Eleanor Porter weaves a captivating tapestry of love, betrayal, and the indomitable spirit of a woman in her brilliant follow-up novel, "The Good Wife." Set against the backdrop of Elizabethan England, this tale of Martha Spicer's resilience and courage is a compelling exploration of female strength in the face of adversity.

The story unfolds with Martha, once accused of witchcraft, now leading a contented life with her husband, Jacob. However, when Jacob leaves to accompany his master, he leaves Martha with a warning that sets the stage for the gripping narrative that follows. Porter skillfully creates a sense of foreboding, urging readers to accompany Martha on her journey through a world filled with suspicion, danger, and the ever-present threat of her past returning to haunt her.

At the heart of the novel is Martha's internal struggle as she grapples with the expectations of being a "good wife" in a society that constantly seeks to suppress her healing gifts. The character development is impeccable, with Martha emerging as a relatable and strong protagonist. Porter artfully captures the nuances of Martha's emotions, making her journey one that resonates with readers on a profound level.

The antagonist, Steward Boult, adds a layer of tension to the narrative. His sinister presence and the choices Martha must make in order to protect herself from his malevolence heighten the stakes, keeping the reader invested in Martha's fate. The author masterfully portrays the societal constraints and the challenges faced by women during this period, offering a thought-provoking exploration of gender roles.

Porter's prose is rich and immersive, transporting readers to the Elizabethan era with vivid descriptions and a keen attention to historical detail. The pacing is well-balanced, maintaining a sense of urgency as Martha confronts difficult decisions and navigates the perilous path ahead.

While the novel excels in capturing the historical atmosphere and the complexities of its characters, some readers may find certain plot elements somewhat predictable. However, the predictability is overshadowed by the strength of Porter's storytelling and the resonance of Martha's journey.

In conclusion, "The Good Wife" is a four-star masterpiece that delves into themes of loyalty, liberation, and the enduring spirit of women in the face of societal constraints. Eleanor Porter's meticulous research and compelling storytelling make this novel a must-read for fans of historical fiction. For those who appreciate tales of female courage, ingenuity, and determination, "The Good Wife" is a literary journey that will leave a lasting impression. It is a powerful testament to the strength that lies within, even when faced with the darkest shadows of the past.

I enjoyed this book marginally more than the first of the series; I thought there was enough to hold my concentration and more events to push the plot forwards. However, I still found it a challenge and a hard slog to read.

This time, the majority of the story is dominated by Martha’s quest to find her husband. She is forced to leave her community due to unwanted male advances and cannot see a way of surviving without Jacob – whom she firmly believes is still alive. He has been absent for several weeks and Martha increasingly struggles to defend herself as a single woman. Leaving in secret, Martha soon realises that to be a travelling, single woman is dangerous, so she disguises herself as a boy. Along the way, Martha interacts with other characters, but I don’t think they were very interesting and memorable.

Although this is based on historical fact and I acknowledge that Martha’s story is a reflection of the times, I don’t think Porter made it overly original. The abusive, patriarchal society was too heavily played upon; the struggling poverty and greedy upper classes was seen also in the previous book; Martha’s need to escape felt too familiar. In my opinion, I believe Porter could have made Martha’s quest more interesting, especially with the company she keeps. The characters in the story felt like over-used stereotypes and I don’t think this book offered anything very much different.

The first novel really emphasised Martha’s knowledge of herbs and the accusations of witchcraft. This does not dominate as much, although I enjoyed how Porter was able to weave in a bit of the supernatural anyway. It was a surprising direction for the novel to take and I think this was something Porter could have capitalised on, even if it meant sacrificing the historical, factual element.

I grew frustrated with Martha and disappointed by the ending. I don’t think the outcome was what she deserved and I did sympathise with her. Throughout the book, she is mistreated by so many around her and I think I was hoping for Porter to offer her a bit of a break from this suffocating society. On the other hand, the character was satisfied at the end, even if I were not.

I don’t think this is a writer I will pursue in the future. Whilst I enjoy reading historical fiction, I don’t think this was the most enjoyable portrayal that I have read. I like reading books that explore the witch trials in England, but this was not as captivating as I wanted it to be.

With thanks to Boldwood books and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I requested this historical fiction novel with the intention to broaden the genres I read. Unfortunately the period in time in which this novel was set just didn’t work for me.

A DNF

I loved Eleanor Porter's first novel and loved this one.
it's a poignant, engrossing and well researched historical fiction that describes an era when being a clever and independent woman could mean being accused of witchcraft and sentenced.
Martha is well rounded and interesting characters, she's strong willed and brave. I loved her and loved her relationship with Jacob.
The plot flows and kept me turning pages, the historical background is well researched.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine

Sometimes I agonize about how many stars to give out, and I’m stingy with giving 5. This one was easy and well deserved 5 star. Very interesting, entertaining and well researched. Thank you netgalley and publisher for this arc in exchange of an honest review.

Martha has already been saved by Jacob, he is a good man and he gets invited to accompany his Master but this means leaving Martha behind which concerns him, and he tells her she must hid her healing as it will get her trouble.

Martha is out gathering herbs when she has an encounter with the Steward and he is interested in her healing powers. The Steward has a reputation with women and she was warned to stay away from him by Jacob. Her neighbour also warns her about Roger Boult the Steward, but she thinks she can look after herself. She thinks that if she cures him then she will secure her and Jacob’s future. Martha has already been accused of witchcraft so she needs to be careful, and then the Steward takes advantage of her. She thinks she has it under control but Boult is used to getting his own way.

Martha thinks that she is with child and is wishing that Jacob would return soon but this will not be for weeks and Boult is getting more and more demanding. Boult really is a repulsive character, forcing himself upon Martha he tells her that Jacob will not have a job to come back to if she doesn’t do what he wants her too.

Tragedy strikes and Martha finds herself alone and potentially homeless and Boult is behind it all so Martha has to take drastic action. This is the second book in the series however this did not matter the book can be read as a standalone, however I will be checking out The Wheelwright’s Daughter as I really enjoyed the historical aspect and the story of Martha and how she overcomes the hurdles that life throws at her.

A really interesting and well researched novel set in Elizabethan England.

4 stars ****

The Good Wife by Eleanor Porter is a follow up to her other novel, The Wheelwright’s Daughter, which I reviewed here. I think it was nice to have read the first novel, however, Elabor Porter‘s writing is excellent, and I think reading this as a standalone would also work.

I’ve gained an interest in historical fiction over the last year or so. The amount of research is clear, and the writing feels authentic because of it. I love being transported back in time, and that is what happens in The Good Wife.

While this book is not fast-paced, the love between Martha and Jacob, as well as Martha’s journey of growth is compelling and emotional. The decisions she must make, and her gifts are all very intriguing. And because of those things, I didn’t need this to be fast. I enjoyed the journey.

I enjoyed this one. If historical fiction is your thing, you won’t want to miss out.

Rating:

4/5☆

*I received a free copy of this book from Rachel’s Random Resources to review honestly on the blog tour. All opinions are my own and unbiased.*

Eleanor Porter’s The Good Wife is a beautifully crafted historical novel rich in atmosphere, intrigue and suspense that is beguiling, lyrical and captivating.

Martha Spicer is finally able to lead a happy and fulfilling life with her husband Jacob. Having once been accused of witchcraft, Martha had come far too close to the hangman’s noose, but now freed from the shadow of the gallows, she is hopeful that she will never have to go through such a terrifying ordeal ever again. With Jacob about to accompany his master north, Martha will be left all on her own and is warned by her husband to keep her healing gifts a secret and not to arouse suspicion or let anybody know about her ability to heal. Martha hopes to be a good wife to Jacob and not attract anybody’s attention, but that proves difficult when Steward Boult begins asking far too many questions and forces her to make an impossible choice: attend to him or else destroy the life she had built with Jacob.

All alone, frightened and desperate, Martha’s back is firmly against the wall. Whichever way she turns, she knows that she stands to lose everything and with nowhere and nobody to turn to finds herself faced with the hardest decision of her life: spend her life beholden to Boult or travel north to find her husband who is rumoured to have been killed. Martha must tread carefully because she has the toughest journey of her life ahead of her – and this time the gift that had once nearly cost her her life might just be the only weapon in her arsenal which will set her free.

Eleanor Porter’s The Good Wife is an evocative historical novel that is so deftly written and exquisitely crafted, I almost felt as if I was an active participant in this story and not just a reader. Eleanor Porter brings the past and all its dangers to startling life and layers her narrative with danger, terror, tension and shocking revelations that kept me engrossed and entertained throughout.

Eleanor Porter has created a wonderful heroine in Martha Spicer. She is not only brave, courageous, loyal and inspirational, but manages to be relatable and ‘modern’ without being in any way anachronistic or like a contemporary heroine in period dress.

An accomplished historical novel, Eleanor Porter dazzles once again with her second novel, The Good Wife.

'The Good Wife' by Eleanor Porter is a sequel to 'The Wheelwrights Daughter' but I have only read this and it does work as a standalone. I am a person who usually has to read every book if I like the series so I shall be rooting out the first book too.
A historical fiction story featuring Maggie and Jacob Spicer. They are a couple who have been through the mill. Previously Maggie had been accused of being a witch so they have moved and had a fresh beginning. Everything is going well until the day Jacob has to travel with his master, this means he will be away from Maggie for months. He asks her not to use her healing gift and draw attention to herself while he is gone. Maggie does as he asks but finds her reputation has followed her and is requested to use her healing power again. Maggie realises this will not end well and knows she has a choice to make, stay and hope for the best or go on the road to hopefully find her husband. She makes the decision to travel but by this decision alone she has created a dangerous situation for herself as a woman travelling alone. One thing she does find is that she is free-er than she ever has been in her entire life.
A story that shows us the dangers in the Elizabethan times of superstition and pitfalls of being able to heal using natural remedies as they considered these things witchcraft. The world that Maggie inhabited during this time was fraught with danger for her if she used her abilities. It is also the story of finding truth and love as we see Maggie set of on her way to discover Jacobs whereabouts.
An engrossing story that had me caught up in Maggie's world and rooting for her from the start.
Thanks to Rachel's Random Resources, Boldwood Books and NetGalley for the copy of the book and my place on the tour today.

The Good Wife is the sequel to The Wheelwright's Daughter but readable as a standalone. Martha is married to Jacob and happy. He is her world, but it starts to crumble when he follows his master north. Jacob is worried about leaving Martha, who attracts attention for her healing skills. She is intelligent and wise in natural healing but naive when facing the world's evils. When Jacob doesn't return, her world implodes. Forced to flee her long journey is one of danger and self-discovery. She matures with each encounter and every problem she faces.

The historical details make the journey atmospheric and immersive. The characters are vibrant, with intriguing relationship dynamics. I love the understanding she has with her horse. The evil she faces is difficult to read but necessary to the story. There are many poignant and tragic moments, but ultimately the journey is a positive experience for Martha.

I received a copy of this book from Boldwood Books via NetGalley in return for an honest review.

The Good Wife was a delightful change of scenery and was a fascinating vacation to a time more simple but deadly. The Good Wife is based the Elizabethan Era, a time when a woman would be hanged or committed for being more than a simple wife. Exactly the fate our dear Martha managed to escape and tries her hardest to avoid.

The book follows Martha, a woman who was nearly hanged after being accused of Witchcraft for being desired by the wrong guy and having a way with plants. Her life is one to tread lightly and as she tries to avoid her past from repeating itself. She has decided to live a simpler life, no longer dealing with healing and following her husbands requests at being nothing more than a good wife, like her neighbours. But what happens when your husband gets called away for work and an opportunity comes calling to the door. A opportunity that leads down a rabbit hole of regret.

I really enjoyed the feel of this book, it was educating but not heavy. No, it had an enjoyable feel, like a dream of a simpler time. It transported you into a moment of history without feeling like a lecture. And I enjoyed every second of it. In fact I flew through my read and bonded with Martha in a way that I feel she could be a past life. I hope I was Martha in a past life. It was also scary to be reminded that back then debts weren’t always paid in gold, some were demanded in more and women always suffered. And that is evident throughout this book.

I also found the historical context to be accurate and interesting. The finer details, the hierarchies, the experience that Eleanor transports you on felt real and I honestly enjoyed it. It is the type of book that can be read as a standalone but with how well it is written, it is worth picking up the first as well. So if you want to be taken back to a moment of the past and witness the battles that women and witches had to overcome, I suggest giving this novel a try.

The Good Wife is the second book in what could be called a continuance/series which follows the story of Martha, a woman living in the Elizabethan age, which is full of suspicion and danger especially for women whom unfortunately for them are perceived to be witches. I haven’t read the previous book; The Wheelwright’s Daughter (even though that has been sitting on my kindle for way too long) from what I can gather this book continues on from where the previous left off – though I could be wrong, to be perfectly honest I don’t think not reading the previous had any huge impact in my enjoyment of The Good Wife, I think you can easily read it as a stand-alone.

Martha was previously accused of Witchcraft, after her marriage to Jacob they have started a whole new life together but their peaceful quiet life is to be torn apart when Jacob goes north for a few months with his master, he leaves Martha with a warning not to tell anyone about her ‘gifts’ she is to keep to herself. Which is all well and good until he leaves and soon the locals are shooting menacing looks in her direction, one thing leads to another and she finds herself in a situation where she must make a decision, one which will change her and possibly Jacob’s life; should she stay and face the trouble and danger which is heading her way, or should she leave, head north in search of her beloved Jacob?

We follow Martha as she sets out on her perilous journey, Martha despite her not being hugely clued up to the world around her has a real strength of character, she is determined, loyal to her husband and wise to the old ways – those very ways which could get her in trouble. Martha did strike me as a young woman who has been carefully hidden and protected so much so that once she must face the world for herself she is a little uncertain and I think some peoples prejudice and superstitions which a lot of these smaller villagers till hold on to does take her a little unaware she is so closeted that she must learn how to take care of herself, but I also like the progression of her journey of self-discovery and how as the story moves steadily forward she becomes wiser and confident.

I am fascinated with this era, especially the Witch side of the story I have always been drawn to stories which tell the stories of those women who were so badly treated all because of their gifts, when really these women were wise they were healers and helpers not spawn of the devil. I like that the suspicion o the time is evident on every page especially once Martha sets out on her travels as she passes through towns and villagers she sees a different life one of which I think she has been slightly shielded from

The Good Wife really drums home what a person can do when they are put into a precarious position, this is all about a strong if naïve woman in search of her destiny, in search of her love and in search of herself. Overall, The Good Wife is a lovely little story, it’s a compelling and highly enjoyable read one which I would recommend any historical fiction fan to have a read of.

It’s a beautifully written historical which really captures the reader’s attention and imagination, I like the way it easily flows taking you with it as it moves to the finale. It’s a little slower paced for my liking but I think it really works for the story being told.

This is the first I have read by Eleanor Porter and I thoroughly enjoyed my introduction to her work, and I will definitely be reading the previous book in the continuance; The Wheelwrights Daughter.

Eleanor Porter’s novel, The Good Wife, is vastly interesting and entertaining. I had no idea that it was a sequel. The writing is so good that you don’t need to read the first book to enjoy this one. Also, the historical context at the end is fascinating. The research involved is excellent. To know that some of these characters were real people and the towns are real is a phenomenal feeling.

The way Porter writes Martha and Jacob into a real-life past is extraordinary. I have long loved apothecaries of old. That Martha holds this magic in her heart makes me wish to have been there alongside her.

I admit that I was unsure of this book at first. It was a little too boring with Martha and Jacob having this undying love. But, watching Martha grow from a mousy waif to a strong, compelling woman at the end is inspirational. I loved her journey, even the parts that I wish I could skip.

I thoroughly enjoyed this novel and hope beyond hope that there is more story for Martha. In the meantime, I will be reading the first novel to learn more about her past.

I am happy to award The Good Wife 4 out of 5 stars. Anyone who loves history with a little (supposed) witchcraft mixed in will love this novel. Though, you might want to have a few tissues on hand. There are a few dusty places.

My thanks to Eleanor Porter, Boldwood Books, and Net Galley for the ARC of THE GOOD WIFE.
I hadn't read the previous book about Martha, and Jacob Spicer, but it did not spoil my enjoyment of the lovely story. As someone who had already been accused of witchcraft and who had escaped the threat of the gallows, Martha is sensitive to the fear of it happening again when requests are made of her to use her skills to heal with her simples. When Jacob is offered a job with his master which entails him travelling into the north and being away from home for two months, the Steward of the manor, Boult insists she goes to him to heal his leg with her art. Jacob warned her of using her arts again, but Boult gives her no choice and then tries to press himself upon her as she was told he would. When she hears that Jacob was killed in a street fight, pregnant with Jacob's child, and alone, she decides to walk to where Jacob was last seen. She believes him to be alive and her odyssey takes her into the lives of those who would either help or hinder her, but the closer she gets to where Jacob is said to be, the less certain she is of what she will find.

This is the second book that follows the story of Martha, she was once accused of being a witch. After her marriage to Jacob Spicer, they both move and start a new life together, a fresh start with a chance of a good life and where they are unknown.

Life is indeed good until Jacob is asked to travel with his master and this means he will be away for a couple of months. Martha tries her best to continue as normal, but it seems her reputation for healing has followed her and she is called to heal again. Something that Jacob didn't want there doing again. She gradually gets drawn into a situation that she can see no good end to. She also hears that Jacob has been killed and her only option is to stay or to leave to find Jacobs body.

The author takes Martha on a journey that sees her in a dangerous predicament. A woman travelling alone is not good, it is full of danger and yet the author has a plan for our main protagonist. While this plan is not without its own danger it is a very good option and one that allows Martha more freedom than she has had before.

She finds a companion of sorts, not completely trust-worthy but one that is at times more help than a hindrance. Martha's travels take her into villages and towns and she is made aware of how naive she really is.

This is a story not just of love and finding the truth but also one that is bound up in superstition and the use of natural ingredients to heal. Set in the Elizabethan era when witchcraft is definitely frowned upon, it lends itself to the story of Martha.

This is a historical fiction novel that I really enjoyed, it continues on from The Wheelwright's Daughter and shows the world through the eyes of a young woman. It has a feel of being caught between the devil and the deep blue sea as Martha is caught between two choices. The author creates a story that I found to be very addictive and while there is a desperation to Martha there is also a glimmer of hope. A lovely read and one that I would recommend reading if you like good historical fiction.

Calling all historical fiction fans! If you are seeking a compelling story packed full of adventure, witchcraft, romance, desire and loss, then The Good Wife by Eleanor Porter is the one for you!

Follow the 16th-century tale of Martha Spicer, a courageous heroine, as she fights for her newfound happiness: a happily ever after with her husband, Jacob. I am a huge fan of historical fiction of all eras. Authors such as Phillipa Gregory, Tracy Chevalier and Kate Quinn are at the top of my list. Now enter Eleanor Porter.

Spellbindingly written, superbly crafted, this follow up novel has all the trappings of an unputdownable work of fiction. Not to give too much away, but I was desperate to know the fate of "turtle doves", Martha and Jacob Spicer. Even though Martha is no ordinary damsel in distress, you will fall in love with her and care deeply for her welfare. And god, I hated that horrible, beastly Steward Bault. The author certainly knows how to write up an unforgettable villain There is a whole cast of other intriguing characters too, such as Sally Robbins and Rowland Coggeshill. Furthermore, I must also compliment the author on her poetic turn of phrase. Her book is wonderfully laced with engaging vocabulary, captivating imagery and lyrical descriptions. All of these components arrest your imagination, completely drawing you in. I recommend reading this book surrounded by tealight candles, twinkly music in the background, whilst sipping a nice cup of hot chocolate? Trust me, it’s a match made in heaven. Encore, Eleanor Porter!

Martha is such a sweet character that I fell for her and her endearing qualities and talents throughout the story. Although it did drag a few times through the story, it was still an enjoying read to see how her path went on to explore what she could do, flourishing all to the end.

I enjoyed this story although at times I found it dragging and my attention wandered. I do struggle with some historical fiction but, I feel I need to stretch myself from time to time. I’m sure other readers would throughly enjoy this book. My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.

A good read, where the main character, Martha, sets off on a predictable path, which becomes more unpredictable as time goes by, and she learns how to use her talents in newways, dressing as a man, for one, when she needs to. She meets up with Edward Talbot, or Kelley as he is also known, and learns a lot on her quest for her husband. How her quest ends would be too much of a spoiler so I will not include it.