Kerry Barrett's *The Secrets of Thistle Cottage* weaves a captivating tale of two women separated by centuries yet bound by the shadows of the past. This dual-timeline narrative seamlessly blends historical fiction with a touch of mystery, making for an immersive and intriguing read.

Barrett paints a vivid picture of North Berwick, Scotland, both in the 17th century and the present day. The descriptions of Thistle Cottage, with secrets hidden within its stone walls, create a truly atmospheric backdrop for the story.

Both Tess, the modern-day protagonist seeking refuge from scandal, and Honor, the 17th-century healer accused of witchcraft, are compelling characters. Their struggles, though vastly different, resonate with readers and highlight the enduring nature of societal pressures and prejudice.

Just when you think you have the story figured out, Barrett introduces a twist that keeps you guessing. The mystery surrounding the accusations against Honor and the secrets lurking in Tess's own life kept me hooked until the very end.

The historical context of witch hunts in Scotland is woven delicately into the narrative, adding depth and intrigue to the story. It serves as a reminder of the dark side of history and the dangers of fear and ignorance.

While the story maintains a generally good pace, there are moments when the narrative slows down slightly, particularly in the present-day storyline. Some readers may find certain plot points predictable, especially if they are familiar with the tropes of the genre.

*The Secrets of Thistle Cottage* is a captivating read that will appeal to fans of historical fiction and those who enjoy a touch of mystery. Barrett's skillful storytelling and the atmospheric setting make this a book that will linger in your mind long after you turn the final page.

I would recommend this book to readers who enjoy:
- Historical fiction with a hint of mystery
- Stories about strong female characters
- Atmospheric settings and vivid descriptions
- Books that explore themes of social injustice and prejudice.

Dual timeline but easy to follow. Often hard for me get into books from this time period but not the case here! Great character development and definitely an engaging storyline!!

I was drawn to this book due to my interest in tales about women accused of witchcraft. It’s unsettling to think about how easily societies can be swayed by gossip and falsehoods, particularly against women who often had knowledge of herbal remedies. The witch trials were a terrifying era for these women, who had little to no defense.

The narrative unfolds in two timelines. The first is set in 1661, focusing on Honor Seton and her daughter Alice, herbalists who become targets after a laird's wife dies despite their efforts. This historical timeline vividly portrays the dangers women faced and provides a compelling backdrop.

The second timeline takes place in the present day, following Tess and her daughter Jemima as they move into Thistle Cottage, a former witch’s home. After Tess’s husband is imprisoned, they discover the dark history of their new home and experience unsettling events that make them fear they’re being targeted.

The book flows well, with engaging characters and a well-crafted story. It’s a great read for those who enjoy historical fiction or witchcraft themes.

Thanks to HQ Digital and Netgalley for the advance copy.

A dual timeline novel, this engrossing story takes you from the present all the way back to the witch trials. Perfect for an immersive Halloween/spooky season read, this story draws you in showing the parallels between how women were judged harshly then can be close to how we're judged now. Especially interesting was how the author gave logical explanations for everything happening, yet the people still chose to believe in witchcraft and Magic. Much the same as it was during the witch trials. Very atmospheric and perfect for a cozy fall evening curled up under a blanket with a cup of tea.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

I received an advanced copy for free and am leaving this review voluntarily. Thank you to NetGalley, HQ, and Kerry Barrett. ❤️

I really enjoyed another offering from Barrett and thought the dual-timelines to be immersive and interesting. Alternating with the present day and the witch hunts in seventeenth century Scotland, I liked how the writer created parallels between the two plots.

In present day, Tess and her daughter, Jem, have move home following a scandal that lead the Tess’s husband imprisoned and a lot of vitriolic social media posts. However, despite living a place where no one seems to know their past, Tess and Jem are targeted with hateful, anonymous messages. It is clear that someone knows who Tess and Jem really are and, with Halloween approaching, these threats take a more sinister turn.

Yet, this does not seem to be too much different three hundred years previous. Honor is an incredibly clever, independent woman, yet the patriarchy of the time are threatened by this. She is knowledgeable on all things healing and, despite being a widower, has also been bequeathed a seat on the council. After curing several members of a household from the sickness, people start to turn against Honor and her daughter, Alice, particularly when other strange events start taking place. Although they can be reasoned logically, it doesn’t stop the magic and witchcraft rumours swirling around them.

Both timelines present women who feel trapped and hunted as a result of male actions. I was curious to see how both would become liberated and I liked the suggestion of magic throughout the story, especially with the scene with Alice at the end of the book. However, I do feel that Barrett really builds the tension over the course of the novel, which contrastingly felt wrapped up too quickly at the conclusion of the story. I think I wanted to see something more developed but, simultaneously couldn’t wait to find out what happened in both timelines.

This read is perfect for the autumn months and is especially atmospheric. I loved the historical angle of this story and could understand the frustration that Honor feels about being persecuted for her knowledge. Similarly, Tess and Jem have been tarnished with the same brush as their husband and although in different periods, the strength of rumours and how they are spread shows that history continues to repeat itself.

A well-written historical read, Barrett shows that witch hunts still take place today. In present day however, they can be anonymous, although just as damaging as they were for Honor and Alice.

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

This book was everything I look for in a book. It was so exciting. The plot was fantastic. It really had me on the edge of my seat, and my heart racing. It was very well written and flowed well.

"Be careful who you trust and who you follow for witches come in many disguises."

The Secrets of Thistle Cottage is set in North Berwick in 1661 and the present day and the author seamlessly transitions between the two timelines. The Secrets of Thistle Cottage is essentially about being an outcast in your community, in 1661 this takes place in the form of a witch hunt and in modern day the witch hunt is conducted via social media.

Initially, I found the parts of the story set in 1661 to be more intriguing but as the story progressed I felt equally invested in both aspects of the book.

The protagonists were strong and independent women who made for interesting reading and it was difficult to read without acknowledging that these events did and do occur.

This novel was a time slip novel. I struggled with this book because it was slow, and I could not relate to any of the characters. Still, the story is well-written. I recommend this for fans of The Outlander!

I am a bit of a sucker for an immersive read about witches to achieve some escapism…
This is quite a heart-warming read that switches between the past, (1661) and present time about a mother and daughter that live in Thistle Cottage; gathering strength from each other. They both try to live quiet lives there, not drawing too much attention to themselves, and both have their crosses to bear.
Honor Seton and her daughter Alex, risk being victimised and killed for being witches by the imposing Laird, when essentially, all they are, are reluctant healers. Similarly, Tess and her daughter Jem are starting a new life after her well known husband was convicted and imprisoned. But they have moved into a small minded village, where all are not exactly welcoming.
Both women are strong in an unassuming way. They are warm characters and inclined to do good. The book flows and is easy to get into and follow, switching at junctures that neatly leaving you hanging. The historical component is immersive, dark, and atmospheric, with great thundery night imaginations. The latter more a contemporary witch hunt, based on social behaviours.
The read is entirely predictable, but nonetheless enjoyable enough. Nothing too heavy, despite some of the context. It offers a nice, blended approach that allows contemporary readers/historical readers that may not have read the other genre to experience it in a complementary way.

A beautiful gothic tale that is full of mystery and intrigue. This story is well written and keeps the reader engaged from beginning to end.

Thoughts to ponder: 🤔
What if your husband was a famous television personality who was suddenly convicted of brutal sex crimes against women. (As we all know this has actually happened recently in the media world.) Everyone says "How could the wife not be aware?" But would she know? What if her husband was so good at living a duel life that she honestly had no clue? Most importantly, how would she protect her innocent young children from harmful media and personal accusations? The children are not responsible for their dad's actions. Why should they suffer?

Tess Blyth moves with her 14-year-old daughter Jem, to escape the media coverage surrounding her ex-husband's very public transgressions and subsequent prison sentence. They need a new start and pick a beautiful little home (Thistle Cottage) near the beach. Tess and Jem love their new home until they begin to hear rumors that a witch and her daughter once lived in the house. At first, it's a fun distraction to track down clues to the mysterious past of Thistle Cottage. Suddenly, the game turns deadly when they are threatened and fear for their safety.

The Secrets of Thistle Cottage is the raw emotional journey of two women separated by time trying to protect their daughters from very difficult situations. It is very well written and enjoyable suspense. I look forward to reading more from the very talented Kerry Barrett. (4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating.)

Thank you NetGalley and HQ Digital, for allowing me to review this thrilling book. I appreciate your kindness.

Thank you both Author and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this.

I blew through this book in two days. I found myself rooting for all four women in this and they were being hunted at two different times. This author did a beautiful job bouncing between both times with grace and ease. I love anything revolving around witches, magic, and powerful women and this book had all of this and more. I felt more drawn to Honor and Alice, as I loved learning little tidbits about Honor's healing capabilities. I cannot wait to add this to the library! It was truly wonderful.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC! I've tried getting into this book but it's simply not holding my attention, so unfortunately I have to DNF.

Loved the Scottish setting but then I love all things Scottish expect the accent and the witchcraft scare. It was fairly quick read. It was nice to read something set in a time I normally don't read (1660s) and don't know much about from history class.

A brilliant time slip, with a truly gripping witchcraft accusation storyline. Beautifully written and well tied together stories, as with all of Barrett's previous books!

Another amazing duel timeline novel by Kerry Barrett.
Love the two stories interwoven through history based in an old cottage.
A historical book about witch craft and cleverly interwoven with the modern day equivalent of a ‘witch hunt’
In this book the dual timeline is split into both a mother & daughter. It is a unique way of showing two views in each timeline.
I really liked the way this was written. My favourite timeline was the older story of Honor and her daughter Alice. But Tess and Jem are a great mother/ daughter duo!
I have read all Kerry Barrett’s novels to date and would highly recommend!

This book was very atmospheric and really enjoyed the dual time line. It is a story of the past with a Mother & daughter living in Thistle Cottage and then present day with another Mother & daughter living there.

Tess & Jem have moved into Thistle Cottage to get away from problems of their past the cottage is also known as Witches cottage. Honor and her daughter Alice lived in the cottage in 1661. Honor is someone who helps people when they are ill or having problems giving birth, unfortunately Honor has made an enemy will she and her daughter be ok.

Tess & Jem are getting strange and spooky things happening to the house is someone out there to get them scared. Tess tries her best to put the past behind her.

I thought the book was well written and it was very interesting to read it.

A brilliant book which I couldn’t put down, atmospheric and conjuring a real sense of mystery and danger. . Witchfinding in one century mirrors with a similar story in modern.. When Tess and her daughter flee to a new town to escape their old lives following a very public scandal they never imagined becoming involved in the story of their new cottage and it’s earlier inhabitants.

This was a fast-moving story and a light read despite the heavy theme. The women in both timelines face prejudice, animosity and threats fuelled by mass hysteria and a mob mentality. The story shows how lies and gossip can have devastating and far-reaching consequences whether spread by word of mouth or on social media.
I enjoyed the witches storyline. Knowing what historically happened to women like them I couldn't shake the foreboding sense of doom facing Honor and her daughter.
The present timeline had a similar feel but I didn't have the same fear for Tess and Jen as they had the privilege of having rights and the protection of law enforcement.
I felt that the ending was rushed a little bit with everything working out too neatly for all involved. However, this was a book I found difficult to put down. I loved the historical elements and the dual timelines

3.5 stars rounded up to 4.

Historical fiction meets beach read meets modern day morality tale. We, as modern folks, like to think that we would never succumb to the witch hunts of old. However, this book shows that the only thing that separates then from now is time. Human nature is slow to adapt.

Told in a dual dual narrative style (each pair of mother & daughter) and dual timeline, it’s an easy read but there are some anachronisms (one example - the word bully is used incorrectly for the 17th century as it was basically the antonym of today’s meaning).

All in all, this was my first time reading this author and whenever I want to escape to the past, but not hurt my brain in doing so, I will definitely pick up another title they’ve written.

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for providing me with a free copy of this book to review.