I wasn't sure about this book at the beginning. I have enjoyed many Barbara Erskine books over the years, but there is always the danger that the books become a bit samey. However, this book was enjoyable as the author's writing brings the characters to life. It is based on real people and as such their destiny could not be altered. The author has a way with words to take the reader back in time so you feel as if you are there.

As always Barbara Erskine has produced a novel that grabs you from the first sentence and does not let go until the final page. Her recognisable themes of a contemporary woman recovering from unpleasant personal experience and a new connection with a woman from the past are present but she manages to make the situation new and different each time.
Characters are realistic and sympathetic but still surprise the reader in the way that they can suddenly behave in an unpredictable way. Cadi is an intelligent woman but also capable of giving in to emotions that drive the story forward. Elen is a vague figure in the footnotes of history to the few people that have heard of her before reading this book, but after reading it she is as real to the reader’s imagination as more well known figures from the past.
The reappearance of Meryn Jones from previous books is very welcome and adds to the feeling that the stories Erskine creates are real as they begin to overlap.
I read the book over a few days and could not put it down even though I knew I would be sad to finish it, now I am impatiently waiting for the announcement of her next novel although I know it will be a while!
Just brilliant as always.

I loved this book! What a great story!
Cadi, a writer /poet lives on the edge of a beautiful small Welsh village where she writes books about Welsh mythology. She revels in the peace and quiet that surrounds her home, and after several failed relationships is happily single. There is only one thing concerning her and that is the strange sound of marching feet that she hears sometimes. However, life in the village looks like it is changing when someone submits plans to build on the meadow next to her home and the marching feet get louder and louder.......
I loved the way the author combines the real history of the Roman occupation of the British Isles with the mythology of King Arthur and Excalibur and interweaves this with the modern day. I learnt a lot about the Roman occupation particularly that of the Welsh Borders which was absolutely fascinating.
The story is relayed through the experiences of the story's characters and what an incredible story it is- both gripping and thrilling I could not put this book down! Highly recommended!

The story spinner of the title is Cadi , who finds herself writing the story of Elen, a princess of the Silures in 382 AD. The ancient field next to her cottage is under threat from developers which seems to be the catalyst for awakening it's long lost story. A fascinating glimpse into the later years of Roman occupation that's well researched and totally absorbing

The Story Spinner is a wonderful engrossing story that segues beautifully from present day back in time to 382 AD. Wales have powerful warlike tribes, the Silures and the Romans are well established in Britain. Roman General Macsen wanting to advance his power forms an alliance with the tribes by marrying their kings daughter Elen.
Back in 2024 historical poet and writer has discovered Elen’s lost story and with some supernatural help from Camp Meadow next to her cottage she finds herself automatically writing It all down.
The writing is atmospheric with a cast of characters past and present that epitomises the good and the downright evil.
Born and living in North Wales this for me was an eye opener into our past history. An exciting and throughly enjoyable well researched read.
My thanks to net galley and publisher for the opportunity to review this book honestly.

Another engaging page-turner from the doyenne of time-shift novels. Again set in Wales, 'The Story Spinner' shifts - seamlessly - from today with threats from property developers to the latter days of Roman occupation, and a semi-mythical British princess who becomes an empress.

I would highly recommend to anyone who wants, needs a really good engrossing read.

With thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollins for an ARC.

Barbara Erskine's "The Story Spinner" is a masterful blend of historical fiction and supernatural elements, showcasing her signature style that I've come to love. While the narrative is a slow burner and takes a good quarter of the book to truly pick up pace, the meticulous buildup is worth the wait. Erskine's ability to weave intricate plots and richly detailed settings shines through, creating an immersive reading experience. Despite the sluggish start, her storytelling prowess and captivating characters ultimately deliver a rewarding journey, reaffirming why she's one of my favorite authors.

I have read all of Barbara Erskine’s novels and my love of historical fiction and dual timelines began with Lady of Hay, and I always eagerly reserve a hardback of every novel published. Therefore, I was thrilled to receive a review copy of this latest novel from NetGalley.
Immaculately and thoroughly researched, great characters and an excellent plot line, along with the supernatural and magical mystical elements which we all associate with this author’s work.
For me, it wasn’t my favourite novel. I did find the history a little hard going and feel some parts of the book read more like a non-fiction piece of research work, and I did prefer the more magical character driven storytelling parts of the book as seen in earlier works, but that is purely personal preference. This absolutely does not detract that this is another exceptional five ⭐️ story from this author. Thank you to the author, NetGalley and the publisher for the privilege of reviewing this book.

I’m a fan of Barbara Erskine and this is up there with one of my favourites of her novels.

In some of Erskine’s other novels I have found the present- day storylines to be a bit staid but here, following Cadi, I found I quite liked the characters, especially uncle Meryn; there was plenty of drama afoot too! In terms of the historical aspects, you can really tell how thoroughly researched it is and Erskine manages to bring it all to life with multi-dimensional characters. I really enjoyed the magic/mythical/Druid elements and literally couldn’t put this book down!

Having loved this authors work for nearly 40 years, I was delighted to find that the quality of her writing still has the power to draw the reader in right from the start and bring history alive. Both Elen and Cadi are fascinating characters, Cadi in present day and Elen in 382 AD. We follow Elen through her life, after her arranged marriage to Roman General Macsen and how his ambition takes them on a dangerous march from Britain towards Rome. The Roman way of life in Britain at that time is beautifully written and researched, and really fascinating to read. I loved the idea of the time slip, it felt authentic and so believable in this setting. Cadi is a poet with a love of the area where she lives, and who has a gift that she is still trying to come to terms with. When she hears the sound of marching feet it sets her off on her own journey, to find out all she can about Elen as so little is know or written about her and her place in Welsh history. Another winner from this author. Recommended.

Thanks to NetGalley, the author and the publishers for the opportunity to read and review this book.

This wasn’t my usual style of book but this year I have decided to add to my reading genres. This book was wonderfully written, I liked the characters (for the most part) one or two you are expected to dislike). I found the time slips easy to manage and the Roman period was described in detail. An absolute winner for me.

I have read everything by Barbara Erskine from Lady of Hay onward, and so I was delighted to get an ARC from netgalley. This is a novel that meets her usual high standard both in the story and the characters. When the heroine in the present day hears the sound of marching feet I was already well into the tale, which is a time slip story. Well done Barbara Erskine for another wonderful novel. Highly recommended.