The Herbarium

by Pamela Chartrand

“From a Wiccan fire ceremony deep in the present day Santa Cruz Mountains, to a 16th century battle to save the life of the grievously wounded King of France, The Herbarium delivers a taut, page-turning read.” – Advanced ReaderThe Herbarium, an enchanted sacred text written by the ancients, is safely hidden in a monastery outside of Chartres…or is it?In present day California, thirty-something Paige Delaney is struggling to cope. Since the death of her husband, she’s felt lost, aimless and frustrated. At the urging of her best friend, she accepts an invitation to join a Wiccan ceremony.And it’s a night that changes everything.Haunted by the vivid apparition she sees in the bonfire, Paige is sent reeling when her mother reveals a long-kept family that Paige is a descendant of a powerful line of witches. With the help of past life regression expert Jack Kaplan, Paige begins a heart-pounding journey to 600 years in the past.There, two unlikely allies have been tasked with the ultimate to save the gravely wounded King of France from certain death.It's a race to deliver the sacred text that holds the key to his survival.But more than that……it’s a perilous path that will lead right back to Paige.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fantasy, Time Travel, Witches, Romance, Historical, Paranormal

311 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 30, 2022

Reviews

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this one, especially in audio. I kept thinking that they wouldn't have time to pull it all together, that time was running out - how would they make everything connect up? But it totally did! I just loved it. French bloodline witches with a magical book of the healing arts. Time travel and monastery/abbey, hugenots, Henry II, catholics and cardinals, and a present day analyst specializing in past life regression. The perfect October Witchy read with Magic Well Done, just the way I like it.

[C.L. Jarvis · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's France 1566 and two factions are searching for The Herbarium, a mystical text with healing properties. With the King on his deathbed, The Herbarium's guardians don't have much time.

Meanwhile in the present day, a young Californian widow learns her family has ancient secrets of its own. When Paige experiences visions of a sixteenth century French woman, she learns the past and present depend upon her finding the hidden text.

I loved the concept of this book, and really enjoyed the parts of the story set in medieval France. However, I'm not sure the present-day perspective added much: Paige wasn't as interesting as the historical characters, and we didn't spend enough time exploring her character (or the romantic tension she felt with another protagonist), so that detracted from the story as a whole.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
I think if you like The Virgin Blue by Tracy Chevalier, or any Dan Brown novels (but with witches) you might be interested in The Herbarium.

[Pamella Baxter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Much better than I anticipated

I.wasn't sure about the association of.Jesus and witches but I think the word witches had a negative connotation where clairvoyance and seers and healers is truly what these characters are. I almost stopped reading it one chapter in but am Glad I didn't .

[Sherry Sharpnack · Rating 4 out of 5]

Paige accompanies her friend Carole, a witch, to a wiccan ceremony. Paige is skeptical of Wicca -- until she sees an apparition in the bonfire, who is clearly speaking to her alone. This unsettles Paige, who then talks to her mom about it the next day -- only for her mom to finally tell her a huge family secret, which would explain why Paige is seeing someone in the fire. Paige consults an expert in past-life regression, Jack, about her experience, as she is pretty angry at her mother over this experience and secret-keeping.
In an alternate timeline, in 1559, Gillian is a teen-ager who becomes tasked w/ the huge quest of bringing a sacred, hopefully healing, book from its hiding place in the local monastery to the court of the critically-injured King Henri II of France. It is the "Herbarium," supposedly consecrated in the ancient past by Jesus Himself.
Will Gillian accomplish her mission? Will Paige and Jack solve the mystery of the girl speaking to Paige in the fire? Does the Herbarium make it to Paris, and better yet, will it survive succeeding centuries?
This novel was really good in passages, quite heart-thumping. I especially enjoyed the medieval time line. Yet it also had really glaring weaknesses, such as the very weak exposition/explanation of why Paige's mom kept the 'UGE family secret from Paige until she was a widow of 34, but then was so open about it all. And Jack and Paige seemed to hit it off too fast, and he was too accepting her experience, even as a past-life psychologist.
I would happily read more about Gillian and her sister, the plant whisperer, Gaia, but wonder if this first novel in the series would have been better off w/o the modern-day timeline. rounded up to 4 stars b/c again, I really loved the medieval story.

[Korinne Tande · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book takes the reader on a journey by engaging the main characters in time travel, magic, romance, religion, and family history via the need to rescue a sacred text - The Herbarium. There are several "chuckle aloud" moments throughout the book. I liked that one of the main characters is a dog. The book describes the conflicts of the early history of the Crown (the ruling class), the Church, and the poor, especially related to the healing arts. I did take a few notes at the beginning in order to make sure I had all the characters/issues in their correct time period. I enjoyed the author's writing style and her ability to keep the storyline moving ahead even though we were reading about two different times in history. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Alik · Rating 1 out of 5]

Annoying read. This is probably just me and the fact that I'm not apart of the writer's target audience, but I did not enjoy this or have the ability to get through this one. The whole thing reads like a script for one of those 'made for TV movies' you see on the W channel, but with a sci-fi twist. There's little depth other than the main characters dealing with personal emotions of guilt and confusion... and little else. The main character constantly needs things repeated over and over again. And the whole thing is just straight up not engaging and follows the same weird energy of perfect coincidences, weird/quirky romance and that kind of story telling, while throwing history and 'time travel' stuff in.

Not for me. Would not recommend.

[Tina M · Rating 4 out of 5]

Remarkably Entertaining Read

I’ve had this on my to read list for the longest time. Just now getting around to it.

I’m kind of peculiar when it comes to books involving time travel. I don’t like jumping from huge time gaps and feeling out of sorts. There needs to be a smooth transition.
It’s a difficult genre to pull off, and most have an arduous and laborious time doing so, with the majority failing.

Surprisingly, Chartrand does a fairly impressive job. It’s not so detailed when she goes back to the year 1559, where you feel pulled during the regression sessions, when the present day character goes back to absorb and retrieve the previous memories and events.

Great anticipation to start the second book soon.

[Cindy Shortall · Rating 1 out of 5]

Did not like it. I left it unfinished.

[Kylie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A quick and enjoyable read, The Herbarium grabs the readers attention from the get go. Told between two vast time lines Pamela Chartrand does a wonderful job of keeping the timelines going while not confusing the reader. In France 1559 King Henri II is gravely injured during a joust and it's up to four spirited women and an abbot and monks to save him while guarding a sacred text. In present day California 34 year old Paige has recently lost her husband and learned that she comes from a long line of witches. With the help of a regression expert Jack the two time lines eventually connect to tell a wonderous tale.

The world building was very solid and descriptive and my favorite characters were from the 1559 period. Gillian is a strong mind and strong willed girl of 16, her sister Gaia a sweet and smart girl of 17, their mother Renate and her sister Liliane are such likable and well developed characters. They were entertaining and interesting and I loved the time they were in and their vast capabilities.

What really drew me to this book was that the main character Paige was near my own age. I thought it would be exciting to read a book with magic and witches that had an older MC who wouldn't be so naïve and childish. I'm not sure if I'm the only one who felt this way since I haven't seen other reviewers mention it but Paige acted and sounded like a late teen/early twenties character. The way she responds to the news of being a witch and her reactions to others when they tell her she's partly in the wrong is for her to basically throw a mini tantrum. I expected so much more maturity than was presented with this character and it really irked me that she seemed immature. In the end her character is what made me give this 4 stars and not 5 because I just grew more and more frustrated with her appearances in each chapter. I have every intention of reading the next book though as I really enjoyed the other characters and the worlds they are in.

[Jessica Matts · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Herbarium is a fantasy/time-traveling (kinda)/semi-historical fiction story with a touch of romance.

I grab this book based off the cover…the intertwining rings…the stars…the cover pulled me in.

I did enjoy the story…though at some points it was a little slow going, and at times a little confusing when it jumped back and forth between the present time & medieval France.

How would you feel to find out in your thirties that you’re a blood witch? That what you thought was a potential hallucination…was your power finally manifesting?

Welcome to Paige Delaney’s “new” life…

She took part in a Wiccan bonfire…that seems to have ‘awoken’ powers within her. She saw someone in the flames…but no one else did.

Her mother then drops a bombshell on her…they’re witches…in a long-line of witches that dates back hundreds of years…

Is it ‘luck’ that Jack Kaplan, an expert in past life regressions is in the area promoting his books?

He can even see the individual from the bonfire…when there is no fire going.

What is it that she needs? What is it that she thinks Paige has?

The answers—within the pages of The Herbarium.

Four stars. It was an very intriguing & compelling story…just a little slow at times. The mix of genera was unique…I love history, and enjoyed this aspect/telling of a period of medieval history. Will grab the second book…once I’ve gotten a few other books from the digital to-be-read list checked off.

[Empressa · Rating 5 out of 5]

So magical

I read this book in one afternoon/evening. Everytime I considered pausing for longer than letting my dogs out or feeding the cats, I immediately dismissed the idea and dove right back in. I'm a huge fan of historical fiction in the 15th and 16th centuries and as a pagan myself it was interesting to see how "the old ways" seemed right at home next to the Catholic faith of the characters instead of at odds as is usually the case in books (and real life for that matter)

The story is full of magic but also wonderfully told - while I normally am not a huge fan of the shifting POVs technique, it was fitting for this book and the author managed to make the transitions back and forth flawlessly. Also, I don't recall a single typo or error! I usually come across one or two and I don't mind, especially since I do editing myself, but towards the end of the book I was marveling at the skill of the author and any editors when I noticed I hadn't caught any so well done!!

The only thing I was left wondering is what the heck Paige, the main/modern main character does as a day job but I almost don't care given the richness of the story and the development of characters and their relationships lol all in all I'm super excited for more from this author!

[Colleen Chesebro · Rating 5 out of 5]

Paige Delaney recently lost her husband, which leaves her feeling lost and alone. Her friend tries to cheer her up and invites her to a Wiccan ceremony held in the nearby woods. At the ceremony, Paige’s life changes forever!

In the bonfire, Paige sees an apparition that tries to contact her. She’s the only one to see the figure, and now she’s haunted by the vision. After a serious of curious events, Paige’s mother reveals that she’s descended from a long line of witches, which turns Paige’s reality upside down.

The young woman seeks the help of past life regression expert Jack Kaplan, who helps her journey into the past to learn the secret of The Herbarium.

This was a fun read. I enjoy dual timeline historical novels. I grew excited with the theory that witchcraft and Christianity could have coexisted together. Even though some of the religious aspects were a little over the top for me. I moved past those parts without losing the storyline.

The characters from the past are full of life. This was one of those books… once you start, you don’t want to put it down.

[Kate Eminhizer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a lighthearted, quick, and enjoyable read. None of the character development is very deep but that doesn't impact the flow of the plot at all. The dual timelines were woven together in a visionary and creative way. Both timelines had their strengths. The past timeline had more characters which in turn allowed for a richer reading experience. Not only did the past timeline explore the animosity between the Catholics and the Huguenots, it also explored the value of the old beliefs and the knowledge that a connection to nature brought. The timeline with Paige and Jack was intriguing because of the unraveling of the deceptions that Paige encountered and the swiftness of the connection between the two of them. Readers who enjoy authors such as Paula Brackston, Patricia Davis, and Luanne Smith will likely gobble this one right up.

I received a copy of this title via BookSirens.

[Sharen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Past lives meet current lives. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. To be able to learn history first hand would be wonderful!
It gets a little “preachy” in parts…..but, even this non-christian liked it. Glad there was no sex and graphic violence.
The characters from the past seemed more “real” than the present times….the present times characters seemed stilted and kind of not very realistic. Except for Jack, they must be independently wealthy (no jobs?)…..they seemed to have a lot of time on their hands.
I wish there was a sequel….I would like to know more about where the Herbarium came from or went to during the intervening times.
Definitely a “curl up in a comfy chair with a cup of tea” book. Enjoy!

[Tami · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very lush storytelling! Fantastic characters! The back and forth between Paige and Gillian is smooth, the history is amazing! Great set-up for the next book. Paige learns that there is more to her history than she thought and she goes to a book signing and tells the author part of what she went through and what she is learning about herself. His name is Jack and he is intrigued and begins to help her work through her history, learning more about herself and the ancient history she is tied to. There is time regression that is fascinating! Looking forward to the next book!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Caitlin Kenney]

I loved the idea of this book, a modern woman discovering she’s a witch and a search across time for a sacred text. The story in 1559 France was fantastic, the plot was interesting, but I had a hard time with Paige in modern California. Her conflicts felt very superficial, and never really resolved. There didn’t seem to be a purpose in hinting at a romantic relationship with Jack, it never actually went anywhere. I would have loved to see more of Paige, figuring out more of her powers, and expanding on the relationship she was building with Jack.

I received a copy of this book for free, and am posting this review voluntarily.

[Karyn Mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

some books are immortal

A witch’s bloodline allows an intriguing glimpse into a reality where time travel, herbal healing, and clairvoyance are gifts of the spirit passed down through generations from the 1500’s. The Herbarium, blessed by Christ, cannot be destroyed and it’s very presence is capable of healing even those near death. But dark forces are at work to steal the book to use for nefarious purposes. The book is buried and lost in the past because it is so greatly feared. But it doesn’t remain buried or even in the past. What happens illustrates that “there is more to Heaven and Earth” than we realize. Well written.

[Victoria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very quickly, I was caught up in this story and couldn't put it down. An ancient healing book, The Herbarium, brings together people in two time periods—a woman in current day Northern California and a young woman and a handsome monk in renaissance France who try to rush the healing book to Paris to save the mortally wounded King Henri II. The renaissance France that Chartrand creates is beautiful and lush; the monastery where the book has been kept is filled with a cast of interesting and endearing characters. This is a world I want to return to! I really hope there’s a sequel.

[Nichole · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked the story of the book and it was beautifully written. I would have liked to see an epilogue of sorts on what happened between Jack and Gillian since they liked each other. Did Jack go back to Boston? Do they keep in touch? It really left that bit of the story unresolved. Also was confused a bit because it said Paige was descended from French witches, but tante (the word the author used for addressing aunt Lilianne) is German and so is the name Renate. Other than that, fantastic job. I would definitely read more from this author.

[eggiecom · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyable read.

This is a fascinating novel. The characters quickly felt very real to me and I became deeply involved. In fact, I couldn’t put it down. As I write this it’s 1:30 a.m.

You’ll find references to several religions and each is treated with an eye to historical facts. For those with doubts, both Wicca and Christianity are respected. Fresh ideas are presented and will leave me with things to mull over. I recommend it and hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

[Debra · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was in interesting take on the history of witches and one particular ancestry of a family of witches. The witches through the years have been responsible for a sacred text across time and space. This author did well showing the relationship between the past and present plus using this to move the story along. Every aspect was interesting and well developed resulting in a fascinating read.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Susan O'Malley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I almost have up on this book

I was not impressed with the first chapter, but decided to stick with it. The book became more and more engrossing. I t might help to have an interest in healing and time travel. The story No I see back to 1559 in France, which I am not familiar with. It was interesting to read about that time period. I really enjoyed the characters and the story. Highly recommend.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

An Interesting Read

I have wavered on how I felt while reading this book. The story goes back and forth in time between the present and the past, 1559 in France. It was a time of great turmoil so it was a perfect setting. The term "sacred text" is a bit confusing since it predates Christianity as was the connection to Catholicism throughout the book. Still, I enjoyed it and I loved the strong women.

[Sue Becker · Rating 2 out of 5]

Began great, ended weak.

Although the story read well, the story was too "light". I kept waiting to hear more about the herbarium, at least how it affected people or that anyone had used it. There was no history of the book itself. Someone must have used it or it would not have the reputation it did. Some anecdotes about it would have been a great addition. The ending seemed like it was just covenient, an easy way to end without really coming to any conclusions.

[Laurie Jean · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book pulled me in before I finished the first page. I loved the story, the characters, and well everything about it. There was only one thing that left me feeling disappointed. I wanted more. This could easily have been a 600-page book that would have satisfied. Loved it and wanted more. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Melissa Izquierdo · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an engrossing read. Interesting concept and captivating characters. Will see keep an eye out for more from this author.

Interesting and complex. Not my usual fare but enjoyed it nonetheless. Fun with quirky characters. Highly recommend

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Linda Johns · Rating 5 out of 5]

A not to be missed book to read.

I really enjoyed reading this book. It is totally different from what I usually read. It reminds me a little of books by Katherine Howe but different. It is almost impossible to put down. The only thing I do not like is now I will have to buy it, it is a "keeper"!

[Lynda Langan · Rating 5 out of 5]

An Incredible Read

I was captured completely by the storyline and the characters, both past and present! No "regular" time travel story, this. It thoroughly drew me in and captured my imagination. Imagine my surprise at finding a story about time traveling witches that includes my faith! Delightful!!

[Sheila Adams · Rating 5 out of 5]

very good

This book has an interesting premise and I enjoyed reading it very much. I liked going back-and-forth between this time and back in ancient time. They didn’t interfere with each other they seem to melt together very well. I’m not a book critic but I know what I like and I know this is a very good well written book!

[Alyssa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall well written although the ending felt rushed. Not quite what I was expecting. It felt more focused on the religious aspects and I would have liked more focus in the powerful line of witches.

I received a free copy of this book from BookSirens in exchange for an honest review.