Daughters of the Witching Hill offers a fresh approach with witches who believe in their own power and yet, in many ways, are still innocent. Sharratt's readers-like the magistrate who took the women's confessions-are likely to be spellbound by their stories. -M.L. Johnson, AP, San Francisco Chronicle
Full of the reality of the day, this story is stark and real, but Sharratt's descriptions of landscape and the daily life of the poor at the time are rich enough to feed the senses. The author weaves this vast canvas of changing culture into the personal stories of these women, and in the process transports us to a distant land, a distant time-and deep into the story of people we sympathize with and care about. -Linda White, Minneapolis Star-Tribune
Sharratt successfully combines excellent historical detail, drama, and emotional accounts that blend beautifully into a vibrant story. Perfectly plotted, impressive, and full of tension, this is most assuredly a bewitching tale. Highly recommended. -Rebecca Roberts, Historical Novels Review, Editor's Choice Pick
A breathless page turner ... Daughters of the Witching Hill leads to any exciting conclusion, of course-the gory, dramatic horror of the witch trial-but when readers close the book, that's amazingly not the part we remember. We come to know these 'witches' as people, skilled in herbal or even magical healing, yes, but also in demanding respect from others, and of themselves. -Kristen Thiel, Rain Taxi
Every time I picked this book up I was immediately transported to Pendle Forest and completely absorbed in the story of these women. . . . I encourage all to read this enchanting story. -Bookbrowse.com, Editor's Choice Pick
This book is a new approach to an old subject and will take you back to a time when innocence was lost because of fear, petty revenge and superstition. It will bewitch you. -Mary Daugherty, The News-Enterprise
Daughters of the Witching Hill is very different for Sharratt, yet just as rich and compelling as this author's previous works. Bess and her clan live and breathe on the pages of Sharratt's book-at least for a while-and we come away from the experience with a fresh view of what might really have happened in Lancashire in 1612. -Sienna Powers, January Magazine
Discussion questions by the author
Book Club Talking Points:
In addition to the fascinating topic of witch trials, this book explores the effects of fear and greed on relationships and society. It sheds light on the often thin line between religion and witchcraft and scrutinizes England's history during this era. It's historically rich and one that will haunt you.
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