The Skeptical Physick

by Gail Avery Halverson

A MUST-READ SEQUEL TO THE AWARD-WINNING NOVEL, "THE BOUNDARY STONE."

In this gripping follow up to “The Boundary Stone,” Lady Catherine Abbott’s life takes an unexpected turn when an abused young woman forces her to examine the privileges of 17th century aristocratic English society, the roles of women, and her own place in the world.

Determined to discover the mysteries of the human body, daring physick, Simon McKensie, fights once more against superstition, ignorance and the vast, unknown boundaries of science when he creates a remarkable experiment that could change the very course of medicine itself.

Set against the sweeping backdrop of both the Great Fire of London and the extraordinary discoveries of the Scientific Revolution, Simon and Catherine together must face the villainous consequences of his fierce, intellectual curiosity and his dangerous thirst for knowledge.

291 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 8, 2019

About the author

Award-winning writer, Gail Avery Halverson, is the author of The Boundary Stone, and its sequel, The Skeptical Physick, a historical romance novel set in 1666 England at the time of the Great Fire and the Scientific Revolution. The Boundary Stone is a Chaucer Award Finalist (historical fiction), a Cygnus Award Finalist (speculative fiction), and a Chatelaine Award Winner (historical romantic fiction). The Skeptical Physick is currently long-listed for both the Chatelaine and the Chaucer Awards. Ms. Halverson is also the writer/producer for “Take it From The Top,” (sitcom pilot, Twin One Productions, Inc.), as well as the playwright and composer of musical plays that have been performed for nearly 300,000 children since 2004. Writing for both theater and television, she holds a B.A. in English Literature/Communications from the University of California, Davis, and is currently at work on the third novel in the Stockbridge Series. She lives in Northern California with her husband and son.

Reviews

[Zoe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Multilayered, alluring, and exceptionally atmospheric!

The Skeptical Physick is a rich, informative tale that picks up right where The Boundary Stone left off taking us back to seventeenth-century London and into the lives of Simon and Catherine as they endure one of the most devasting disasters of all time, The Great Fire of London while continuing to also battle those who frown upon, discount, and discourage scientific exploration and medical research.

The prose is eloquent and vivid. The characters are reliable, selfless, and courageous. And the plot is an immersive, fascinating tale of life, loss, love, optimism, bravery, tragedy, devastation, romance, and the procedures and evolution of early medicine.

Overall, The Skeptical Physick is another beautifully written, incredibly enthralling tale by Halverson that grabs you from the very first page and does an exceptional job of blending historical facts with fiction that is both enlightening and wonderfully compelling.

Thank you to Gail Avery Halverson for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Booksandchinooks (Laurie) · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading and loving The Boundary Stone last year I was eager to read the next book by this talented author. This book is just as fascinating and well written as her previous book. We follow Catherine and Simon on a new journey at the time of the Great Fire of London. It is so interesting to see how the science of medicine, that we now take for granted, has evolved from these earlier times.
The story is so compelling and you are totally immersed in it throughout the book. The historical research done on this book is just as thorough as the first book. I can’t emphasize enough how much historical fiction readers would love these books!

[Frances Gindera]

Already an avid fan - I was given the honour of reading the draft copy for proof reading - once again within 24 hours the book was read! The gripping way in which you are lured in to each and every scene and storyline is amazing.... am waiting somewhat patiently for number 3.

[Anne Polli · Rating 5 out of 5]

The real strength of this book is the manner in which the author seamlessly weaves the history of the Great Fire of London and the story of Elizabeth Wilbraham, a brilliant woman architect that was denied credit for her work simply because she was a woman, into her novel. The characters are richly drawn, and while a great romance is at the forefront, the threads of early medical research and experimentation and the awakening of women to the idea they need not be restricted to a "station" in life, make this a fascinating and captivating read. I highly recommend it!

[Jannie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was a little disappointed in reading this book. It was very predictable and boring in spots. I felt like only half of a story was told and there wasn't much excitement. I purchased this book for two Christmas gifts prior to reading it based on the fact that I enjoyed this authors first book....The Boundary Stone. Now I am kind of sorry that I bought it. Two of my closest friends will be receiving both books for their Christmas gifts and I will have to explain that I was buying them in good faith. This author does have the ability to describe in detail the scenery in vivid color.

[Jane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Same characters as "The Boundary Stone", but now Simon and Catherine are ready to get married. They are back in London, 1 year after the 1st book, whey The Great Fire breaks out. Again a lot of historical detail about how the fire broke out and how it was able to spread so quickly. Good character development.

[Jacqueline · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this historical fiction novel. It was fast-paced and the characters and story was super interesting especially as it was based on real historical events.

[chelseaslibrary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this book!