A Handful of Straw

by Mary Rensten

All the woman wanted was a handful of straw.The villagers of Walkern said she was a they wanted her dead. So did Francis Bragge . . . and he was a man of God.How could any sensible person believe such nonsense in this new, enlightened century?Caroline Newell, 30, widowed and wealthy, on a visit to Hertfordshire, did not . . . and said so. Voicing her modern opinions in Walkern was dangerous, Caroline found . . . both for herself and her young maid, Mary. The extraordinary events of February and March 1712 – the witch-hunt itself, and the meeting with the gentle but passionate Simon Warrender and the handsome gypsy boy Jem – would have a lasting effect upon the lives of Caroline and Mary.Mary Rensten’s new novel tells the story of one of England’s most famous witch trials, that of Jane Wenham, at Hertford in March 1712."Mary Rensten has turned the story of the last witch in Hertfordshire into an exciting romance, with adventure and intrigue woven into the plot."Herts. Past and Present."When you have your own copy of A Handful of Straw , I hope you enjoy it as much as I did." Martin Cort, TAR Entertainment."It has a great sense of atmosphere and character, and although I am familiar with the ordeals of Jane Wenham, the book kept me wanting to know what happened next."Dr. Janet Woodall, Walkern History Society."The book is so absorbing it just carries you along."Pat Alderman, proofreader."Historical fiction is not my usual reading, but I was so intrigued by the subject I couldn’t miss this. At 470 pages it is not a quick read, but I couldn’t put it down."The Woman Writer."An absorbing story woven around a factual event in England’s history. I was utterly charmed by Caroline, and felt an intense loathing for the odious Francis Bragge!"Chris Carter, author, ‘Stepping on the Cracks’.Cover painting by Hertfordshire watercolour artist Yvonne Sint.

Paperback

First published August 18, 2014