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The Dream Weavers
The new gripping historical novel from the Sunday Times bestselling author of Lady of Hay.
A nest of vipers, they called us. But that is not how it was.
Mercia, 775 AD. In the grand Saxon halls of Mercia, King Offa rules with ruthless ambition. Aggressive and relentlessly acquisitive, his three daughters are destined to marry advantageously in service of their country. Eadburh, the youngest, is neither the cleverest nor the most beautiful of the three. But, with her father’s ruthless spirit and the secret gifts passed down from her mother, she is determined to carve her own path in the world.
2021. Simon Armstrong has escaped to a secluded cottage on the English-Welsh borders, desperate to finish his book about Anglo-Saxon King Offa. But he soon finds himself disturbed by unsettling noises and visions. Calling in local expert Bea to identify the issue, Simon hopes to get back some peace – but soon Bea is as embroiled as he is, feeling increasingly connected to a ghostly presence that is growing ever-stronger in its desire for revenge.
And when Simon’s daughter disappears, centuries of secrets and resentment begin to tumble out…
An epic tale of deceit, revenge and exile from the queen of timeslip historical fiction.
Time is running out as the past and present collide…
A nest of vipers, they called us. But that is not how it was.
Mercia, 775 AD. In the grand Saxon halls of Mercia, King Offa rules with ruthless ambition. Aggressive and relentlessly acquisitive, his three daughters are destined to marry advantageously in service of their country. Eadburh, the youngest, is neither the cleverest nor the most beautiful of the three. But, with her father’s ruthless spirit and the secret gifts passed down from her mother, she is determined to carve her own path in the world.
2021. Simon Armstrong has escaped to a secluded cottage on the English-Welsh borders, desperate to finish his book about Anglo-Saxon King Offa. But he soon finds himself disturbed by unsettling noises and visions. Calling in local expert Bea to identify the issue, Simon hopes to get back some peace – but soon Bea is as embroiled as he is, feeling increasingly connected to a ghostly presence that is growing ever-stronger in its desire for revenge.
And when Simon’s daughter disappears, centuries of secrets and resentment begin to tumble out…
An epic tale of deceit, revenge and exile from the queen of timeslip historical fiction.
Time is running out as the past and present collide…
560 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 15, 2021
524 people are currently reading
3599 people want to read
About the author
Barbara Erskine
54 books1,278 followersAn historian by training, Barbara Erskine is the author of six bestselling novels that demonstrate her interest in both history and the supernatural, plus two collections of short stories. Her books have appeared in at least twenty different languages. She lives with her family in an ancient manor house near Colchester, and in a cottage near Hay-on-Wye.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 352 reviews
March 27, 2021
*4.5 stars *
I loved Barbara Erskine’s novel The Ghost Tree, so when the publisher invited me to read The Dream Weavers, I took no persuading whatsoever!
At around 560 pages, (kindle edition) this wasn’t a short read, but somehow the pages just flew by, as if possessed by an invisible hand, gripped as I was by this gloriously engaging tale.
Simon Armstrong has rented a remote cottage at Offa’s dyke on the English/ Welsh borders, leaving his wife and teenage children back in London. He desperately needs the peace and solitude to enable him to finish his book about Anglo Saxon King, Offa, and where better to do it than the land that King Offa had ruled over. However, Simon’s peace is soon shattered when he hears cries in the dead of night, and persistent hammering at the door, only to discover no one there.
Simon calls upon local expert Bea, to help make sense of these unsettling events, but he quickly becomes embroiled in some ghostly presence that affects both himself and Bea, and when his daughter Emma and son Felix join him in the school holidays, he discovers to his horror that whatever this presence is, it seems particularly attracted to Emma, and Emma to it!
At the heart of these events is an ancient love story, between a Prince and a Princess, one of them Welsh, the other Anglo Saxon. What follows, culminates in some terrifying experiences for Emma and Bea, and to a lesser degree, Simon. Danger lurks around every corner, as characters from the past make their presences felt.
A truly compelling and engaging storyline that crosses genres to include historical fiction, a love story set In Ancient Mercia 775 AD, mysticism and timeslip. Yet another must read from accomplished author Barbara Erskine.
* Thank you to HarperCollins UK for inviting me to read The Dream Weavers. I have given an honest unbiased review in exchange *
I loved Barbara Erskine’s novel The Ghost Tree, so when the publisher invited me to read The Dream Weavers, I took no persuading whatsoever!
At around 560 pages, (kindle edition) this wasn’t a short read, but somehow the pages just flew by, as if possessed by an invisible hand, gripped as I was by this gloriously engaging tale.
Simon Armstrong has rented a remote cottage at Offa’s dyke on the English/ Welsh borders, leaving his wife and teenage children back in London. He desperately needs the peace and solitude to enable him to finish his book about Anglo Saxon King, Offa, and where better to do it than the land that King Offa had ruled over. However, Simon’s peace is soon shattered when he hears cries in the dead of night, and persistent hammering at the door, only to discover no one there.
Simon calls upon local expert Bea, to help make sense of these unsettling events, but he quickly becomes embroiled in some ghostly presence that affects both himself and Bea, and when his daughter Emma and son Felix join him in the school holidays, he discovers to his horror that whatever this presence is, it seems particularly attracted to Emma, and Emma to it!
At the heart of these events is an ancient love story, between a Prince and a Princess, one of them Welsh, the other Anglo Saxon. What follows, culminates in some terrifying experiences for Emma and Bea, and to a lesser degree, Simon. Danger lurks around every corner, as characters from the past make their presences felt.
A truly compelling and engaging storyline that crosses genres to include historical fiction, a love story set In Ancient Mercia 775 AD, mysticism and timeslip. Yet another must read from accomplished author Barbara Erskine.
* Thank you to HarperCollins UK for inviting me to read The Dream Weavers. I have given an honest unbiased review in exchange *
October 23, 2022
Past and present, ghosts and dreams, interwoven beautifully. Spellbinding!
June 3, 2021
This book kept me spellbound right from the start, and although I had a terrible feeling of foreboding where the main characters were concerned, I couldn’t stop reading. Real history of 8th century Mercia, Wales and Wessex is interwoven exquisitely with fiction, to the point where I fell head over heels in love with the fictional Welsh prince Elisedd and wished he had been a real historical character. The love story between him and princess Eadburh is so poignant it makes you want to cry. The atmosphere throughout is menacing with dark forces always threatening in the background, but the heroine in the present, Bea, has powerful allies and I hoped for a positive ending. The writing is superb as ever and since I live near Hereford I had the added pleasure of knowing setting well which helped me visualise it even more. A fantastic story!
December 1, 2021
I’ve been reading this authors stories for years and one thing that shines through is how well researched they are. They are always so incredibly rich in history with such an eye for detail. She has a talent for melding two separate time frames together so seamlessly and here we are again drawn into an intricately woven tapestry of past mixed with present.
This is the tragic love story of an Anglo/Saxon princess and a Welsh Powys Prince a love that was forbidden from the start but was so intense they each searched for the other even beyond death. Reaching through time itself and touching and affecting those in the future.
Bea is the wife of a clergy her husband Mark is the Canon at a Cathedral and she is a teacher and also a psychic. Because of her husband's profession, she keeps it discreet but when Simon an author writing a book on the Anglo/Saxons and staying in her friend's cottage asks for help with a ghostly voice she feels compelled to assist.
It’s not long before Bea is totally embroiled in all sorts of strange phenomena add in the arrival of Simons Teenage kids and also a woman at the church with a vendetta against Bea and she soon up to her neck in danger. And the more she uncovers the deeper she is compelled to travel this journey to its conclusion despite the peril involved.
This was as usual well written it’s in the author's usual style in as such that the past is mixed in with the present. it did feel a tad slow in places and took a while to gain some momentum but when it did take off It was good.
My heart broke for Eadburh and Elisedd’s fate even with all the things that Eadburh had done she hasn’t had an easy life and it had hardened and shaped her somewhat she did genuinely love her Welsh Prince and he felt the same way. Their story was just so bittersweet I found myself hoping they eventually found the happiness that evaded them in life and they were reunited and at peace finally in their deaths. I voluntary reviewed a copy of The Dream weavers.
Reviewed By Beckie Bookworm
https://www.facebook.com/beckiebookworm/
www.beckiebookworm.com
June 16, 2021
I have read most of Barbara Erskine novels but this wasn' t my favourite. I thought it was over long and had a real struggle to finish it.
May 3, 2021
Its a long time since I read my first Barbara Erskine novels and I no longer remember them but...I'd be grateful if someone would put me right. Is this a sequel, a spin-off from an earlier book?
If its not, its a rehash of earlier works and I very much got the feeling that Barbara Erskine needed a rest. It felt laboured, repetitive and eventually boring.
Yes, it's great to have history fictionalised. You learn in a way you would not do from dry lessons. Erskine's work will always be valuable on this count although of course, one needs to ignore the theme of dreams and sorcery throughout.
Briefly Bea is called into author Simon's house to lay a ghost. This is a cue for exploring the ghost's past doomed love affair. Simon's teenage daughter Emma somehow gets roped into the dream life of the Saxon princess, youngest daughter of King Offa. And Bea's other mission is to rescue Emma.
Bea's footsteps are being dogged however by an evil volunteer from her husband's band of cathedral volunteers. Not only that but another ghost, Nesta who really does seem to be a witch also dogs Bea's footsteps.
Does Bea come out of this a wiser woman? Somehow I suspect not. And will Barbara Erskine?
Give yourself a break woman. It doesn't mean you'd have to stop writing for ever. It would be a loss if you did. Just take a gap. We love your books. Just not this one.
If its not, its a rehash of earlier works and I very much got the feeling that Barbara Erskine needed a rest. It felt laboured, repetitive and eventually boring.
Yes, it's great to have history fictionalised. You learn in a way you would not do from dry lessons. Erskine's work will always be valuable on this count although of course, one needs to ignore the theme of dreams and sorcery throughout.
Briefly Bea is called into author Simon's house to lay a ghost. This is a cue for exploring the ghost's past doomed love affair. Simon's teenage daughter Emma somehow gets roped into the dream life of the Saxon princess, youngest daughter of King Offa. And Bea's other mission is to rescue Emma.
Bea's footsteps are being dogged however by an evil volunteer from her husband's band of cathedral volunteers. Not only that but another ghost, Nesta who really does seem to be a witch also dogs Bea's footsteps.
Does Bea come out of this a wiser woman? Somehow I suspect not. And will Barbara Erskine?
Give yourself a break woman. It doesn't mean you'd have to stop writing for ever. It would be a loss if you did. Just take a gap. We love your books. Just not this one.
July 19, 2021
I love Barbara Erskine books but unfortunately this one wasn’t her best. It read like some of her others books in the past and while I was reading it I kept thinking I’ve read something similar in her other books. Maybe it’s time she wrote something a little different. I accept that most of her books are set in Wales but, this subject is getting tired. Hopefully next time her next book will be better.
April 15, 2021
I am a great fan of Barbara Erskine and, after reading Lady of Hay, I went on to read all her other books so I was understandably thrilled when this, her latest book, came up to read before publication! Many thanks, therefore to Pigeonhole and the author for the opportunity of reading this book and commenting along with other readers in daily staves over 10 days. Each day I found myself immersed in current day Hereford and also in Anglo Saxon times following the enchanting story of Eadburgh and Elisedd through the dreams and visions of Bea and Emma. Totally captivating and delicious escapism!
June 11, 2021
I’m sorry, I can’t finish this book.
It’s too long to torture myself to this particular brand of blandness and flat characterisation. I can’t even be angry at it— it fails to stir even that kind of emotion in me.
It’s too long to torture myself to this particular brand of blandness and flat characterisation. I can’t even be angry at it— it fails to stir even that kind of emotion in me.
July 26, 2021
Always love Barbara Erskine books and this was no exception. I love the historical accuracy combined with the supernatural element and its always a good tale. My only criticism, a tad too long this time.
April 4, 2021
Discover the locations in the novel The Dream Weavers
There's novels that transport you and ones like this one, that immerse you in a different time and place. Very good scene setting as well as a great story. Erskine escapades takes you to ye olde England and Wales and it's a wonderful combination/
December 19, 2021
2 stars
I feel like I've been lured into a trap with this book. At the beginning it really look good. I like the story, the characters might have been a bit too one-dimensional and writing style wasn't my favorite but then you cannot have everything at once, can you? Plus, I really was thinking that it's going to develop into something better. Oh, boy, how wrong I was for thinking that. This book was... So... Painfully... Slow... If it have had half of the pages it has now I wouldn't mind one bit. Around page 300 I've started to see that the story kind of started going in circles. It was all over again the same unbelievable and unrealistic problems that could've been and should've been resolved in no time. But no, author has just thought that her readers will be stupid enough to not notice that. Outside of this, there was also a lot of completely unnecessary blabbering. I felt like this book was some kind of a project that needed to have as high number of words as possible and she was just trying to fill the pages with whatever she was thinking about at the moment. It didn't really make much sense towards the end.
All of this has made me even more disappointed because at the beginning of this book I was truly enjoying it. It seemed to be kind of light and fun read with a touch of magic and some history stuff. By the end I was just turning pages for the sake of finishing this. The more I read the more it was becoming just boring. Characters, instead of developing, were somehow becoming even more flat and unrelatable. I wasn't engaged at all in this tragic love story from the days long past. If anything I just wanted it to be finished with. One example of how badly the characters were created is that I have no idea how Bea looked like or how old she was. If I was to judge from her actions, I'd say she was in her mid to late twenties. But that cannot be, since she had two daughters old enough to be on uni. That was a fantastic move as well. She had children which were absolutely accessory in this book. We know their names and there were maybe two occasions when she was talking to them on the phone. That's it. So we only see her in relation to her poor husband, who is mostly out of the house anyway. Other than that she has some friends but doesn't meet with them too much, or contact in any other way. Unless she needs something from them, of course.
All in all, this book really started as something interesting and I was truly hoping it will go in the right direction. Unfortunately, that was a huge disappointment. Half of the book could be removed and I wouldn't even notice. Not recommending this one.
I feel like I've been lured into a trap with this book. At the beginning it really look good. I like the story, the characters might have been a bit too one-dimensional and writing style wasn't my favorite but then you cannot have everything at once, can you? Plus, I really was thinking that it's going to develop into something better. Oh, boy, how wrong I was for thinking that. This book was... So... Painfully... Slow... If it have had half of the pages it has now I wouldn't mind one bit. Around page 300 I've started to see that the story kind of started going in circles. It was all over again the same unbelievable and unrealistic problems that could've been and should've been resolved in no time. But no, author has just thought that her readers will be stupid enough to not notice that. Outside of this, there was also a lot of completely unnecessary blabbering. I felt like this book was some kind of a project that needed to have as high number of words as possible and she was just trying to fill the pages with whatever she was thinking about at the moment. It didn't really make much sense towards the end.
All of this has made me even more disappointed because at the beginning of this book I was truly enjoying it. It seemed to be kind of light and fun read with a touch of magic and some history stuff. By the end I was just turning pages for the sake of finishing this. The more I read the more it was becoming just boring. Characters, instead of developing, were somehow becoming even more flat and unrelatable. I wasn't engaged at all in this tragic love story from the days long past. If anything I just wanted it to be finished with. One example of how badly the characters were created is that I have no idea how Bea looked like or how old she was. If I was to judge from her actions, I'd say she was in her mid to late twenties. But that cannot be, since she had two daughters old enough to be on uni. That was a fantastic move as well. She had children which were absolutely accessory in this book. We know their names and there were maybe two occasions when she was talking to them on the phone. That's it. So we only see her in relation to her poor husband, who is mostly out of the house anyway. Other than that she has some friends but doesn't meet with them too much, or contact in any other way. Unless she needs something from them, of course.
All in all, this book really started as something interesting and I was truly hoping it will go in the right direction. Unfortunately, that was a huge disappointment. Half of the book could be removed and I wouldn't even notice. Not recommending this one.
April 29, 2021
5🌟
Fun, atmospheric, involving novel from Queen of the time-slip genre, Barbara Erskine. I really enjoyed this book - yes you have to suspend your disbelief and accept the madness of the plot but once you do that you can throw yourself into the glory of the story and enjoy where it takes you.
5🌟 for pure entertainment.
Fun, atmospheric, involving novel from Queen of the time-slip genre, Barbara Erskine. I really enjoyed this book - yes you have to suspend your disbelief and accept the madness of the plot but once you do that you can throw yourself into the glory of the story and enjoy where it takes you.
5🌟 for pure entertainment.
April 18, 2021
Oh how I love an Erskine book. Could not wait for this to be released and I tried so hard to take it slow and savour every moment. For me, her story telling just wraps you up in an embrace and sweeps you along as if you are there watching the heart wrenching tale unfold before you.
Her talent for historical accuracy and ability to craft a mystery while staying as close as possible to the ‘known facts’ is remarkable. Then you add in her method of weaving in elements of the supernatural or time slip without it appearing ridiculous or too far fetched and she achieves something special and unique. I feel so invested and emotionally drained at the end of her books, but at the same time I find I want to go back and read it again, as if for the first time.
Jilly Bond’s Audible narration makes the adult characters sound a bit older than I think they are supposed to be. However, her talent for accents especially a Welsh accent is wonderful.
Her talent for historical accuracy and ability to craft a mystery while staying as close as possible to the ‘known facts’ is remarkable. Then you add in her method of weaving in elements of the supernatural or time slip without it appearing ridiculous or too far fetched and she achieves something special and unique. I feel so invested and emotionally drained at the end of her books, but at the same time I find I want to go back and read it again, as if for the first time.
Jilly Bond’s Audible narration makes the adult characters sound a bit older than I think they are supposed to be. However, her talent for accents especially a Welsh accent is wonderful.
April 18, 2021
My thanks to HarperCollins for an eARC via NetGalley of ‘The Dream Weavers’ by Barbara Erskine in exchange for an honest review. My thanks also to The Pigeonhole for hosting a group read for this title. It provided an opportunity to gain different perspectives on the novel’s themes.
Over the years Barbara Erskine has established herself as a writer of novels that skilfully blend history with aspects of the supernatural. These are often referred to as ‘time slip’ novels as within the narrative there is a link between characters in the present and the past. While not literal time travel, the mental links are still powerful.
In ‘The Dream Weavers’ Erskine explores the Anglo-Saxon concept of the Web of Wyrd, representing the interconnectedness of past, present and future. So the past and present are linked through place and artefacts such as a rare illuminated manuscript and a stone used for scrying and psychometry.
Simon Armstrong has rented a cottage in the misty Welsh hills of Offa’s Dyke in order to work on his next book. Yet he finds himself disturbed by unsettling noises and visions. The cottage’s owner refers him to Bea Dalloway, who assists in situations involving this kind of haunting. It isn’t long until Bea is caught up in disturbing dreams and visions in which she witnesses events taking place in the Saxon kingdom of Mercia in the eighth-century.
Her particular focus is Eadburh, the youngest daughter of King Offa. Eadburh is destined for an arranged marriage, but she falls in love with a Welsh prince, who is quickly and cruelly taken from her. This loss warps her soul and echoes down the centuries.
Add to the mix an ancient wise woman who can access the wyrd and reach through time, an impressionable teenager drawn to Eadburh’s tragic tale, and a nosy church volunteer who considers Bea’s activities to be evil.
Barbara Erskine is a trained historian and approaches the historical sections of her story with great attention to detail. While dealing with hauntings and occult aspects throughout Erskine is very respectful of the Christian faith.
Even though quite a long novel it proved highly engaging. I admired Bea’s very down-to-earth approach to the situation though she did sometimes take risks that heightened the tension.
Overall, another strong edition to Barbara Erskine’s body of work that is sure to be welcomed by her many fans.
Over the years Barbara Erskine has established herself as a writer of novels that skilfully blend history with aspects of the supernatural. These are often referred to as ‘time slip’ novels as within the narrative there is a link between characters in the present and the past. While not literal time travel, the mental links are still powerful.
In ‘The Dream Weavers’ Erskine explores the Anglo-Saxon concept of the Web of Wyrd, representing the interconnectedness of past, present and future. So the past and present are linked through place and artefacts such as a rare illuminated manuscript and a stone used for scrying and psychometry.
Simon Armstrong has rented a cottage in the misty Welsh hills of Offa’s Dyke in order to work on his next book. Yet he finds himself disturbed by unsettling noises and visions. The cottage’s owner refers him to Bea Dalloway, who assists in situations involving this kind of haunting. It isn’t long until Bea is caught up in disturbing dreams and visions in which she witnesses events taking place in the Saxon kingdom of Mercia in the eighth-century.
Her particular focus is Eadburh, the youngest daughter of King Offa. Eadburh is destined for an arranged marriage, but she falls in love with a Welsh prince, who is quickly and cruelly taken from her. This loss warps her soul and echoes down the centuries.
Add to the mix an ancient wise woman who can access the wyrd and reach through time, an impressionable teenager drawn to Eadburh’s tragic tale, and a nosy church volunteer who considers Bea’s activities to be evil.
Barbara Erskine is a trained historian and approaches the historical sections of her story with great attention to detail. While dealing with hauntings and occult aspects throughout Erskine is very respectful of the Christian faith.
Even though quite a long novel it proved highly engaging. I admired Bea’s very down-to-earth approach to the situation though she did sometimes take risks that heightened the tension.
Overall, another strong edition to Barbara Erskine’s body of work that is sure to be welcomed by her many fans.
June 4, 2021
A historian, Simon Armstrong, rents a cottage near Offa's Dyke in Hereford, on the border between Wales and England to write a book on the local area. He hears the haunting cry of 'Elise' in the evenings and when his teenage children come to stay for a holiday, they also hear it. The local Canon Treasurer's wife, Bea Halloway, based at Hereford Cathedral, who has studied the paranormal and has some experience, agrees to help the unsettled Armstrong family. A wonderful story unfolds that threatens to overcome those seeking to uncover it.
The two female protagonists are both really strong characters, separated by time but linked by gifts they both possess. Bea lives in present-day Hereford and Eadburh in eighth-century Mercia. I soon became totally invested in the atmospheric storyline following Eadburh from the court of her Father, King Offa of Mercia to the kingdom of Wessex and Charlemagne. As reality and dreams interweave a love story is told between Eadburh and Elisedd, a Welsh prince who met at Offa's Dyke.
Bea assists Simon in finding the source of mysterious sounds and cries that come from the garden of the cottage he is staying in, and the ghostly presence that is distracting him from his work researching the history of Offa's Dyke, little realising the effect it will have on everyone involved, including herself. Dangers lurk in the shadows that threaten to engulf them all. The period has evidently been well researched by the author and makes for mystical and extremely compulsive reading. A mesmerising tale of revenge and resentment.
I read The Dream Weavers in staves with other Pigeonholers as part of a group. A special thank you to Barbara Erskine and The Pigeonhole for a complimentary copy of this novel at my request. This review is my unbiased opinion.
The two female protagonists are both really strong characters, separated by time but linked by gifts they both possess. Bea lives in present-day Hereford and Eadburh in eighth-century Mercia. I soon became totally invested in the atmospheric storyline following Eadburh from the court of her Father, King Offa of Mercia to the kingdom of Wessex and Charlemagne. As reality and dreams interweave a love story is told between Eadburh and Elisedd, a Welsh prince who met at Offa's Dyke.
Bea assists Simon in finding the source of mysterious sounds and cries that come from the garden of the cottage he is staying in, and the ghostly presence that is distracting him from his work researching the history of Offa's Dyke, little realising the effect it will have on everyone involved, including herself. Dangers lurk in the shadows that threaten to engulf them all. The period has evidently been well researched by the author and makes for mystical and extremely compulsive reading. A mesmerising tale of revenge and resentment.
I read The Dream Weavers in staves with other Pigeonholers as part of a group. A special thank you to Barbara Erskine and The Pigeonhole for a complimentary copy of this novel at my request. This review is my unbiased opinion.
February 21, 2021
Barbara Erskine has done it again! Woven between two timelines, the story follows a modern day mystic Bea as she tries to help a historian, Simon, staying at Bea’s friends holiday cottage, which is situated near Offas Dyke on the English/Welsh border, when he starts to hear ghostly voices. Simon is writing an Anglo Saxon history of the old land of Mercia.
The ghostly voice is that of Eadburh, King Offa’s youngest daughter, calling out to her Welsh lover Elisedd.
The book follows Eadburh throughout her life, from the palace where she grew up to Wessex, where she became Queen and had a hand in killing her King. She crosses the sea to Charlemagne and travels through parts of Europe, finally returning to England and then Wales, much later in life, always searching for her lover Elise.
The Anglo Saxon parts of woven into Bea’s dreams and then in time, Simon’s teenage daughter Emma’s dreams too.
There is History, myths, a love story and two timelines as well as a certain amount of mysticism bordering on witchcraft scattered throughout the pages. I loved it and the story will stay with me for some time. I would definitely recommend this book to those who love a dual timeline, and more than just a romance.
The ghostly voice is that of Eadburh, King Offa’s youngest daughter, calling out to her Welsh lover Elisedd.
The book follows Eadburh throughout her life, from the palace where she grew up to Wessex, where she became Queen and had a hand in killing her King. She crosses the sea to Charlemagne and travels through parts of Europe, finally returning to England and then Wales, much later in life, always searching for her lover Elise.
The Anglo Saxon parts of woven into Bea’s dreams and then in time, Simon’s teenage daughter Emma’s dreams too.
There is History, myths, a love story and two timelines as well as a certain amount of mysticism bordering on witchcraft scattered throughout the pages. I loved it and the story will stay with me for some time. I would definitely recommend this book to those who love a dual timeline, and more than just a romance.
April 17, 2021
A fabulous time slip story set in the present day and 775AD in Hereford near the English/Welsh border and Offa’s Dyke. Bea lives with her husband, Mark, who is Canon Treasurer of the local cathedral. When author Simon, who is writing a book about Anglo Saxon King Offa, hears a recurrent strange voice and has disturbing visions, he calls upon Bea for help.
I’ve been a huge Barbara Erskine fan since I read Lady of Hay in the 1980s and when I saw that her latest book, The Dream Weavers, would be available via the Pigeonhole app, I was thrilled to bits. This is a wonderful dual timeframe story. As the title suggests, it beautifully weaves the two timelines together in a dreamlike style. I love the combination of historical fiction and fact with a little bit of fantasy and paranormal. It’s such a gripping tale and I was totally immersed in the lives of the characters, both modern and distant past. I particularly enjoyed following Elisedd and Eadburh’s journeys. I found myself completely transported to the time and place and was eager to find out what happened to them.
An engrossing and thoroughly enjoyable read. A page turner. Highly recommended for historical fantasy fans.
I’ve been a huge Barbara Erskine fan since I read Lady of Hay in the 1980s and when I saw that her latest book, The Dream Weavers, would be available via the Pigeonhole app, I was thrilled to bits. This is a wonderful dual timeframe story. As the title suggests, it beautifully weaves the two timelines together in a dreamlike style. I love the combination of historical fiction and fact with a little bit of fantasy and paranormal. It’s such a gripping tale and I was totally immersed in the lives of the characters, both modern and distant past. I particularly enjoyed following Elisedd and Eadburh’s journeys. I found myself completely transported to the time and place and was eager to find out what happened to them.
An engrossing and thoroughly enjoyable read. A page turner. Highly recommended for historical fantasy fans.
April 17, 2021
Wow!! I so loved this book!! Its taken me ages to read as I have been so enthralled in the two dimensions of the story in Anglo-Saxon England and Wales and today, and haven't wanted it to end!!
Classic Barbara Erskine, the tale is brilliantly told, the historic references well thought out and researched.
Bea and her husband Mark live by Hereford cathedral, Mark as a Canon, Bea is a teacher and psychic. Simon is a historian, researching his latest book in a rented cottage in the borders of Hereford and Wales, when a nightly cry disturbs him and he asks for Bea to help.
Just brilliant! Interesting and intelligent, fantastic reading.
Highly recommended. I have loved this book, and felt immersed over the last few days.
Thank you NetGalley for the early read.
Classic Barbara Erskine, the tale is brilliantly told, the historic references well thought out and researched.
Bea and her husband Mark live by Hereford cathedral, Mark as a Canon, Bea is a teacher and psychic. Simon is a historian, researching his latest book in a rented cottage in the borders of Hereford and Wales, when a nightly cry disturbs him and he asks for Bea to help.
Just brilliant! Interesting and intelligent, fantastic reading.
Highly recommended. I have loved this book, and felt immersed over the last few days.
Thank you NetGalley for the early read.
July 30, 2021
This was a slow burner of a book in that luxurious wallowing reading experience you don’t get often enough. I loved the real places the story was set in, namely llangollen and Meifod which are amazing places to visit and walk around. You know a book is going to be a bit special when there’s a map in the fly leaf. All in all, a really lovely and most uncommon story centred around common themes of love and loss. My only criticism is that the historical story line was always more vivid and alive than the present day narrative but they did collide in a interesting way and I enjoyed that scholarly detective element. And most importantly the ending was satisfying, well depending on how forgiving you are of the antagonist that is.
May 20, 2021
I haven’t read any Barbara Erskine for a while and I enjoyed listening to this one on Audible. The formula is always the same and as the books progress the constant need for the modern day protagonists to ‘rest’ or ‘sleep’ gets annoying but of course it is an essential vehicle for telling the story from the past. I was very engrossed by the story of Eadburgh, daughter of Offa, king of Mercia. Not much is known of her life but she did marry and poison the king of Wessex and was exiled to a convent by Charlmagne when she took refuge at his court. These elements are credibly woven into a tragic tale of love, loss and revenge spanning 1200 years.
April 15, 2021
When I was offered the opportunity to read The Dream Weavers ahead of publication, I hesitated because I wasn’t sure I was interested in ‘love and myth, magic and the supernatural’. I’m so glad I did, though – Barbara Erskine draws the reader in to the story and places straight away. The Dream Weavers is evocative of the landscape of the Marches; it’s a bit of a treat to have a book set so close to home and makes it easy to place myself there, to imagine some of the places and plan to visit others.
It was a good idea to start with the modern side of the story – it can sometimes be a little difficult to get in to a new (or old) world with its unfamiliar names and customs. It’s been a while since I immersed myself in the distant past but by the time I was taken there in the first episode of Eadburh’s life, the momentum had built. Sometimes a split narrative can seem contrived but I liked the way it was done here, allowing a modern commentary on long-past events without anachronisms. And if there is a need for exposition, inserting a passage from a book being written by one of the characters is pretty neat; I found it more engaging than being told by the narrator.
The Dream Weavers contains a series of events which handled differently could be preposterous but here were credible, thanks to the reactions of the characters. Any scepticism the reader might have is mirrored by the present-day characters: it is Simon’s firm base in reality that makes what he sees believable to the reader, because he thinks it’s real despite his preconceptions. The exception is the heart of the story, Bea, who treats the supernatural happenings in an unfussy, matter of fact way. I like the idea that the veil between the ages is thin enough to be permeable; perhaps it is.
It was a good idea to start with the modern side of the story – it can sometimes be a little difficult to get in to a new (or old) world with its unfamiliar names and customs. It’s been a while since I immersed myself in the distant past but by the time I was taken there in the first episode of Eadburh’s life, the momentum had built. Sometimes a split narrative can seem contrived but I liked the way it was done here, allowing a modern commentary on long-past events without anachronisms. And if there is a need for exposition, inserting a passage from a book being written by one of the characters is pretty neat; I found it more engaging than being told by the narrator.
The Dream Weavers contains a series of events which handled differently could be preposterous but here were credible, thanks to the reactions of the characters. Any scepticism the reader might have is mirrored by the present-day characters: it is Simon’s firm base in reality that makes what he sees believable to the reader, because he thinks it’s real despite his preconceptions. The exception is the heart of the story, Bea, who treats the supernatural happenings in an unfussy, matter of fact way. I like the idea that the veil between the ages is thin enough to be permeable; perhaps it is.
January 14, 2023
Nothing was going to stop me finishing this book tonight. The house could have fallen down around me and I’m not sure I would have noticed!
The story centres around Simon Armstrong, a historian who has rented a secluded cottage to complete his latest book in peace and quiet. His peace is disturbed by a woman calling for someone, which leads him to seek out the services of Bea Dalloway. She in turn starts to see visions through the Eadburh, one of King Offa’s daughters who lived around the area in 788 AD.
Both Simon and Bea are lovely characters but find themselves in danger through echoes of the past. Simon’s son Felix is a likeable, eager character and I found myself rooting for his daughter Emma who soon takes centre stage in the story. The story has a satisfactory ending with no loose threads. I look forward to reading more of the author’s back catalogue. This though is the best of her’s that I have read so far in terms of historical research, details, well thought out characters and a satisfactory ending. The 495 pages flew by!
The story centres around Simon Armstrong, a historian who has rented a secluded cottage to complete his latest book in peace and quiet. His peace is disturbed by a woman calling for someone, which leads him to seek out the services of Bea Dalloway. She in turn starts to see visions through the Eadburh, one of King Offa’s daughters who lived around the area in 788 AD.
Both Simon and Bea are lovely characters but find themselves in danger through echoes of the past. Simon’s son Felix is a likeable, eager character and I found myself rooting for his daughter Emma who soon takes centre stage in the story. The story has a satisfactory ending with no loose threads. I look forward to reading more of the author’s back catalogue. This though is the best of her’s that I have read so far in terms of historical research, details, well thought out characters and a satisfactory ending. The 495 pages flew by!
July 26, 2023
✨️A beautiful tale of love,loss, and the supernatural set in the fairy like world of the Celts and the stunning backdrop of the Welsh countryside. I love the way this book flips from the 7th century to modern-day times, interweaving a sad bewitching love story ❤️
October 2, 2022
I love Barbara Erskine books since a work colleague lent me 'House of Echoes' about 20 years ago, and this is another classic Erskine novel, with all the ingredients you'd expect; mystery, tension and well-researched and written History.
I've only given 4 stars for 'The Dream Weavers', which I'm, myself, sad to do, but I felt that the epic conclusion the story had been leading to had been stolen from me (and other readers)....
I don't want to spoil anything for prospective readers by saying why I felt this way so I'll leave it there and wait for the next novel to come out in paperback format.
I've only given 4 stars for 'The Dream Weavers', which I'm, myself, sad to do, but I felt that the epic conclusion the story had been leading to had been stolen from me (and other readers)....
I don't want to spoil anything for prospective readers by saying why I felt this way so I'll leave it there and wait for the next novel to come out in paperback format.
March 12, 2021
I have been lucky enough to have a pre-publication proof of this novel prior to interviewing Barbara next month.
The story begins and is woven around the Welsh borderlands, particularly Offa's Dyke. The Anglo Saxon lovers Eadburh and Elisedd meld into modern times through psychic Bea and teenager Emma. Fabulous characters from the busy body Sandra who isn't what she seems to solid dependable cathedral clergyman Mark. This is a real page turner and evokes the magical atmosphere of the Welsh borders brilliantly. Time slip historical fiction at its best!
The story begins and is woven around the Welsh borderlands, particularly Offa's Dyke. The Anglo Saxon lovers Eadburh and Elisedd meld into modern times through psychic Bea and teenager Emma. Fabulous characters from the busy body Sandra who isn't what she seems to solid dependable cathedral clergyman Mark. This is a real page turner and evokes the magical atmosphere of the Welsh borders brilliantly. Time slip historical fiction at its best!
April 17, 2021
I do love a spooky story and this one gave me chills from the first chapter.
Simon is a historian who is working on his latest book, about the Anglo Saxons, at a remote cottage on the English/ Welsh border. As he becomes more disturbed by the sound of a ghostly woman calling for’Elise’, he seeks the help of Bea, a psychic. As the plot moves on, between them they piece together the story of Eadburgh, King Offa’s youngest daughter as they try to figure out if and why she’s been tied to this location for 1200 years.
I love the historical aspect to this novel and the way it’s convincingly intertwined with the modern day characters. The title is very apt, as the author weaves fact and fiction, past and present, into a delightfully atmospheric narrative. The descriptions of the landscapes are very evocative and the historical elements are clearly extensively researched.
My only criticism is that at times I did feel that the modern narrative got a little repetitive. Bea looks into the past, her husband tries to convince her it’s dangerous, she says she won’t do it again and then she does, over and over. It also definitely gets less spooky as the story goes on and we start to understand more of the ‘ghost’s’ story and she becomes much more of a living character. There is plenty of tension though as Simon’s daughter becomes dangerously involved with the past.
Overall, this is a must read for fans of time shift fiction.
Thank you to @pigeonholehq, the publisher and the author for the chance to read this book in return for an honest review.
Simon is a historian who is working on his latest book, about the Anglo Saxons, at a remote cottage on the English/ Welsh border. As he becomes more disturbed by the sound of a ghostly woman calling for’Elise’, he seeks the help of Bea, a psychic. As the plot moves on, between them they piece together the story of Eadburgh, King Offa’s youngest daughter as they try to figure out if and why she’s been tied to this location for 1200 years.
I love the historical aspect to this novel and the way it’s convincingly intertwined with the modern day characters. The title is very apt, as the author weaves fact and fiction, past and present, into a delightfully atmospheric narrative. The descriptions of the landscapes are very evocative and the historical elements are clearly extensively researched.
My only criticism is that at times I did feel that the modern narrative got a little repetitive. Bea looks into the past, her husband tries to convince her it’s dangerous, she says she won’t do it again and then she does, over and over. It also definitely gets less spooky as the story goes on and we start to understand more of the ‘ghost’s’ story and she becomes much more of a living character. There is plenty of tension though as Simon’s daughter becomes dangerously involved with the past.
Overall, this is a must read for fans of time shift fiction.
Thank you to @pigeonholehq, the publisher and the author for the chance to read this book in return for an honest review.
April 22, 2021
Barbara Erskine's tales feel as if they're set in a different era - and that's when we're dealing with the modern day timelines, let alone the past. In The Dream Weavers, the reader is transported back to the court of King Offa, he of Dyke fame, but the elements set in the present have a curiously Sunday evening glossy 1980s drama period feel to them, too. Here, in Erskine's middle class Welsh Marches idyll, teenagers refer to themselves as 'one' and discuss their 'wretched exams', jokes about domestic violence are par for the course and summering in Provence is the norm. Oh, and characters described as 'vulnerable child[dren]' have their breast-stroking erotic dreams and arousal described in rich detail.
Perhaps Erskine would have done better to have the action in the eighth century, a strand infinitely more successful and entertaining. Lost love, intrigue and murder echo down the centuries and it's quite lovely, in a cosy way; the sumptuous settings and impeccably researched detail make this section of the tale sing. Sheer delicious escapism, this, with none of the silliness which mars the 21st century thread - which is also blighted by an over-egged dose of woo, replete with time travelling psychics and ghostbusting cleric's wives.
All in all, entertaining enough froth which harks back to the past in more ways than one.
My thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Perhaps Erskine would have done better to have the action in the eighth century, a strand infinitely more successful and entertaining. Lost love, intrigue and murder echo down the centuries and it's quite lovely, in a cosy way; the sumptuous settings and impeccably researched detail make this section of the tale sing. Sheer delicious escapism, this, with none of the silliness which mars the 21st century thread - which is also blighted by an over-egged dose of woo, replete with time travelling psychics and ghostbusting cleric's wives.
All in all, entertaining enough froth which harks back to the past in more ways than one.
My thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
January 25, 2023
A tad disappointed that this book wasn’t a full five stars. Barbara Erskine has remained one of my favourite authors since my teens so on my way to approaching 50, I have appreciated all her books and mostly more than once or twice as they are such a joy to read.
Her earlier books seemed so much more detailed, enthralling and perhaps believable. This book tested my limit of credulity somewhat with a modern character not ‘seeing’ a Celtic woman’s life through mediumship but seeing her dreams and that’s where it lost me to be honest. I totally envelop the mediumship, ghosts, communication via the the characters dreams (i.e. the ghost affecting the dreams of a present day character), reincarnation and possessions in previous books, but the link of a present day character to the dreams of a ghost seemed a little bit too fanciful for me…and I believe in spirits, an afterlife and reincarnation!
That said, the research was good, the historical detail just what I expect from her stories and the basis of the story was fine, just not mind-blowing.
I think the character Sandra annoyed me from the get-go and her transformations within the story were predictable and maybe a little far-fetched.
Barbara Erskine’s books usually have one such character, but this one didn’t ring true with me.
That said, I enjoyed reading it and I’d give it 3 and 3/4 stars if that was possible, so I’ve rounded it to a 4 star read and feel a bit guilty for it!
I guess the title is a bit of a clue that dreams would play a part, but I was drawn in by Offa and the time of the Anglo-Saxons and I’d have read it anyway just for being Barbara Erskine!
Her earlier books seemed so much more detailed, enthralling and perhaps believable. This book tested my limit of credulity somewhat with a modern character not ‘seeing’ a Celtic woman’s life through mediumship but seeing her dreams and that’s where it lost me to be honest. I totally envelop the mediumship, ghosts, communication via the the characters dreams (i.e. the ghost affecting the dreams of a present day character), reincarnation and possessions in previous books, but the link of a present day character to the dreams of a ghost seemed a little bit too fanciful for me…and I believe in spirits, an afterlife and reincarnation!
That said, the research was good, the historical detail just what I expect from her stories and the basis of the story was fine, just not mind-blowing.
I think the character Sandra annoyed me from the get-go and her transformations within the story were predictable and maybe a little far-fetched.
Barbara Erskine’s books usually have one such character, but this one didn’t ring true with me.
That said, I enjoyed reading it and I’d give it 3 and 3/4 stars if that was possible, so I’ve rounded it to a 4 star read and feel a bit guilty for it!
I guess the title is a bit of a clue that dreams would play a part, but I was drawn in by Offa and the time of the Anglo-Saxons and I’d have read it anyway just for being Barbara Erskine!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 30, 2021
Barbara Erskiine has been a favorite author of mine ever since I was a teenager and borrowed my mother’s copy of Lady of Hay. That book was my first foray into the world of time-slip, which has been a favorite genre of mine ever since. So I was thrilled to get a copy of her new book The Dream Weavers.
Barbara once again takes the reader into ancient British history with a supernatural bent, The story follow Simon a historian who has rented a cottage on the Welsh border to finish a book he is writing in peace and quiet. Only he is not getting that peace and quiet. He keeps hearing a woman calling out the name Elise and banging on the door to the cottage, but when he looks, no one is there. The book he is writing is about the Saxon King Offa. After Simon complains to his landlady about the disturbances, she contacts her friend Bea, wife of of a Cannon at the local Cathedral. Bea can sense and contact spirits, a gift that she likes to keep on the down low, due to her husband’s occupation with the Church. She is a cleanser who helps lost souls find their way to peace, but she may have bitten off more than she can chew with this case. Bea finds herself slipping mentally into the past, viewing the life and trials of King Offa’s youngest daughter Eadburh. Is Eadburh the spirit that is haunting the area around the cottage? Is there anyway that Bea can help her find eternal peace? What could be an intriguing window into the past becomes a dangerous situation when Simon’s daughter is pulled into the mix. Is the spirit out for assistance or revenge?
The book is definitely among my favorites of Barbara Erskine. I love the historical aspect (as an American I had never heard of King Offa) and I love a supernatural twist with my historical books. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone interested on Saxon history or who loves a good supernatural time-slip.
Thanks to Netgalley, Harper Collins UK, and of course the author, Barbara Erskine for the chance to read and review this book.
Barbara once again takes the reader into ancient British history with a supernatural bent, The story follow Simon a historian who has rented a cottage on the Welsh border to finish a book he is writing in peace and quiet. Only he is not getting that peace and quiet. He keeps hearing a woman calling out the name Elise and banging on the door to the cottage, but when he looks, no one is there. The book he is writing is about the Saxon King Offa. After Simon complains to his landlady about the disturbances, she contacts her friend Bea, wife of of a Cannon at the local Cathedral. Bea can sense and contact spirits, a gift that she likes to keep on the down low, due to her husband’s occupation with the Church. She is a cleanser who helps lost souls find their way to peace, but she may have bitten off more than she can chew with this case. Bea finds herself slipping mentally into the past, viewing the life and trials of King Offa’s youngest daughter Eadburh. Is Eadburh the spirit that is haunting the area around the cottage? Is there anyway that Bea can help her find eternal peace? What could be an intriguing window into the past becomes a dangerous situation when Simon’s daughter is pulled into the mix. Is the spirit out for assistance or revenge?
The book is definitely among my favorites of Barbara Erskine. I love the historical aspect (as an American I had never heard of King Offa) and I love a supernatural twist with my historical books. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone interested on Saxon history or who loves a good supernatural time-slip.
Thanks to Netgalley, Harper Collins UK, and of course the author, Barbara Erskine for the chance to read and review this book.
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