The Good Wife

by Eleanor Porter

Where will her loyalty lead her?

Once accused of witchcraft Martha Spicer is now free from the shadow of the gallows and lives a safe and happy life with her husband, Jacob. But when Jacob heads north to accompany his master, he warns Martha to keep her healing gifts a secret, to keep herself safe, to be a good wife.

Martha loves Jacob but without him there to protect her, she soon comes under the suspicious eye of the wicked Steward Boult, who’s heard of her talent and forces her to attend to him. If she refuses, he promises to destroy the good life she has built for herself with Jacob.

Desperate and alone, Martha faces a terrible decision: stay and be beholden to Boult or journey north to find Jacob who is reported to have been killed.. The road ahead is filled with danger, but also the promise of a brighter future. And where her gifts once threatened to be her downfall, might they now be the very thing that sets Martha free...?

The brilliant follow-up to Eleanor Porter's first novel of love, betrayal, superstition and fear in Elizabethan England. A story of female courage, ingenuity and determination, this is perfect for fans of Tracy Chevalier.

Genres: Historical, Historical Fiction

328 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 16, 2021

Reviews

[Sarah · Rating 2 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book marginally more than the first of the series; I thought there was enough to hold my concentration and more events to push the plot forwards. However, I still found it a challenge and a hard slog to read.

This time, the majority of the story is dominated by Martha’s quest to find her husband. She is forced to leave her community due to unwanted male advances and cannot see a way of surviving without Jacob – whom she firmly believes is still alive. He has been absent for several weeks and Martha increasingly struggles to defend herself as a single woman. Leaving in secret, Martha soon realises that to be a travelling, single woman is dangerous, so she disguises herself as a boy. Along the way, Martha interacts with other characters, but I don’t think they were very interesting and memorable.

Although this is based on historical fact and I acknowledge that Martha’s story is a reflection of the times, I don’t think Porter made it overly original. The abusive, patriarchal society was too heavily played upon; the struggling poverty and greedy upper classes was seen also in the previous book; Martha’s need to escape felt too familiar. In my opinion, I believe Porter could have made Martha’s quest more interesting, especially with the company she keeps. The characters in the story felt like over-used stereotypes and I don’t think this book offered anything very much different.

The first novel really emphasised Martha’s knowledge of herbs and the accusations of witchcraft. This does not dominate as much, although I enjoyed how Porter was able to weave in a bit of the supernatural anyway. It was a surprising direction for the novel to take and I think this was something Porter could have capitalised on, even if it meant sacrificing the historical, factual element.

I grew frustrated with Martha and disappointed by the ending. I don’t think the outcome was what she deserved and I did sympathise with her. Throughout the book, she is mistreated by so many around her and I think I was hoping for Porter to offer her a bit of a break from this suffocating society. On the other hand, the character was satisfied at the end, even if I were not.

I don’t think this is a writer I will pursue in the future. Whilst I enjoy reading historical fiction, I don’t think this was the most enjoyable portrayal that I have read. I like reading books that explore the witch trials in England, but this was not as captivating as I wanted it to be.

With thanks to Boldwood books and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Frankie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Good Wife is the second book in what could be called a continuance/series which follows the story of Martha, a woman living in the Elizabethan age, which is full of suspicion and danger especially for women whom unfortunately for them are perceived to be witches. I haven’t read the previous book; The Wheelwright’s Daughter (even though that has been sitting on my kindle for way too long) from what I can gather this book continues on from where the previous left off – though I could be wrong, to be perfectly honest I don’t think not reading the previous had any huge impact in my enjoyment of The Good Wife, I think you can easily read it as a stand-alone.

Martha was previously accused of Witchcraft, after her marriage to Jacob they have started a whole new life together but their peaceful quiet life is to be torn apart when Jacob goes north for a few months with his master, he leaves Martha with a warning not to tell anyone about her ‘gifts’ she is to keep to herself. Which is all well and good until he leaves and soon the locals are shooting menacing looks in her direction, one thing leads to another and she finds herself in a situation where she must make a decision, one which will change her and possibly Jacob’s life; should she stay and face the trouble and danger which is heading her way, or should she leave, head north in search of her beloved Jacob?

We follow Martha as she sets out on her perilous journey, Martha despite her not being hugely clued up to the world around her has a real strength of character, she is determined, loyal to her husband and wise to the old ways – those very ways which could get her in trouble. Martha did strike me as a young woman who has been carefully hidden and protected so much so that once she must face the world for herself she is a little uncertain and I think some peoples prejudice and superstitions which a lot of these smaller villagers till hold on to does take her a little unaware she is so closeted that she must learn how to take care of herself, but I also like the progression of her journey of self-discovery and how as the story moves steadily forward she becomes wiser and confident.

I am fascinated with this era, especially the Witch side of the story I have always been drawn to stories which tell the stories of those women who were so badly treated all because of their gifts, when really these women were wise they were healers and helpers not spawn of the devil. I like that the suspicion o the time is evident on every page especially once Martha sets out on her travels as she passes through towns and villagers she sees a different life one of which I think she has been slightly shielded from

The Good Wife really drums home what a person can do when they are put into a precarious position, this is all about a strong if naïve woman in search of her destiny, in search of her love and in search of herself. Overall, The Good Wife is a lovely little story, it’s a compelling and highly enjoyable read one which I would recommend any historical fiction fan to have a read of.

It’s a beautifully written historical which really captures the reader’s attention and imagination, I like the way it easily flows taking you with it as it moves to the finale. It’s a little slower paced for my liking but I think it really works for the story being told.

This is the first I have read by Eleanor Porter and I thoroughly enjoyed my introduction to her work, and I will definitely be reading the previous book in the continuance; The Wheelwrights Daughter.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Good Wife by Eleanor Porter is a follow up to her other novel, The Wheelwright’s Daughter. I think it was nice to have read the first novel, however, Elabor Porter‘s writing is excellent, and I think reading this as a standalone would also work.

I’ve gained an interest in historical fiction over the last year or so. The amount of research is clear, and the writing feels authentic because of it. I love being transported back in time, and that is what happens in The Good Wife.

While this book is not fast-paced, the love between Martha and Jacob, as well as Martha’s journey of growth is compelling and emotional. The decisions she must make, and her gifts are all very intriguing. And because of those things, I didn’t need this to be fast. I enjoyed the journey.

I enjoyed this one. If historical fiction is your thing, you won’t want to miss out.

*I received a free copy of this book from Rachel’s Random Resources to review honestly on the blog tour. All opinions are my own and unbiased.*

[Melanie · Rating 1 out of 5]

This was a disappointing follow-up to "The Wheelwright’s Daughter," which was a much better story. I wanted to continue to see Martha and Jacob adapt and grow together, but the author chose to move the characters in opposite directions, and I didn't like the journey and found little redemption within it.

**SPOILER ALERT**
Truthfully, the characters acted more like junior high students rather than a married couple. There was no trust between them, and perhaps rightfully so. Martha didn't behave like the "good wife" as the book was titled with the steward. She chose to put herself in harm's way to use her medicinal skills, even when she knew there was potential danger ahead. I'd like to say she acted solely to save lives and heal others, but it was more like she wanted to prove she could do it and wanted the bragging rights as a healer.

As for Jacob, he was mislead and then accused of something he didn't do, and so others were definitely conspiring behind his back and out to ruin his character. But then he also chose to believe the lies that were told to him about his wife. He chose to believe that she had been unfaithful even though she had been faithful to him the whole time. And then he opted to take on another life and basically abandon his wife for another.

I know the time period's lack of communication along with the gossip and assumptions people made didn't help make things any better for the couple. I just found this book to be long and rather pointless, and there was nothing redeeming in the end that I could cling to. They didn't become better people or change the course of history by sacrificing each other. Their marriage was over because of choices they had made. Will they survive without each other? Probably so, but I'm done caring and willing to walk away without learning any more.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Eleanor Porter’s The Good Wife is a beautifully crafted historical novel rich in atmosphere, intrigue and suspense that is beguiling, lyrical and captivating.

Martha Spicer is finally able to lead a happy and fulfilling life with her husband Jacob. Having once been accused of witchcraft, Martha had come far too close to the hangman’s noose, but now freed from the shadow of the gallows, she is hopeful that she will never have to go through such a terrifying ordeal ever again. With Jacob about to accompany his master north, Martha will be left all on her own and is warned by her husband to keep her healing gifts a secret and not to arouse suspicion or let anybody know about her ability to heal. Martha hopes to be a good wife to Jacob and not attract anybody’s attention, but that proves difficult when Steward Boult begins asking far too many questions and forces her to make an impossible choice: attend to him or else destroy the life she had built with Jacob.

All alone, frightened and desperate, Martha’s back is firmly against the wall. Whichever way she turns, she knows that she stands to lose everything and with nowhere and nobody to turn to finds herself faced with the hardest decision of her life: spend her life beholden to Boult or travel north to find her husband who is rumoured to have been killed. Martha must tread carefully because she has the toughest journey of her life ahead of her – and this time the gift that had once nearly cost her her life might just be the only weapon in her arsenal which will set her free.

Eleanor Porter’s The Good Wife is an evocative historical novel that is so deftly written and exquisitely crafted, I almost felt as if I was an active participant in this story and not just a reader. Eleanor Porter brings the past and all its dangers to startling life and layers her narrative with danger, terror, tension and shocking revelations that kept me engrossed and entertained throughout.

Eleanor Porter has created a wonderful heroine in Martha Spicer. She is not only brave, courageous, loyal and inspirational, but manages to be relatable and ‘modern’ without being in any way anachronistic or like a contemporary heroine in period dress.

An accomplished historical novel, Eleanor Porter dazzles once again with her second novel, The Good Wife.

[Yvonne · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book that follows the story of Martha, she was once accused of being a witch. After her marriage to Jacob Spicer, they both move and start a new life together, a fresh start with a chance of a good life and where they are unknown.

Life is indeed good until Jacob is asked to travel with his master and this means he will be away for a couple of months. Martha tries her best to continue as normal, but it seems her reputation for healing has followed her and she is called to heal again. Something that Jacob didn't want there doing again. She gradually gets drawn into a situation that she can see no good end to. She also hears that Jacob has been killed and her only option is to stay or to leave to find Jacobs body.

The author takes Martha on a journey that sees her in a dangerous predicament. A woman travelling alone is not good, it is full of danger and yet the author has a plan for our main protagonist. While this plan is not without its own danger it is a very good option and one that allows Martha more freedom than she has had before.

She finds a companion of sorts, not completely trust-worthy but one that is at times more help than a hindrance. Martha's travels take her into villages and towns and she is made aware of how naive she really is.

This is a story not just of love and finding the truth but also one that is bound up in superstition and the use of natural ingredients to heal. Set in the Elizabethan era when witchcraft is definitely frowned upon, it lends itself to the story of Martha.

This is a historical fiction novel that I really enjoyed, it continues on from The Wheelwright's Daughter and shows the world through the eyes of a young woman. It has a feel of being caught between the devil and the deep blue sea as Martha is caught between two choices. The author creates a story that I found to be very addictive and while there is a desperation to Martha there is also a glimmer of hope. A lovely read and one that I would recommend reading if you like good historical fiction.

[Chloe 'hichlochu' · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Good Wife was a delightful change of scenery and was a fascinating vacation to a time more simple but deadly. The Good Wife is based the Elizabethan Era, a time when a woman would be hanged or committed for being more than a simple wife. Exactly the fate our dear Martha managed to escape and tries her hardest to avoid.

The book follows Martha, a woman who was nearly hanged after being accused of Witchcraft for being desired by the wrong guy and having a way with plants. Her life is one to tread lightly and as she tries to avoid her past from repeating itself. She has decided to live a simpler life, no longer dealing with healing and following her husbands requests at being nothing more than a good wife, like her neighbours. But what happens when your husband gets called away for work and an opportunity comes calling to the door. A opportunity that leads down a rabbit hole of regret.

I really enjoyed the feel of this book, it was educating but not heavy. No, it had an enjoyable feel, like a dream of a simpler time. It transported you into a moment of history without feeling like a lecture. And I enjoyed every second of it. In fact I flew through my read and bonded with Martha in a way that I feel she could be a past life. I hope I was Martha in a past life. It was also scary to be reminded that back then debts weren’t always paid in gold, some were demanded in more and women always suffered. And that is evident throughout this book.

I also found the historical context to be accurate and interesting. The finer details, the hierarchies, the experience that Eleanor transports you on felt real and I honestly enjoyed it. It is the type of book that can be read as a standalone but with how well it is written, it is worth picking up the first as well. So if you want to be taken back to a moment of the past and witness the battles that women and witches had to overcome, I suggest giving this novel a try.

[Karen Huxtable · Rating 4 out of 5]

Martha has already been saved by Jacob, he is a good man and he gets invited to accompany his Master but this means leaving Martha behind which concerns him, and he tells her she must hid her healing as it will get her trouble.

Martha is out gathering herbs when she has an encounter with the Steward and he is interested in her healing powers. The Steward has a reputation with women and she was warned to stay away from him by Jacob. Her neighbour also warns her about Roger Boult the Steward, but she thinks she can look after herself. She thinks that if she cures him then she will secure her and Jacob’s future. Martha has already been accused of witchcraft so she needs to be careful, and then the Steward takes advantage of her. She thinks she has it under control but Boult is used to getting his own way.

Martha thinks that she is with child and is wishing that Jacob would return soon but this will not be for weeks and Boult is getting more and more demanding. Boult really is a repulsive character, forcing himself upon Martha he tells her that Jacob will not have a job to come back to if she doesn’t do what he wants her too.

Tragedy strikes and Martha finds herself alone and potentially homeless and Boult is behind it all so Martha has to take drastic action. This is the second book in the series however this did not matter the book can be read as a standalone, however I will be checking out The Wheelwright’s Daughter as I really enjoyed the historical aspect and the story of Martha and how she overcomes the hurdles that life throws at her.

A really interesting and well researched novel set in Elizabethan England.

4 stars ****

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Many thanks to Rachel’s Random Resources, Eleanor Porter, and Boldwood Books for providing me with a digital copy of The Good Wife with a request for an honest review.

Eleanor Porter’s novel, The Good Wife, is vastly interesting and entertaining. I had no idea that it was a sequel. The writing is so good that you don’t need to read the first book to enjoy this one. Also, the historical context at the end is fascinating. The research involved is excellent. To know that some of these characters were real people and the towns are real is a phenomenal feeling.

The way Porter writes Martha and Jacob into a real-life past is extraordinary. I have long loved apothecaries of old. That Martha holds this magic in her heart makes me wish to have been there alongside her.

I admit that I was unsure of this book at first. It was a little too boring with Martha and Jacob having this undying love. But, watching Martha grow from a mousy waif to a strong, compelling woman at the end is inspirational. I loved her journey, even the parts that I wish I could skip.

I thoroughly enjoyed this novel and hope beyond hope that there is more story for Martha. In the meantime, I will be reading the first novel to learn more about her past.

I am happy to award The Good Wife 4 out of 5 stars. Anyone who loves history with a little (supposed) witchcraft mixed in will love this novel. Though, you might want to have a few tissues on hand. There are a few dusty places.

[Jane Hunt · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Good Wife is the sequel to The Wheelwright's Daughter but readable as a standalone. Martha is married to Jacob and happy. He is her world, but it starts to crumble when he follows his master north. Jacob is worried about leaving Martha, who attracts attention for her healing skills. She is intelligent and wise in natural healing but naive when facing the world's evils. When Jacob doesn't return, her world implodes. Forced to flee her long journey is one of danger and self-discovery. She matures with each encounter and every problem she faces.

The historical details make the journey atmospheric and immersive. The characters are vibrant, with intriguing relationship dynamics. I love the understanding she has with her horse. The evil she faces is difficult to read but necessary to the story. There are many poignant and tragic moments, but ultimately the journey is a positive experience for Martha.

I received a copy of this book from Boldwood Books via NetGalley in return for an honest review.

[Pam Robertson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This follows on from The Wheelwright's Daughter and follows the story of Martha, who has married Jacob Spicer and settled into village life. In the past, she has been accused of witchcraft and her ability for healing using herbs and salves is still in demand. Set in Elizabethan England, this sets her up for suspicion and distrust as witchcraft is regarded as heresy and even the suggestion of it puts her in grave danger.
Martha finds herself alone and as an unprotected woman is easy prey for predatory men. As she starts on her journey to find Jacob, she travels through many dangerous situations and as she does, loses her naivety and trusting nature. As the notes at the end of the book show, there is much research into to the beliefs and customs of the time and this shows through. There are some unusual characters in this novel and plenty of period detail.
In short: Journey through Elizabethan England.
Thanks to the publisher for a copy of the book

[Olivia Levez · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Good Wife is a compelling and intelligent read, full of historical detail and flower lore, as we join Martha on the road from Leominster to Lancaster in her urgent quest to escape the unwanted attentions of Squire Boult and find Jacob. As always, Porter’s writing is beautifully pitched, balancing Martha’s compelling voice with descriptions of suffering and natural beauty.
This is a lyrical page-turner, full of vividly drawn characters that Martha meets along the way, from the troubled and restless crystal gazer, Talbot, to Betsy, the kindly whore who lends her petticoats.
I loved The Wheelwright’s Daughter, and here we see Martha’s transformation complete as she dares to leave her village and take up more space in her world - clever, fierce, and dressed in breeches.

[Jen Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. Having read 'The Wheelwright's Daughter' I was worried 'The Good Wife' would not be as good, but it lived up to expectations. I love the central character's strength and integrity and you really want justice and happiness for her, but she is always going to be in danger because of her abilities to heal in a time of fear of women's power. Eleanor Porter writes beautifully and the story carries you along, and it's also historically 'real', you feel as if you are immersed in that time. I love the details which show great research, and feeling as if I'm learning something new too. I urge everyone to read 'The Wheelwright's Daughter' and then this wonderful follow up. I can't wait for the next one.

[Jane Greenwood · Rating 5 out of 5]

Since reading The Wheelwright’s Daughter I’ve been longing to know what happened next to Martha, Eleanor Porter’s courageous, passionate and chillingly vulnerable heroine.

With dextrous detail and sensuous descriptions of the natural world which at times echo Thomas Hardy, Porter effortlessly animates Martha’s journey through Elizabethan England whilst powerfully evoking the precarious nature of life and the overwhelming strength of love. A beautiful book which stays in the mind long after the last page.

[Annarella · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Eleanor Porter's first novel and loved this one.
it's a poignant, engrossing and well researched historical fiction that describes an era when being a clever and independent woman could mean being accused of witchcraft and sentenced.
Martha is well rounded and interesting characters, she's strong willed and brave. I loved her and loved her relationship with Jacob.
The plot flows and kept me turning pages, the historical background is well researched.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine

[Barbara Ashton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have just finished reading The Good Wife, Eleanor Porter's sequel to The Wheelwright's Daughter. Eleanor is a natural story -teller, keeping me page turning without any difficulty. The prose is lyrical and the historical details, fascinating. We follow Martha on her journey to find her husband, through Elizabethan England. Her quick wits and herbal healing skills, are vital.

I enjoyed 'travelling' with Martha. A really good read.

Barbara Ashton

[Jonathan Posner · Rating 5 out of 5]

A powerful story

This tale of Martha and her quest is well told, and interweaves fictional characters with real people of the era. The research is impressive, although I did feel that the author sometimes broke the flow of the story in order to share her learning, but other than that it was a very engaging and enjoyable story.

[Tracy Brindley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved the second installment about the heroine Martha, and the trials and tribulations of her life while searching for Jacob. Sad when the book came to an end and I hope there is a 3rd installment to come.

[Kath · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting historically in some ways, but a bit of a slog as well and I didn't find the occasional explicit language helpful.