The Herbalist

by Heather Morrison-Tapley

Eden Martin had the perfect life in New York City: amazing job as a professor, successful fiancée, great apartment on the Upper West Side. But in one night her whole world comes crashing down. So, she does what any sensible woman would do, she abandons her life and moves to a tiny village in England, leaving everyone and everything behind. Lost and confused, a new life emerges as she follows her dream to write a book. In the process she meets a local healer, the last in a centuries long line of magical herbalists. She also finds love, and challenges, in ways she could never have imagined. In this village of strange and mystical events, Eden finally learns that finding love, hope, or even your destiny can’t provide happiness until you find yourself.

Genres: Romance, Fiction, Fantasy, Witches, Paranormal, Audiobook, Magical Realism

334 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 19, 2022

Reviews

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

ThIs is a sweet story about an American educator returning to her roots in England and finding her purpose. Enjoyable!

[Karyn Mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Herbs Do Heal People whose mind and body and spirit are willing and open to the potential.

I’ve been an herbalist for 40 years, a doctor for 30. This book reminded me of the power of nature to heal. If only there was not so much greed And money in the western medicine model, people would benefit from both just as they did in this precious book. The awakening in the protagonist should also be viewed an awakening in our country – the USA. Reliably trained herbalists and natural medicine Practitioners have so much to offer individuals who suffer in the medical gap of subclinical and auto immune disorders. Educators empowering people to take better care of their health with better diet, exercise, and yes, herbs that can heal would make a profound difference in healthcare. Patients would not have to get just prescription disease care, surgery, and drugs. Wellness care could revolutionize the dismal focus and outcome of treating cancer by preventing it in the first place.

[Linda Langford · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this story. I like to read about using herbs for homeopathic medicine. There is also a some magical/mystical elements to the story, and some romance. In a way, it reminded me of some of Author Heather Webber’s stories.

[Abby Smas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice story. Terrible editing.

I gave this book 4 stars because I haven't found an interesting novel to read in a long time and this kept my attention. That may be because it's my kind of story -- herbalism, a little magic, rural England -- all my favorite things.
That said, the editing was awful. Too many typos, run on sentences, and simple mistakes. I also lost patience with the main character, Eden. Again, better editing could have helped immensely. There were parts where I thought she came across inconsistently, too immature for her experiences. Now I'm looking at the book cover and the title, thinking that I want to change those things, too.
To our author, Heather Morrison-Tapley, thank you for an entertaining and informative book. Please write more.
To the editor: oh, my, dear. Editing is not your career.

[Melissa · Rating 2 out of 5]

unusual pacing

Was excited to read this, and it was a sweet story. The pacing felt incredibly off though. In less than a chapter major events and milestones the story was building towards would be crammed together and over too soon. Then other parts seemed to drag on, but not about things which felt like they added a lot of substance. I wish we got to savor the climaxes a bit more.

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sweet, needs more editing

Sweet story, if a bit predictable. While I’ve never written a book and cannot begin to imagine the challenges of doing so, this one would have benefited from some additional editing. I was distracted by sentence structure, missing or incorrect punctuation, and even the occasional incorrect word (once for a main character!). If you can get past those things, the book contains a nice story.

[Michelle · Rating 2 out of 5]

I’m not sure why this got so many stars on this website. It’s like a Hallmark movie with a little bit of home improvement show thrown in with a little bit of mysticism and a very predictable, plot and ending. Simple structure, no deep descriptions, it just reads really fast… read it in a couple hours, and it was a pleasant enough read to take your mind off the day. But honestly, two stars at best. It almost feels like it’s still in draft form. The margins are funky in the printed copy, and there are a lot of typos.

[Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the characters, I loved the story, but I found quite a few mistakes in spelling (reigns for reins, for example), it is a peeve of mine and it took away from the Magic and experience.

[Valerie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I think I enjoyed the idea of this book more than the book itself. It's called the Herbalist, but the plot line involving the MC learning herbalism and becoming an herbalist feels more like a subplot, a very minor one. There were many editing errors and I could tell the author struggles with appropriate pacing and setting up scenes. Would love to read some of her work in the future as she works out some kinks in her writing, as I really did see the gold that this story could have been if it were allowed to be fully explored. The author just isn't quite there yet.

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very charming story who does not wish to live in a thatched cottage left to you?? very predictable but a comfy read just what i needed when i am would up a very good easy escape. will pass it on to good friend.

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is one of those frustrating books that you just wish had been picked up by a publishing house because there is so much to love about it. It has an interesting story, likeable characters that a reader can care about, descriptions of the setting that are lovely but not too cloying, and a bit of mystery. I know could have been much more with a content/copy editor and proper formatting. The writing is really strong for the most part and the author has a real knack for describing the characters just enough that a reader can see them clearly in their mind. I really wanted it to be more filled out in a few places which says something about how interesting the story is and how endearing the characters become. I hope the author keeps writing!

[Alise · Rating 2 out of 5]

It has its good points, but overall a tad disappointing read. Inconsistent pacing for most of the book, even tedious. Waaaay too sweet, stereotypical and predictable, in other words - cringe. Everything is so lovely and easy for the main character that the book departs too much from realism into the realm of fantasy. And it is an appallingly sweet and sticky fantasy that ticks all the boxes and makes you want to gag. The book is partially redeemed by the finale where the heroine realises she has to make some decisions on her own and be honest with herself.

[Ehren Litton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Magical realism meets hallmark movie. Lighthearted, a little cheesy, pretty predictable and a bit a of magic. Easy enjoyable read.

I’ve been reading a lot of Stephen King so this was very refreshing.

[Lexi · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am so conflicted. I wanted to love it, I really did, but all I feel is somehow disappointment. The herbalist promised magic, but we only got a grasp of it. The whole plot sounded so interesting and so unique, but in the end the whole book revolved around a cheesy and cringy love story? Sure, there could have been some aspects of romance, like little specks of it, but not around 90% of the book? Therefore, The herbalist became insufferable... :/
All parts revolving around the Calling and the Knowing, the flash backs and the dreams were engulfing. Why did the author even feel a need to write mainly a cliché love story? I would've much rather read about Eden's journey, perhaps discovering more secrets and history of herbalists. In the end, I know nothing about Herbalists nor healers.
Ugh, I'm just so disappointed.

[Staci Wellmaker · Rating 3 out of 5]

Easy read - my problem (reason I gave 3 stars) was Eden’s decision when Robert finally showed up and her staying in New York (to think????!!!) for weeks- author built this character as a woman who made spontaneous decisions and stuck with them, then all of a sudden she’s not sure where she wants to be? Found it to be a disappointing ending to an ok story. Sorry 🥹

[Linda Youngbloo · Rating 1 out of 5]

Meh. You might want to skip this one. Good but the execution was not.

This book is insipid and predictable. I loved the idea but it's like a Hallmark Movie. If that is what you are looking forward then try it.

[Trina Wheeler · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wattpad like

[Yumi Zabre · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful story, well narrated in my opinion, and slightly reminiscent of Eat, Pray, Love (slightly!)
The only reason why I'm not giving it 5 stars is that somehow the author (who is listed as being both a US&UK national) wrote it so that British accent sounded fake. I didn't know that was possible with the written word, and was distracting until the end.

[Ellen J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had just finished reading a couple of books with serious themes and chose this with hopes of something less depressing. It was exactly what I needed. It was a book that was easy to read with characters that were easy to like. I throughly enjoyed it with the exception of the romance scenes. It is not my usual fare and I find myself embarrassed.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting, sweet story

[Anna Veach · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finished in one day!

Such a sweet story, I enjoyed the imagery and was so intrigued by the story that I finished it in just one day! I can't wait for the next book from this author!

[Candi Highmiller · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cozy Read

This was a Hallmark movie set in a lovely English village. I really enjoyed it. Sometimes you just need a cozy read with a little romance.

[Alex Valencia · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5*

[Marie Z Johansen · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Delightful Surprise!

Light reading and so enjoyable! The description was intriguing and I took a chance - glad I did. Lightly romantic, slightly other worldly, totally enjoyable read!

[Sandy Benitez · Rating 5 out of 5]

This may be one of my favorite reads of the year. Just a really good storyline with a mix of magic, healing with herbs, romance, hope, change, and English countryside backdrop of quaint cottages and abbey ruins.

[K · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read it in one day

I enjoyed this book very much. Herbs are a passion of mine and I was excited to read this book. The story in England was interesting but I loved the relationship with Mrs. Welsh the most. If you like romance herbs and small towns in England, you will enjoy this book.

[Jeanne Goodrich · Rating 5 out of 5]

A balm for your soul.

Ms. Morrison-Tapley has penned a warm, gentle book that is a balm for your soul. The author has combined a history of the healers path with one woman's journey toward her authentic self. I very much enjoyed Eden's story, woven with the way of herbal healing and the subtle magics to be found in everyday life. The building of relationships as Eden connects with the people around her. There author's mastery of herbs and understanding of her fellow humans is evident as the story unfolds, and the sweet happily ever after , made me smile. This was the perfect book for curling up by the fire on a blustery October day, and sipping a good cup of tea. I recommend this read and thank Ms.Morrison-Tapley for sharing this tale with us.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet read. Just what is needed these days. Looking forward to more from this author.

[Yesim · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved how the story started and developed until the last parts. The last parts created confusion and frustration in me as a reader.

For example, I did not understand how James so easily accepted Eden as a healer. I doubt if the reader was prepared enough. I mean, James is a vet, a man of scientific background. It is true that he was living in that village with a healer but did he take it seriously? Do we know about his ideas about a healer beforehand? Not really. Only that in the moment of high anxiety as his daughter was sick, he was seeking a solution, ANY solution probably. But why was he not curious about it more afterward? Why did he not ask about it more and find out the whole story?

I also did not understand the reason why Eden kept saying: “ I killed her” when Mrs. Welsh (the healer before her) died. If 1) all healers die at some point, and 2) if before they die they pass the job to the next before they die, then it should mean that is the natural process? Why should Eden differ? And the confusion Eden had about which life she should pick (in New York or in England)… A grown woman starting relationships, spending a year in a place, but being indecisive…Not facing the old fiancee, and not ending things for a WHOLE YEAR, while having a new relationship. What a character...And in that confusion period, she left(!) Tommy (she was a foster parent of Tommy, later adopted him) to her mother. I did not really get to read a lot about Tommy. A kid that lost both parents but had no issues with that? Like not even missing his mommy? And just being so thankful and happy that he was now in a warm house? I did not see much of a dialogue between Tommy and anyone in the story really. I felt that Tommy was put there as an item to make Eden look like a good person. Overall, I thought these last parts were not well-thought.

[Donna Moon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a sweet story

Sometimes it takes throwing away the life you know to find where you belong. I'm on the other side of that myself & love stories that remind me of how far I've come