritage and magic. She finds out that she is half of a family unit, that can, and will be, made whole. She connects to her people, and the land, willing to take responsibility for the land and her family.
Fun characters, and a happy story about a gel coming of age, her true heritage and magic. She finds out that she is half of a family unit, that can, and will be, made whole. She connects to her people, and the land, willing to take responsibility for the land and her family.
May 2, 2021
Found this through The Fussy Librarian and am happy I did. Several times through the story, I thought I knew where things were going, and things took a turn. I thoroughly enjoyed the world of the Windborne and look forward to seeing how things move forward. Finishing this left me wanting to get out and work in my garden.
April 5, 2018
This is the first time I have read this author. From what I have read in this wonderful YA book. Laurel Wanrow is a wonderful writer. I am enjoying this new magic series and I highly recommend it to anyone who loves a great YA book.
I recieved this book for an honest review
I recieved this book for an honest review
July 27, 2019
Magical
This is a great beginning to a new series. Fern lives with her mother in one world, and visits her grandmother in another. This is the only magic she can do. That the death of magic is bringing in the physical death to her world is a great plot device, with its focus on ecology and plants a way for Fern to help without growing up with magical training. Sweet romance, uncontrolled magic, family secrets, danger and betrayal are just a few of the changes Fern needs to cope with, but make for a wonderful young adult story.
This is a great beginning to a new series. Fern lives with her mother in one world, and visits her grandmother in another. This is the only magic she can do. That the death of magic is bringing in the physical death to her world is a great plot device, with its focus on ecology and plants a way for Fern to help without growing up with magical training. Sweet romance, uncontrolled magic, family secrets, danger and betrayal are just a few of the changes Fern needs to cope with, but make for a wonderful young adult story.
November 26, 2019
A really nice book on magical beings.
I liked this book about a girl who learns she is from a magical family who along with others in her family's home town, works together to keep their home hidden from humans. The characters were likable and the story well written.
I liked this book about a girl who learns she is from a magical family who along with others in her family's home town, works together to keep their home hidden from humans. The characters were likable and the story well written.
February 18, 2020
Witchy gardens
I loved reading this story about a young woman who loves to garden helping her grandmother repopulate meadows. She has no idea that she is a witch but must pass tests in order to become the meadows guardian.
I loved reading this story about a young woman who loves to garden helping her grandmother repopulate meadows. She has no idea that she is a witch but must pass tests in order to become the meadows guardian.
April 19, 2020
A wonderful, fun story.
This is one of those books that I couldn’t put down—not because of tension or excitement—it wasn’t epic but very enjoyable. I love nature and fantasy, so this was a good fit.
This is one of those books that I couldn’t put down—not because of tension or excitement—it wasn’t epic but very enjoyable. I love nature and fantasy, so this was a good fit.
April 13, 2021
Interesting
A creative world of magic, nature, and tradition. She is too kind for her own safety and her trusting heart gets her in some tight spots. This is a clean read that briefly touches on homosexuality and pushes being a vegetarian. Very pro animals and nature.
A creative world of magic, nature, and tradition. She is too kind for her own safety and her trusting heart gets her in some tight spots. This is a clean read that briefly touches on homosexuality and pushes being a vegetarian. Very pro animals and nature.
March 22, 2018
Great story full of different magic. The characters are wonderful and the semi-hidden world they live in is rich.
July 21, 2019
This is a Geeky enjoyable book.
This is basically an origin tale of the heir to the witch of the meadows and the restoration of the land as she comes into her power.
This is basically an origin tale of the heir to the witch of the meadows and the restoration of the land as she comes into her power.
July 24, 2019
An entertaining and cosy read which I thoroughly enjoyed although it didn't have the "wow" factor to deserve 5 stars. Highly recommended for those who enjoy young adult fantasy.
July 25, 2019
If you like nature, magic and romance, this is the book for you!
July 27, 2019
Interesting take on magic
Enjoyed meeting the people and learning their skill sets. A little confusing n places. Hopefully all the stories will connect in the future
Enjoyed meeting the people and learning their skill sets. A little confusing n places. Hopefully all the stories will connect in the future
August 8, 2019
Nature Fantasy
A walk in the woods, or more presicely, the Meadows. Rich magic and world building that pulls you in. Lovely sweet romance suitable for all ages. Enjoyable read.
A walk in the woods, or more presicely, the Meadows. Rich magic and world building that pulls you in. Lovely sweet romance suitable for all ages. Enjoyable read.
August 23, 2019
Pretty good
This book was pretty good. I love the story. I was intrigued since the beginning. At the end I was happy
This book was pretty good. I love the story. I was intrigued since the beginning. At the end I was happy
September 19, 2019
A perfect YA novel for fantasy lovers.
October 5, 2019
Delightful!
I loved every part of this book! The nature, the magic, the use of modern world references in a way that makes sense in this world.
I can't wait to read more!
I loved every part of this book! The nature, the magic, the use of modern world references in a way that makes sense in this world.
I can't wait to read more!
May 4, 2020
Do you like gardening, befriending animals, and Renaissance faires? Do you like giggling to yourself as you read about characters named Salmon and Mimosa? Then you will like this one.
November 7, 2020
Fantasy and magic, what's not to like?
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews