River Witch by Cheryl Burman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
River Witch was my first book by this author. I enjoyed her writing style. This is a great adult fantasy book. I loved that it was captivating, yet easy to read. I will be adding this author to my must-read list.
Reviewed by @mimimadge
River Witch by Cheryl Burman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Always drawn to the river nearby, the heroine traverses from childhood into womanhood throughout the story. The main character is neurodivergent, and so is often viewed as a witch by those around her. Though at times, the story seems like it might meander like a river, the author manages to skillfully control both the fantasy and the historical streams of her book. Readers are able to glimpse life through the lens of a strong female character in an era when women had strict roles imposed on them. Heartache, personal growth, and forgiveness are themes of this book.
River Witch by Cheryl Burman
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
River Witch by Cheryl Burman – Review by Maryn Belling
Once upon a time, in Big Magic Elizabeth Gilbert supposed that ideas pass from one author to another until someone allows them to be born through their writing. This book offers us an alternate solution: that the same ideas ride the wild hunt of human intellect and are born in multiple iterations for our evaluation and determination of preference.
River Witch is an interesting iteration of archetype. Hester pops into our collective consciousness at 8.
If you haven’t read Louisa Morgan’s A Secret History of Witches or Tracy Chevalier’s A Single Thread, this book might find a good space in your library. If you HAVE read those two books, caveat emptor. Especially if you’re a teacher, professor, or evaluator of nuances be sure your rubrics are safely ensconced in your briefcase before you start reading.
Younger readers or those who prefer to avoid triggers might be better served by The Remnant Chronicles by Mary E Pearson.
Trigger Warnings: domestic violence
River Witch, Cheryl Burman, Review, Itsy Bitsy Book Bits, Witch, Historical
River Witch by Cheryl Burman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I had seen someone post on social media about how people are so interested in wild plots that they’ll settle on subpar writing. I wish I remembered the person that stated that because I would hand her a copy of River Witch. The writing in this book was so rich with descriptive language and a strong vocabulary. I felt the imagery was vivid and honestly consider this book a literary work of art.
This author is fairly new to me, as is the idea of historical fantasy but as I said above the writing was so beautifully crafted I was sucked in immediately. The characters had depth and I loved that the story followed Hester through time. I am trying to keep my review vague and full of spoilers but this was the perfect reading material as I shift from my summer reading list and into thoughts of fall and “witchery.”
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River Witch by Cheryl Burman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
River Witch is my first book by this author. I was interested because of the blurb on the cover. I was not disappointed. The story follows Hester, a farmer’s daughter intrigued by the river, Sabrina, and the river nymphs. I liked that this story was a bit magical while having realistic characters. I enjoyed reading how Hester developed into a young woman. The story has twists and is filled with lore and world-building. The story develops slowly and creates a beautiful dialogue between humanity and nature. I look forward to delving into more books by this author soon.
River Witch by Cheryl Burman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I thought this was an easy-to-read, enjoyable book. I loved the twists and turns, with some fantasy, mythological, and historical elements. The world-building was fantastic and I absolutely loved this author’s writing style!
River Witch by Cheryl Burman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
An excellent combination of fantasy and history. This is the first book I have read by the author Cheryl Burman, and she did not disappoint. The story begins with the main character Hester, at 8 years old listening, talking and playing with the river. But Hester understands the river on a different level than the normal person, and she thought she was the only one until she met a mysterious man one day who said he could also talk to and understand Sabrina, the river. The man follows Hester throughout the years in her thoughts. There is a time jump, and then the POV changes back and forth between Hester and the mystery man, Aaron. Hester wants to learn about healing others naturally. There is a little romance added with Hester. This is not a straight away happily ever after, there is a good bit of learning and hardships Hester must go through. I could not put this book down and was constantly finding myself cheering for Hester to find her place, her happiness, and her own abilities. Cheryl did an amazing job with character development as well at describing the setting. I highly recommend this book!
River Witch by Cheryl Burman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Getting power with the water. Having them tempt you to drown yourself. Yet walking by river to call yourself. Then having a daughter and her having the same temptation. Then going to war and having river on your side. Hester deals with all this.
This is different type of read for me. I will tell you I felt pulled every time I read another page. I wasn’t sure what to think with the time jumping with Hester ( the main character) who at the start of the book was 8 years of age, then it jumped to her being 14 years of age. I am still actually reading it while I write this review to be honest. I have found myself wanting to watch a river and see if it will too take me away. I will continue reading the book and will give an updated review once I have finished the book.
River Witch by Cheryl Burman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is different type of read for me. I will tell you I felt pulled every time I read another page. I wasn’t sure what to think with the time jumping with Hester ( the main character) who at the start of the book was 8 years of age, then it jumped to her being 14 years of age. I am still actually reading it while I write this review to be honest. I have found myself wanting to watch a river and see if it will too take me away. I will continue reading the book and will give an updated review once I have finished the book.
River Witch by Cheryl Burman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This was a new author for me, and I wasn’t exactly sure what to be expecting, but it was recommended by a coworker that was reading it. I am glad that I did because it’s a really good book. It is not what I was expecting to read at all as an adult fantasy book. The author did a great job describing not only the characters but the setting as well. I felt like I could see and picture everything I was reading. I wasn’t quite expecting the mystery that came along with it, but personally I felt that it just added to the plot even more. I really loved how she dived into the herbalism and plant customs relied on so many decades along. Very exciting book to read and I would recommend it.
River Witch by Cheryl Burman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This was such a fascinating story. It was more than witches and magic. Hester gave such life to the story with her determination and independence. Her desire to follow her fate and heed her calling was refreshing. The nymphs and river Sabrina believed she was meant for more and it was not to be ignored. Aaron was the mysterious stranger who would teach her the lore, and he would wear many hats within his time with Hester. Together this is fantastic story of fantasy, love, faith, forgiveness, and strength.
River Witch by Cheryl Burman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
River Witch
By: Cheryl Burman
Review by: Susan Ratchford
5 Stars
River Witch by Cheryl Burman tells the story of Hester, a farmer’s daughter who wants to learn about herbs and be a healer, like her grandmother, to help the people she sees suffer. The river Sabrina whispers encouragement in her ear while her mother plans a marriage she hopes will settle Hester. Her only hope is Aaron, a powerful man who taught her the river’s true name. Will he teach her or cast her away to be Ordinary Folk?
This was such a good date night book I highly recommend it! For one thing the cover art is absolutely ethereal and really drew my eye. It was also a wonderfully relaxing read with a nice flow and dynamic characters that you can’t help but adore. The language Burman uses is absolutely beautiful and easily transports you to Shiphaven and the River Sabrina. The personification of the river herself and her secret name that only the wise unordinary folk know, was a really interesting way to bring life and magic to an otherwise ordinary world. I loved Hester’s blinding strength and determination through adversity. It was so motivational, it’s no wonder Sabrina spoke to her. I also really enjoyed Aaron’s character, every time I thought I figured him out something else would surprise me! This is a book that is so easy to get emotionally connected to with magic, mystery, love, herbal lore, and so much more that will make you want to fight for your own dreams!
River Witch by Cheryl Burman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
River Witch is a beautiful tale of magic and intrigue with a more mature writing style than a lot of the fantasy books I’ve found. The story follows the life of a girl named Hester, who has always been different, as she has always heard the voices of the river goddess and the water nymphs. She was brought up hearing stories about her paternal great grandmother, who was a wise woman, and has always dreamed to follow in her footsteps, and be able to help the people around her and save the ill, much to her mother’s dismay. By chance, she meets a man named Aaron, who was taught by a wise woman, and thus their story begins. From complete strangers, to teacher and student, to friends, and finally to lovers, this book is their story with all the twists and turns and magic you can dream of.
River Witch by Cheryl Burman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is a wonderfully written story, inspired by the true story of a ‘wise woman’, skilled in healing who was accused of witchcraft in the early 20th century, in the Forest of Dean, where the author lives. This engaging story focuses on a farmer’s daughter, Hester, who dreams of more, as she envies the freedom of the river nymphs and hears Sabrina’s whispers of “Be wise, be strong”. Hester believes that the healing wisdom of fields and forest is what Sabrina wants her to do, and this is reinforced when she meets a man powerful in herbal lore, Aaron. However her mother scorns her daughters dreams and ambitions as ‘witchery’, and orders Hester to find a husband and settle down.
Hester flees to Aaron but is surprised when he too insists that she should marry and be like ‘ordinary’ folk. Hester is a strong, independent and determined heroine and she fights for her dreams. Meanwhile, Aaron has to reconcile his past if he’s to accept the future, and the river will either help or hinder them both. This is a captivating story which had me hooked all the way through. The detailed descriptive narrative brought the setting vividly to life, making me feel immersed in the storyline. The plot twists kept me gripped, and I found myself reading late into the night, as I could not put this book down. The characters are so well defined, I felt like I was there alongside them, and I was left thinking about Hester, long after I had closed the book.
River Witch by Cheryl Burman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book truly took me by surprised with how good it simply is. I was intrigued by the description, and even more so when I realised it was set in the UK, so wanted to see what the book had to offer. It is a well written fantasy book that takes you on an imaginative journey. The characters, mainly Hester, carry you with them as they navigate their lives and their dreams.
The author has created a vivid story that really makes you feel like you are there. I could so easily picture what she was describing and become invested in what was going on. This is a brilliant book that I would recommend to everyone.
River Witch by Cheryl Burman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book definitely took me by surprise because it sucked me right in. It is so wonderfully written. The characters were so relatable. Such great detail was taken in this book. I actually stayed up way past my bedtime to finish it.
River Witch by Cheryl Burman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Hester is the daughter of a poor farmer. She becomes intertwined with a boy named Aaron, and Sabrina the River Goddess. Very fascinating story. I was immediately engulfed in this tale. I loved every second of it.
River Witch by Cheryl Burman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This book takes a more mature approach to fantasy. The writing is easy to follow and the story is multilayered as the adventure unfolds. Unexpected twists left me wanting more and eagerly turning the pages. The characters develop right along with the story and as Hester discovers more about what she wants, Aaron has to come to terms with his past. Hester is an easy to relate to character, her need to stay true to herself is endearing. If you are looking for a fantasy adventure with strong characters and an intriguing storyline, this is the book for you.
River Witch by Cheryl Burman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
4.5 Stars
River Witch by Cheryl Burman is the first book that I have read by this author so I was curious to find out what she could do with a story- and I was not disappointed.
This is a wonderful historical fantasy with magical realism, folklore, challenges, drama, plant-lore, herbalism, ‘witches’, suspense, interesting developments, vivid world building, angst, and more.
I was hooked by this story, it cast its spell on me and lured me further and further into all the fascinating details until I lost all sense of time and place, and ended up reading it all in one sitting. I so love it when a story captures me so completely…
Looking forward to exploring more of Ms. Burman’s work in the near future…
Happy Reading!
Thank you, Cheryl Burman!
Reviewed by @angelahayes
River Witch by Cheryl Burman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is the first book I have read by Cheryl Burman. The story starts when Hester is only 8 years old, she is at the river listening to it and watching the river nymphs play. A mysterious man appears wearing a yellow waistcoat, he tells her that the river is a goddess named Sabrina. She remembers him over the years, always thinking back to that day, learning the rivers name and the walk home as the man told her the names of flowers and what healing properties they have.
A time jump, Hester is now 14 years old, she is once again stealing a few moments away from her chores at home to watch the river. The river nymphs call out to her and finally she decides to give into them. Running down the cliffs to the water she barely reaches the edge the water crashing around her ankles the nymphs’ arms open wide to embrace her when the mystery man stops her once more. He is friendly at first until Hester says the nymphs invited her to join them, he acts as though he had tasted something sour the words “the nymphs invited her” never leaving his mind as winter comes and goes. Hester learns that her paternal great grandmother healed with herbs and flowers, remembering her first conversation with the mystery man she plans to ask him to teach her the ways. The POV changes off and on between Hester and the mystery man Aaron, we learn he is writing a book about the healing properties of herbs and flowers. When Hester asks him for help in learning about healing others after a 5-year-old little girl from the village dies he has an internal tug of war before telling her no. The phrase “the nymphs invited her” still dancing in his mind as he worried for Hester. Unable to stop himself he returns to a place of great pain for him, speaking to the memory of a person long gone. The spirit tells Aaron “She has the soul of a goddess. Sabrina will not be cheated a second time.”, the spirit talks reason into Aaron asking if he would rather Hester learn from the river nymphs or from him, because either way she would not be denied. Not giving up on the plan of learning about how to heal like her great grandmother, Hester asks about where the mystery man lives, as they still do not know each other’s names at this point in the story. Her brother Reuben tells her and without a second to change her mind she runs to his home, only Aaron has decided he must teach her before the nymphs. Hester entering his home he says “Well, is it too late to start lessons tonight, or do you have to be home for your mama to tuck you in and sing you a lullaby?”
Will Hester succeed in her journey to heal others? Will Aaron teach her all she needs to know, or will he hold back information to protect her? If you enjoy mysterious books that keep you guessing on what is coming next this is the book for you. I couldn’t stop reading as I was hungry for more answers with every page.
River Witch by Cheryl Burman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This was a really good read! The pacing was kind of slow at the beginning but once I got further into the story it picked up. I really enjoyed the imagery of this one. Everything is painted so beautifully in the mind, I felt like I was right there. The characters were interesting and enjoyable. I was drawn to this book first by the cover, then the synopsis, and the story made me stay. I’m glad I picked this one up and can’t wait to read more from this author in the future!
River Witch by Cheryl Burman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
River Witch is a unique historical fantasy tale. Cheryl’s vivid telling makes it easy to imagine this world of ‘witches’ and plant lore. A place where you can imagine the goddess speaking to you, the nymphs dancing in the water, the forests and the magical gardens. A place where medicinal herbs and potions are carefully tended and crafted.
This compelling tale is cleverly crafted with a mix of magical realism and historical fantasy meshed together to draw the reader in.
Hester grows under the tutelage of one man but that knowledge comes with a cost she could not have foreseen. It is a dangerous time where forward thinking women were a threat to men who blamed things they didn’t know as witchcraft.
The story is fast paced and filled with suspense and tension and twists and turns. This beautifully composed tale is one that should not be overlooked and added to your TBR list.
Reviewed by @jennadb
River Witch by Cheryl Burman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This was a great read, it had a fantasy aspect to it, as well as a strong realistic point of view. The author knew how to draw the reader in, and keep them there till the end. The book kept me interested, and made me wonder and reflect on a lot of things within myself. Enjoyed the build up character development as well.
I love how Hester had dreams and longings and only wanted to make them happen. Aaron, had issues he needed to work through, till he was feeling, well whole. i identify as a green witch, so I was head over heels with the talks of herbs and remedies that were talked about and used within the story! Loved that. It fit in nicely as well with the story! I loved how the story had realistic points of how we cannot hide from who we are, or what we have done. It makes us who we are. I found that intriguing and haunting both at the same time. Character development was strong and the story developed at a good pace. I was left wanting more by the time I reached the end! This was a great and very enjoyable read Personally, I loved it!
Great read by a author who knows how to craft and make a great story with characters come to life. I look forward to reading more by this author! This book alone is a must read. Defiantly a high recommendation!
River Witch by Cheryl Burman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I enjoyed reading this fantasy story. This is a newer author for me which I enjoyed her writing style and her attention to details. I look forward to seeing what is next for this author. This is a well written story about Hester and Aaron. She wants more out of her life than she has and he has a past that he must come to terms with. Is there a future for them? I enjoyed how their story had a realistic feel. The characters pulled me into the story from the beginning. They have great growth and are supportive of each other. I also enjoyed the growth of the plot throughout that made the story easy to read. This is a fast paced story that is hard to put down. You don’t want to miss what happens with these two and if they are able to find a future together. I highly recommend this book.
Review by @bjwagner
River Witch by Cheryl Burman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I really enjoyed this story. The author does an amazing job with creating the story. The author’s writing is captivating and very descriptive which makes the reader actually feel like that are part of the story. You can imagine the fields and river and see the river nymphs. Such beautiful writing. I also love our lead character Hester. Through the story we see her grow up and mature and become determined to follow the path of her dreams instead of the life her mother has planned for her.
Hester is a daughter of a farmer. Her grandmother used to create medicinal positions from herbs and flowers to help people. Back in her day her grandmother would have been considered a witch. This however is what Hester feels is her calling?
Is this the path the River godess Sabrina has planned for Hester?
Not according to Hesters mum. In her eyes Hester needs to stop dreaming and focus on finding a decent husband and becoming a wife.
Hester is determined that’s not going to happen so she leaves to find the mysterious man who keeps popping into her life.
Aaron is a mysterious man who has knowledge about the herbs and plants as well as the magic of the river. This is the knowledge that Hester wants. However when she finds him he turns her away.
What is holding Aaron back from sharing his knowledge? What’s happened in his past that is stopping it? And without Aaron’s help will Hester ever realised her dream and the river goddesses wish being able to heal using plants and herbs?
This story is full of twists and turns which will keep the reader guessing and it will also leave you asking questions about what you are reading as you go through Hesters journey of discover to find her purpose and realise her dream.
River Witch by Cheryl Burman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I am finding it difficult to review this book and definitely not for the reason you may first think! This book truly is so absolutely AMAZING that I am finding it difficult to put my feelings for it into simple words!!! The descriptive writing talent of this author is simply indescribable! Hester is such a relatable character that she immediately weaves her way into your heart and you truly want to see her succeed. No life path runs completely smooth and this is very true for Hester but you the reader will be pulling for her every step of the way. If there is ever a book you should not miss reading then this is IT!!!! A 5 star read from start to finish. honestly if I could give it more than 5 I would!
River Witch by Cheryl Burman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
What a wonderful fantasy! The descriptions are divine. They are so easy to picture in your head as you are reading. The whole narrative is written so well. I found it so easy to read and just delve into. I was going through some challenging times as I was reading and the story provided some good escape times. The characters are relatable and feel like you should get to know them. A book that I recommend jumping into to escape this crazy world.
(㇏(>ᵥᵥ<)ノ)
~ BOOK SPOTLIGHT SHOWCASE ~ (㇏(>ᵥᵥ<)ノ) ~
Hester, a farmer’s daughter, yearns for more than feeding lambs by the kitchen fire. She envies the freedom of the river nymphs and listens to Sabrina’s whispers: Be wise, be strong.
When Hester meets Aaron, a man powerful in herbal lore, she decides the healing wisdom of fields and forest is what Sabrina seeks of her. But her mother scorns her ambitions as witchery and decrees her daughter must have a husband to settle her. Hester flees to Aaron, only to discover he too, insists she should marry and be ‘ordinary’ folk.
While a desperate Hester battles for her dream, Aaron must reconcile his past to accept the future. Will the river help, or hinder?
Cheryl Burman lives in the Forest of Dean, United Kingdom–a forest which inspired Tolkien and Rowling, among others. She’s the author of two novels for grownups, and a fantasy trilogy and its prequel for youngsters (although Mum, Dad and the grans love them too). Her flash fiction and short stories have won various awards and some of these are included in her collection, Dragon Gift. Cheryl is the chair of Dean Writers Circle and a founder of Dean Scribblers, which encourages creative writing among young people in her community.
(㇏(>ᵥᵥ<)ノ) ~ PREORDER ~ (㇏(>ᵥᵥ<)ノ) ~Hester, a farmer’s daughter, yearns for more than feeding lambs by the kitchen fire. She envies the freedom of the river nymphs and listens to Sabrina’s whispers: Be wise, be strong.
When Hester meets Aaron, a man powerful in herbal lore, she decides the healing wisdom of fields and forest is what Sabrina seeks of her. But her mother scorns her ambitions as witchery and decrees her daughter must have a husband to settle her. Hester flees to Aaron, only to discover he too, insists she should marry and be ‘ordinary’ folk.
While a desperate Hester battles for her dream, Aaron must reconcile his past to accept the future. Will the river help, or hinder?
(㇏(>ᵥᵥ<)ノ) ~ COMING SOON ~ (㇏(>ᵥᵥ<)ノ) ~Hester, a farmer’s daughter, yearns for more than feeding lambs by the kitchen fire. She envies the freedom of the river nymphs and listens to Sabrina’s whispers: Be wise, be strong.
When Hester meets Aaron, a man powerful in herbal lore, she decides the healing wisdom of fields and forest is what Sabrina seeks of her. But her mother scorns her ambitions as witchery and decrees her daughter must have a husband to settle her. Hester flees to Aaron, only to discover he too, insists she should marry and be ‘ordinary’ folk.
While a desperate Hester battles for her dream, Aaron must reconcile his past to accept the future. Will the river help, or hinder?