To save her child, she will trust a stranger. To protect a secret, she must risk her life . . .

Fleetwood Shuttleworth is 17 years old, married, and pregnant for the fourth time. But as the mistress at Gawthorpe Hall, she still has no living child, and her husband Richard is anxious for an heir. When Fleetwood finds a letter she isn't supposed to read from the doctor who delivered her third stillbirth, she is dealt the crushing blow that she will not survive another pregnancy.

Then she crosses paths by chance with Alice Gray, a young midwife. Alice promises to help her give birth to a healthy baby, and to prove the physician wrong.

As Alice is drawn into the witchcraft accusations that are sweeping the North-West, Fleetwood risks everything by trying to help her. But is there more to Alice than meets the eye?

Soon the two women's lives will become inextricably bound together as the legendary trial at Lancaster approaches, and Fleetwood's stomach continues to grow. Time is running out, and both their lives are at stake.

Realised I had 2 copies of this book so registered this one on bookcrossing.

Sending to someone from the UK 2020 birthday group. Hope you have a wonderful day!!

Another wonderful book from my wishlist granted ! Thank you so much for your generous gifts !

I really enjoyed reading this debut novel about the Pendle witch trials of 1612. It was told from the point of view of a young gentlewoman of just 17 years of age who had already lost 3 babies and who befriends a local midwife called Alice who becomes accused to be a witch.
It was well researched and to me brought the era alive with its descriptions of manor houses, clothing and food. The men ruled in those days but Fleetwood fights to save Alice's life and her own. A good read !

Going to earthcaroleanne to restock her office bookshelf

I loved the character of Fleetwood and found her narrative to be engaging and believed in her life in Lancashire in 1612. Her world soon changes after discovering a letter, hidden by her husband Richard that another pregnancy could be disastrous for her. Her trust and belief in him is drastically changed. This is an intriguing story of a young girl trying to survive in a time of accusation, hypocrisy, persecution and betrayal. I found myself backing Fleetwood wholeheartedly (loved watching her strength and endurance come through) and felt such rage at the magistrate. Some people are unable to relinquish power and make a final push to gain just a little more notoriety.

I find the witch trials fascinating and this book is based on actual places, people and events. Although this is a work of fiction, I love that these characters were imagined from real people. The book isn’t primarily about the famous trials as it goes on, but more about the women who suffered and the treatment of women at the time in general. There are no spells or creepy rituals as you might imagine. The witchcraft practices they were accused of where nothing more than using herbs as medicines and the many techniques the midwives used at the time. You might think these women were accused of dark magic or worse, but no. That’s what makes this story all the more tragic. However, the Pendle theme lingers throughout. This is a slow build read, but a satisfying one at that.

Office bookshelf didn't materialise so sending on as a thank you.

Wow, what a surprise! Thank you so much earthcaroleanne for this very unexpected book! I look forward to reading it!

This was a nice read while home bound with the flu. I enjoyed the historic fiction, the description of life in the 1600s and the history of the witch trials.