I loved this! The split between historical/present time frames, two strong female leads, and a gothic, mysterious house- what more could you want for fall?

This is an amazing atmospheric
story with so many twists and turns. Spanning two centuries, Ardbray, the house in the Scottish Highlands, is full of secrets, inside, and in the walled garden. A beautifully woven tale.
I couldn't put it down.

What a captivating, creative spell-binding historical mystery! Annabelle Marx’s debut will put her in some high places in the literary world! This magnificent story set in the breathtaking Scottish Highlands really captured my heart from the very first page to the last. The dual timeline narratives work well side by side and come together seamlessly at the end.

Ardbray House in the Scottish country setting has a brooding presence and harbours ghosts that never seem to let go and move on. This mansion and its surrounding grounds become a character, living and breathing through its residents. It is easy to feel the loneliness and remoteness of the locale but also the freedom that comes with this wild untamed setting. All the trauma witnessed by these walls, gardens and waters flow effortlessly from the past to the present— so its history never dies. Sounds cryptic? Yes, but I don’t want to give anything away. Reading this novel is a complex journey of discovery and one I heartily encourage!

I love how the author awakens our senses with the smell of raspberries cooking! Scents can be powerful memory triggers. I believe this way of touching or releasing memories is effective and the author has drawn upon her own talents or passion for cooking—making it even more special and familiar. There’s nothing like experience to add wonderful depth to a story. Of course, I must not forget the powerful presence of herbs in this novel and their importance. Kitty has a real gift in growing and using them to aid healing. I loved the various herbs and spices at the beginning of the chapters with notes and quotes. These were mostly from reference books of herbalist Hilda Leyel who founded the Society of Herbalists in England. She wrote under the name of Mrs. C. F. Leyel. These gem tidbits provide valuable insight into the story that follows.

The plots are fascinating with one series of events beginning in the past but continuing to have lasting effects in the present. These wonderful threads magically weave together. The characters are rich, rounded and relatable. They evoked great emotion in me from admiration for our heroine to disgust for the villainous characters. I felt sympathetic to Kitty and angry at how women were treated in the 1800s. Like many of her time, Kitty was unable to follow her callings or be in control of her own destiny. Women were expected to be married and living in the shadows of their husbands. Pleasing and feeding their ambitions. Mothers like Kitty’s were promoters of this culture and she is one of the people who pushes her daughter into a direction she does not want to go. Sadly, as a result, there are dire repercussions. Even Kitty’s sister has to learn the hard way, even though she comes across initially as agreeable to this customary course. These women, unfortunately, learn some terrible things about their husbands. But is it too late to find the freedom they crave?

There’s plenty of intrigue surrounding 1889 heroine Kitty Gray. She is the woman at the centre of this story driving it. The mystery that surrounds her life, garden and home are played out before our eyes. Her ambition to attend university and become a doctor fades once her forced marriage to Charles Maclean, one of Glasgow’s wealthiest bachelors, happens. She is often exiled by her husband to their remote Scottish Highland home for her independent spirit, advice and views. Her ‘modern woman thinking’ is not acceptable in a society that sees women as men’s possessions and must be under their control. Kitty’s father is the exception but he is unable to keep his daughter from being pushed by his wife/her mother into a direction that Kitty does not want to go. The heartache Kitty faces certainly broke my heart. But thankfully the new house has a brilliant library with many books she needs. This allows her to find purpose and solace in creating a lovely herbal garden. Kitty combines her medical knowledge and rising interest in herbalism to learn new ways of healing others. Her desire to be productive keeps her going. But tragedy is on the horizon and when her husband’s secrets are revealed, the walls of her safe space begin to crumble.

The novel is told from two viewpoints: Kitty in the past (1889) and Greer (housekeeper) in the present (2003). Caitlin lands at Ardbray House on a mission to renovate the crumbling mansion and its garden with the help of Greer. But as Caitlin dives into the home’s history, she learns some gut wrenching facts about its original owners. Along with this, a shocking surprise is uncovered. These events help Caitlin understand what has kept the spirits of this place from moving on. She also learns her part in this paranormal mystery and what/who has brought her here, to restore this dwelling to its former glory.

If you like stories with houses that have intriguing ghosts and complex historical mysteries, you need to read this. Also, this novel demonstrates well how difficult it was for women in the 1800s. But at least we get to see a small victory for Kitty when women could eventually own property without it being tied to their husbands. This is a great story on all counts and I am looking forward to more fascinating books by this gifted author. Highly recommend. One of the best reads of 2023! 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thanks to Storm Publishing and Netgalley for my review copy.

The Herbalist’s Secret is beautifully written. Marx’s words and descriptions hooked me from the beginning, and I really enjoyed the herbal anecdotes at the beginning of each chapter. The story is set around a stately home in a remote area of Scotland and Marx sets the scene so well that I felt that I could smell the fresh air, hear the wind, and feel the remoteness. The book opens with a tragedy and chapters alternate from the 1800s to the present day with two strong female narrators. The story gripped me from the beginning and I couldn’t wait to find out how the different two storylines connected in the end. A fantastic debut novel.

This was a good story, the author is very good at setting an atmosphere and describing the isolation and landscape of the Highlands.
I’m not entirely convinced that it’s titled in the correct way, there was very little about herbalism in the book and more about a walled garden. The story isn’t particularly unsettling or spooky, it’s more sad than anything else.
I’m not sure the modern narrative was needed to be honest.

An enjoyable read but nothing new.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the chance to read this ARC.

An enjoyable read with a fascinating subject matter. My only criticism is that the story is rather slow in pace.

The Herbalist's Secret by Annabelle Marx is a captivating and beautifully crafted novel that seamlessly weaves together two timelines, transporting readers to the enchanting Scottish Highlands. The story follows Kitty Gray, a woman ahead of her time in the late 19th century, who finds herself married to a wealthy man and exiled to Ardbray House. Her passion for herbalism becomes a refuge as she faces adversity and tragedy.

In 2003, Caitlin Black arrives at Ardbray House to restore the mansion and the walled garden, unwittingly uncovering the house's haunting secrets. The novel skillfully explores the interconnected journeys of these three women and the enduring power of a place that becomes a character itself. While the promise of herbalism adds depth to the narrative, it leaves readers wishing for a more profound exploration of this theme. Nevertheless, The Herbalist's Secret is an enchanting and evocative read that will linger in the mind, offering a satisfying blend of historical fiction, mystery, and the resilience of the human spirit.

I love anything do with Herbs and Herbalists so I was excited to read this book about Kitty and Greer. This is a well-written, page-turner book that goes back and forth between the time it the mansion with herb and vegetable gardens was built and enjoyed to early in the 21st century. Set in Scotland, one of my favorite places to read about, it is a haunting tale that is not to be missed. I'm looking forward to more books from this author!

This was a very intriguing book, I have to admit it took me a while to get into but I am so glad that I carried on with this novel and I surprised myself and actually enjoyed it.

Set across 2 dual timelines, we meet Kitty in 1889 and Caitlin in 2003. Two women but very closely connected in ways the reader finds out.

Kitty is married off and starts her life in Ardbray Hall, Kitty is a woman who had dreams of being a doctor but once married this idea of hers is soon stomped out. She starts a garden in the grounds of Ardbray Hall and spends her time there.

Caitlin arrives at Ardbray Hall in the hope of restoring it back to its full beauty. Whilst there she uncovers secrets that are really dark and the reader is thrust into a world of secrets.

This novel is hauntingly beautiful and I found myself quite emotional when reading parts of this novel.

Thanks to the publishers, author and Netgalley for allowing me a ARC in exchange for my honest review.

I wanted to enjoy this book more than I did. It wasn't a bad book, it just wanted all that interesting. It felt like there was more potential in the story but because it cut back and forth between the late 19th century and the early 21st century, both plots were only half-baked. I would've liked it better if it explored more about Kitty's pre-married life or maybe her life after the tragedy. Also I felt like the ending made the entire story redundant.

I loved the premise of the book, but couldn't get into it overall. I tried for the first quarter of the book, but the writing was disjointed and seemed confusing.

2.5 rounded up to 3. The book's premise appealed to me but the lack of herbalism was disappointing. I found it difficult to stay connected to the story through the heavy and unnecessary details that really did add anything, Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC

'The Herbalist's Secret' by Annabelle Marx is that perfect blend of historical fiction and contemporary mystery, with a crumbling Scottish mansion, Ardbray, at its heart. I was instantly beguiled by the tale of Kitty, a young newly married woman in the 1880s, struggling against the constraints of her time. Interspersed with Kitty's story is that of an older woman, Greer, who is a housekeeper in the present day, and whose connection to Ardbray is rather mysterious...when Ardbray is sold to Caitlin, an American, the mystery of the house's past begins to be revealed. Ardbray is described so evocatively, it was almost a character in its own right, and I was pulled into the house's spell, just like Kitty, and Greer, and Caitlin. Heartwarming, and heartbreaking, 'The Herbalist's Secret' will remain with me for a long time.

"Two small lifeless bodies lay on the sand, arms carefully placed by their sides. On the other side of the loch stands an imposing house. It's almost as if it gives a silent howl of distress, echoing over the hills, making the birds turn their gaze down to the beach where the two bodies lie, awaiting discovery.

1889: Kitty Gray dreams of attending university and becoming a doctor, but when she is married off to Charles Maclean, one of Glasgow's richest and most eligible bachelors, her aspiration suddenly slips far from reach.

Exiled to her new remote home in the Scottish Highlands, with its gargoyles, Gothic arches and turrets, Kitty seeks solace in creating a restorative herb garden. Combining her medical knowledge and new-found fascination with herbalism, Kitty spends her days absorbed in a world of herbs and their healing properties until a devastating tragedy strikes...

2003: Caitlin Black arrives at Ardbray House determined to restore the crumbling mansion and Kitty's walled garden to their former glory, enlisting the help of long-time housekeeper Greer Mackenzie. But as Caitlin delves deeper into the history of this once magnificent home, she uncovers a past haunted by misfortune and grief. And beneath the blood-red roses that climb beside the bay window of the drawing room, a human skull is about to be unearthed.

The truth that has held Ardbray House captive for so long is surfacing, and with it, the heart-breaking secret of the herbalist who once lived there.

An evocative, beautifully written, and unforgettable mystery that will transport you to the wild and beautiful Scottish Highlands. The Herbalist's Secret will have fans of Fiona Valpy, Louise Douglas, and Rhys Bowen completely mesmerised."

Please say that the herb garden is also a poison garden... Yeah, I'm quirky with what I like.

Beautiful and haunting, The Herbalist's Secret is an atmospheric tale from two points of view set in the city of Glasgow and the Highlands of Scotland. Kitty McLean, is a woman ahead of her time. Born into 19th century society where women having an education, or doing anything considered 'un-ladylike', was frowned upon, Kitty wanted to be her own woman, become a doctor. Unfortunately for her, she was married to wealthy man, ultimately finding herself locked away in their home in the Highlands where she began her lifelong study of Herbalism. Greer MacKenzie grew up with the recluse known as the "The Herb Lady", Kitty McLean. She has been entrusted to care for the house that Kitty loved, just as her grandmother and mother before her also had promised to Kitty. Told across time, both women show to have a great love for the grand home of Ardbray, but both struggle to leave it.

Throughout this story, you have a deep sense of redemption across multiple arcs when it comes to our main characters -- Kitty, Greer and Caitlin Black. Caitlin being introduced to us from Greer's perspective as the potential buyer of Ardbray. All three women have to lose something of themselves in order to push past what's holding them back into finding what they were truly meant to do with their lives. The house also holds a sense of mystery, and also a deep sadness, that is persistent across the pages -- especially when it comes to the ghosts of the children that haunt the halls and gardens.

This is a powerful and vivid tale of persistence and fortitude and finding peace in the face of tragedy or when what is expected of you comes crashing down. Kitty McLean will stay with me for some time.

Thank you to NetGalley, Storm Publishing and Annabelle Marx for an advanced copy of this book! Look for it towards the end of October 2023!!!!

"The Herbalist's Secret" by Annabelle Marx is a character-driven historical novel. I did feel as if it could be a little more gothic or use the "ghost" story side a little more but this isn't really the style of the book. Set in two time periods we learn how Kitty and Greer are tied to the house and what secrets it might hold.

The Herbalist's Secret is set in two different time periods and connects two women centuries apart by way of an isolated Scottish country house and its mysterious Herbalist owner.

The storyline set in the 1800s follows the life of Kitty Gray an aspiring medical doctor who is unable to fulfill her dreams due to her marriage to the wealthy Charles MacLean. When she is sent to live in Ardbray House, a secluded estate in the Scottish Highlands, Kitty is inspired to create a herb garden which will allow her to use her medical knowledge to heal those in need.

In 2003, Caitlin Black is the process of purchasing Ardbray House which has been neglected for years. When she starts noticing eerie things going on, the past beckons Caitlin to explore the house's dark history and its old herb garden.

I must say that I was engaged for the first half of the book, but I found myself getting bored with the plot after that point. Kitty's storyline was a little dry and I would have liked more action and more herbalism to have been included. Caitlin's storyline was more interesting, but the secret that was revealed in the end, while tragic, did not have enough impact. There were some supernatural components that were included in Caitlin's story, and I would have liked some supernatural elements in Kitty's story as well, to make it more interesting. I did not think there was enough herbalism included either, and it did not have enough presence in the drama or plot.

Overall, the story was a bit flat and dry for me, and there really wasn't anything unique about this dual-timeline story, compared to all of the other ones on the market.

Thank you to the publisher for providing me with a free arc via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

I really enjoyed learning the story through both Kitty and Greer. The descriptions of the setting, the influence of herbology, and the mystery of the two small children made this just a perfect spooky season read. Im rating this a 4.5 rounded up!

**3,75/5**
The Herbalist’s Secret leans definitely more towards the Historical Fiction than the Mystery side, and if you’re expecting the haunting and ghostly part to be the center of the story you might be disappointed. The plot around the discovered human skull felt a bit incidental to me, instead the main part of the story is about a young and ambitious woman, who struggles with the restrictions of society for women in the 19th century. We follow her as she creates a life she enjoys with the few possibilities she has, and the legacy she left.
The second point of view is from a long-term housekeeper and for some reason the woman felt very unreliable to me. I expected her to be a least a bit morally grey, but (sadly) that wasn’t were her story was going.
All in all, I had a good time reading this book, but I think I would have enjoyed it even more if I hadn’t expected more of a mystery.

The Herbalist’s Secret is a truly incredible debut novel. I couldn’t put it down and read it in a single day. It has everything I love in a novel: family drama, mystery, a glimpse into history, ghosts, strong female leads, and more. I was absolutely captivated by the dual timelines and found the main characters to be likable and relatable. Following the 1899 story of Kitty, a woman ahead of her time in many respects was inspiring, heartbreaking, and unforgettable. I loved this novel because while it had many different elements such as ghosts, murder, family drama, and even a peek into the cotton mill industry in the late 1800s-early 1900s, it never lost its way or its identity. This will be a book I recommend again and again and I’m already looking forward to Annabelle Marx’s next work.